Read while listening on Spotify.
1. Anohni and the Johnsons: ‘We have to change’
Heart-wrenching vocalist Anohni has released strong solo music over the past decade, most notably 2016’s politically poetic electro album Hopelessness. Her new single “It Must Change” marks her first release of music since 2010. with her backing band, The Johnsons. That doesn’t mean rethinking, though. Soulful, sexy and subversive, “It Must Change” is also a call to respect – “The way you talk to me must change,” sings Anohni – and It is also a call to embrace the constant fluidity of all things. (listen on youtube)
2. Silvana Estrada: “Milagro y desastre”
I am forever grateful to Jon Pareles for listening to new artists from so many different cultures and musical traditions. I want to thank him for introducing me to Mexican singer-songwriter Silvana Estrada, who won Best New Artist at last year’s Latin Grammy Awards. Usually known for her sparse, guitar-driven folk songs, “Milagro y Desastre” (Miracles and Disasters) is new for Estrada. The song consists primarily of looped and layered snippets of her own voice. (See also: Suzanne Vega’s recent captivating cover “Tom’s Diner”) The light percussive notes that make up the song’s rhythmic backbone are a bit reminiscent of Laurie Anderson’s “O Superman,” but Estrada’s passionate singing and unique ear for melody , which finally makes “Milagro y desastre” something unique. (listen on youtube)
3. Rob Moose featuring Phoebe Bridgers: “Wasted”
His name is Rob Moose. A prolific string player and arranger for artists such as Bon Iver, Brittany Howard and Phoebe Bridgers, Moose will release his EP, Inflorescent, on August 11th. It features guest vocals from all of the aforementioned artists, but my favorite song so far is the moody, nocturnal “Wasted,” a collaboration with Bridgers. Bridgers has been playing that version live for years, but Moose’s contributions take it to the next level, his anxiously strummed notes and graceful crescendos making her existentially terrifying. has been wiped out almost like a movie. (listen on youtube)
4. Blur: “The Narcissist”
Regular readers of Amplifier will already know this song. In honor of this, we’ve created an entire newsletter featuring some of her favorite Blur songs. I think the British band’s first new single in eight years is going to be a lot of fun. The push-pull between Damon Albarn’s downcast deadpan and Graham Coxon’s playful backing vocals is classic blur. (listen on youtube)
5. Miya Folick “Cockroach”
I’ve been listening avidly to Los Angeles singer-songwriter Miya Follick’s recently released second album, Roach. “Cockroach” is one of her more subdued songs among them, but it does show Follik’s unconventional edge and her penchant for phrasal changes with surprising emotion. Her comparison of herself to a cockroach is usually an expression of self-loathing, but Follik uses it here as a symbol of dirty recovery: “You can’t kill me.” (listen on youtube)
