The Round-Up: Best Songs of The Week feat. Francis & The Lights, Nick Hakim, Syd and More
Another week enduring "greatness" in Trump's America, another moment to recount the outpouring of new sounds here to heal, refocus and maybe even provide a needed distraction or 20.
In step with the summer tease, the week was brimming with bright records from buzzing and established talents. Francis Starlite cashed-in on years of behind-the-scenes string-pulling and assists with Chance The Rapper on an alternate version fit with the requisite footwork-friendly visual. Mndsgn and Joyce Wrice rekindled the spark on yet another 90s-gleaming remix. Syd returned to lay some smokey vocals over a house-treated heater from DEAN. Grizzly Bear and Beach House both delivered loosies for the more indie-oriented ears pointed at these pages. Stack those on top of some excellent new albums from Nick Hakim, Todd Rundgren, Lord RAJA and Buddy (entirely produced by Kaytranada,) and you've got quite the score for these early days of the new season.
Naturally, all these things and more have been compiled into this week's episode of The Round-Up, which sees it's most rooftop-ready installment to date. Hear the week's best cuts below and subscribe to Okayplayer's Spotify channel today for all of the earworms and oddities your heart can bear.
