Tuesday Tracks: Your Weekly New Music Discovery – Jan. 25
The crooning, soulful vocals of Samm Henshaw, the dreaminess of The Reds, Pinks and Purples, the dark beats of Flower Face, and the folky storytelling of Imarhan make the cut for this week’s Tuesday Tracks. We round out this list with new releases from the bird and the bee and Superchunk.
Imarhan and Gruff Rhys, “Adar Newlan” — Thanks to Damon Albarn of Blur, Gorillaz and Mali Music fame; Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals met Imarhan, a Tuareg quintet from Algeria. The animated video shares a tale of Rhys sharing tea with the nomadic Tuareg people of Saharan North Africa. The music is a gorgeous combination of the artists singing in their native languages of Tamasheq and Welsh. With the addition of claps and light guitar strumming, a story about the Tuareg’s ancestors unfolds. Voices rise and fall, and you can sense Imarhan’s emotion. The song brings together the happiness and struggle in a folktale that comes to life in video.
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The Reds, Pinks and Purples, “Let’s Pretend We’re Not In Love” — Glenn Donaldson, from the Richmond in San Francisco, is the artist behind The Reds, Pinks and Purples. His lyrics are maudlin, yet the music is dreamy. Donaldson’s song has a beautiful sadness and also captures the foggy haziness of the Richmond into his artistry. Vocally, “Let’s Pretend We’re Not In Love” is a bit Morrissey-esque. That’s mixed with the 4AD Records dream-pop sound. The song will be released on Summer at Land’s End, which comes out next month. Listen to it as you’re taking a walk at the typically cold and overcast Ocean Beach.
Samm Henshaw, “Grow” — British-Nigerian soul-crooner Samm Henshaw recently made his late-night television debut on “The Late Late Show with James Corden.” This song opens with a gorgeous string section, bringing you into the fray. Henshaw oozes charisma and charm, and is all about the vocal performance that calls to mind the soulfulness of Marvin Gaye. Halfway in, the beats picks up and the song becomes an R&B jam. His performance has a contagiousness that makes you wish you were in the audience. Henshaw’s album, Untidy Soul, is out on Jan. 28. I can’t wait to see him on tour!
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Flower Face, “Sugar Water” — Montreal singer-songwriter Ruby McKinnon, who performs as Flower Face, created her own video for “Sugar Water.” The singer used music to get her through her dark emotions. She survived cancer before finishing up high school. The video, inspired by games like “Rock Band” and “Guitar Hero,” features her as a character in such a game. The melodies are dark and brooding as she sings about obsessive love. Set over airy and ethereal keys, her vocals soar. Yet the song has a melancholia that doesn’t let up, even as the guitars get bolder. The music is haunting and will stay with you.
The Bird and the Bee, “Lifetimes” — L.A. duo The Bird and the Bee reunited once again. Singer Inara George and multi-instrumentalist (and super-producer) Greg Kurstin also released a new song. The Bird and the Bee are celebrating the 15-year anniversary of their 2007 self-titled debut album. “Lifetimes” is a cool, light and breezy track that shows off George’s shimmery vocals. Textured guitars seamlessly glide over the vocals. The lyrics are reminiscent of a long-lost time as George sings of being young. It’s an infectious bubblegum pop gem that you’ll want to have on repeat.
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Superchunk, “This Night” — Whenever Superchunk announces a new album, I get really excited. The North Carolina band has been a staple in the indie scene since the ’90s, and it never disappoints. Superchunk created Merge Records and has continued to put out amazing albums while finding the time to tour. So cue up the cassette deck and turn up the volume. Infectiously upbeat, the guitars have a punch and riffs that just won’t quit. Mac McCaughan’s vocals are warm and uplifting on the catchy chorus. The melodies are tight with the addition of backup vocals by Tracyanne Campbell of Camera Obscura. The song is a power-pop gem that doesn’t get old.
Rachel’s pick: Like many other fans, I feel utter joy when I see Superchunk mentioned. I’m excited before I even hear it, because how can it not be good? As with the new song from The Bird and the Bee, “This Night” reminisces about the past. Both songs seem bring to life a world that just doesn’t exist anymore. The harmonies from Camera Obscura! The ridiculous power-pop riffs! And let’s not forget the infectious bass lines by Laura Ballance. Sadly, she no longer plays live with Superchunk, but hearing her is always a treat. This band is like a warm friend that can always make you smile.
Follow writer Rachel Goodman at Twitter.com/xneverwherex and Instagram.com/xneverwherex.