Listen Up
From a funk-inflected dance track to a reimagined ballad from 1999 and everything in between
King Princess + Fiona Apple: I Know
King Princess (aka Mikaela Straus) has teamed up with Fiona Apple for a sublime new version of “I Know,” which first appeared on Apple’s 1999 record When the Pawn. Remaining faithful to the slow-burning, but at times dramatic tune, both singers’ vocals exude the exquisite tenderness of the original. This version—made 20 years after its initial release—will certainly introduce Apple to younger listeners, and show how the song is truly timeless.
Blu DeTiger: In My Head
20-year-old Blu DeTiger drives a message home with the cyclical lyrics and bass-propulsion of her debut single “In My Head.” Coupled with a color-blocked video, DeTiger addresses the power of music in youth culture for native New Yorkers and the fine line between imagination, loss of innocence and the allure of the city’s party scene. DeTiger is set for a North American tour early this year.
Mom Tudie feat. Kwaku Asante: Isn’t Right
“Isn’t Right” first appeared as a minute-long intro to Mom Tudie’s 2018 release “Everything You Said.” Now the full track has appeared and it’s a sultry, soulful tune anchored by Tudie’s horn-adorned instrumental and Kwaku Asante’s comforting vocals. The two complement each other perfectly, and their London connection comes through clearly on the dreamy tune. Mom Tudie hasn’t released much—he has production credits on a handful of tracks, including a few for Tom Misch—but it’s fair to be eager for his forthcoming releases.
Foals: Exits
Drawn from Everything Not Saved Will Be Lost—Part 1, the first of two albums Foals will release this year, “Exits” delivers a blistering blend of guitar, drum and electronic. A musical play between power and allure, the track comes with an otherworldly Albert Moya-directed music video. From fencing and blindfolds to a man on fire and a child rowing off in a lake, surrealist imagery collides with some notable cameos to boot. Foals will hit the road in March.
Ambar Lucid: Eyes
Ambar Lucid’s “Eyes” is a hazy, dreamy piece of bedroom pop first released on dreaming lucid, and now accompanied by a lo-fi video. With vocals that seem beyond her 18 years, the song—like all good love songs—evokes both melancholy and euphoria.
Brian Ellis: My Favorite Song
From his Deep Clues LP (out now on Hobo Camp) Brian Ellis has crafted a perfectly uplifting and retro-inflected track with “My Favorite Song.” Heavy on the classic funk and soul influences, the track (along with the other eight, all written, performed, recorded and produced by Ellis) also blends elements of boogie and electro for a sweet, summery vibe.
https://soundcloud.com/hobocamprecords/side-b1-brian-ellis-my
Listen Up is published every Sunday and rounds up the new music we found throughout the week. Hear the year so far on our Spotify channel.
