In a special weekend playlist, Chicano Batman’s guitarist, Carlos Arevalo, picked these modern gems for when you’re waiting in line (or in traffic) during Record Store Day. The band’s latest release, Freedom is Free, was released last year on ATO Records. Tomorrow, you can also find a Record Store Day re-issue of Chicano Batman’s self-titled debut album. So whether you’re picking up a RSD exclusive or just some Saturday crate digging, we’ve got you covered.
—Keenan Kush, Talkhouse Marketing Manager
Here are 10 “newish” songs that I’ll be listening to while in line for Record Store Day. Usually, I’d take this opportunity to showcase some old-school music, but we are in the present, so time for me to stop living in the past and acknowledge modern artists that I feel are pushing music forward today.
Jay Rock, Kendrick Lamar, Future, James Blake — “King’s Dead”
Everything Kendrick Lamar is involved in rightfully turns to gold. This track is no exception. Also, he just won a Pulitzer Prize; let’s celebrate. P.S. Future’s verse is masterfully original on this cut from the Black Panther soundtrack.
Solange — “Cranes in the Sky”
The music speaks for itself. My favorite song from Solange’s A Seat at the Table.
Hurray for the Riff Raff — “Pa’lante”
Alynda Segarra celebrates her Nuyorican roots on this empowering track from her amazing record The Navigator.
The War on Drugs — “Pain”
This is one of many great songs from Adam Granduciel’s masterpiece A Deeper Understanding. There’s so much emotion and sentimental feelings this piece conjures via the lush songwriting and production. Try and catch all the layers of instruments playing melodies here and there throughout.
St. Vincent — “Los Ageless”
Annie Clark is our generation’s guitar hero, and she knows how to write one mean tune. How many guitar shredders can you say that about today? Her songwriting is incredibly inventive while never losing track of being melodic. That can be a difficult balance to maintain in a song. She does that effortlessly on this one.
Khruangbin — “Friday Morning”
I’m lucky to call these incredible musicians my friends. Having shared a bus on a US tour with them last year, I can confidently disclose not only are Laura Lee, Donald Johnson, and Mark Spears cosmically talented, they are humble and sweet humans as well. This track starts out with some Isley Brothers “Footsteps in the Dark”-type vibes and builds to an even better place from there.
Miguel — “Skywalker”
It’s mind-boggling the verse and chorus melodies Miguel can sing over a three note Moog Bass pattern. He’s a genius.
Jack White — “Over and Over”
Jack White writes guitar riffs like Paul McCartney writes pop songs, timelessly and probably effortlessly. His buzzing fuzz guitar tone is on full display in this song which finds him breaking new ground within his own songwriting by adding a conga breakdown section amongst other things. Keep pushing forward, brother.
Radiohead — “Daydreaming”
Radiohead seems to reinvent rock music and the places it can take you with each new album they put out. This standout track from A Moon Shaped Pool is hauntingly melodic and cinematic. The ear candy instrumentation that adorns this song is masterfully arranged in a way that you forget that this song has no drums, nor needs them, for that matter.
Cardi B — “Bartier Cardi (feat. 21 Savage)”
An Afro-Latina is taking over music on her own terms in 2018…who would have saw that coming considering the political and racial climate of this era? Well, historically, that’s precisely what happens when there are people in office like the current administration. Politics aside, she has the flow and rhymes to back up the hype.
(Photo Credit: Josue Rivas)
