It’s impossible to cover each 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 selections from Kendrick Lamar, Joanna Newsom, and yes, Harvey Keitel with Carly Rae Jepsen.
“F*ckin’ Problem” by ASAP Rocky feat. Drake, 2 Chainz & Kendrick Lamar
A star-studded, dream team, supergroup, other phrases and words that mean a lot of famous working together collaborate for “F*ckin’ Problem,” a new laid back single from ASAP’s soon-to-be-released LongLiveASAP, with popping production Noah “40″ Shebib.
“Poetic Justice” by Kendrick Lamar featuring Drake
For more on Kendrick Lamar, who (at last) drops his highly anticipated debut, good kid, m.A.A.d. city, next week, check out the Smoking Section.
“Look and Despair” by Joanna Newsom
At only five minutes, “Look and Despair” is downright Ramones-like for Joanna Newsom (her last album is over two hours long), yet nothing is scarified with the “short” song length, nor Newsom ditching the harp for a solo turn on the piano. It’s a spry little number, with a sound perfectly matching the deep blue sky behind her.
“22” by Taylor Swift
On the first single from Red, “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Taylor Swift complains about indie records. On the second, “22,” she sings, “It feels like a perfect night to dress up like hipsters.” Her fascination with Brooklyn types is intriguing, if confusing, and it makes you wonder which organic street vendor in Williamsburg broke her heart this time.
“WAVIP” by the Coup feat. Das Racist and Killer Mike
A funky, politically charged banger from Boots Riley & Co., Killer Mike, and Das Racist, set to appear on the Coup’s upcoming Sorry to Bother You.
“Intro/Brave Men Run (In My Family)” by Sonic Youth
We may never get a new Sonic Youth record again, but as a minor consolation, the band is putting out Sonic Youth – Smart Bar – Chicago 1985, a live album that was recorded in, you guessed, 1985, only a few months after the release of Bad Moon Rising and a year before EVOL. I’d say they were at their peak then, but they were pretty much at their peak for 15 years.
“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen and Harvey Keitel
In case you’ve ever wondered what Mr. White singing a top-40 pop song sounds like.
