Janelle Monáe
Make Me Feel (Atlantic)
Janelle Monáe is a proper pop star. This comeback surprises at every turn, as minimal, funky production builds purposefully to a fireball crescendo.
Contact: Ebi Sampson
ebi.sampson@atlanticrecords.co.uk
Parquet Courts Almost Had To Start
A Fight/In And Out Of Patience (Rough Trade)
The Brooklyn refuseniks are back with a brilliant, typically wordy first cut from their upcoming sixth LP, which was produced by Danger Mouse.
Contact: Jamie Woolgar
jamiewoolgar@roughtraderecords.com
Manic Street Preachers
Distant Colours (Columbia/Sony)
It’s another one from the Manics’ 13th (!) album, Resistance Is Futile. Distant Colours is epic, but you probably knew that already.
Contact: Gillian Porter
gillian@hallornothing.com
YG
Suu Whoop (4Hunnid/Def Jam/Virgin)
Fresh from collaborating with the NBA on a celebrity basketball match and concert, the Compton rapper drops a muddy, bassy banger.
Contact: Imran Malik
malik@imran-malik.com
Everything Is Recorded (feat. Giggs)
Wet Looking Road (XL)
One of the best cuts from XL owner Richard Russell’s new project, this finds Giggs in laid-back mode, spitting over Keith Hudson’s reggae beat.
Contact: Jon Wilkinson
jon@technique-pr.com
Amen Dunes
Blue Rose (Sacred Bones)
This is one of Damon McMahon’s most complete Amen Dunes recordings yet, matching lyrical pain and suffering with zoned out guitars.
Contact: Nathan Beazer
nathan@dogdaypress.com
Frank Ocean
Moon River (Blonded)
Frank Ocean is for life, not just Valentine’s Day, which is why this seasonal cover warrants repeat plays. He really has got a way with a weepy.
Contact: Anna Meacham
anna.meacham@purplepr.com
