Our The Songs of the Week column looks at the best new songs of the past seven days and the most notable releases. Find our new favorites and more in our The best songs on Spotify playlist and other great songs from emerging artists, check out our New Spotify sounds Playlist. This week, Oso Oso, LA LOM, Machine Girl and more come with amazing songs.
Staff Pick: The Best Songs of the Week of August 3-9
Cliffdiver — “Sir, have mercy”
On “lord have mercer,” Cliffdiver simultaneously taps into his inner Paramore, his inner disco lover, and his inner avenger fantasist to deliver a danceable hit that calls out abusers and manipulators. Complete with taunting hi-hats, a syncopated guitar line, and deliciously merciless lyrics (“So can you tell me now how big a boy are ya?/ Now that I'm calling you out, ate up with your paranoia/ I hope it destroys ya… 'lil bitch”), “lord have mercer” is a cathartic anthem that reclaims power from those who deeply don't deserve it. Jonah Krueger
Hear via Apple Music
LA LOM – “'72 Monte Carlo”
Excellent new album from the instrumental group LA LOM, The Musicians League of Los AngelesIt really couldn't have come at a better time. We're entering the hottest days of summer, folks; it's getting hard to romanticize the heat. But the effortless tropical energy of this LA LOM album, arguably epitomized by “'72 Monte Carlo,” has the magical, transportive ability to make oppressive humidity and endlessness seem fun and exciting. Check out their live performance of the track here, then put the entire album on loop. It's a stellar listen from start to finish. Maria Siroky
Hear via Apple Music
Lunar Vacation — “Tom”
There's an endearing, if playful, vulnerability to this song from Atlanta indie rockers Lunar Vacation. Ahead of the arrival of their sophomore album next month, the band has unveiled “Tom,” which sprang from a silly point of inspiration (villain Tom Sandoval from Vanderpump Rules fame) to an equally unserious premise (absolutely doomed love). But whether you're familiar with this backstory or not, the vibrant chorus and tight production allow “Tom” to stand on its own, regardless of the level of familiarity the listener may have with the band. Mr. Siroky
Hear via Apple Music
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