Spawn of Possession, "Where Angels Go Demons Follow"
I dunno, the vocals on this track are really amusing me tonight. Something about the cadence here is extra ridiculous.
Negativland, "Cityman"
Negativland, in their roles as cultural and social critics, were usually on their strongest footing when they took aim at consumerism. They would always have such rich vocal samples to draw from, and their pointed sarcasm always landed well. And it's not like it's super easy to nail this target. Yes, consumer culture in America is a giant blimp, but criticism can come across a smug or facile here because it is such a easy path. Negativland succeed because they mix the absurd in, and they also let our consumer culture speak for itself. The most powerful criticism can be just a simple mirror.
Anderson .Paak, "The Bird"
Anderson .Paak seems to be reaching new audiences with Silk Sonic (who are great!), and I hope that people go back and check out his solo records for more of his sublime grooves. There's more variety here than the wall-to-wall slinky funk and soul of Silk Sonic, but it's so good. This track is pure sunshine, with the piano, trumpet, and of course .Paak's fantastic drumming. I'd start with this record, Malibu, to explore his tunes.
PUP, "Free At Last"
I have tickets to see PUP in a couple months, and I could not be more excited about it. That's it, I know, nobody cares.
The Roots, "75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction)"
Sometimes, I mention how certain drum beats just pop into my head and stick around all the time. ?uestlove's absolute barn-burner here, especially the way he inverts it around :12, has a decent chance of playing in my head any time you speak to me. If I look distant, it's not that I'm not paying attention. I'm just contemplating the Roots.