1 – The Tide Is High – Blondie – Is this an official gay anthem? Blondie’s famous cover of the Paragons masterpiece survives as their encore. It was the highlight of their set at Roseland, with a full brass section coming out to join her and the highlight of a whole day of music yesterday with Debbie literally wrapping herself in a rainbow flag – A
2 – Now My Heart Is Full – Morrissey – Tell my friends, I don’t have many… – A
3 – You’re Still The One – SHania Twain – This sounds less dated and more different than current country, the instruments are more organic, the MOR catchier and sweeter – A-
4 – Differentology (Ready For The Road) – Bunji Garlin Major Lazer Remix – This was released last year and I don’t think I am speaking out of turn when I note that if I’d been aware of it, this Soca meets EDM mash up would have been among my favorites of the year. It doesn’t stop moving. Masterful – A
5 – Norf Norf – Vince Staples – This is a terrific song, the sort of track that has you hailing the up and coming rapper as the next big thing, the hook is addictive: West Coast till I die, me… A
6 – Runaway – Kanye West – How great is this, I know it from the first note – A+
7 – Hey Mama – Kanye West – This is like “Inside Out”, the song was joyful and is now sad – A+
8 – Hell Can Wait – Vince Staples – Another great track, the background sample is excellent, the beat steadily whiplashed – A-
9 – Ayo – Tyga – A huge song, with a Kanye ready hook (“I hear you”) – A
10 4 My Dawgz – Tyga – The less I hear from Lil Wayne, the more I miss him, and this Weezy hook is excellent. Compare it to Kendrick phoning in his “Bad Blood” verse, I haven’t reviewed the new Tyga but everything I’ve heard I’ve loved – A-
