ListenUp
Beats by Georgia Anne Muldrow and Shit Robot to philosophical musings by Alan Watts in our picks for music this week
Shit Robot feat. Reggie Watts: Where It’s At
Irish DJ and DFA Records regular Shit Robot (aka Marcus Lambkin) collaborates once again with the talented Reggie Watts for the single “Where It’s At.” Watts pokes fun at the historic Chicago dance genre by articulating words and phrases in a melodramatic, sexy voice over Lambkin’s gritty house beats, and throwing in a few catchy choruses. Mixed by James Murphy, it’s a classic DFA dance track and a must-add for this summer’s basement after-after parties. Pre-order the single now on light-green colored vinyl, which comes in an edition of 600.
Georgia Anne Muldrow: Ankles
The very talented Georgia Anne Muldrow has a new album—A Thoughtiverse Unmarred—due out 19 May 2015, and from it comes “Ankles.” It’s a track that’s equal parts spacey and soulful, and Muldrow’s rich vocals sound entirely effortless over the dusty, hypnotic beat.
Dylan Stark: Shelter
Portland producer Dylan Stark combed through thousands of samples—ranging from Pokemon to nature to choirs—to create his debut LP Heartland. The video for lead single “Shelter” pays homage to the eclectic sounds with tripped-out visuals juxtaposing macro and micro shots of glaciers, volcanoes, jellyfish and more. The sprawling track is equal parts relaxation and energy with a decidedly tropical vibe brought on by a driving steel drum.
Jas Walton: Face the Facts
The candid wisdom of British philosopher (and Zen author) Alan Watts, preserved through his son Mark’s dedicated recordings, has now been set to music by New York-based musician Jas Walton—who’s played on tour with EMEFE, The Roots, Kronos Quartet and most recently performed at Luaka Bop’s William Onyeabor tribute shows at BAM. The resulting four-track EP Face the Facts: Words By Alan Watts (the first release off new label Figure & Ground) is a meditative and inquisitive duet between Walton’s jazzy grooves and Watts’ rhythmic phrases. As Watts solos on his instrument of choice—his voice—musing on the irrational fear of death and more, Walton gets the head bobbing and body responding.
Zayn Malik: I Won’t Mind
While plenty of music snobs have dismissed One Direction as saccharine pop for tweens (who many also like to believe have terrible taste), the recent departure of 1D member Zayn Malik—and the news that he has been working on solo material—has intrigued anybody with an interest in pop music. Malik’s debut track “I Don’t Mind” (produced by Naughty Boy) is a pared-down folk-tinged song, with Malik’s gentle vocals being pained and vulnerable, without becoming melodramatic.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
