Weekly Track Roundup #35: Songs of the Summer (2019)
woah first weekly track roundup!! now that it’s below 50 outside, we’re starting to reminisce on the warm weather and homework-less comfort of days gone by. these are our defining tracks of summer
BIGKLIT — “BAT MAN”
Big Klit’s electric high energy definitely helped me survive what was a thoroughly disappointing summer. “Bat Man” is one of the slower tracks, with angry ad-libs still screamed, though faded in the background. I definitely suggest giving the whole album 2028 a listen if you have some resentment, anger, and feel sorry for yourself, which I think you do.
—Meredith Olin
Big Thief — “Not”
When this song came out, it honestly made me think: what can Big Thief NOT do? Released a few months after their stellar album U.F.O.F., which brought out much of the earthy, mellower sides of Big Thief, Not was a welcome shift, consisting of three minutes of Adrienne Lenker’s raspy punk-ish voice to an intense three minute Buck Meek guitar solo. This song was released along with the announcement of a new Big Thief album, Two Hands, coming out in October, the second album they’ll release in 2019.
—Jacob Maren
Tkay Maidza — “Awake” (ft. JPEGMAFIA)
Had any trouble sleeping this summer? Was it 95° and the AC was busted? Were you having incessant nightmares about drop/add? Did your family go to bed at 10, but you still wanted to party until 4? If you answered yes to any of these questions, this summer Australian rapper Tkay Maidza delivered your anthem.
—Asa Levite
Alex G — “Southern Sky”
Alex G is back! This standout track off his new album "House of Sugar" features a catchy melody, great instrumentation, and beautiful harmonies. The lyrics are classic Alex G, equal parts sentimental, mysterious, and mesmerizing. On top of that, the violin and the piano meld to create a tune that can't help but make your head bob, one that hasn't left my mind since the first day I heard this song. Also, the music video is incredible!!
—Sam Kurlender
Clairo — “Bags”
The bop of my summer was easily “Bags” by Clairo. A single off of her first album Immunity, bedroom-pop songstress Claire Cottrill crafts a synth heavy song about the bittersweet nature of breakups. “Bags” highlights Cottrill’s songwriting abilities with its intimately distant verses and aching chorus. While different from many of the other songs off her album, Cottrill’s signature haunting vocals mixed with a catchy chord progression makes it a standout.
—Abby Nicholson
Kero Kero Bonito — “Swimming”
Juuuust the right balance of lonely melancholy and wistful playfulness in this sweet sweet KKB track. Play it when you go to Miller’s (you know you want to).
—Amy Geiger
Bakar — “Hell N Back”
Bakar is a transcendent contemporary artist, incorporating many musical styles. In addition to making music, he has also walked for Louis Vuitton twice. The single “Hell N Back” off of his latest EP Will You Be My Yellow, is a deceptively happy tune, capturing summertime sadness and the turbulence of relationships. However, it's also a chill and catchy song that you can blast out of your car on a nice summer sunset drive.
—Luca Coletta
Maggie Rogers — “The Knife”
Although it didn't come out this summer, my song of the summer is definitely The Knife by Maggie Rogers. I had the honor of seeing the witchy feminist rock star in concert this summer in Portland, Maine, so I spent a ridiculous amount of time listening to her beforehand and after. The funky beat of The Knife is perfect for summer drives and is a great pick-me-up song.
—Liz Colannino
