ListenUp
The legendary Todd Rundgren teams up with Robyn, Mr Jukes calls on BJ The Chicago Kid, new Gorillaz and more in our week in music
Todd Rundgren feat. Robyn: That Could Have Been Me
Premiering exclusively on Pitchfork, the legendary Todd Rundgren’s newest track, “That Could Have Been Me” features none other than Swedish pop star Robyn. Rundgren (who initially garnered attention in the ’70s) is an adept and highly influential singer/songwriter and producer, and in this track his familiar knack for making an earnest love song without corniness is evident. It’s a little spacey, but ultimately a synth-pop treasure. Rundgren’s upcoming 27th album White Knight will feature a very diverse list of performers—from Dâm Funk to Trent Reznor, Daryl Hall and more.
Gorillaz: Saturnz Barz
After rumors and teasers circulated for some time, Gorillaz—aka 2D, Murdoc, Noodle and Russel; or Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and friends (depending on your imagination)—have released their first new music in six years. From the upcoming, long-awaited LP Humanz—which will feature appearances from Grace Jones, Pusha T, Kali Uchis, Kelela, regular Gorillaz collaborators De La Soul and others—comes “Saturnz Barz.” With a performance by Popcaan and an accompanying video-meets-short-film, it’s dark and weird and heavy on the trip-hop. Four songs were released today, and the full record will be out 28 April.
Little Scream: Silent Moon
Existing within the crossing of eerie and sultry, the track “Silent Moon” by Little Scream now has a visual companion. The video, starring drag performer Neon Burgundy, emphasizes the ethereal with pool-side lip-syncing sequences. Off of the Montreal-based artist’s 2016 album Cult Following, the song exists almost in a dream and the Kaveh Nabatian-directed portrayal adds to the colorful haze.
Mr Jukes feat. BJ the Chicago Kid: Angels / Your Love
Mr Jukes (aka Jack Steadman, the frontman of Bombay Bicycle Club) has just released his first solo offering—from the upcoming record God First, which is set to drop 9 June. The song, “Angels / Your Love” is a jazz-funk jam that is way more awesome than it sounds in words—this is a blend of brassy horns, vocals from a kids choir, plus an energetic performance by the incredibly talented CJ the Chicago Kid. We can’t wait to hear the rest of the record—which will also feature appearances from Lianne La Havas, Charles Bradley and more.
Wild Nothing: Begin Again
Another release in the now 60-strong list of songs for the Our First 100 Days digital album, Wild Nothing’s “Begin Again” released today. The 100 Days record is made up of tunes written by dozens of different bands and musicians, all resisting the current US government by way of donating all proceeds to various organizations and charities. Wild Nothing’s contribution is an ’80s synth-pop delight, boasting the band’s trademark dreamy sound.
ListenUp is a Cool Hunting series published every Sunday that rounds up the music we tweeted throughout the week, also found in Listen. Hear the year so far via Cool Hunting Spotify.
