But don’t worry, we’re going to save you the hassle. We listen to some of the most-hyped and interesting songs each week, and tell you which are worthy of your precious listening time.
Here are our top five songs to stream this week. And don’t forget to subscribe to our Spotify page for a playlist of our weekly picks, which can also be found at the bottom of this post. Not sure which streaming service is best for you? Check out our post about the best music streaming services to better weigh your options.
Grizzly Bear — Neighbors
Grizzly Bear‘s much-anticipated fifth album, Painted Ruins, comes out August 18, but the band has slowly been releasing lead singles to fans over the past few months. The latest, Neighbors, is a swirling wall of sound with punchy drumbeats and acoustic and electric guitars — a head-bobbing tune that will keep you coming back to unpeel it’s many layers.
Sylvan Esso — Die Young (Echo Mountain Session)
Though they made a name for themselves as an electronic duo, Sylvan Esso recently expanded their popular new single Die Young by bringing in a full band for an Echo Mountain Session. The addition of saxophone, guitar, keyboards, bass, drums, and two background vocalists results in a gorgeous live arrangement. The accompanying live video shows the band laying down the track in the studio.
Big Thief — Mary (live on KCRW)
There’s a deep well of passion behind this recent Big Thief performance on California’s KCRW radio, with lead singer Adrianne Lenker building her soft vocal performance to a spit-laced scream about three-quarters of the way through. Fast-paced lyrics are held together by a slow and powerful groove.
Action Bronson — The Chairman’s Intent
Rapper Action Bronson‘s latest music video places the bearded lyricist in the center of a classic ’70s Kung fu film, where he sports a hilarious blond ponytail. The song is just as interesting as the video, with a lo-fi soul groove that pairs perfectly with the rapper’s highly visual prose.
John Van Deusen — Don’t Pitch Correct Me (and more, live on KEXP)
There’s a mid-2000s emo vibe to the vocals of Seattle-area mainstay John Van Deusen that makes his brand of pop music shine brighter, and it’s perfectly exemplified on this live performance of Don’t Pitch Correct Me. A powerful drumbeat joins fun synth tones and palm-muted guitar, allowing the singer/songwriter’s voice just enough space.
That’s it for now, but tune in next week for more songs to stream, and check out the playlist loaded with our recent selections below:
