Four Track Friday

4 Track Friday
Episode 76

Hi friends,

Thanks to the six of you that responded to the survey so far! If you haven't told me your 2020 Wrapped stats yet, hit up this seriously short survey!

We have a few guest hosts upcoming: Ashley, followed by Rachel and DJ, and finally Shawn. Text them and and let them know how stoked you are! Additionally, we have upcoming interviews with Cherry Tomato and Stablemate, not to mention the artist feature for Kaleida that I still need to finish.

Getting into the music, I am actually starting off with a "Christmas song." Prepare yourselves.

Holiday Foreplay | December | Ariana Grande

Lyrics

From an artist that needs no introduction comes a Christmas album that I've been missing out on for five years. After someone sent me a piece on "Grande's Extremely Horny Christmas Album," I knew it needed a listen.

Unlike other artists that make Christmas albums by indulging in lazy cliché, Grande delivered an entirely original work that's not only incredibly listenable, but deeply enjoyable.

In case the sensational lyrics aren't clear enough for you or you just want to sing along sooner, I've included the lyrics above. Listen to this one and try not to get in the mood, I dare you (for Christmas, obviously).

Alt Pop | Must Stop | ONR (feat. Sarah Barthel of Phantogram)

Phantogram Exploded

For something to bring you down after the previous turn-on track, we have the latest from Scottish songwriter-producer Robert Shields. He teamed up with Phantogram's Sarah Barthel for this one and the influence is obvious. You can even hear some lyrics shared from the exploded track above, "You Don't Get Me High Anymore."

Shields says the track is "about a lack of self-worth, a desperation to be in love and to be loved by someone, anyone — and the blows you can take when you leave yourself so open." The track is unbelievably catchy in the most depressing of ways.

Diary Pop | I'm Good, I'm Gone | Lykke Li

Lyrics

After the boom bap bender I went on last week, I had to get my fill of Lykke Li, the vocalist from Logic's incredibly sad "Let Me Go." From her confessional and delicate 2008 debut album, Youth Novels, "I'm Good, I'm Gone" is the most confident and fun track. It's got all the edge and confidence of a hip hop emcee with all the glitter of a pop star. If you find yourself digging this one, I encourage you to check out any of her four full length albums.

Indie | Moments / Tides | Goth Babe

Shawn's suggestions are usually delightful, but Goth Babe has been especially so. A free spirit, Griff Washburn lives in a Washington tiny house with his dog Sadie. He proclaims in his bio that "[by] parting ways with social status and relevance, he's discovered how wonderful living day by day is."

Whatever he's doing, I want more of it.

Of course, don’t forget to reply with what you liked, didn’t like, and what you’ve been listening to.

And, as always, this week’s tracks are added to the collectors for all weeks' tracks on Spotify and Apple Music.

Cheers,
Tanner