What a doozy we’ve got for you this week. With Beck kicking off our tracklist you know it’s gotta be good. To help warm your cold, winter bones we’ve got a few killer beats from Azealia Banks and Alison Wonderland, some foot stompin’ fun from Foos guitarist Chris Shiflett, and a hell of a lot of love from up north in Brisbane, with tunes from Major Leagues, Bullhorn, and The Good Sports. Phew! What a week.
Beck – ‘I Won’t Be Long’
While the release of Song Reader last year was less fruitful for the more musically challenged fans of the music icon, this cut should suffice in making up for last year’s tease. Set to be released as a 12” single alongside a 14 minute remix, ‘I Won’t Be Long’ is a dreamy slice of perfect pop, a stark contrast from the disparaging drum beats of its preceding release in ‘Defriended’. With Beck releasing a series of vinyl singles soon, the two tracks signify that fans should expect diversity rather than consistency.
Bullhorn – ‘Resonate Right’
If you’re a fan of classy brass then move your ass Bullhorn’s way. Mixing “horny horns” and “soulful soul”, the Brisbane-based gang chuck big band fervour, hip hop rhymes, jazz invention, and feelgood energy into a musical pot and stir vigorously. ‘Resonate Right’ does exactly what it says on the tin, and quite a few more things it doesn’t advertise. Tasty fresh.
Azealia Banks – ‘ATM Jam (featuring Pharrell Williams)’
Either we’ve gotten used to Yung Rapunxel’s social media tirades or the rapper has actually been diligently putting the final touches on her endlessly awaited debut album Broke With Expensive Taste. It appears to be the latter, with news of her working in the studio alongside Disclosure, however it’s a collaboration with Pharrell that has earned her a spot in this mixtape. Showing somewhat of a tamer side to the rapper, ‘ATM Jam’ allows for the dual word play of Azealia and Pharrell to take prominence ahead of her typical gangsta dance floor beats.
Chris Shiflett – ‘Guitar Pickin Man’
Foo Fighters fans be warned. If you’re after an FM Rock Radio blaster you’re in for quite a shock from Foos guitarist Chris Shiflett; if it’s a honkytonk slug of pincering guitars and old-skool blues you’re after however, then this is the fence-flattening boho for you. Along with his band The Dead Peasants, the first taste of their sophomore album ‘All Hat And No Catlle’ should tell you all you need to know about the bar-stomping qualities of a “Woman stealin’/Double dealin’/Guitar Pickin’ Man.” Yee to the Ha!
The Middle Names – ‘Full Friends’
With a slightly new name (or at least a shortened one) The Middle Names are back, with Ben Wells still fronting the band. The first single “Full Friends” from their forthcoming debut album, has been recorded with the legend himself – Magoo – and it’s great to say he’s still in fine form. “Full Friends” is full of character, great guitar sounds, tight drums, and a catchy chorus, making it a great first single.
The Good Sports – ‘Shootin’ Hoops’
Sweet, sweet garage sounds are coming out of Brisbane, well East Brisbane to be exact, from a five- piece band that goes by the name of The Good Sports. With the right amount of psychedelia, “Shootin’ Hoops” is a quick but catchy two minute rockin’ ditty full of surfer rock guitars, washed out vocals, loads of tambourine, and a good dose of the classic ‘ah, ah ahhhh’s.
Alison Wonderland – ‘Get Ready (Feat. Fishing)’
Because sometimes you just need to shake your ass like there’s no tomorrow, Alison Wonderland has teamed up with Sydney’s Fishing to produce one of the best party jams we’ve heard in a while. With sick vocal effects and a bassdrop that wont quit, as well as the Sydney electronic duo’s slick rhymes, be ready to hear this one in every DJ set for a while to come.
Major Leagues – ‘Endless Drain’
Like Best Coast doused in sugar, Brisbane’s Major Leagues are taking their cue from the likes of Velociraptor and The Keep On Dancin’s, channelling 60s harmonies with a rougher, funner edge. Having already garnered some love from Triple J Unearthed, the four-piece will are a great local band that will have you reaching for your favourite Ya La Tengo record.
