This is part one in a new series on Nowhere Bros looking at the songs that have caught my eye in 2016. Every three months I will pick twenty tracks released in that period which stood out to me. Starting us off is the period January through to March.
Ain't It A Sin - Charles Bradley
The 67 year old American retro soul singer certainly impressed with this Stax-sounding single off his new album Changes. Those horns are storming.
Am I Wrong - Anderson Paak featuring Schoolboy Q
The
other day a friend of mine called Malibu the Voodoo (D’Angelo) of the 2010s.
And with banging tracks like this one, it is hard to argue against such a bold
statement.
Black Man In A White World - Michael Kiwanuka
I
have been waiting for new music from British soul singer Michael Kiwanuka for
so long that it was such a joy when he returned with the first single off his
upcoming album. The honest lyrics of this track and powerful accompanying video
also show how there are still artists around willing to challenge existing
power narratives.
Blackstar - David Bowie
This
alt-jazz masterpiece was the sort of music Bowie was working on before he died.
This emphasized not only what a musical genius he was, but also showcased how
right up until the end, Bowie was willing to innovate, shock, and create art
that was one step ahead of everything else in popular music.
El Sol - Average Rap Band
The
chilled nature of the title track off Average Rap Band’s debut album is
representative of the overall sound of this stunning record. Tom Scott calls it
Balearic beat not hip hop, and if this track is anything to go by, then I am
the first to say I am a Balearic beat fan.
Everything You've Come To Expect - The Last Shadow Puppets
It
has been a long time between records for the Last Shadow Puppets, so much that
people seem to have forgotten they even existed. Well, they are still around,
and returned with a stunning album that bettered their debut due to songs like
this one.
Father Stretch My Hands Pt. 1 - Kanye West
Kanye
has made all the headlines in music this year with the release, or non-release
of his latest album The Life Of Pablo. And with the hype and bizarre antics
around it, you would hope the music would be good. Thankfully, booming bangers
like Father Stretch My hands Part 1. delivered and made the other non-music stuff
slightly more bearable.
I Can Change - Primal Scream
I
haven’t really paid attention to anything Primal Scream has done recently and
only know their early stuff. This track off their new album, however, is a nice
chilled out soul track, showing at least that Bobby Gillespie can still bang a
tune together.
Lazarus - David Bowie
This
track is dope (one of the songs of the year so far) and David Bowie is dope.
That is all that needs to be said really.
No More Parties In LA - Kanye West featuring Kendrick Lamar
Thank
god Kanye left this one on the final track list for the album because without
it the quality decreases. One of Kanye’s best tracks, with some of his best
ever one-liners. I feel like Pablo some days as well Yee.
Pool Side - Average Rap Band
One
of the most chilled tracks of the year with one of the best sax solos you will hear
this year. I cannot wait to see them play this at their album launch.
Put Me Thru - Anderson Paak
This
is a sick track. The drumming is superb, the guitar playing excellent. This is
what contemporary R&B should sound like and thankfully Anderson Paak is
leading the way.
Take It There - Massive Attack featuring Tricky
Massive
Attack are gonna be busy this year, with multiple releases expected. This great
track harks back to Mezzanine-era Massive Attack with its dark gloomy feel and
a guest appearance by Tricky.
The Bird - Anderson Paak
The
opening track off Malibu sets the tone for the rest of this great record with
its laid-back smooth feel. The added bonus of some Miles Davis-inspired trumpet
seals the deal.
The Element Of Surprise - The Last Shadow Puppets
I
am really digging the new Last Shadow Puppets album, and this track is one of
the standouts. The shuffle Duran Duran-sounding rhythm of the song is a strong
point in particular, and ensures this one is very danceable.
Untitled 5 - Kendrick Lamar
Oh
Kendrick why you so good? If he couldn’t top TPAB well he pretty much equaled
it with his new EP Unmastered Unreleased. Jazz/hip hop fusion tracks such as
this one would have slotted in fine on last year’s standout record.
Untitled 6 - Kendrick Lamar
Bossa
nova beats with Outkast melodies is how I would describe this banging track. Already
a candidate for song of the year in my opinion.
Valdez Off Crenshaw - Terrace Martin
It
is so great to see jazz getting mainstream attention again with Kamasi Washington
and now Terrace Martin, known mainly for his production work with the likes of
Snoop and Kendrick. The opening track off his latest solo record is stunning
jazz fusion and is one of those tracks that if comes on shuffle is a must
listen every time.
Waves - Miguel (Tame Impala remix)
If
Tame Impala head down this direction on future releases I will be happy. With
this remix, a silky smooth track has been turned into an even silkier track, perhaps
representing a sign of what Kevin Parker intends to do on his rumored impending
solo album.
Wolves - Kanye West featuring Sia and Vic Mensa
“Ima fix Wolves” he said, and, thankfully he did by including the Vic Mensa and Sia versus which make the track for me. One of the standouts on Pablo and part of the strong stretch of songs during the middle of the record.
- Sam
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