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This Week’s Best New Songs: Mitski, Beach House, Girlpool, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have Girlpool’s ‘Faultline’, a lyrically wrenching track that holds itself together against a glistening backdrop; Mitski’s latest single ‘Heat Lightning’, which starts out slow but builds to a hypnotic, dissonant swell; Beach House’s ‘New Romance’, a mesmerizing cut off the second chapter of the group’s upcoming double album Once Twice Melody; Sally Shapiro’s haunting ‘Christmas Escape’, the third single from the duo’s first new LP since 2013’s Somewhere Else; and Squirrel Flower’s intimate and atmospheric ’ruby at dawn’, lifted from the singer-songwriter’s upcoming Planet EP.

Best New Songs: December 13, 2021

Girlpool, ‘Faultline’

Mitski, ‘Heat Lightning’

Song of the Week: Beach House, ‘New Romance’

Sally Shapiro, ‘Christmas Escape’

Squirrel Flower, ‘ruby at dawn’

Watch Bilile Eilish Perform ‘Happier Than Ever’ and ‘Male Fantasy’ on ‘SNL’

Billie Eilish pulled double duty in last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live, serving as both the host and musical guest. Joined by her brother Finneas and drummer Andrew Marshall, the singer performed the title song to her sophomore album, Happier Than Ever, as well as the track ‘Male Fantasy’. Watch her performances below.

Happier Than Ever, the follow-up to Eilish’s 2019 debut WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?, arrived back in July. She recently shared a new self-directed video for ‘Male Fantasy’. Eilish was nominated in seven different categories at the 2022 Grammys, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year.

Sis Shares Video for New Song ‘Wooie’

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Sis, the project of multi-instrumentalist Jenny Gillespie Mason, has shared a new song called ‘Wooie’, taken from her upcoming EP Gnani. The track arrives with an accompanying animated video courtesy of Danski Tang. Watch and listen below.

“‘Wooie,’ the place where I wanted to reach towards, when the confused, wizened reality of 2021 around me was sinking in more and more, some kind of invented city where Edenic stirrings met communal life,” Mason explained in a statement. “Seeking out the “woo” in astrology, tarot, Jungian dream analysis, the writings of Rudolf Steiner – what to others may seem like escapist jibber-jabber, but to me gave me a sense of magic and a horizon and depth. And oh, that beat I’d made on Ableton Push – I just had to have it throughout, urging me onward to that funky true place – and I just had to have Brijean play congas on it–and she did!”

Of the video, she added: “I was so grateful that my friend Alexander Stewart who is a professor of animation at CalArts introduced me to his former student Danski Tang to animate the video for “Wooie.” She is a new genius on the animation horizon in the tradition of Miyazaki, the Hubleys, and all the beautiful weirdos before her. Danski was able through her indelible art to plumb the depths of the feminine wilds of my psyche, teasing out the song’s primordial origins while delicately discovering its mystical strivings as well. I would love to have a still frame of each and every second of this video to hang all over my walls at home!”

Sis’ Gnani EP is out January 7, 2022 on Jenny Gillespie Mason’s own label, Native Cat Recordings.  It includes the previously released single ‘Double Rapture’.

Mac DeMarco Joins Jean Dawson on New Song ‘Menthol*’

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Experimental pop artist Jean Dawson has teamed up with MacDeMarco for a new song called ‘Menthol*’. The track features production from Zach Fogarty. Check it out below.

“I’ve just been wanting to scream all the time – not out of anger or any emotion I can pinpoint but just scream at the top of my lungs at nothing,” Dawson said in a statement. “I don’t know if the song represents that at all but the song is just where I’m at with shit. I think I fully lost my ability to care about shit I don’t care about and it’s truly beautiful. I guess I’m really infatuated with the chaoticness that comes with the idea of tomorrow.”

Jean Dawson released his latest LP, Pixel Bath, last year.

RZA and Flatbush Zombies Team Up for New Song ‘Plug Addicts’

RZA and Brooklyn rap trio Flatbush Zombies have joined forces for a new song called ‘Plug Addicts’. The track is accompanied by a John Tashiro-directed music video inspired by Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 film Reservoir Dogs. It’s the first of two collaborations between RZA and Flatbush Zombies, who are set to release a track titled ‘Quentin Tarantino’ on December 17. Check out ‘Plug Addicts’ below.

“I’ve had my eyes on the Flatbush Zombies for sometime now,” RZA said in a statement. “Their style of Dark hip hop lyricism is reminiscent of my days in the Gravediggaz. This type of collaboration was overdue.”

Flatbush Zombies’ Erick the Architect added: “In a lot of ways I saw RZA in myself, as a fellow producer/artist. We are making history together at this very moment. The music he’s made over the course of his career had a lot to do with why I wanted to make music in the first place, it’s beautiful to see these things come full circle.”

The Monkees’ Michael Nesmith Dead at 78

Michael Nesmith, a member of the 1960s pop group the Monkees, has died. “With Infinite Love we announce that Michael Nesmith has passed away this morning in his home, surrounded by family, peacefully and of natural causes,” his family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “We ask that you respect our privacy at this time and we thank you for the love and light that all of you have shown him and us.” Nesmith was 78 years old.

Born in Houston, Michael Nesmith was an up-and-coming musician when he auditioned to join the Monkees in 1965. He had written songs including ‘Different Drum’, which was later recorded by Linda Ronstadt’s group The Stone Poneys. Nesmith was hired alongside Mickey Dolenz, Davy Jones, and Peter Tork to play in a sitcom about a fictional Beatles-style group and provide vocals on songs written by professional pop songwriters. Even before the Monkees began operating as a self-directed band, they had recorded several Nesmith originals. Amidst criticism that they weren’t a “real band,” the Monkees demanded they be allowed to play their own instruments and write their own songs, which they did on their third album, 1967’s Headquarters.

In 1968, while the Monkees were still active, Nesmith released his first solo album, The Wichita Train Whistle Sings. When the band broke up in 1970, he formed a country-rock group called the First National Band, releasing three albums between 1970 and 1971. In addition to his prolific career as a solo artist, he would go on to reunite with the Monkees multiple times over the years, including on their last two albums, 2016’s Good Times! and 2018’s Christmas Party. Just last month, Nesmith capped a farewell tour with Dolenz at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles.

“I know that Michael was at peace with his legacy which included songwriting, producing, acting, direction, and so many innovative ideas and concepts,” the Monkees manager Andrew Sandoval wrote in a statement on Facebook. “I am positive the brilliance he captured will resonate and offer the love and light towards which he always moved.”

Dancing classes: what are the benefits of modern choreography for students

We live in an age of abundance in everything. And in dancing as well! Schools and studios offer such a wide range of all kinds of directions that the eyes, and maybe the legs, run in different directions. Sometimes it might be challenging to find some time for activities like dancing due to a busy study schedule. However, with proper time management, everything is possible. As a student I was dancing about three times a week, I also decided to pay someone to write my paper to spare some time. There are many classical genres that have been created centuries ago. Today we will talk about modern choreography.

Some genre names will be completely unfamiliar to many students. Not everyone knows what Vogue or Jazz-modern is. In this article, we will look at the three most popular and fashionable styles of modern choreography. And you can choose what is more suitable for you.

Go-go

A gogo – translated from the French “in excess”. This expression was part of the name of one of the dance cafes in Paris. Now, this is the name of the whole dancing genre, which is taught in almost all schools of modern choreography.

This style originated back in the 60s when American beauties took the fashion to dance a twist on tables. A little later, in one of the popular clubs, they came up with the idea of hanging special cages from the ceiling, where, in fact, the action took place. Girls in short skirts gave out aerobatics of club dances, which attracted a large number of male visitors.

In eastern Europe, this style appeared only in the 90s. Everything Western was in fashion, and dancing was no exception. As you can see, today the style has not lost its popularity.

How are Go-go workouts held?

It cannot be said that there was any special school here. There is no specific set of movements characteristic of this dance. The dance teachers, first of all, teach the following:

  • feel the music;
  • move plastically in rhythm;
  • improvise on the go.

It would seem that this is not difficult at all. Why take a class? If you are a bright, energetic girl, plastic, without internal clamps – maybe there is no need. After all, you are already the star of the dance floor. But if you want to get rid of complexes and relax a little, the lessons will be very useful.

Advantages of Go-go

  • A huge advantage is that you do not need any source data, in addition to the desire to dance from the heart.

That’s what this hobby gives:

  • rest from stressful study and work;
  • disclosure of artistic talent;
  • overcoming complexes;
  • improving self-esteem;
  • now you will definitely be the star of student discos.

Vogue

Which of the girls did not carry in their hearts the desire to proudly walk down the catwalk in a chic couture outfit. Probably, everyone dreamed of something like this as a child. You may not be a model, but it’s worth trying yourself in podium dancing.

These very strange gestures are fascinating. Intricate brush strokes are similar to magical passes. But… just sleight of hand and no magic!

The style originated in an American prison. The prisoners had fun copying the poses and gait of the models. Oddly enough, the usual antics grew into a whole dance art, which began to spread actively.

The second wave of Vogue’s popularity rolled in the 90s after the famous Madonna video of the same name.

What do they do in Vogue classes?

By the way, not only girls can learn it but also guys. In the lessons you will be able to:

  • master a beautiful model walk;
  • develop plastic hands;
  • learn the technique of spectacular falls;
  • be confident enough to show pathos, outrage.

What are the disadvantages of Vogue dancing?

Some movements are traumatic! Therefore, to benefit, and not harm, it is better not to rush all in without prior preparation. Complex tricks can only be performed by former gymnasts, ballet dancers, and those who did a little dancing in childhood. If the world of choreography has been unknown to you until now, start with a simple one.

And the benefit is this:

  • improved coordination of movements;
  • memory training (try to remember so many quick movements at once);
  • the opportunity to feel like a real model.

According to Vogue, dance battles are held, in which unusual, enthusiastic people always participate. Attending such contests will not only be interesting but also useful to every student, if not as a participant, then at least as a spectator.

Modern Jazz

Its homeland is the USA. The dance appeared in the 40s as a spectacular combination of ballet, Art Nouveau, ethnic choreography, and jazz technique. The main idea of the Jazz-modern direction is freedom. Through flying and falling backward, human nature is reflected: half heavenly, half earthly.

It is quite difficult to master Jazz-modern without prior preparation. You need strong enough, formed back muscles and stretching. Without such a set, most of the tricks will be unavailable, but it’s worth a try. What if you weren’t aware of your talents?

What do they teach in Jazz-modern lessons?

Since the style is a mix of different genres, the specifics of classes involve learning a little bit of everything. Here’s what you will master:

  • classic hand and foot positions;
  • rotations;
  • correct slopes;
  • jazz technique of performance.

The lesson always begins with a warm-up, followed by flexibility and stretching exercises. So be prepared to be patient and show high performance.

What is the use of Jazz Modern?

It’s very beautiful: ballet plastic, complemented by elements of modern choreography, enhanced by vivid emotions.

There are also many additional advantages:

  • formation of a muscular corset;
  • development of flexibility and stretching;
  • increase endurance;
  • development of emotionality and artistry;

If studying involves endless cramming, you just need to find something to counterbalance. Jazz-modern will help any student to take a break from books and feel like a free bird.

Perfume Genius Remixes Charli XCX’s ‘Good Ones’

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Charli XCX has enlisted Perfume Genius for a remix of her recent single ‘Good Ones’. Check it out below.

‘Good Ones’ is the lead offering from Charli XCX’s forthcoming album, CRASHwhich is set to arrive on March 18. The record also includes the recently released track ‘New Shapes’, a collaboration with Christine and the Queens and Caroline Polachek.

Earlier this year, Perfume Genius released IMMEIDATELY Remixes, an album of reimagined versions of each track from his 2020 LP Set My Heart on Fire Immediately.

Earl Sweatshirt Announces New Album ‘SICK!’, Teams Up With Armand Hammer for New Single

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Earl Sweatshirt has announced a new 10-track project titled SICK!, which is due out January 14 via Tan Cressida/Warner Records. Along with the announcement, he’s also shared a new song, ‘Tabula Rasa’, featuring Armand Hammer. Check out a music video for the track and find the record’s cover art below.

SICK! will be the follow-up to Earl Sweatshirt’s 2019 record FEET OF CLAY. “SICK! is my humble offering of 10 songs recorded in the wake of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic and its subsequent lockdowns,” the rapper said in a statement. “Before the virus I had been working on an album I named after a book I used to read with my mother (‘The People Could Fly’). Once the lockdowns hit, people couldn’t fly anymore. A wise man said art imitates life.”

He continued: “People were sick. The People were angry and isolated and restless. I leaned into the chaos cause it was apparent that it wasn’t going anywhere. these songs are what happened when I would come up for air. Peace and love to Zelooperz the enigma, The Armand Hammer, and my good friends Alchemist and Black Noi$e. Peace and love to u.”

Last month, Earl Sweatshirt released the Black Noi$e-produced solo track ‘2010’, which landed on our Best New Songs segment.

SICK! Cover Artwork:

Boris Share Cover of ‘Last Christmas’

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Boris have shared a new two-track Christmas single entitled Noël, which is available exclusively through Bandcamp via Sacred Bones. It includes Boris’ take on Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’, as well as a rework of Boris’ New Album track ‘Pardon?’ by London-based singer-songwriter Lauren Auder and French producer Dviance. Take a listen below.

“When Lauren Auder replied to our post and told us ‘I love this album very much,’ we were very excited,” Boris stated in a press release. “We really like Lauren’s voice, atmosphere, music and video work. We replied back that we would like to work together someday soon. New Album is an album that has received various criticisms before, however, like Lauren, we also happen to love this album very much. Now, ten years later, we have asked Lauren to sing a new interpretation from it.”

Auder added: “I’ve been a long-time fan of Boris’s work and New Album has been particularly influential on my musical style. When this came up, Atsuo from the band proposed I take a shot at making a new version of the track. I was at the time working on my debut full length with my long-time co-writer Dviance and knowing how much he has also been inspired by Boris’ work it only made sense for us to work on this one together. I’m extremely excited for this to have come together and hoping to continue this collaboration in the future.”

Commenting on their cover of ‘Last Christmas’, Boris said: “This is a Christmas present for everyone who lives with the various restrictions stemming from COVID-19. Here in Japan, it is customary to give gifts at Christmas. We hope this Christmas will be the ‘Last Christmas’ of COVID-19.”