Tuesday Tunes—1/22
Let’s hear it for the ladies, shall we? We’re having a total girl power moment with our selects this week, choosing some highly-talented female-fronted acts to rock out to with reckless abandon! Do join us:
Confetti by Tori Kelly
Northern Lights by Kate Boy
Medicine by Alex Winston
Cut It Out by Kitten
If You’re Never Gonna Move by Jessie Ware
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—11/27
You by The 1975
From their sophomore EP Sex, this track summons the listener upon first play with a guitar hook that abides and story-telling lyrics of post-love recovery with an optimistic slant. We anticipate the first full-length album from the Manchester quartet, due out next spring.
The Mother We Share by CHVRCHES
Our electro-pop fix of the week, The Mother We Share from Scottish trifecta CHVRCHES gives off high energy with sweet synth and nostalgic, echoing vocals for an 80s-like effect.
Fields by xxyyxx
Lovers of post-dub acts like The Weeknd and Alt-J will fall fast for xxyyxx, a solo effort by 17-year-old Marcel Everett, that warps elements of electro with R&B and hip-hop for lyrically minimal, sexy sounds.
Don’t Save Me by Haim
We have had our eye on this sister-rock three-piece for a bit, but this song has cemented our fandom. Reminiscent of The Pretenders with a catchy chorus and poised beat, it shakes up a buoyant sentiment without feeling cliché.
Float by Pacific Air
Pleasuring pop from brothers Ryan and Taylor Lawhon, Float captures the essence of the duo’s sunshine-y, SoCal disposition with carefree whistling, sparkling synths and a steady drum beat.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—11/13
I Want You by Tamara Laurel
This may be the debut single for the Venice-based folk songstress, but you wouldn’t know it by the sophisticated, wistful coalescing of acoustic guitar, subdued percussion and violin strings found in the track. Not to mention, the effortless rise and fall of Laurel’s lullaby vocals. She is one we will definitely be keeping our eyes (and ears) on.
The John Wayne by Little Green Cars
Love at first sound is the best way we to describe our initial encounter with Irish country-rockers, Little Green Cars. The young five-piece band relies on boy-girl harmonies, handclaps and a suspenseful tempo to tell a familiar story of wanting in this kickoff tune. Keep a lookout for their premiere full-length album Absolute Zero, produced by Markus Dravs (who has previously offered his talents to the likes of Mumford and Sons and Arcade Fire), in 2013.
See My Eyes by DWNTWN
We were so lucky as to catch this electro-pop trio in Los Angeles last night as part of KCRW’s hosted “School Night at Bardot.” A natural preceding act before Sky Ferreira’s synth-filled set, they charmed the smoke-filled “Red Room” with songs off their just-released EP, including this hypnotic dance track.
Affection by Crystal Castles
Few acts do dark quite like Crystal Castles—and we can’t help but be tempted by their outreached hand, holding an apple of sweetly sinister sounds from washed-out synths to ethereal vocals and goth-dance beats. Get a taste of their latest album, III, by biting into this dreamy hip-hop number, but don’t say we didn’t warn you when you can’t stop listening to it.
Candles by Daughter
After falling in love with the track Youth off an early 2011 release, we were stoked to find another EP from Daughter crooner Elena Tonra. Candles was our immediate fave with a dreamy guitar melody & drum beats floating beneath Tonra’s ethereal pipes.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—11/6
Drifting In And Out by Porcelain Raft
Porcelain Raft, a handle for the NYC-based Mauro Remiddi, remained shamefully off our radar until recently with his debut full-length release, Strange Weekend. Sample the bedroom pop sounds found in this track and you’ll soon find yourself submerged in the whole record.
Unwanted by The Strange Familiar
Guilty as charged, we heard this song on an episode of Pretty Little Liars—admit it, you never miss an episode either! Embodying the enchanting ethos of the Ohio-based pop rock band, Unwanted blends Kira Leyden’s powerful vocals with an alluring drum beat and narrative lyrics.
Ends Of The Earth by Lord Huron
Always welcoming new bands with an indie-folk feel, we’ve recently stumbled upon LA-based Lord Huron’s first full-length album, Lonesome Dreams—our fave track from the whimsical, tropical-tinged release? Ends Of The Earth!
Sleep Alone by Two Door Cinema Club
These Irish rockers are known for their upbeat tracks—Something Good Can Work, anyone? Sleep Alone is no exception, and manages to remain a feel-good tune despite some tender lyrics.
Wicked Games by The Weeknd
Though this track is off last year’s House of Balloons mixtape, The Weeknd just released the Wicked Games official video a few weeks ago—and consequently we’ve been revisiting the song lately over, and over, and over…
Don’t Make Em Like You by Ne-Yo
As longtime fans of Ne-Yo, we won’t pretend to hide our excitement over the R&B singer’s latest album. Seemingly a sequel to Miss Independent, this song raises a glass to classy ladies, sealing the deal as a hit with a rap cameo from Wiz Khalifa.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—10/16
Wildest Moments by Jessie Ware
After falling hard for the effortlessly chic style of this British darling (thank you Who What Wear), we were not surprised to find ourselves equally charmed with her romantic-meets-electro music. Wildest Moments conveys the hip-hop, dance stance (think Alicia Keys meets Robyn) of Ware’s debut album, Devotion.
Bad Girls by Blood Orange
We discovered this song gem from Alexa Chung’s Refinery29 playlist, and it is every bit as cool as the UK It-girl herself. Illustrating the mission of Blood Orange, which is a moniker of the one-man-show Dev Hynes, this track captures a sexy synth-pop sound that is evocative of Prince.
Can’t Stay Here by The Grand Nationals
From the soundtrack of The Oranges (a movie we loved), this indie-folk track from the New Jersey-based band mixes rapid drumming with whimsical xylophone and cooing vocals for an uplifting outcome.
Now Is The Start by A Fine Frenzy
The first single off of Alison Sudol’s just-released record, Pines, which tells the tale of a “pining” tree who is given the chance to make a life of her choosing, this spirit-filled anthem is catchy and clap-happy, making it the perfect addition to a fall dinner party playlist.
Calm My Soul by Paper Route
The men of Paper Route tell the story of Calm My Soul (in this interview) as being resurrected from the band’s ‘song graveyard’—and boy are we glad it did! A powerful melody with lyrics to match, the deep emotion behind this track is undeniably palpable and moving.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—10/9
Who by David Byrne & St. Vincent
A beyond fresh title track from David Byrne & St. Vincent’s eccentric effort, Love This Giant, Who solidifies the odd couple’s genius with a brass band foundation and contrasting, effortlessly cool man-woman harmonies.
Lay Your Cards Out by Polica
Incredibly listenable, this groovy track from former Gayngs contributors Ryan Olson and Channy Leaneagh, exists on one of our favorite albums of the year, Give You The Ghost. The tune allures with a synth-filled, bluesy reverb that makes it perfect for a downtown dinner party.
Explosions by Ellie Goulding
We didn’t think it was possible to love an Ellie Goulding album more than Lights, but the English artist has blown us away with her sophomore opus: Halcyon. A taste of the key-infused, larger-than-life sound of the record, Explosions blends Ellie’s piercing vocals and lyrics with cinematic strings, daunting drums and a heavenly chorus for a magically layered song.
Cure by The Denzels
Merging surf pop sensibilities with an East Coast melancholy, the Brooklyn-based Denzels had us at first listen. Conveying the quartet’s pulsing energy, Cure builds steadily upward with infectious drums, dreamy riffs and echoing vocals for an incredibly addicting sound.
Closer by Tegan and Sara
Taking their indie-rock sound to new electronica heights, the Canadian sister duo have gifted our ears with this dance-ready tune. The first song on their forthcoming album (set for a January release), it leaves us anxiously waiting at the prospect of a synth-heavy record.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—10/2
Doses & Mimosas by Cherub
The electro-indie Nashville duo that is Cherub brings the funk in Doses & Mimosas.
Yr Shadow by Making Friendz
Yet another electronic-infused track (we’re kind of into that these days), Yr Shadow is a product of Tami Hart aka Making Friendz aka the current bass player for MEN—she’s wonderwoman, essentially.
Lazuli by Beach House
We love all of Beach House’s previous three albums, so it comes as no surprise that we’re obsessed with their fourth, Bloom—particularly track #3 Lazuli.
Ride by Lana Del Rey
It’s pretty simple…if you’re not into Lana at the moment, you’re probably in the minority and we suggest you try your hardest to jump onboard—we don’t see this sultry crooner going anywhere but up from here.
Timebomb by Kylie Minogue
Forever fans of Queen Kylie, pushing play on Timebomb definitely gets us in a dancing mood (yes, we’re totally guilty of shameless desk-dancing)
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—9/25
You Hit Me (I’m Down) by The Raveonettes
From the Danish duo’s just-released sixth album, this song layers the pair’s airy boy-girl reverb over a dreamy garage-pop base, resulting in a compelling melancholy sound.
One More Summer by No Doubt
Don’t mind us while we freak out over the new No Doubt album. Gwen worshipers for life, we are ecstatic that the Orange County girl is reunited with her band for a record that mixes their classic rock sound with synth elements for a stellar effect. Our favorite track? Impossible to pick, but One More Summer is definitely a strong contender.
Forever by Youngblood Hawke
Strong out the gate, the five-piece indie act Youngblood Hawke have captivated our ears at first listen with their eponymous debut EP. Stream this shimmering tune to get a taste of the LA band’s majestic, drum-and-chant-filled resonance.
I Will Wait by Mumford & Sons
In typical Mumford fashion, the banjo beats & Marcus’ powerhouse voice position themselves front and center in the band’s first single off their new Babel album. And we could talk about the lyrics but…(cue the sobbing—holy romantic!)
A Simple Answer by Grizzly Bear
Clearly fans of the indie rock genre, we waited with baited breath for Shields to drop just last week! The yin to our yang when in the mood for mellow music, these Brooklyn boys deliver with an album that’s a little more gritty and a little less poppy than their previous—and we. LOVE.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
Tuesday Tunes—9/18
To The World by Kanye West & R.Kelly
Off Good Music’s much anticipated Cruel Summer, we’re suckers for R.Kelly’s smooth signature vocals mixed with Kanye’s rap solos in the latter half of the track—there’s no denying the hip-hop powerhouse forces fueling To The World and the rest of the album…it’s been on repeat at the office since it the moment of its release!
Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It by Stars
A nostalgic second single from the Canadian rockers’ latest record, The North, this adrenaline-rushing track guarantees to allure your ears with its boy-girl vocals, infectious guitar hook and dance-happy drum beat.
Up All Night by Best Coast
Shameless fan girls for Bethany Cosentino’s surf-pop sound, we were giddy to catch Best Coast as part of Santa Monica’s Summer Twilight Concert Series a few weeks ago. The highlight came with this lyrically straightforward, heartbreaking ballad, Up All Night.
Genesis by Grimes
A consummate soundtrack to our digital age, Claire Boucher’s latest Grimes release, Visions, is arguably as addictive as Instagram. Conveying the album’s futuristic finesse, Genesis combines layers of penetrating vocals over an electro harp-and-piano base.
Madness by Muse
Borrowing EDM’s quintessential pulsing bass, Muse harnesses the dubstep sound for a crisp, rock-sex effect in the first single off their new album. Maybe we’re biased to all things Matthew Bellamy, but we’re totally into it!
Barely Love You Too by Frank + Derol
A breakout track off of Frank + Derol’s debut EP, we love this catchy pop hit—but don’t let that fool you, there’s nothing bubblegum about it. It’s a new sound that’s one part dance-y, one part chill…just give it a listen, you’ll understand!
No Tell by Smoke & Jackal
The brainchild of Jared Followill from Kings of Leon and Nick Brown from Mona, Smoke & Jackal’s No Tell boasts smoky vocals, soulful beats & the guitar action you’d expect from an experienced, Nashville-influenced rocker duo.
Follow these and the rest of Team Zoe’s latest music picks on Spotify!
