For “Listen In,” we ask musicians to curate a mixtape-length playlist of songs they’re currently digging. Click the big play button above to hear the whole playlist or scroll down to see and hear individual tracks.
Cayucas is a West Coast answer to Vampire Weekend. The Santa Monica-based indie band uses Ezra Koening & co’s guitar sounds and vocal phrasings but a different set of proper nouns to create a sound that could be described, in their vernacular, as “hella tight.” Their second album Dancing At the Blue Lagoon came out in June, and they’re currently on tour, including a stop at the Bowery Ballroom on July 31.
Iggy Azalea w/ Britney Spears – “Pretty Girls”
“Britney is back. I love seeing her signature choreographed dance moves.”
The Pharcyde – “Drop”
“This is one of the best videos ever made, have recently been watching on repeat.”
Cachao – “Malanga”
“Cachao’s great music to play, and keeps spirits up.”
Foxygen – “24 Hour Lover Man”
“Crazy song with a cool sample, interesting poetry.”
The Weeknd – “The Knowing”
“The vocal on this song is great, plus the video’s awesome.”
Pixies – “Velouria”
“I’ve been listening to this song a bunch. I love the slow-motion video though. There’s another video that shows you the length of the original if it were played in real-time, which is about only 20 seconds.”
Tobias Jesso Jr. – “Can’t Stop Thinking About U”
“Great song, my favorite on this album.”
Katy Perry – “This Is How We Do”
“This song is so sugary sweet. I like ’80s synthy songs that are so pop it’s crazy.”
Solange – “Losing You”
“In a ’80s synth headspace now. Love this sample/song by Dev Hynes – very simple but perfect.”
Carly Rae Jepsen – “All That”
“Another perfectly crafted pop gem. Still in this 80’s reboot headspace, Juno sounds.”
