Let's not fall into the trap of thinking national isolation and closed borders is the lesson to draw from this crisis. International cooperation and solidarity is what pandemics call for. And fighting fascism is, as always, crucial. Also let's not forget that Ana Tijoux absolutely rules.
KAYTRANADA ft. Anderson .Paak - Glowed Up
Some very good vibes in here. Sunny-days-by-the-water's-edge vibes. I feel a bit guilty saying it while the world is in dire straits, but... I'm glowed up.
The Beatnuts ft. Big Pun & Cuban Linx - Off the Books
Threw in an old school 90s cut for the infectious beat. Only later did I realise there's a Corona mention in the lyrics. Infects everything, it does.
We're night thieves, roll up on you like sleeves We light trees, bust these and stack cheese
Danger Doom ft. Ghostface Killah - The Mask
Cheese links this and the previous track together. And Doom and Ghostface on the same track means pure wordplay joy.
My money green like my nickname was celery
Jay Electronica ft. The-Dream - Shiny Suit Theory
Jay Electronica finally released his first album the other day and it's one of those which you know you'll keep finding new things in years from now. True complex genious stuff. This might be the most trad-hip hop track, it's got Jay-Z together with Jay-E, and you truly do get blessed with every line.
In the land before time A land before altar boys, synagogues, and shrines, man was in his prime Look how far I go in time just to start a rhyme The method is sublime, you get blessed with every line
OK, so I've now lived two weeks in my new home on a little island. So far it's an enchanted existence.
Marianne Faithfull - Yesterday
Last week I had one of those extra moments. I was on the bus on the way to work, crossing over Göta Älv on the Älvsborg bridge a short while after sunrise. Rolling along, 100 meters above the estuary, a V-formation of geese suddenly came flying, crossing just over the bus, at the exact same time that the choir enters at 0:27 into this here song which I was listening to in my headphones. It was cinematic, in that over-the-top, sentimental way that is cliche but still so straightforward and right that you just can't help but feel it in your soul. Just like this cover version.
Christine and the Queens ft. Caroline Polachek - La vita nuova
Dream meeting of amazing women. When Caroline Polachek showed up without prior warning in this EP-long video, the electricity tingled throughout my body.
Helado Negro - Todo Lo Que Me Falta
All that's missing in my home is a guest. Come visit. I'll play you this lovely laidback song about what was missing and make us coffee.
Disclosure ft. London Grammar - Help Me Lose My Mind
Didn't get in on it when it was hot back in 2013, but now I get it. It's music that makes you light.
Moses Sumney - Lonely World
In times of social distancing and self quarantines, I can think of few better places to ride out the storm than this island. It's a lonely world, but out on the barnacle-rimmed cliffs it's a delicious loneliness, which you can turn over and over in your mouth to suck out the taste of the word, just like Moses does.
