The Singles Jukebox, 2024: October / November
Wrapping up the year with my last two months of blurbs. Year-end lists coming soon!
Jamie xx ft. Romy and Oliver Sim - Waited All Night
Even though all three xx members are on this, this doesn't sound like the xx. It sounds like Jamie xx's solo work, just with vocals from Romy (whom I feel is the spiritual daughter of Alison Goldfrapp) and Oliver Sim. I'm a sucker for a well-made, subtly throbbing late-night house record, precisely what this is. [8]
The Cure - Alone
Finally, new Cure music that sounds like classic Cure. That long intro, the extended keyboard chords, those guitar textures, and Robert Smith sounding despondent: yes please! As a Cure fan going back close to 40 years, "Alone" is everything I hoped for from their first new music in 16. [9]
Chappell Roan - HOT TO GO!
Every generation gets a new cheerleading-cheer anthem — think Toni Basil's "Mickey" or Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" — and here's the latest, with a bit of "Y.M.C.A." thrown in for good measure. It's hard to ignore Roan's joy on this chorus; this is also a rare pop single where its meme-ability actually draws me in (cf. "Call Me Maybe"). How can you not smile when you hear this? [7]
ROSÉ & Bruno Mars - APT.
Good lord, this is fun. Rosé and Mars feel so well-matched here. The song is a little cheerleading chant (hello, "Mickey" sample -- climbing the chart 42 years ago this week) and a little Mars in his natural habitat (especially the snappy drums), which makes it a lot of a guaranteed party-starter. I can't think of many circumstances where I'd be unhappy to hear this. [8]
LISA - Moonlit Floor
Really didn't need a semi-cover of Sixpence None the Richer in 2024. [3]
Justice ft. Tame Impala - Neverender
A little smoother in vibe and texture than I expected; is that Tame Impala's influence or just Justice softening with age? Either way it works for me, as it's still inherently French Touch-y in all the ways I love. This would've fit well into either Barbara Butch's Olympics opening ceremony playlist, or DJ Myd's Paralympics opening ceremony playlist. Vive la France! [7]
The Dare - You're Invited
James Murphy cannot be happy about this. [6]
GloRilla ft. Sexyy Red - WHATCHU KNO ABOUT ME
"It's givin' hair, face, ass, titties" needs to become the new "my neck, my back, my pussy and my crack." [6]
Lady Gaga - Disease
What I want from Gaga is precisely a weirdo return to her The Fame Monster / Born This Way-era robotic pop, complete with a video that plays like it was made by art-damaged art students. Gaga at her musical best is the pop diva as freak-a-zoid, and she nails that here. [7]