Jams of the Week: Miguel, Twin Shadow, Tenacious D
End of the week means it's time to look back at the best new songs of the week. Dig in!
Miguel - "Candles In the Sun, Blowing In the Wind"
Miguel usually makes gooey-but-great R&B (see: last year's gold-plated Power 107.5 staple "Sure Thing"), but with his series of "Art Dealer Chic" EPs, he's branching into experimental directions that show he can stand toe-to-toe with the Frank Oceans and Abel Tesfayes of the world. "Candles In the Sun, Blowing In the Wind" wraps up Vol. 3. Download all three sets for free at artdealerchic.com. By the way, did you know Miguel is performing with The-Dream at the Ohio State Fair on August 3
Twin Shadow - "Five Seconds"
Brooklyn 80s enthusiast George Lewis Jr. camped out in L.A. to craft "Confess," his follow-up to 2010's "Forget." The gorgeous "Five Seconds" is our first taste of those sessions, and it tastes smooth and sweet. The album drops July 10 on 4AD.
Nick Waterhouse - "Some Place"
Nick Waterhouse - "Some Place" (Official Music Video) from Urban Outfitters on Vimeo.
I've been getting a lot of burn out of "Time's All Gone," the debut album from San Fran retro soul man Nick Waterhouse. This cool clip for "Some Place" finds the bespectacled wailer showing some foreign businessmen a good time. The album's out this week on Innovative Leisure.
Tenacious D - "Rize of the Fenix"
Jack Black and Kyle Gass get even more meta than normal in the leadoff/title track from their new comeback album. Killer sword-tar there.
Eternal Summers - "Millions"
John Hughes soundtrack music crossed with 90s college rock makes for a new kind of nostalgia bomb. Eternal Summers' sophomore album "Correct Behavior" is coming July 24 on Kanine.
Kanye West featuring Pusha T, Chief Keef, Jadakiss and Big Sean - "I Don't Like"
Chief Keef is a 16-year-old Chicago rapper who's intimately familiar with the inside of juvy. He benefits immensely from Kanye remixing his song and throwing his go-to G.O.O.D. Music associates on the track, but how come now it's Kanye's song? Questionable, Yeezy! In other news, between this song and Lil Wayne's "It's Good," Jadakiss is vying for the title of "grimiest guest star in rap." Also, this is way better than that new Maybach posse cut.
Future of the Left - "I Am the Least of Your Problems"
Mclusky was amazingly snarky and loud. Future of the Left continues to be amazingly snarky and loud. Wales wails, you know? "The Plot Against Common Sense" is out soon on Xtra Mile.
Meyhem Lauren featuring Action Bronson and Heems - "Special Effects"
Not sure who Meyhem Lauren is, but if he can get two of New York's smartest, wildest underground talents on his track, I will listen to his song. You should too. Also: Game Genie shout-out!
Beak> - "Yatton"
In which Portishead's Geoff Barrow gets his krautrock on. His side project Beak>'s latest album ">>" drops 6/13 digitally and 7/3 physically on Invada Records.
2 Chainz featuring Drake - "No Lie"
I am a tireless advocate for "Spend It," but it had a serious one-hit-wonder essence about it. I'm still not sure I want 2 Chainz in my life on a consistent basis. But throw him on a B-quality Drake song (because even Drake guest spots basically become Drake songs, you know?) and he gets a little extra staying power in my book.