22 Featured Tracks and Our Most Geographically Diverse List Yet: BSIHTW 4/9/21

Weekend Lovers – “Baby”

Coming to us all the way from Tucson, Arizona are Weekend Lovers. I understand a lot of people from Connecticut retire there if they decide not to retire in Florida. Can someone confirm this? Anyway, “Baby” comes off the band’s November release I Love U in Real Life. Marta DeLeon sings about a relationship at a crossroads over a knowingly grim production.

Jenny Lewis & Serengeti – “Vroom Vroom”

Initially, it must’ve been seen as an odd pairing, but Jenny Lewis and Chicago MC Serengeti have forged a fruitful relationship. “Vroom Vroom” is their second single together and both artists have come together to create a unique sound. The soundscape presented on the single, released in January, feels like a Dali painting: largely desolate, but with poignant detail. It’s a very, very cool album from two very cool artists. Chances are you’re familiar with one of Lewis’ many projects; she’s a prolific indie stalwart. Serengeti is an rapper you might be unfamiliar with, but his imagination has produced great tracks like the hilarious and heartwarming “Dennehy,” where he imagines the life of a person who’s favorite actor is Brian Dennehy.

Freddie Gibbs – “Big Boss Rabbit”

In 2013 I saw Freddie Gibbs at Governor’s Ball. I was still hyped up on his 2011 single “Executive Decision” and I felt like I couldn’t miss his set. I got up near the front row, watched the entire set, and walked away a little disappointed. That was the last time Gibbs has left me disappointed, releasing solid project on solid project on solid project. “Big Boss Rabbit” has Gibbs going nonstop, giving us bar after bar over a low-key beat that leaves all the focus on the MC from Gary, Indiana. It opens with a sound clip of Mike Tyson declaring without a doubt that he’s the best, and it’s a clear statement from Gibbs. Despite hot release after hot release, including his Grammy nominated Alfredo, Gibbs continues to fly under the radar. It’s past time we include him in the conversation for Best Rapper Alive.

Sleep House – “Skydiving in Dubai”

Remember that time I said I was done writing about songs from 2020? Well, that was a lie. Philadelphia’s Sleep House released “Skydiving in Dubai” as part of their August EP High Tide. The song features very clean sounds and some high flying and sharp guitar play. This is an easy one to enjoy and reminds us a little bit of Two Door Cinema Club.

Basside & SOPHIE – “NYC2MIA – SOPHIE Remix”

People are absolutely FLOCKING to Florida right now, especially Miami. The city is always a destination, but it seems like it’s hotter than ever over the last couple of years. SOPHIE took Basside’s 2017 “NYC2MIA” and remixed it, renewing the celebration of the migratory patterns of folks in the Northeast looking for warm weather, hot beaches, and blazing clubs.

Arooj Aftab – “Mohabbat”

I first heard “Mohabbat” on NPR, where Arooj Aftab was giving an interviewed for NEXT. The song is almost eight minutes long, and in it, we witness how Aftab blends the traditional sounds of Pakistan with more modern elements. It’s one of two singles released off of the upcoming Vulture Prince, due out April 23rd. Her sophomore LP is highly anticipated; the vinyl has already sold out on her BandCamp. In an interestingly cool move, Aftab has Vulture Prince perfume for sale as well, which is supposed to create a heightened experience while listening to the album, so if you’d like to add to your streaming experience, there’s still opportunity.

Musicbydoc13 & All Around – “That Won’t Do”

Farmington’s Musicbydoc13 raps over a pristine beat produced by Hartford’s All Around in one of the best local hip hop tracks out of Connecticut in 2021. All Around lays a great foundation with a Arabian inspired production that is gripping. For his part, Doc rides the beat well, carving it up like an experienced skier carving down a mountain, adding to environment. All Around hops on himself and adds to an already irresistible record to round things off.

Jon Batiste – “I NEED YOU”

“I NEED YOU,” the opening track to Jon Batiste’s latest album WE ARE, is a throwback to another era. Combining the energy of swing music with a light jazzy piano and electric vocals, he’s creating catchy, danceable music that anybody can enjoy. Batiste is in quite the era himself, releasing TWO Grammy nominated albums in 2020, then being a central contributor to Pixar’s Soul in 2021. No wonder “I NEED YOU” is so upbeat.

Ben Kessler – “Cruise Control”

With shades of Frank Ocean, Ben Kessler’s “Cruise Control” starts off slowly and builds itself into an uproar. Kessler capture’s Ocean’s soulful passion and blends it with electronic inspiration, creating a unique sound and experience for his listeners. The Nashville based artist claims to be making music in his parents’ basement, but if he keeps this up, he’ll be moving up on out of there in short order (or not, because you can’t put a price on dinner from Mom).

Red Idle Rejects – “Shades of Blue”

Country doesn’t get much play around these parts. In large part, that’s because I find modern country to be shallow and not worthy of much exploration. However, on the occasion that I come across something with some depth, it can be a genre as wonderful as any. Enter “Shades of Blue” by the Red Idle Rejects, released on March 27th as part of their project Ink and Nicotine. It’s a heartfelt, and the gentle musical composition carries the emotion wonderfully. The Cincinnati band actually gets a lot of play around Connecticut, receiving air time on 3 stations here in the Nutmeg State. Catch them on WCNI, WESU, and WETS.

Mojo Dojo – “Calfiend”

The Watertown trio Mojo Dojo comes at you with a sound that calls back to the indie rock of the early Oughts (that the early 2000s for those unfamiliar) paired with some ripping guitar solos from a decade before that. If you’re a fan of guitar rock that shreds, look no further. The band’s new album Mojo Dojo was released March 25th.

Jiaani – “Family First”

It’s not much more than an interlude, but it was more than good enough to make the cut. “Family First” off of Jiaani’s new album Dom Process is smooth and his rhymes are effortless. The sample is on point, and there are some Denzel movie quotes thrown in for good measure. We’re definitely looking forward to diving in and listening to Dom Process soon.

Jelani Blackman – “Gone Freestyle”

With a production that is dark and mysterious, London’s Jelani Blackman just rocks steady across “Gone Freestyle.” Grime, a UK cousin to rap, often is manic and yet Blackman delivers each word in a cool and collected style. Fitting several different moods, it’s a versatile song; give it a listen, try it on, and see where it’ll fit into your life. It’ll make you feel like a bad ass for sure.

Enslow – “Dangerous”

This is a fun pop track that makes me want to dance. There is frustratingly little information about Enslow on the internet, but I can tell you I’ll be jamming to “Dangerous” all summer long. Marketing for the track seems to taken on the aesthetic and themes of roller skating. Roller skating has been on a major resurgence over the last couple of years, so if it takes hold in the community whatsoever, it’ll be a major boon. This is one for when you’re carefree and walking amongst the clouds.

Nellie McKay – “Beneath the Underdog”

A throwback from 2010, “Beneath the Underdog” is a really cool track. I heard McKay sing a live rendition of it on the radio and was immediately hooked. She sings with the breathy sensibilities of a singer from the 60s or 70s. Musically, the melody is a mixture of nu-disco and bossa nova. The result is a song that brings to mind pictures of tropical cabanas and fruity drinks with umbrellas. “Beneath the Underdog” has a great energy that carries it forward. The breezy nature of McKay’s vocals pair perfectly with the musical arrangement, making it easy to enjoy, but the lyrics give it some emotional depth for those who like their music with substance. I’m just disappointed I’ve missed out on it for the last 11 years.

Roody Roodboy – “Tranble”

Born in Haiti, Roody Roodboy has been burning up the island and collecting accolades for about a decade now. The influences of his home are instantly recognizable, incorporating many of the elements of Caribbean pop music. “Tranble,” sung in Haitian-Creole, is a danceable track with some infectious details.

The 50x50s & Arc5 – “Red Eye”

Connecticut’s 50x50s (Deto 22 and Sketch the Cataclysm) are putting out some HEAT! “Red Eye” has some beautiful, energetic production with some absolutely dope rhymes. If you’re a fan of old school hip hop or apricate strong technical MC skills, look no further. Along with Arc5, the pair make use of a lot of classic hip hop elements to create something that is new and refreshing. The 50x50s are constantly putting out a variety of content and are a good follow on IG. Check them out at @the50x50s.

Mike Squires & Anoyd – “Love 4 This”

Two of Connecticut’s more successful hip hop acts, Mike Squires and Anoyd come together for “Love 4 This.” Heavy bass and tweaked samples put together by Squires are in the vein of Kanye’s Graduation. It sets a wonderful vibe and shows his vision and skill as a producer. On the mic, we have Hartford’s very own Anoyd, the Capital City’s most prominent MC. He’s in top form, delivering his punchline rap with verses that fit perfectly with the vibe Squire established. This is a great example of what is possible when two of the state’s top artists come together. Now if only we could get an entire album…

LOMELI – “Slow Scene Familiar”

The titular track off of LOMELI’s debut LP, it is a record worthy of bearing the entire project’s name. It feels more organic than previous LOMELI tracks, although it surely has the same electronic influences. It comes packaged with some sweet hip hop beats, and some subdued, plucky guitar. It creates a beautiful environment that is ripe for enjoyment as plant life rejoins us this spring. “Slow Scene Familiar” has a delicate strength that can touch your soul. Enjoy recklessly.

LOMELI – “Hours Spent”

It was hard to narrow down our selection from Slow Scene Familiar to just two tracks, but “Hours Spent” was a worthy choice. Other songs would have reflected chillwave characteristics we’ve opined on, but “Hours Spent” offers listeners something different from the L.A. artist. It’s an indie pop song that shares a lot of qualities of music you’d hear from JR JR. Magic lives within the record, at that a special quality that not even all great tracks have.

Figmore – “Mr. Barreleye”

I’m not exactly sure, but this track reminds me of “Careless Whisper.” It does have a sexy quality to it, but that’s where obvious similarities end. The lo-fi track is one for the summer when cool drinks are flowing on hot days. It’s for lazy days looking hot for your lover. It’s for romantic summer nights in the moonlight. Handle with care ladies and gentlemen. Once “Mr. Barreleye” gets going, we can’t be held responsible for whatever happens next.

Figmore – “Home”

This song sets itself apart from the rest of the tracks on Figmore’s debut Jumbo Street. With lines describing the douchey traits of his landlord, JUICEBOX and 10.4 rog are definitely having fun on this one. The entire album feels carefree, but this one feels more like bliss. It’s like rounding out a great day with your friends with a party where the feeling is just right and everybody is having a great time.

The Best Stuff I Heard This Week: The Complete Playlist

Michael Stroneski, editor at mvsicthovght, has started several blogs and multi-media projects you’ve never seen. He is a life-long cheerleader for Connecticut and underground music. You can reach him at contact@mvsicthovght.com.