story / JORDAN BLAKEMAN
The Los Angeles-based White Arrows boys are back at it again fresh off the heels of their sophomore album, In Bardo. Despite the fact they claimed to make the latest for their friends, the groovy tunes have found listeners world-wide and they’re set to hit the road soon to sing alongside them. The guys picked out a few of their favorite tracks for us and gave us some insight into what makes each so special for them. Scope out their latest video for “We Can’t Ever Die,” a crazy color-filled adventure that transcends the viewer into another world that’s mixed from decades of the future and a flavor of the past, below then read up on the tracks before pressing play. Subscribe to our Spotify channel to keep up with our latest playlists.
Jai Paul – “Jasmine”
His long delayed full length debut – which leaked last year – is next level. A sub-continental James Blake with Tabla machine on blast. He’s not shy about taking every personal influence – Bollywood acapellas, side-chained grooves, found sound samples and movie dialogue – and weaving them into weird future R&B bangers. If you see him, tell him we need more.
Mac Demarco – “Chamber of Reflection”
A personality as big as the gap in his teeth. Comes across like a lo-fi take on John Lennonâs early solo stuff. The melody of this song is adapted from “The Word II” by Shigeo Sekito (1970s Japanese synth composer –
see here). Ends up sounding like a dissolute Bobby Caldwell channeling Taste of Honey’s cover of “Sukiyaki”
Adrian Belew – “Oh Daddy”
I wouldâve put on the song â1967â but Spotify doesnât have it. Â Adrian Belew is the best, though – complete Paul McCartney/Harry Nilsson/David Byrne love child. He played in King Crimson, and Talking Heads too.
Todd Terje – “Strandbar”
We played a festival in Chicago, spent a lot of time with Alan from Neon Indian, and he ended up sending me over a playlist of a bunch of music. Â This song was one of the ones that he sent overâ it gets deep.
Caribou – “Canât Do Without You”
The slow build and melody feels so good – title becomes a kind of mantra by tracks end.
Ariel Pink – “Put Your Number in My Phone”
Like some art damaged MOR tune, half remembered from a fever dream, this song cruises smooth into your heart and psyche. Also, big shoutout to longtime personal associate Rich Polysorbate who co-stars in the
struggling pickup artist/mall-goth themed video.
Jimmy Cliff – “Many Rivers to Cross”
Trying to make music for a living is a weird, transient experience. Sometimes it feels like a long march with very little company; years in the wilderness searching for the triumph of hope over experience. So much time and distance travelled, yet still, many rivers to cross. Really wanted to post the John Lennon & Harry Nilsson version – it captures the weary, dark night of the soul aspect.
