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We’re still reveling in all of our favorite music from 2021, but 2022 is already coming in strong. This week’s offerings split the difference as we highlight a few of last year’s under the radar gems alongside the new and noteworthy.
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The Smile - “You’ll Never Work In Television Again”
Behold…. A new Head has sprouted from the mother Radio! Click quick for the first single from The Smile, the new project from Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood alongside longtime producer Nigel Godrich and Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner. It’s got strong “rock is back” energy — for a certain swath, this is all-time. Sign us up.
KAINA - “Anybody Can Be In Love”
Looking for a safe space? KAINA’s got you. In this dreamy track, the Chicago-based vocalist projects Earth goddess vibes, inviting you to settle in, share, let it go, and be free. Punctuated by surreal audience reactions to urge you along your path, this gem is part lounge lizard, part lazy Sunday, and all femme.
Lance Skiiwalker - “Peso feat. SiR”
Cash is king… or in this case, el rey. This fluid track from Chicago-based singer, rapper, and producer Lance Skiiwalker — with a gorgeous feature from vocalist SiR — is as smooth as it is beautiful. Click play for a welcome addition to any chill vibes playlist and a perfect entry point to a low-key weekend… one where you give your credit card a break.
David Byrne & Yo La Tengo - “Who Has Seen the Wind?”
This collaborative track is our first taste of the forthcoming collection Ocean Child: Songs of Yoko Ono, which was imagined and curated by Death Cab for Cutie’s Benjamin Gibbard. And it’s the score to the best dream you’ve ever had. Listen with your eyes closed and marvel at what your imagination conjures up, inspired by glittering, faraway percussion, a round-and-rolling bass effect, and dulcet tones singing sweet mysteries. What else would you expect from such a magnificent pairing?
Eris Drew - “Ride Free”
Staying home a lot more lately? Yeah, us too. Re-introduce yourself to Eris Drew’s long-awaited debut album of beautiful and ecstatic companion music, “Quivering in Time,” released last fall. Featuring samples that feel like old friends, and a buoyant breakbeat melody, this single is a perfect soundtrack for that old pandemic standby — the walk around the block. Give it a try and see if you agree.