Every week, we bring you #SOUNDCHECK — your destination for the best new music that hit the web over the course of the week. Because you should always be prepared when someone passes you that AUX cord. This week's roundup features 10 of our favorite emerging and established artists. Turn up, tune in, and tune out.
Sufjan Stevens has been stewing over America. Its history, failings, and indignities, they're all captured on his new 12-minute song named after this country that seems to be breaking apart in real time. It's a crucial listen, if only to make the nine songs that follow it in this round-up feel all the more vital. Like SASAMI's eerie cover of System Of A Down's "Toxicity," which fittingly serves as the subdued sibling to Stevens' dispatch.
Hear all of the above and more after the jump.
"America" - Sufjan Stevens
A hefty, troubled dispatch from Sufjan Stevens, this time directed towards his country.
"Something Special" - Pop Smoke
A Pop Smoke serenade that only makes the question of what could've been loom even larger.
"Can't Fight"- Lianne La Havas
The acoustic tunes from London's Lianne La Havas feel like a tingly ginger shot to the soul.
"Pray Tell" - Nnamdï
The rousing conclusion to the eclectic instrumentalist's new album — which sounds like Saturday morning cartoons on acid.
"Faces" - Buddy ft. Lucky Daye
Buddy and Lucky Daye team up for a playful ode to the many faces we make during those...nighttime activities.
"Toxicity" - Sasami
The LA-based musician offers a subdued yet eerie take on System Of A Down's "Toxicity."
"Loose Truth" - Ian Isiah
The warm, and soulful "Loose Truth" is Ian Isiah's ode to his community.
"Post Humorous" - Gus Dapperton
A breakup song that demands to be experienced with friends, as proven by its sweet music video.
"Soulboy" - p-rallel ft. Greentea Peng
Greentea Peng's woodsy vocals pair perfectly with London producer P-Rallel's jazzy beats.
"The Girls Before Me" - Lav
You can't get more vulnerable than bedroom poet Lav's diaristic pop songs.