Music

9 songs that ruled our playlist this week

by Chris Budd

Check out our “Trending” Playlist for this week. Put on the player and read a bit about each song below.

1. “Sagres” by The Tallest Man On Earth

This playlist was incredibly easy to put together today, as it seemed like all my favourite bands picked the same week to debut new material. Case in point, Kristian Matsson (aka The Tallest Man On Earth), via his label Dead Oceans, put up the beautiful song “Sagres” from his upcoming release Dark Bird is Home (out May 12th). This track has Kristian recording with more accompaniment, compared to his previous solo sounding work and makes me wonder if he got hooked on The War On Drugs last year.

2. “Love Song for Robots” by Patrick Watson

Montreal songwriter Patrick Watson tipped us this week to the title track off his sixth studio album Love Songs For Robots. It’s quite a stunning grower, relying on Watson’s ability to draw in the listener with his arrangements, atmospherics, and soft-felt vocal delivery. Music supervisors take note of this one.

3. “Seoul” by The Line

If you’re looking for a new band to tell your friends about, try Montreal dream-pop band Seoul. Steadily building fans by releasing Soundcloud singles, I first became a fan via their second single “Stay With Us“, which in checking the AUX archives, I can’t believe I’ve never posted here. Might as well stay current because “The Line” is brand spanking new and comes on the announcement of their album I Become A Shade, out via Grand Jury / Last Gang Records. Get on board.

4. “Vagabonds” by Satellite Stories

It’s not too often I’ve got a band from Finland in the playlist, but I’m definitely on a Satellite Stories kick right now. “Vagabonds” is a great intro to this band, but do me a favour and head back to “Heartbeat” and “Lights Go Low.” I’m expecting big things for this group.

5. “Clean (feat. Jamie Lidell)” by Big Data

Guaranteed you’ve heard the song “Dangerous” by Big Data. You must have by now, this track is everywhere. Well, the guy that brought you that song has a new collaboration online called “Clean,” featuring the legendary Jamie Lidell. This track is just so good, I hope it gets the same traction as Big Data‘s debut.

6. “Better Man” by Leon Bridges

I’m getting all kinds of pre-SXSW chatter at the moment, with a lot of colleagues adding Forth Worth, TX gospel/soul singer Leon Bridges to their list of bands to see in sunny Austin. Channeling a throwback to ’60s-soul a la Otis Redding and Sam Cooke, take a listen to the song “Better Man.”

7. “Drifting” by ON AN ON

Again, another one of my favourite bands with new music this week. The hauntingly stunning new version of “Drifting” appeared online this week from Minneapolis trio ON AN ON, in anticipation of their upcoming sophomore album (out this summer). This album was produced by Joe Chiccarelli (Spoon, White Stripes, The Shins, My Morning Jacket), and this song will be playing all weekend here. Pay attention to 3:00, incredible.

8. “So Cruel” by Young Empires

Here’s a song for your party playlist. Toronto’s Young Empires are back with “So Cruel,” a track that’s pure electro-pop bliss. For fans of Friendly Fires.

9. “Bloom” by Cloud Fighter

I’ll admit, I know nothing about this track other than it peaked my ear while checking my daily feeds this morning, coming to us from a debut on the Neon Gold records blog. As one of my most trusted sources for great new music, I’ll always give whats there a good listen. I wasn’t disappointed today, adding Brooklyn band Cloud Fighter to my list of bands to keep an eye on.

Thanks for listening.