Daily

lofikay – “eyes of merriment”

Self-proclaimed “teen who makes music,” lofikay has a way with samples. The Ikigai Collection is very hip hop-forward, pairing emcee’s verses with chirpy exotica harmonies. The tracks without lyrics tend to sweep dramatically across your field of view, as if reimagining a pastoral anime landscape. “eyes of merriment” is a pleasant middle ground where a few bluesy moans are well-appreciated. lofikay | buy The Ikigai … Continue reading lofikay – “eyes of merriment”

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Daily

Sparrow – “Federation”

I arbitrarily prefer the 1959 version of “Federation,” the liberation groove by ‘Mighty Sparrow’ (though he refers to himself with the avian mononym in this tune). The track spotlights the West Indies Federation, a union between ten Caribbean nations whose purpose was to gain power and ideally independence from the British Empire. But, as with any political solution that involves turning groups into a monolith, … Continue reading Sparrow – “Federation”

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Stephen Encinas – “Lypso Illusion”

Is there a term for an artist who has a perfect record as a one-hit wonder? “Lypso Illusion” is the b-side to “Disco Illusion,” the only single to Stephen Encinas’ name for over 40 years. I can imagine the record’s popularity upon release in 1979 and throughout the 80s, the heyday of DJing on wax. I have come to hear these songs thanks to the … Continue reading Stephen Encinas – “Lypso Illusion”

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Celia Hollander – “Fire / Fire”

Bright and hopeful, like its tangible essence, the solitary flame. In the liner notes of Perfect Conditions, each elemental combination is associated with a unique image; explore them all, including my favorites “Earth / Air” (dust devils), “Earth / Fire” (magma, volcanic eruption), and “Water / Earth” (river water rushing over rocks). Celia Hollander | buy Perfect Conditions | website | Instagram | YouTube | … Continue reading Celia Hollander – “Fire / Fire”

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