The Plug’n Play: May (‘22)
You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal
Below are some of our favorite songs from May and a bit about why we love them! Songs 1-14 were selected by me, Stanley, and songs 15 - 31 were selected by Kevin.
Stanley: DIXSON — Cherry Sorbet
I went on a little Twitter rant earlier this month about music theory (as I’m often prone to do lol). The rant was inspired by DIXSON’s new song CHERRY SORBET, which features Sevyn Streeter, and impressively, a sample clearance from Sir Paul McCartney. To me, the song’s excitement rested in DIXSON’s production, the subtle, yet dynamic choices he’d made. I’ve been following DIXSON for some time now, and he only seems like he’s getting better! He has that thing that few artists have, where he can synthesize complex compositional ideas into something that doesn’t feel complex. CHERRY SORBET is a real treat in harmonic exploration and storytelling.
Stanley: Kendrick Lamar — United in Grief
Few artists engage in album-making like Kendrick Lamar. From F*ck Your Ethnicity to United in Grief, Lamar has consistently paid particular attention to openers: as tone setters and introductions into the sonic world he’s building. Lamar’s new album, Mr. Morale and the Big Steppers, is no different.
On United in Grief, we’re first introduced to — not the voice of Kendrick Lamar — but that of Sam Dew, eerily singing the first of three installments of what we would later learn to be the melodic motif of the album (another practice of album-making Lamar is known for).
The song features brilliant production from Timothy Maxey and Duval Timothy, whose piano feels both soothing and arresting at once, as well as some recurring figures in the Lamar universe, Sounwave, J.LBS, and Beach Noise.
Stanley: Parker Louis — Say Less
Last month, I stumbled across Parker Louis’ music on Apple Music while scrolling through the new music tab — that’s when I came across his single Celebrate. I was immediately impressed by Louis’ feel for groove, his use of the acoustic guitar, and the timbre of his voice. But more than anything, I was looking forward to the full EP!
Earlier this month, Parker Louis released Lifted, a 6-song EP, and his first project since 2018. I had somewhat high expectations after hearing the lead single last month, but even still, the full project has exceeded anything I could’ve hoped for!
On Say Less, my selection for the playlist, the sound of a filtered hi-hat, snare, and synthesizer are introduced first, then, after a drum fill, the filter is removed and it feels as if we’re introduced into the world Parker Louis’ created. Beautifully constructed, the tune is patient, it never feels like the song is rushing to get anywhere, yet constantly drawing the listener in.
