Listen Up

A symphonic composition, an eerie ode to love, an unlikely reunion and more music from the week

Seraphina Simone: Skin One of two new tracks from London-based musical artist Seraphina Simone, “Skin” tantalizes with soulful vocals and supportive synths. In a statement, Simone says the track is “about sex and desire,” adding that “I think as women we’re often taught to tame our desires, to make them fit into something that is palatable and acceptable for the male gaze or an outdated …

Prophet: So Much Love

San Francisco funk artist Prophet’s “So Much Love” appears at the end of  Don’t Forget It, the artist’s second release on Stones Throw Records. Prior to his 2018 album, Wanna Be Your Man (made in collaboration with producer Mndsgn), Prophet hadn’t released a record in 34 years. His 1984 album, Right On Time, was circulated around DJ scenes and became a cult favorite, but never reached …

Nico Muhly: Throughline

Commissioned by the San Francisco Symphony, Nico Muhly’s 19-minute “Throughline” dazzles throughout its 13 movements. Muhly composed the masterful work to comply with COVID-19 health restrictions—meaning that no more than six orchestral players could be on stage at once during recording, and breath-based instrument were recorded separately. The San Francisco Symphony, Esa-Pekka Salonen and eight collaborative partners—including Bryce Dessner on electric guitar and Esperanza Spalding …