Final Track: 7 Must-Hear Songs of the Week


It’s impossible to cover every bit of new music that comes out during the week, so every Friday, we’ll be doing an end of the week music roundup. It’s called Final Track, and we’ll count off a few songs released during the week that are worth giving a listen to.

Today, we’ve got: Dirty Projectors, Grizzly Bear, Reggie Watts, and more


“Gun Has No Trigger” by the Dirty Projectors

Bitte Orca was one of my favorite albums from 2009 (and of the decade, as well), and I’ve been impatiently waiting ever since for the Dirty Projectors to release a follow-up. That video of the girl dressed as Tinkerbell crying? That was me, but about this band, not Disney. Well, they finally will on July 10, and the first video for the record, Swing Lo Magellan, came out this week. Yes, it’s supposed to look like an iPod commercial, and yes, it’s awesome. Oh, how I’ve missed Dave Longstreth’s intentionally strained voice and Amber Coffman and Haley Dekle’s gorgeous harmonies. One of the few Brooklyn bands to not be ashamed of.

“Sleeping Ute” by Grizzly Bear

Grizzly Bear’s another one, too, and they also haven’t put out anything since 2009, when “Two Weeks,” from the widely hailed Veckatimest, was heard every-freaking-where. “Sleeping Ute” is more elaborate and less pop-leaning than anything from that record (it’s actually more reminiscent of 2006’s abstract Yellow House), but I like how it feels like more chaotic; it does exactly what a lead single from a new record should, which is use a band’s previous sound as a footprint, then expand upon it for something totally new. September 18, when their unnamed album comes out, can’t get here soon enough.

“Baby” by Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti

Ariel Pink is an enigma of a human being, so it only makes sense that he would hype his new album, Mature Themes (out on August 21), by recording a cover of the little-known Donnie and Joe Emerson song, “Baby,” originally released in 1979. Then again, its soul-pop roots are what Pink does so well, and I love the fact that, with some assistance from the song’s warm production, it sounds like he actually gives a sh*t, something he hasn’t always done.

“ChinaFastGrow” by CrimSane

F*cked Up is a great, great band, so naturally I love frontman Damian Abraham’s side project, CrimSane, and their first screaming, skuzzy single, “ChinaFastGrow.” I don’t really know what “kushcore” is, though I can guess, but I know I like it.

“Erica America” by Jens Lekman

Like a Morrissey song, but more bittersweet.

“You Need This Music (Remix)” by Nottz w/ Pusha T and Dwele

Read more about it here.

“Panama” by Reggie Watts

Reggie Watts covers Van Halen

Reggie Watts. Beatboxing his way through Van Halen’s “Panama.” For the A.V. Club. I can’t think of a better way to head into the weekend, other than to say: remember to watch “Comedy Bang Bang,” starring Hot Saucerman and Watts, tonight at 10 p.m. on IFC!

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