5 new releases we love: Lil Wayne has a ball, Nicolas Jaar reaches new heights, and more
Music Features A-Sides
Lil Wayne Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Matt Pond PA, A Collection Of Bees Part 1
[Self-released, February 7]
Matt Pond PA split in 2017, leaving behind 12 LPs, just as many EPs, and a slew of splits and standalone singles, the likes of which soundtracked many tender teenage make-outs in the 2000s. B-sides and demo compilations like A Collection Of Bees tend to be “fans only” affairs, but the breadth and scope of Pond’s work—his songwriting explored nearly every corner of what we call “indie folk”—demands reflection, if only because there’s so much of it. It’s an impeccably curated set in this sense, pairing some achingly lovely alternate versions of “Starlet” and “Love To Get Used” with the psych-folk madness of “Round And Round,” a pair of melancholy instrumentals, and even a rousing Stevie Nicks cover. But Pond’s gifts went beyond his prolificacy—his wool blanket of a voice and hooky, sepia-toned melodies remain distinctive to this day, a pile of crisp autumn leaves to jump into again and again. [Randall Colburn]
Birds Of Prey: The Album
[Atlantic, February 7]
It takes one hell of an assemblage to mimic the disorder and confidence of Harley Quinn and friends. Fortunately, DC’s slice of mayhem Birds Of Prey is largely bolstered by a soundtrack that leans into the candy-coated chaos with a mix of hip-hop party gems, relentless rock, and warped, emotional pop ballads. More than a complement to a fun film, Birds Of Prey: The Album is a thumping microcosm of today’s most promising female talent. Alongside pop heavy hitters like Normani, Megan Thee Stallion, and Halsey are head-turning newcomers like Doja Cat, whose anthemic, bass-heavy house track “Boss B*tch” is as brassy as the mallet-swinging villainess herself. While this may be, first and foremost, a soundtrack, it’s also Harley Quinn’s ideal breakup album, carrying the listener through moments of despair, rage, metamorphosis, and finally, blissful badassery. [Shannon Miller]
14 Comments
I saw envy open for Deafheaven a few years ago.I don’t think I’d ever put them on for my own enjoyment, but they screamoed their fucking asses off live. My buddy and I enjoyed their show more than we enjoyed Deafheaven themselves.
I know it’s pretty “different” but Trixie Mattel’s Barbara was released today and considering how much I’ve seen her featured on various Giz sites, I’m shocked that there hasn’t been on mention of that today. The album is pretty great “side a” is very B-52s surf pop/punk and “side b” is more folksy/americana which is what Trixie’s music is mostly known for. The whole LP is only about 30 minutes but it’s been a pretty great listen.
“it’s a bit overlong, with unnecessary filler”Yes, if this was 15 tracks it’d be great. Too long the Adam Levine song was not for me. Weezy has great punchlines per usual.
I simply love Matt Pond. Was it Pitchfork who knocked one of his albums several years ago and said his voice sounds like it was shot through with vaseline? It’s such a weird statement that stuck with me because I think it’s probably accurate! They meant it negatively, but it’s the unique sound of his voice that is precisely why I like his music. That and he really knows how to put together catchy “indie-folk” melodies.
I just know “Love To Get Used” from sifting through a playlist a few years back. It’s not just catchy but achingly melancholy – though is it considered indie folk? Guess I have some catching up to do on Matt Pond PA’s discography.
Oh man, my friend was live painting at a free Lil B show in Berkeley presented by Zumiez. I had a pretty horrible time overall, but thank you for reminding me that I saw Doja Cat perform live. Wow. Good to see she’s getting some recognition
Shes not bad but she kinda sounds/looks exactly like Nicki Minaj
Yeah can’t disagree. Something to see in person tho
Yeah she seems to be Nicki redux with less of the drama (tweeting issues aside) so I can see her doing well. Will be interesting if she stays in her particular lane of hip-hop, especially with the shadow of Cardi, or diversifies her lyricism. She’s fun but pretty one-note content-wise from what I’ve heard.
HMLTD has been slept on for too long! Their first full album just came out today, and it is amazing. I hope it’s able to finally get people to pay attention to this fantastic band.
The lack of Denzel Curry X Kenny Beats here is disturbing.
It’s shocking to me that this year an album from Eminem > an album from Lil Wayne.
I know people grow up and change their music, but Lil Wayne without Cash money and Mannie Fresh is garbage. Lil Wayne is like the bar for me, he’s like a year younger than I am so we’ve kind of grown up together. Any album after 500 Degreez or the Carter is totally beat down and trash.
The new Shopping album is good, they dip into a bit more electronica and vocal experimentation, lyricism is a little better. I’m excited to see them play it all live next month!There’s also a Denzel Curry / Kenny Beats EP that just dropped that’s excellent. It’s got a futurist vibe, beats that knock and at 17 minutes it doesn’t overstay it’s welcome. I need to check out the Lil Wayne and Birds of Prey releases… The Doja track has a hot beat but I found the lyrics a little generic. I preferred Moo I’m a cow 😂