Song of the Day #10

Back when I first heard of Nicolas Jaar and read up on his unique sound and story, I was stricken with curiosity, but was also a bit skeptical. Then less than a week later Pitchfork slapped on the ‘best new music’ nod. I don’t want to be “that guy” and say that ruined anything, but it definitely took away from some of the mysteriousness, because now everybody else was listening to it. My point is, however, that I never would have guessed I’d still be urging to hear his music at any random point in my day this much time later. To me, that means something. Here’s a test: walk around in a busy place with this song blaring out your headphones and tell me how you how you feel. You sort of get the feeling nobody is in a better place than you are. Maybe that’s why it’s called “Keep Me There”.

This song puts you on an absolutely bizarre dance floor in slow motion, cluttered with sputtering effects, a precariously glowing fog-haze, glitchy piano bits, yelping brass, and a hooky bass line dripping with attitude that drives it all home. Jaar’s nasally voice sounds calm and collected, but also like he’s creepily whispering over your shoulder. Now do yourself a huge favor and get totally lost in these sounds – and make sure it’s LOUD.

Keep Me There –