Molly Lewis / Photo by Jon Lewis

BEAUTIFUL THINGS PLAYLIST

WEEK 14 - 18 NOVEMBER
 

WOMB  - ‘SYLVAN’S SONG’

Womb's new album is upon us, and I can't imagine a more beautiful way to enter their world than 'Sylvan's Song'. Cello Forresters vocals are the star of the show, shimmering in wonderful harmony and painting the first scene a vivid array of colours, ready for us to just step inside and float away. 

You can find this track on Womb’s brand new album Dreaming Of The Future Again  via the Flying Nun Record Shop here. 

ALEX G - ‘AFTER ALL’

Alex G has taken alt-country in his stride, finessing his lyricism to a finely tuned craft. The opening track, 'After All' seems like one of those songs you have known for years; it's so well grounded that it sits so comfortably in our ears. His slightly outlandish vocals are thinned to a crisp, high-pitched autotune, which contrasts deliciously with the rich guitars and piano that hold down the fort. It's just a great song. You should listen to it. 

You can find this track on Alex G’s new album God Save The Animals via the Flying Nun Record Shop here. 

MOLLY LEWIS - ‘DOLPHINESE’

Whistling. It can be either kind of sweet or really really f*****g annoying. Molly Lewis, the Australian-born professional whistler, makes it sound absolutely wonderful and utterly effortless. Laying back into the dreamy, lazy lounge sounds of the 1960's, Lewis harbours a rare ability to whistle to great heights with perfection, creating the cushiest tones that sound absolutely divine. 

This track is available on Molly Lewis’ latest EP, Mirage, available via the Flying Nun Record Shop here

HALF HEXAGON  - ‘MODERN LIFE’

Half Hexagon’s new self-titled effort has been curling around our ears since its release last Friday. We got a glimpse ‘Modern Life’ in a live video the trio released earlier this year (which you can view below), and I was instantly mesmerized by the snappiness of the drums and James Milne’s hypnotic synth chords. Yolanda Fagan seemingly adopts two separate vocal characters that embark on an exciting duet; one voice commanding and monotonous, the other soporific and melodic. If you would like to learn more about the making of their EP, check out our recent interview with them here. 

You can find this track on Half Hexagon’s newly released self titled EP via their Bandcamp here. 

 FAZERDAZE - ‘WINTER’

Fazerdaze recently returned after a five-year hiatus, with the release of her cathartic EP Break! and she was certainly welcomed back with open arms. 'Winter' stands out amongst the tracklist, with its sparser instrumentation and drum-machines cradling the song's lo-fi, bittersweet mood. Speaking about the meaning behind the song, Amelia explains, "Winter is a song about hope and disappointment. It’s about striving to see the best in someone, and choosing to believe someone’s words over their actions. This song makes me think of what Maya Angelou said; “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time”. This is something I have had to learn the hard way repeatedly, and these lyrics show me going through that lesson."

You can find this track on Fazerdaze’s new EP Break! Available via the Flying Nun Record shop here. 

A TRIBE CALLED QUEST  - ‘THE CHASE, PART II’

This album needs no justification - it is, in our humble opinion, one of the best albums ever. Every song is unique, bringing a different energy, a different whimsical word play. It's so much fun, and it was absolutely way ahead of its time. 'The Chase, Part II' is our pick today, although we may have chosen a different song tomorrow. Vibrant, laid-back, clever - it's just cool. We can't really explain why. But it's effortlessly, undeniable cool and incredibly feel good. 

You can find this track on A Tribe Called Quest’s classic album Midnight Marauderers, available via the Flying Nun Record Shop here. 

LOUISA NICKLIN - ‘NO GOOD’

Featuring an impressive lineup of names on the song and video credits, 'No Good' is a dreamy ballad, swimming in molasses coated synth beds, subdued guitar strums and backing vocals surrounding Louisa's heavenly vibrato-laden voice. The track was produced by Shayne P. Carter (Straitjacket Fits, Dimmer), whom Louisa played guitar for on the recent Dimmer tour across the motu. The track was mixed and engineered by Peter Ruddell (Sulfate, Wax Chattels), whose name has been appearing on production credits of many of our favourite releases for a while now, including Ripship, Dick Move and Jazmine Mary. 

You can find this track via Louisa Nicklin’s Bandcamp here. 

JUDEE SILL - ‘THE PEARL’

This song is the definition of short and sweet. Comprising a cyclical combo of verse and refrain, the song gently escalates with each reiteration, introducing lush string and banjo accompaniments. ‘The Pearl’ is a showcase of Judee Sill’s incredible songwriting and magical lyricism which can very easily be removed from its musical context, and still feel especially poignant. 

You can find this track on Judee Sill’s album Heart Food, available via the Flying Nun Record Shop  here. 

THE FLAMING LIPS - ‘DO YOU REALIZE??’

Wayne Coyle, frontman of The Flaming Lips, reckons this is the best song they've ever written. The state of Oklahoma likes this song so much that they named it their official state rock song in 2009. We like this sparkly song so much that we put it in this playlist. Okay, do you get it now? Maybe you've never heard it and you do not realize what you're missing. Enjoy.  

You can find this track on The Flaming Lips’ Greatest Hits Vol 1 compilation (as well as originally on the album Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots)  via the Flying Nun Record Shop here.

FAZED ON A PONY - ‘NORTH ROAD’

Ōtepoti/Tāmaki Makaurau-based alt country rockers, Fazed On A Pony, have shared their brand new album it’ll all work out via local label trace / untrace.  'North Road' (as well as the following track, 'Faithful Ham') is the highlight for me. It develops and slides across ranges of dynamics in its three and a half minutes. From the get go, it is washed over with a sweet melancholia, and wrapped in vocalist/guitarist Peter McCall's cosy guitars. A wonderful debut from Fazed On A Pony! 

You can find this track on Fazed On A Pony’s brand new album it’ll all work out, available via their Bandcamp here. 

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