Hannah’s Picks

Knox Hamilton- Work It Out

“Work It Out” is one of those songs that hits you, and immediately sticks. Usually, that would be a drag (ex. “Anaconda”, ugh), however this glittery, shimmering, super fun song is well-deserving of its space in your brain. Although the lyrics are repetitive and lackluster, they simply serve to direct your attention towards the stellar instrumentation. This song features the tightest drums I’ve heard in a while, probably since the latest Arctic Monkeys album, and coupled with jangly guitars and soaring vocals, it just rocks. Roll the windows down, and blast it out of your car. If this is a quality indication of what’s to come from Knox Hamilton, you’ll be hearing a lot more from this band—mark my words.

Flying Lotus- Never Catch Me ft. Kendrick Lamar

K-Dot is back, you guys. While I personally loved it, if you were thrown off by the candy-coated positivity and simplicity of “i”, this obscure Section.80-style track densely packed with abstract verses might be more up your alley. The beat is frenetic yet simultaneously understated, which would be a challenge for most rappers, but Kendrick ebbs and flows with it like the pro that he is. Maybe I’m biased, considering that I think everything he does is genius, but this collaboration with Flying Lotus is special. The meaning of the song is open to interpretation, but I find it poignant and incredibly relevant given the national spotlight on racial profiling and police corruption. The accompanying video is even more affecting. Watch it.

SBTRKT, Denai Moore- The Light

Oh, how I love a good beat. The ultra-cool electronic outfit SBTRKT has been releasing singles on a weekly basis since July (including the awesomely weird “NEW DORP. NEW YORK” featuring Ezra Koenig of Vampire Weekend) in anticipation of his album, “Wonder Where We Land”, which dropped last Monday, and this song is one of the best. 20-year-old British singer Denai Moore’s haunting, beautifully layered vocals shine on this song, but are even more captivating on her brand new single, “I Swore” as well as her lovely cover of Ben Howard’s “Wolves”. *nudge, nudge, Nichole*

Nichole’s Picks

Ben Howard- I Forget Where We Were

Ben, it’s been too long. When I stumbled across this single that dropped on September 16th, I played it on repeat the rest of the day. Ben Howard has a special way of tugging at my heart strings, and making me feel his music. “I Forget Where We Were” is no exception to this.  The moody guitar intro sets the scene for his tempestuous voice that leaves me awestruck. In typical Ben style, he kills it in the middle of the song with his passionate voice that leaves me shaking. This new single is the best thing to happen since “Esmerelda” from his “The Burgh Island EP”. “I Forget Where We Were” is the perfect friend for a rainy October day, accompanied by a cup of tea and a nice blanket. Ben Howard never fails to make me emotional, and for that he is one of my favorite artists.

alt-J- Every Other Freckle

Fair warning that this song is sexually explicit, frankly disgusting in my opinion, however if you look past the lyrics, alt-J has yet again created a great song. In comparison to my forever favorite by the boys of alt-J, “Fitzpleasure”, off of their previous album “An Awesome Wave”, “Every Other Freckle” has a more constant beat that is a lot more fun. This song knows exactly how to lighten the mood, perfect for a homework break. The eclectic hybrid genre of folky-pop-dubstep alt-J has perfected is perfectly executed in “Every Other Freckle”. It is refreshing to listen to a group that has so much fun making the music they do, and being able to have that vibe come across in their songs is not something that you always see. So, alt-J, I am willing to look past your horrific lyrics and promiscuous meanings, and appreciate the quirkiness you are.

Vance Joy- Riptide

I usually don’t listen to upbeat songs, but “Riptide” is an exception. A great sing-along, and perfect for listening to on a sunny Indian summer day. I have never listened to anything else by Vance Joy, but instantly became obsessed with this song. The catchy tune and his raspy, unique voice is like an energy drink. I get excited when I find something that is different from what I usually listen to, but I don’t plan on exploring more into Vance Joy’s other songs. I will probably get over “Riptide” come November. Until then, it will be on all of my playlists and constantly in my head.