Rock Star Journalist

Should You? is a weekly roundup of what’s come through my inbox. Should you listen / watch / download / buy / read whatever the PR folks are pimping? Maybe. Maybe not. Let’s run through.

GNUČČI, “Fuck What They Want We Are What They Need” Feat: Charity (Zean Remix)

“Ana Rab, better known by her stage name GNUČČI is an exuberant performer proving herself a reckoning force as a DIY artist.  Today, GNUČČI is ecstatic to showcase her versatile skill with the release of a remix of “Fuck What They Want We Are What They Need,” with Shanghai producer Zean and Chinese hip-hop prodigy, Charity. The remix applauds the original (Rachel Green & Subp Yaoas) as GNUČČI playfully mingles her raps over Zean’s hard-hitting bombastic bass, and bridges the East and West, with lucid Chinese spitfire bars from rapper Charity. A catalyzer of energies, GNUČČI implants her high-spirit and frenetic creativity on the mix, aiming to soundtrack the good times.”

Should You Listen? Yeah. Not exactly as much of a banger as I’d hoped for — it’s pretty laid back — but Charity’s verse is pretty hot. This is definitely an end-of-the-night track, more than anything else.

Available: Now.

Sorry To Bother You trailer

“In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a macabre universe.”

Should You Watch? Someone on Twitter described the feel of this as Bamboozled meets Brazil, and I feel that. Plus, the talent involved — written and directed by Boots Riley, with Lakeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, Terry Crews, Steven Yeun, Omari Hardwick, Jermaine Fowler, and Danny Glover —  would have me going to see it, even without this amazing trailer.

Available: In theaters July 6.

Bad Wolves, “Zombie”

“The unstoppable hit single was first released by The Cranberries in 1994, the original track hit #1 across the globe, including the Billboard Alternative Songs Chart. The song returned to the Top-Ten on the US Rock Charts shortly after news of Dolores O’Riordan’s passing earlier this year. O’Riordan was slated to record vocals for Bad Wolves’ cover of the track (which she described as “killer”) on the day of her passing. The band decided to release the song in her honor with all Bad Wolves’ proceeds going to her children.”

Should You Listen? God, no. I appreciate all the money from the song going to the singer’s children, but I was opposed to a hard-rock cover of a song I never really liked in the first place. Personally, I was always more into “Dreams” or “Linger,” but the point of a cover is to do it your own way, so the fact that O’Riordan was going to be on it is kind of ridiculous in the first place. It’s the same song as before, but now there’s some gravel-voiced dude yelling instead. Yay.

Available: Now, via all streaming and digital outlets.

The Pendletons, “Funk Forever”

“Titled “Funk Forever,” the new single stands as the first cut from a soon-to-come EP of the same name due out on March 30th. Playing into the obvious theme of the record, “Funk Forever” delves into a heavy dose of groove that could easily be mistaken for a classic tune from the genre’s 1970s heyday. The jazz flavored boogie affair with soul inspired song-writing evokes old school vibes thanks to the use of horn lines, Yamaha dx7 keys, and snapping hip hop inspired drum programming. For the remainder of the ‘Funk Forever’ EP, expect to hear four additional tracks including collaborations with Elive, Potatohead People, and Ishtar.”

Should You Listen? Fuck and yes. Somehow, the Pendletons figures out a way to bridge ’70s and ’80s soul and funk into something which instantly reminds you of an entire decade’s worth of music, while also existing outside all of that as something new. It’s fresh, despite the myriad nods to any number of artists, and it’s fucking infectious as hell. I was fully blown away, and yo — that jazz flute? It’s sick.

Available: You can pre-order the EP digitally or on vinyl from Bandcamp, and it drops March 30.