new music roundup: november 22

Here’s what we’re listening to (and watching!) at Lip this week!

Billy – Sally Seltmann

This is delightful. The new single from singer-songwriter Sally Seltmann, ‘Billy’ is odd-pop perfection. In the clip, Sarah dons Stepfordish garb while she laments the loss of Billy, taken from her by a motorcycle ride. The sad meaning of the song is softened by the music, the jaunty, toe-tapping type that will result in a sing-a-long at a party. Sally also has an excellent vocal range, her voice soaring sweetly with every ‘Billy!’. Put this one on right now.

Definite Blue, Nicholas Costello

The title track off his upcoming EP (slated for January), ‘Definite Blue’ showcases Nicholas Costello’s deep, full voice. Like a slightly lighter version of something by The National or Iron and Wine, ‘Definite Blue’ uses a simple guitar melody to guide the track, which allows the singing to take the spotlight, as it should. The simplicity of this song is what makes it such a gem – it’ll surely accompany you on many relaxing summer adventures!

Cash In – Solange 

This latest track by Solange Knowles was released as the last track on Saint Heron, the compilation of ‘genre-defying R&B’ released by Saint Records, the label Solange runs. This past year has been great for the younger Knowles, who has carved out her own sound and become a star in her own right – family connections be damned. ‘Cash In’ follows on from the alt-soul-R&B sounds of last year’s Truth and combines Solange’s divine vocals with a building melody and passionate lyrics. The result is another A+ track from this captivating artist.

 Perrett’s Brook – Oliver Wilde 

Oliver Wilde’s ‘Perrett’s Brook’ buzzes and whirs around the listener and will satisfy those who like their music lo-fi. Drums and guitar meet each other in a way that would usually clash, but sounds strangely pleasant, with the atmospheric and eclectic feel of the song growing with each listen. ‘Perrett’s Brook’ is the first track off Oliver’s upcoming album A Brief Introduction to Unnatural Light Years and this left of center track is a great introduction to an album that’s likely to be just as interesting.

Big Star – Juliette Commagere

Juliette’s Commagere’s voice demands you listen to it. Not in an aggressive way, but just because it’s that damn good. ‘Big Star’ is a twinkling little gem that harnesses piano, drum machines and spacey synths to create something that’s lush and understated. Juliette has gone in a new direction, putting aside the indie rock of her band, Hello Stranger, to embrace this gentle, dreamy sound – and the move has paid off!

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