BSR Beats: Week 2

Gina LaRocca|January 22, 2014

	STRFKR — Kahlil Gibran In February of 2013 STRFKR released their 3rd studio album, Miracle Mile. Kahlil Gibran is one of the slower, more laid-back songs on the album and soon after its release NPR picked it up for one of the station’s liners. The dream-pop and catchy funk-like sounds are a perfect showing of its Indian-inspired roots.
	Childish Gambino — IV. Sweatpants The track first leaked on Mon., Nov. 25, and what did Donald Glover have to say? “I’m trying to create one of the more imaginative rollouts, and other people’s lust for money and impatience is ruining it.” Even so, his latest album release, Because the Internet, isn’t one that disappoints.
	Blood Orange — You’re Not Good Enough Still #1 at CMJ, Blood Orange’s Cupid Deluxe has stolen the hearts of many. Both Chairlift’s Caroline Polachek and Dirty Projectors Dave Longstreth contributed to the album. iTunes describes the trippy electronica melodies best as “dimensional, hypnotizing, and amorphous.”
	Cults — Always Forever Always Forever is one of those songs you instantly hear and think it belongs on a commercial. The dream-pop sounds are very reminiscent of their first album, as well as a comparison to STRFKR’s “Miracle Mile.” “Static” is their sophomore album, produced only months after the duo’s romantic relationship ended.
	The Beatles — Lovely Rita A throwback jam that definitely deserves another listen, even 47 years after the original album release. Off of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the song features the signature Beatles style as well as the experimental mix of other tracks off the album, including the title track, as well as “With A Little Help From My Friends.”
	Conway — Big Talk Released on an EP in late September of last year, Big Talk brings listeners exciting surprises as well as expressive, pop-like vocals with raw “Say what’s on your mind” lyrics. She’s a singer/writer “born in St. Louis, and born again in Brooklyn.” Note: not to be confused with Hip-Hop/Rap artist Conway. They’re definitely not the same.