Engineer Picks! Week of 10/23 - 10/29
Welcome to this week's edition of Engineer Picks!, a weekly rundown of what engineers at CU Records are listening to.
This week we have quite the variation, exciting stuff.
First up is WW4, a single off of Show Me the Body’s fourth album Trouble The Water
The hardcore punk band hailing from New York gets eerie on this track, as the lead singer Julian Pratt is heard only in conjunction to minimal accompaniment – that is until the 2:30 marks. Then you’ll get a hit of your classic punk electric guitar and drums. It’s a vibe.
Next we turn up the tempo with Buzzkill by Take Van
As one of those younger, internet artists, Take Van’s track is something that can only be described as bedroom dance music. The kick and bassline keeps the listener grounded while her voice integrates with the rest of the song. A little switch up around the 2 minutes keeps us on our toes.
We now go back in time with Stone Soul Picnic by Laura Nyro
From her 1968 album Eli and the Thirteenth Confession, Nyro embraces her signature folk-jazz-soul-R&B-gospel sound. In other words, the soundtrack to sunny New York City day in the 60s. All of the different influences make it a super fun and colorful track.
We jump back into this decade with Waterfall by Disclosure featuring RAYE
The brothers behind the project Disclosure are widely known in the electronic world, and their collaboration with RAYE makes total sense. RAYE’s distinct voice and Disclosure’s melodies make this one fun to dance to, especially the second half of the bridge.
The playlist also has some rhymes with #Right Now by Loki Loke
This lofi-R&B rap song is both relaxing and engaging, as the lyrics address real world topics. The chorus is catchy and will definitely get stuck in your head, in a good way. A great song for a drive.
Last but not least, we have Belize (feat. MF DOOM) by Danger Mouse and Black Thought, off of their joint album Cheat Codes released in August.
Belize has the nostalgic sounding drums, keyboard, and trumpet underneath equally nostalgic rapping. Mostly because it samples the song Peace in My Mind by psychedelic band Federal Duck, from their 1968 self-titled album. A great example of why sampling is the best thing to have happened to music.