Listener's Digest: June 1-7



You know, you think you have a column all set and ready to post and the internet just starts spewing new music at you on the last day. I went to bed last night with 3 tracks all set for this week. They were solid tracks: a catchy tune from The-Dream, new Laetitia Sadier, and an interesting Four-Tet song to round everything out and hopefully get you to think my taste was "eclectic," and "wide-ranging." So, like I said, I went to bed with all of this ready. What happens when I wake up? A new track from Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti? New Jens Lekman? Now I have to make all of these last minute additions. This is all very rude of the internet...all...very...rude.

Theatrics aside, here are 5 great new songs, released between June 1 and 7.


The-Dream w/Pusha - T - "Dope Bitch:" The-Dream consistently turns out what I like to call "serious jams," which is a very unprofessional term for, "really great pop songs." This time, he has teamed up with Clipse's Pusha-T, for this smooth tune that will probably be in my head for the next several days. Perfect for blasting out of your car, or, carrying around a boombox on your bike. Really, whatever your means of conveyance you choose. No one knows when The-Dream's next album is coming out, don't even bother.



Laetitia Sadier - "Find Me the Pulse of the Universe:" Sadier, lead singer of Stereolab, released the first single from her latest album, Silencio!, which will be out June 24. Fans of Stereolab will find familiar territory in this track, with Sadier singing urbane lyrics over lush instrumentation. 



Four-Tet - "128 Harps:" First thing first, definitely not 128 harps on this track. I imagine that would sound more harp filled. Also, harps are pretty expensive so I doubt anyone has that kind of budget. With that out of the way, Four-Tet has released a lovely new track. A warped bassline backs an alternating harp vocal sample, making the tune somehow simple and intricate at the same time. Good stuff.


Jens Lekman -"Erica America:" Set to release his first album in 5 years this fall, Jens Lekman is back with a new wonderfully orchestrated and wistful song. Featuring vocals from Melbourne singer, Sophie Brous, this new song is more downbeat, with Lekman declaring, "Summer is exhausting." Not exactly an encouraging sentiment this early in June. We here at Listener's Digest hope Lekman cheers up soon.



Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - "Baby:" The first song off their follow up to one of my favorite records of the last 5 years. Ariel Pink returns with this Donnie and Joe Emerson cover. Soulful, "Baby" features significantly improved production from anything Pink has done in the past. The new album, Mature Themes, will be released on August 20.



Well, that is all I have for this week. The new Grizzly Bear song is pretty great and you should check that out if you have some time too, but you probably already knew that. Also, I am working on a better logo for this column. Check back next week for cool new graphics and tunes.


Michael Torsell

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