You know the drill. Audio ho!
“Settle Down” No Doubt
They’ve got the of-the-moment sound, but there is a sense of hokey quality throughout, and the melodies don’t stick. “Settle Down” isn’t really a party sentiment either. Extra cherries on top for the dubby outro.
“Who” St. Vincent and David Byrne
This warped tangle of a song has got to be one of the most natural collaborations on record. I can’t wait to hear the rest of their album. Head to the website for a free download. The duo appears live at Bass Concert Hall, October 5.
“Goldilocks Zone” Grass Widow
The slightly off harmonies and slanted and enchanted guitars sound as if the Vivian Girls got into Sonic Youth’s cooler. Fan’s of Austin’s Deep Time should check them out. Another free download. Yay.
“Angels” The XX
The XX got chills. They’re multiplying.
“Under the Westway” Blur
Damon Albarn has over-saturated the airwaves and this column, so the return of Blur isn’t news. Their new single is another rainy day Beatllesque number.
“Only in My Dreams” Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti
Mr. Pink’s hazy pop can make you swoon if he tries. Download free and clear here.
“I’m Just Me” Diamond Rings
There is something endearingly cheap about this “Born This Way” for hipsters. The thing that puts it a cut above is that Diamond Rings has a self-awareness for his cheese stench.
Faggy Top 5s
Playlist picks from queer Austin events.
Mouthfeel faves from Deep Inside: Return of the Rush
“Breaking” Kyodai
“Freak For Your Love” Faze Action
“Head” Prince
“Love This Way” Warren Paul
“No Worries” Butch
DJ CBass‘s summer jams from Deep Inside: Return of the Rush
“Ecstasy (Jam City Refix)” Endgames
“Let’s Make Mistakes (Club Edit)” Storm Queen
“Au Seve” Julio Bashmore
“This Is Love” Rocco Raimundo
“Sunshine’n” Rogue Vogue
This article appears in July 20 • 2012.