Music is a lot like Halloween. You gotta search through all those pennies, walnuts, and razor blade apples to find the good stuff. Have a nibble on this week’s aural treats.
“Papi Pacify” FKA Twigs
My favorite in this week’s roundup is this creepy yet hypnotic track. R&B balladry gets fractured by the latest electrickery for a lush, reverb-drenched psycho-sexual love song.
“All Night” Icona Pop
This duo is refreshingly positive and their formula of buzzy bass, four on the floor, plus fuck-the-world is contagiously fancy free.
“Dance Apocalyptic” Janelle Monáe
Monáe follows in Cee Lo’s footsteps making creative, yet populist rhythm and blues. If the end of times is half as fun as it sounds like she’s having, then let’s get this world over with.
“The Mother We Share” Chvrches
For those who find The Knife too challenging, there exists the much ballyhooed Chvrches. Their big hit is punchy and melodic but saccharine-ly overproduced. They remind me of Purity Ring in that they too are on top of electronic music trends, overhyped, and are fronted by cutesy voiced, yet unremarkable front women.
“Bring the Noise” M.I.A.
Mathangi sounds like she’s having fun again spitting rhymes on this simple but effective return from off the soapbox of her last album.
“California” Mazzy Star
Some things never change, and they are all the better for it. Like a musical Snuggie, Hope Sandoval and company are back and haven’t changed a thing. This single off Seasons of Your Day is an elegant, haunting visit from an old friend.
“Pale Green Ghosts” John Grant
The boys get left out of my column a lot, so here’s a shout out to fellow queer John Grant. His voice has a cheesy quality to it, but his verbose, strange pop music is interesting. His latest album is inspired by recent heartbreak, and it’s fun to hear him work out his demons through his music. This single – which sounds like New Order meets The Beta Band – is his best.
This article appears in October 18 • 2013.