HIGHEST 2 LOWEST – Essential Tunes For The Next 7 Days

This week’s Listening Booth includes the original soundtrack to Spike Lee’s new film, HIGHEST 2 LOWEST, starring Denzel Washington. Plus four other essential tunes that you should be listening to right now.

HIGHEST 2 LOWEST Original Soundtrack – Various Artists

The musical lineup featured on the HIGHEST 2 LOWEST soundtrack features new songs from A$AP Rocky and Jensen McRae, supporting the storyline of Denzel Washington’s character, a music mogul rediscovering his love for music. The soundtrack includes a score by Howard Drossin and works from the late Eddie Palmieri. The title track, “Highest 2 Lowest,” is performed by British Soul/R&B artist Aiyana Lee. Spike Lee commended the soundtrack’s curation, stating, “My eyes and ears don’t lie. It’s da truth, Ruth.” The bonus album features an extended score by Drossin and an EP from the Fergus McCreadie Trio. If you appreciate the familiar vibe of a Denzel Washington and Spike Lee joint, this soundtrack is a must listen.

Your Consolation Prize – Gordi 

Gordi’s “Your Consolation Prize,” from her new album “Like Plasticine,” co-produced by Brad Cook, showcases her talent with a blend of synth-pop sounds and soft choir vocals over drum machines. The song addresses the reality that, despite finding acceptance and closeness since coming out, young queer individuals still face challenges and societal labels for not fitting traditional molds.

Better or Worse – Patrick Wolf

Patrick Wolf announces his 6-track EP, Better Or Worse, featuring remixes of the title track, along with two new songs: “Hymne D’Étranger”, his first song in French, and ‘She Didn’t Dance,’ a cover of an Irish folk song. He also includes a Spanish version, “Mejora O Empeorar”. Wolf describes the EP as a powerful anthem of empowerment, inspired by his best friend’s struggles with divorce and loss, and rooted in East Kent folklore. During a visit to Malaga, he translated “Better Or Worse” into Spanish as part of his artistic journey.

Hangman – Taylor Acorn

Taylor Acorn’s “Hangman” blends electric guitar riffs with themes of emotional struggle. The song reflects Acorn’s storytelling ability and deep emotions. Acorn shares that the idea came during a time when she felt stuck in life despite things going well. She expressed her frustration over minor setbacks and highlighted how many struggle to move on from unfulfilling relationships. The hangman concept playfully symbolizes that struggle.

Better Than You – The Bad Ups

The Bad Ups, a four-piece punk band from Philadelphia formed in 2018, draws heavy inspiration from 90s Epitaph and Fat Wreck bands, while incorporating traditional ska and reggae rhythms. Led by McKayle of Jamaican descent, their name reflects the Caribbean term “baddup,” signifying their intense musical style. They have built a dedicated following and shared the stage with notable acts like Face to Face and The Bouncing Souls, appealing to various punk subcultures from ska to oi. “Better Than You” is a standout track from their 2024 LP, “Life of Sin”.

About Post Author

Allan Lane

Philadelphia born and bred, Allan Lane is the Publisher and Editor in Chief of digital magazines. He launched his first publication, SportBikes Inc Magazine in 2010, followed by dosage MAGAZINE in 2019. Recently, Allan launched his third online publication, Club For Man. As a journalist, Allan covers fashion, lifestyle, culture, art, and motorcycles.

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