Single Of The Week – Page 17 – Spinning Platters

Single Of The Week: “Traps” by Bloc Party

Bloc Party’s debut EP can out in 2014. I still remember very vividly the first time I heard it… I was working at a Wherehouse Music location in the Tenderloin. A box of indie label promos showed up, and I opened the box to see what there was. One of my colleagues said, “Bloc Party? I heard they were good. Let’s put that on!” I threw it on and was instantly blown away. They’ve made a few excellent records since then, but nothing quite on that level since then. That is, until “Traps,” their first single in six years. This song is HEAVY. It might be the heaviest, hardest thing they’ve done, well, ever. The drums are ferocious yet nimble, proving to the world that Louise Bartle can, indeed, fill the shoes that Matt Tong left behind so many years ago.

“Traps” can be found in all the usual places. It’s the first single off Alpha Games, which is due in stores, both physical and virtual, on April 29th. Preorders and presaves can be done here!

Single of the Week: “Mind Eraser” by Nicole Atkins

My partner and I had a conversation the other night about artists that we were really into for a time, and then just stopped listening to, and now they’ve released more material we aren’t familiar with than are. Nicole Atkins is in that boat for me… I loved LOVED her 2007 record Neptune City. Her follow-up, Digging Other People’s Songs. is a stunning covers collection. In fact, her version of The Church’s “Under The Milky Way” is the definitive version, in my own humble opinion. The next thing I know, 13 years go by, and she’s released a LOT of material during that time that I just ignored. This was a mistake. But I’m making up for lost time now… Her latest single, “Mind Eraser,” is a stunning, potent torch song. It’s also our Single Of The Week.

“Mind Eraser” is off Atkins’ upcoming live album Memphis Ice, coming to your local on-demand streaming service AND record store on December 10th. Why not prepare for it’s arrival by pre-saving or pre-ordering here? While you are at it, Nicole Atkins is also doing a live stream on release day, so you can enjoy her stunning live set from the COVID-free (hopefully) confines of your home. Order tickets here!

Single Of The Week: “Florence & Selena” by Riki

When I was a kid, I thought the coolest instrument in the world was the saxophone. I was born in 1979, so my childhood was deep in the ’80s. My entire time in the single digits was during the era of the intense, melodramatic sax intro. When I popped on “Florence & Selena,” that intense joy of the great sax intros of my childhood permeated directly into my soul. This song is a dream… It’s like The Cocteau Twins and Sade’s band finally made a record together.

“Florence & Selena” is off Riki’s forthcoming LP Gold, due out in stores on November 26th. And, yes, that’s Black Friday. So you can preorder it here to avoid the crowds, or you can always pick it up while you are grabbing your Record Store Day – Black Friday titles!

Single of the Week: “Billy Goodbye” by Franz Ferdinand

It feels weird to call “Billy Goodbye,” a comeback single from Franz Ferdinand… They are consistently putting out records. But “Billy Goodbye” is definitely not so much a return to form, but definitely a renewed enthusiasm within the band. It may be the addition of new drummer Audrey Tait, who is a monster on the skins. The track is classic British glam, calling to mine Bowie at his bluesiest. It’s got the classic Franz danceyness, albeit without that Gang Of 4 angular side.

“Billy Goodbye” is available in all the usual places. It’s the lead single off Franz Ferdinand’s greatest hits compilation, Hits To The Head, due out March 11th, 2022 on CD, Cassette, and a slew of vinyl variations so you can pick one to keep sealed and one to listen to.

Single of the Week: “El Imperio” by Florencia Andrada

Spinning Platters isn’t afraid of music that isn’t in English. My Spanish is really, really terrible. But that doesn’t interfere with my ability to the sweeping, cinematic soul of “El Imperio” by Florencia Andrada. This song is a stunner. The type of song that calls to mind Curtis Mayfield and Isaac Hayes when they were doing their biggest, most epic songs. My only complaint about “El Imperio” is that it’s the rare song that might be too short- once it’s over, I want to start it up again.

“El Imperio” is out for you to enjoy in all the usual places. Her next full length record will be ready for you to enjoy some time in 2022. Follow her on the socials so you can stay on top of that release date!

Single Of The Week: “Golden State” by Andrew St James

I’ve read a LOT about Andrew St James over the past few years… He generated a bit of a following over the pandemic through his “delivery” shows, doing socially distanced, outdoor concerts in front of people’s homes, parks, and any place else he could. Now that life has returned, so has his semi-regular local music showcase/part, Fast Times. He’s also got a new record coming 11/12 called light after darkness. That record will be the home of our Single Of The Week, “Golden State.” It is a classic, Dylan-inspired country number. It’s the perfect accompaniment for a lazy weekend indoors during what will hopefully be a damp weekend in California. So fix yourself a hot toddy and watch the rain come down while streaming “Golden State” on whatever service you choose.

Single Of The Week: “Las Panteras: by Los Bitchos

London’s Los Bitchos is an instrumental quartet that blends together surf, psych, funk along with the music of Uruguay and Turkey, creating a deliciously groovy sound reminiscent of Khruangbin. Only if Khruangbin decided not to take themselves quite so seriously… “Las Panteras” is their latest single, and not only is the song quite the jam, but the video is the best movie I’ve seen all year.

“Las Panteras” can be streamed in all the usual places. Their debut album, Let The Festivities Begin!, is heading your way on February 4th, 2022 and you can do that preorder/presave thing starting, well, now!

Single Of The Week: “Midnight Snacks” by Kelis

Did you know that Kelis’ “Milkshake” is 20 years old? It made me feel pretty ancient. Luckily Kelis isn’t very interested in wallowing in the demise of youth and instead embracing maturity. That’s where “Midnight Snacks” comes into play… It’s the spiritual sequel to “Milkshake,” still embracing the food metaphor, but a song that’s much more intimate, much more profound, much sexier than “Milkshake.” The groove is solid and sticks with you, right down to the intense, processed guitar solo that either winds you down or hypes you up, depending on what you need it to do.

You can enjoy “Midnight Snacks” in all the usual places. And if you want to take the song literally or need something to eat after taking the track for its symbolic meaning, Kelis is partnering with Bounty & Full to send you your own box of Midnight Snacks. And for those of you heading to Outside Lands, Kelis was *just* added, and she’s playing The House by Heineken on Saturday, October 30th. Yes, the same day as Lizzo.

Single Of The Week: “Somewhere They Cant Find Us” by Habibi

The literally ONLY good this to happen this decade so far is that New York’s Habibi has become one of the most prolific bands in rock. Just last week they gifted us with a covers EP, and this week they dropped a brand new original song, “Somewhere They Cant Find Us.” This one is a full-on booty shaker with some of the best skittering drums I’ve heard in a long time. This one is perfect for house parties, or when you need something to perk you up to get things done. It’s another piece of solid joy from one of the best-kept secrets in rock.

“Somewhere They Cant Find Us” is available now in all the usual spots. A physical 7″ is coming your way on October 29th, and you can preorder from Kill Rock Stars your choice of a pink (limited to 91 copies) or gold (limited to 500 copies) 7″ record!

Single Of The Week: “disappearing girl” by the aquadolls

I spend hours listening to tracks trying to find the perfect Single Of The Week for you. Sometimes I don’t make it more than 10-15 seconds. Other times I find myself repeating the song 10-15 times in a row. “disappearing girl” definitely falls into the latter. With every listen, I pick up on some other element that makes my heart do that bubbly warm thing when a song is just great. And this song has it all: a catchy chorus, disjointed rhythms and time changes, potent, emotive vocals that *almost* crack at the right moment, a fun video, a Sonic Youth reference. Jesus. It’s just SO GOOD!

“disappearing girl” can be enjoyed now in all of the usual places. I’ve since gone down a YouTube rabbit hole with the band. You should, too!