The titular character in “Billy,” the new track from budding Chicago indie rock trio Horsegirl, cuts a familiar figure. He wanders and ponders through life, an existence that bassist-vocalist Nora Cheng renders in shades of mundane saturated with just the right amount of strange. “Billy says he’s got a stiff …
Read More »Song You Need To Know: Kevin Florez and Captain Planet, 'Borracho Bailando Champeta'
Seconds into the video for “Borracho Bailando Champeta,” the singer Kevin Florez walks by a neon-bright pico, the booming sound systems known for roaring out Afro-Colombian melodies at dance parties in predominantly Black communities across Colombia‘s Caribbean coasts. These iridescent selectors have been called the “radio stations of champeta,” a …
Read More »Song You Need to Know: Megan Thee Stallion, 'Shots Fired'
In terms of, what bar on Megan Thee Stallion‘s new diss track elicits the most satisfying cackle, the stand-out line from “Shots Fired” might be, “He talking ’bout his followers, dollars and goofy shit/I told him, ‘You’re not popping, you just on the remix.’” It’s catty and cutting, and most …
Read More »Song You Need to Know: Paul Cauthen and Orville Peck, 'You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'
What happens when two truly larger-than-life figures in country music decide to combine their powers? The answer is “the Unrighteous Brothers,” an unlikely-but-winning collaboration between Paul Cauthen and Orville Peck created for the express purpose of covering classic Righteous Brothers tunes. “When I first heard Orville’s voice, I knew we’d …
Read More »Song You Need to Know: Leonard Cohen, 'Puppets'
Not a lot of people can get away with uttering the word “puppet” sans laughter. Leonard Cohen was not “a lot of people.” Perhaps because he had a voice that would have gravitas even while ordering a burger and fries. Perhaps because he was both a musician and a seer. …
Read More »Song You Need to Know: Victoria Monet, 'Ass Like That'
Victoria Monét has become Ariana Grande’s right-hand woman ever since the pop star’s 2013 debut Yours Truly, most recently helping pen the Number One singles “Thank U, Next” and “7 Rings.” With the smooth “Ass Like That,” Monét proves herself to be just as formidable a star on her own. “Ass …
Read More »