This was a weird week for music to say the least, considering it started off with an Arcade Fire cover of "Baby Mine" from this Tim Burton "live-action" Dumbo reboot (imagine making sense of that sentence 20 years ago) and continued with the reemergence of some of indie's biggest names (looking at you, M83). But there were some diamonds scattered in the rough, and lucky for you, we've plucked them out and polished them off.
The Black Keys, "Lo/Hi"
Literally one week ago I was complaining to my partner that it'd been too long since The Black Keys had released any new music (five years to be exact). And lo and behold, "Lo/Hi," a snarling and immediate little slice of heaven from the Ohio rock stars. Chemistry like theirs is hard to capture; praise be that their years apart didn't dull their spark in any way, shape, or form.—Brennan Carley, associate editor
Salaam Remi, "Roll the Dice"
Gallant popped up on a handful of tracks last year, but has mostly kept to himself lately, which makes his appearance on Salaam Remi's "Roll the Dice" all the more notable. Clearly he trusts Remi—a prolific producer who's worked with Amy Winehouse and the Fugees—and for good reason. "Roll the Dice" appears on Remi's upcoming Do It For the Culture 2, a title that has nothing to do with Migos, but "Roll the Dice" could've easily nestled into Gallant's 2016 standout Ology. (In case you're wondering, yes, that's a high compliment.)—Alex Shultz, editorial assistant
R. Tee x Anda, "What You Waiting For"
This song—originally meant for K-pop all stars Blackpink—makes me believe there is still goodness left in this world. I particularly come alive when its twitching chorus explodes, at which point you may—like I did—find your soul leaving your body. It's the best-produced song of the year.—B.C.
Gesaffelstein & Pharrell Williams, "Blast Off"
You have the French DJ/producer Gesaffelstein to thank for your favorite stars' (Kanye, Rocky, Abel) sounds from the past decade. His dark industrial techno vibes have infiltrated everything you love, but now Gessafelstein is back to making his own music, linking up with Pharrell for this sweaty banger. "Blast Off" feels a bit like a song Phil Collins would write if he took acid and went to a Paris Fashion Week afterparty. It’s dark, seething, and luxurious, the perfect song to pair with wearing your fav Rick Owens fit while brooding in the corner of your fav club. —Gabe Conte, digital producer
Lizzo playing the flute
Lizzo for fucking president already.—BC
