ListenUp
Christopher Owens, The Gotobeds, Homeboy Sandman, Kilo Kish and a Cool Hunting #PrivateJam in the music we tweeted this week
Kilo Kish: Locket
The imitable and charming Kilo Kish has returned with “Locket,” off her Kitsuné-released Across EP. In her trademark dreamy style, Kish offers a chilled out track—her vocals floating atop the slowed-down beat. To match the song, there’s now a video aptly depicting a time-lapsed party which happens around a somewhat detached Kish. It’s the perfect blend of melancholy and sweetly optimistic, cruise-y, summery sounds.
The Gotobeds: Poor People Are Revolting
The team at NPR Music has a serious knack for finding new talent, and this week they highlight that in their album stream of Poor People Are Revolting, the debut LP from Pittsburgh’s energetic shredders, The Gotobeds. Described as “a rowdy, ramshackle party house of a band,” the foursome’s tuneful riffs are a welcome change from the ubiquitous electronic scene. Clever lyrics match their frenetic pace, yet the vibe is simple. It’s clear these guys just want to rock hard, and throughout the 11 tracks on …Revolting, you’ll find you do, too. Pick up the album from Austin-based record label 12XU.
Mamas Gun: Red Cassette
For this week’s #PrivateJam, we finally take our turn to share. Cool Hunting founder Josh Rubin (whose eternal jam is likely Shuggie Otis’ “Inspiration Information”) tells us he’s recently become smitten with the London-based five-piece Mamas Gun. “Summer always includes lots of time in the car driving with the windows down and music blaring. I usually have a favorite song, or sometimes even a favorite album, on repeat. This summer has been sadly lacking an anthem—until now. ‘Red Cassette‘ by Mamas Gun is fun, a little funky and easily listened to over and over. Thanks to our new friend Larry Flick for the tip.”
Christopher Owens: Never Wanna See That Look Again
In anticipation of his second solo album, the former lead singer of now-disbanded Girls, Christopher Owens, shared yet another track from the LP. “Never Wanna See That Look Again” has potential to be a sappy addition to an indie film’s soundtrack, but the tenderness from Owen’s voice in the most unexpected turns—and the track’s immaculate production that indicates it’s contemporary, not old-school—make it a brilliant take on the classic Americana genres of country and rock’n’roll. A New Testament releases on 29 September 2014 and features contributions from Owen’s former bandmates.
Homeboy Sandman: Problems
Queens, New York’s Homeboy Sandman is a true MC’s MC. The University of Pennsylvania grad ditched law school to pursue his career in music after earning his stripes performing live in clubs and releasing mixtapes adored by hip-hop heads and industry influencers alike. Sandman’s latest release “Problems” sees the 33-year-old MC slowing down his normal up-tempo delivery over a minimalist beat. Hitting topics from sexual health to hipster culture, the verses are an honest, thoughtful, if not humorous, take on the little issues that swirl around our heads. Sandman’s fifth full-length Hallways is out 2 September 2014 on Stones Throw Records.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that takes a deeper look at the music we tweeted throughout the week. Often we’ll include a musician or notable fan’s personal favorite in a song or album dubbed #PrivateJam.
