New music Monday: February 22, 2021
Each week the content writers for KCPR.org are going to publish a playlist containing a new song recommendation from each of them.
1. How Much Can a Heart Take (Feat. Yebba) – Lucky Daye, Yebba
Recommended by: Eden Baker
Between “How Much Can a Heart Take” and “On Read with Tiana Major9,” Lucky Daye has been releasing breathtakingly smooth R&B tracks since 2021 began. “How Much Can a Heart Take”‘s relaxing, jazz feel stuck out as a song that I can relax or do homework to. Yebba’s slow rap verse contrasted in a smooth and effortless manner to Lucky Daye’s R&B vocals.
2. Cry Over Boys – Alexander 23
Recommended by: Jenna McCarthy
This song is off of Alexander 23’s new EP that dropped February 19, 2021 and is about someone who won’t stop chasing boys only to be let down. It has a very melancholy feel to it. He talks down on this girl and says he has no remorse, but the vibe of the song says otherwise.
3. Underneath the Roses – Paul Jacobs
Recommended by: Evan Gattuso
When not drumming for Montreal outfit Pottery, Paul Jacobs fronts his six-piece band and creates acidic folk-pop music accompanied with hand-drawn artwork and music videos. Jacobs’s latest freewheeling single, “Underneath the Roses,” examines the undesired moments in life that don’t go away – the type of moments one may remember in the middle of the night before falling asleep. The song has an organic feel that grows into an unruly climax, similar to how our most minor thoughts can turn into anxious messes.
4. Summer Girl – HAIM
Recommended by: Sophia Pattison
This bonus track on the sister group’s new album is a beautiful and smooth song that can be enjoyed everywhere. With jazzy undertones, the vocals and meaningful yet simple lyrics really create a perfect piece of work. It gives off the warmth and love filled feelings of a California Summer.
5. DREAMLAND – The Cloeys
Recommended by: Moises De La Cruz
This group of SLO locals transmutes the saccharine guitars of early Cure and Chameleons into a daydreamy pop track and then transition into a jamming synth rock ballad in under three minutes on “DREAMLAND.” While the bright synth lead wouldn’t be many people’s first production choice, the way it compliments the track’s chorus-laden guitars, spacey drums and stellar lead vocals should easily dissuade the naysayers. The Cloeys seem like a group to keep a close watch on, as their latest rightfully deserves to help soundtrack your next sunrise hike or afternoon bike cruise.
6. Loverboy – Sir Sly
Recommended by: Alina Jafri
This song radiates good vibes. The instrumentals used in the track are cheerful and compliment the sweet lyrics. It’s a perfect song to listen to in the car with your friends.
7. Hot Knife – Mountain Man
Recommended by: Kallie Kidder
Indie folk trio Mountain Man continue their “Mountain Man Sings…” cover series by releasing their rendition of Fiona Apple’s “Hot Knife,” which was originally released in 2012. Mountain Man is made up of Molly Sarle (I couldn’t recommend her album “Karaoke Angel” enough!) as well as Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath and Alexandra Sauser-Monnig. Other tracks they have covered as a part of the series include Wilco’s “You and I,” John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” and Kacey Musgraves’ “Slow Burn.”
8. Everybody’s Gonna Love Somebody – Alfie Templeman
Recommended by: Tessa Hughes
This upbeat indie-pop song caught my ear when I was listening to Spotify’s weekly new music playlist. The horns in the background and the catchy chorus are what allow this song live rent free in my head since I first heard it.
Check out the entire playlist here. Comment below what your favorite recommendation was this week!
