mick jenkins

#5. Ali Robertson – Something About Your Love

A lovely debut from Ali Robertson (was actually a few weeks ago, but I’m still working through a backlog). This is a real strong pop track that makes me think we’ll be hearing more great things from Mr. Robertson in the near future.

#4. Ember Island – Need You

soundcloud.com/emberisland

The chorus of this one is gorgeous. The way they cut out the vocals and create the tape-deck sound of old. MMMMMMM. As much as I love this track (which I do), I feel like it’s also due for a remix. All the components of this song are just begging to be mixed up in a blender and re-imagined.

#3. Trapo – Sobriety

soundcloud.com/trapo-1831

I do not remember who to thank, but wherever I stubled upon Bad Gal … you introduced me to the Mick-Jenkins sounding vibes of Trapo. While Bad Gal is a stellar track in it’s own right, Sobriety is the one that most caught my attention. Any hip hop that can get me bobbing along is a surefire winner in my books.

#2. Bleu Toucan – Le Chant du Cygne

soundcloud.com/bleutoucan

ACK. Is this not some of the loveliest, breakbot-esque French disco you’ve heard in the past few months? The crooning “ooohs” in the background, the pulsing piano, the gentle lyrics… it even have some layered vocals near the end. SO NICE.

#1. James Blake – Modern Soul

jamesblakemusic.com/

Before I even hit play I was pretty sure this would be my favourite song of the week. I also moved it up to the top of the queue, bypassing a whole whack of songs sitting in my backlog that I haven’t gushed about yet. BUT C’MON. It’s James Blake. The man with the voice. Lovely voice aside, there’s something in James Blake’s music that draws me (and millions others apparently) in. His songs are often a bit “off beat” and have me struggling to time my swaying in proper rhythm. He is a master of off-tempo, and this one is a great example. I’m just fascinated by that one piano note he hits just a fraction of a second earlier than expected. I can’t help but focus on it every time I listen to this… and because I’ve been obsessed with it, that’s been quite often. I can totally see this song being looped during a live show. Speaking of which… James, you need to come to Vancouver and play ASAP.

#5. Josef Salvat – Open Season (Gryffin Remix)

I adore Josef Salvat, and it’s usually with some hesitation that I approach remixes of my favorite songs or artists. However Gryffin amps up the tropical vibe of Open Season in a way that really makes the original only recognizable through Salvat’s voice. Killer remix here.

#4. Jabberwocky – FOG (Belarbi Remix)

Some songs just scream fun, and Belarbi’s remix of FOG by Jabberwocky (holder’s of the “Best Band Name I’ve Heard Today” award) could be the poster child for fun this week. The whole song bounces along with enough pace to get you moving on the dance floor.

#3. Joey Bada$$ & Tablo – Hood

No soundclounds to be found anywhere!! No matter though, Facebook is there to save us. I’m really really digging the new collab between Joes Bada$$ and Tablo. Both kill their verses with somewhat different flows, yet manage to compliment each other real nicely. I’ve been in a bit of a dry spell for new hip hop in the past few months, but things seem to be looking up this week (FORSHADOWING??!?!).

#1. Mick Jenkins – Your Love

I LOVE it when hip hop artists work with some of my favorite electronic producers. Mick Jenkin’s newest track Your Love is a perfect example of that magic with Kaytranada on production. The flow on this is so smooth – especially that second verse. I find myself grooving with each listen. Reminds me a bit of when Flume joined forces to release a remixed version of his mixtape with features from a bunch of notable hip hop artists.

…Because It's Sunday

A collection of my favorite songs from the past week – updated every Sunday

Songs of the Week 47: February 7 – February 13