Okay, so I know I’ve been neglecting this column for a while, but I have great excuses. And I’m not even going to bother telling you them. You’re not the boss of me. Instead, here are some tracks that I’ve been banging this week!

Mac DeMarco “Freaking Out the Neighbourhood”
Real-life Alfred E. Neuman and rising soft rock star Mac DeMarco has leaked another track from his upcoming Captured Tracks full-length 2, and as could be expected it’s another laid-back cruise through the tone zone. Strap in and let the guitars take you for a glide.


Tim Hecker & Daniel Lopatin “Uptown Psychedelia”
Ambient masters Tim Hecker and Daniel Lopatin (of Oneohtrix Point Never) have joined forces for a new LP called Instrumental Tourist, and now they’ve released their first “single” from the project. And while it certainly doesn’t sound like a pop hit, it’s definitely got more melody than you may be used to from these static stalwarts.


The xx “Angels” (Four Tet remix) One of many standouts from The xx’s sophomore effort Coexist, “Angels” is given the clicks and cuts treatment from master remixer Four Tet, who improves on the original without diluting any of its haunting charm.


Freddie Gibbs “Kush Cloud” (ft. Krayzie Bone & SpaceGhostPurrp)
If you wanna get trippy on a Friday, Freddie Gibbs has the track for you. Teaming up with Krayzie Bone and SpaceGhostPurrp, Gangsta Gibbs’ new green anthem is on an atmospheric haunted house tip. Get loud in the cloud.

Alley Boy Gift of Discernment
This one’s over a week old, but it’s still dominating my headphones. Like his last mix, Alley Boy’s latest is more album than mixtape with some serious bangers that include “Your Favorite Rapper” and “I’m a Shooter.” It’s not all guns-in-the-air ratchetness, however, as the rapper goes sensitive thug over a Lana Del Rey sample on “All For You.”

Lil B “California Boy”
The Based God has let loose the debut, self-titled single from his upcoming rock album by the same name, and it’s one of the goofiest things I’ve ever experienced. But in a good way. Instead of going nu-metal, like Lil Wayne did on Rebirth, B has embraced goofy late ’90s alt-rock. Think Whoodie and the Blowfish.