In a month in which the coronavirus pandemic led the UK to totally lock down, the lyric for
this month ‘This just got sick before my eyes’ seems fitting, if not crude and slightly on the nose. It comes from the sometimes crude and on the nose Kesha, with a track she released on her album Warrior way back in 2012, entitled All That Matters (The Beautiful Life). I’ve been a fan of Kesha’s music for many years, both old and new, however I must say this one passed me by until now. It’s perhaps ironic the song is all about going out and making the most of the night, considering it seems we won’t to be able to do that for the foreseeable. Nevertheless, it’s a great dance track if you fancy turning the lights off in your room and partying in your house.
Keep scrolling to see what else has been getting me through lockdown!
How To Dress Well – Body Fat
Sometimes you’ll completely forget how or why you discovered a song/artist. Sometimes you’ll also be very late to the party, as the first track I’m delving into this month is from American artist Tom Krell, better known by his stage name How To Dress Well. He first came onto the scene way back when in 2010, and has since released an impressive five studio albums. The track Body Fat, one of my favourites of this month’s discoveries, comes from his most recent LP The Anteroom. One thing is for sure, Krell is an artist with a complete vision, and this is proved here by the heartrending lyrics, unique sound, and beautiful production, not just in this song, but the whole album.
Robyn – Missing U
Up next is Swedish powerhouse Robyn. Again, I’m approximately a year and a half behind here, as this song Missing U, as well as its album Honey dropped back in 2018, but I guess as long as music finds you eventually, it doesn’t matter how late you are. Missing U features the synth-pop, disco sound you’d expect in classic Robyn tracks, but with perhaps with a matured level of composition, as it comes a whole eight years after her last solo album release Body Talk. Pretty much, if you can imagine letting yourself go on a thumping dancefloor in the dark, it’s probably a Robyn song.
Dan Deacon – When I Was Done Dying
I have my good friend to thank for this find, and it comes from American musician Dan Deacon. It comes from his 2015 album Gliss Riffer, and I think my only advice for this song is WATCH THE VIDEO. Combining the work of nine different animators, it is an honestly breath-taking watch, telling the story of the song in such an abstract but ultimately BEAUTIFUL way, and may result in you either jumping around the lounge in euphoria, or wanting to lie down in a dark room and think about the meaning of life for a bit. Or you may just want to watch it over and over again. Truly stunning visuals.
Until The Ribbon Breaks – My Love
Up next is another previously unknown band to me, British duo Until The Ribbon Breaks. Their name alludes to the romantic bygone era of cassettes and mixtapes, and the song My Love, from their self-titled second studio album, is nothing if not a declaration of love. With a style which is a fusion of electronic and alternative, UTRB are definitely a group I’ll be keeping an eye on in future. (photo Koury Angelo)
Link Lauren – Uh!
Another bop I discovered this month comes from New York City’s Link Lauren with the infectious Uh! I always love discovering and sharing music from queer artists, and Lauren manages to find the perfect mix of pop, alternative, and SEX in his tracks, speficially Uh! which I have unashamedly been strutting around the house to all month. It’s all about having a great night and then ending with a bit of… well, ‘UH!’ I’ll let you fill in the blanks. In conclusion, a real… grower of a song and Lauren is definitely one to watch in the coming months.
*Special Mention – Gaga’s Return!*
It would be remiss of me to talk about this month’s new music and not mention the gargantuan return of Gaga to the charts. Later this year she will return with her first new solo album in four years, and if the lead single is anything to go by, it’s going to be mega. Stupid Love is nothing short of an anthem, the boppiest, struttiest, catchiest comeback we’ve seen in recent times, and the music video transports us to the universe Gaga has invented in iconic fashion. It’s already hit the Top 5 in both the UK and the US, and if nothing else, it’s sure to get you dancing during lockdown. Welcome back Queen Gaga.
If you like what you hear, please follow me on Spotify via the playlist at the top of the article! Thanks for your support!
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