Spring is bloom with a Pharell hat full of new tunes.
“Delorean Dynamite” Todd Terje
Moroder takes molly on this chugging, trippy track from space-disco king, Todd Terje.
“Johnny Jupiter” Haunted Hearts
This warm, Krautrock-influenced track is infinitely more interesting than married couple Dee Dee Penny and Brandon Welchez day jobs in Dum Dum Girls and Crocodiles, respectively.
“Fancy” Iggy Azalea ft. Charli XCX
The Clueless-inspired video is the best part about my introduction to Iggy, but she’s got some flow, that’s for sure. A limp chorus from Charli XCX keeps the song from shining.
“Fever” Black Keys
Somebody got some of the brown acid into their blues on this psychedelic treat.
“Mr. Tembo” Damon Albarn
I was lucky enough to catch his set at Stubb’s during SXSW. This sunny, catchy sing-along was stuck in my head instantly and was a welcome respite from his morose set. I imagine it’ll have the same effect on his new LP, Everyday Robots.
“Magic” Coldplay
I’ve had a love/hate thing with Coldplay since before their first album was out. While it’s refreshing that they’ve dialed down the pomp and over-production of Mylo Xyloto, they’ve gone from big ideas to no ideas on this rote ballad over a hip-hop beat.
“I Luh Ya Papi” Jennifer Lopez
J Lo and her unremarkable voice pander to the kids over an interesting, bubbly electronic dance track. Release an instrumental, girl. The video gets a fail for featuring J Lo in what looks like the same green thing that got her picture in the tabloids a decade ago and its smug, dumb version of feminism.
This article appears in March 21 • 2014.