New Lushlife (Feat. Ezra Koenig) - "The Songbird Athletic" (Stereogum Premiere)

UPDATE: We regret to report that, contrary to what press materials for this album claimed, Ezra Koenig does not actually appear on this track. We're told Ezra and Lushlife are old friends who planned to collaborate on the song; ultimately, it didn't happen. The label tells us the album will now have to be re-manufactured with the credits correctly listing "Songbird Athletic" as solely a Lushlife composition, and the US physical release date will be pushed back. Weird!

//

Philadelphia multi-instrumental emcee Lushlife is joined by Ezra Koenig on the first single from his forthcoming Cassette City. If you recall, he's also the man behind West Sounds, which mashed Pet Sounds instrumentals with Kanye's The College Dropout, so these sorts of unexpected overlays aren't really all that unexpected. On Cassette, in addition to Koenig he brings in Ariel Pink and Deerhoof's Greg Saunier, along with Camp Lo, etc. As far as "The Songbird Athletic," the Vampire Weekend frontman contributes a very VW-style guitar line and some heavily processed background vocals to the sunny hip-hop track. It goes well with the single's album art, which you can see in enlarged form while you take a listen.

There'll be a digital single for "The Songbird Athletic" available via iTunes on 5/19. Cassette City is out 6/23 via Rapster. You can hear more at the man's MySpace.

Posted at 2:47 PM by brandon in Album Art
Tags: Lushlife | Vampire Weekend

12 Comments

I am not a big rap guy but I really liked this

Posted by: Peter K at 05/06/09 2:59 PM | Reply
Score = 2

This will be the this year's philly summer hip hop jam. Will have to be on every summertime mix along with DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince's "Summertime."

Posted by: pitchfork gave this comment a 4.7 at 05/06/09 3:12 PM | Reply
Score = 2

what's a "very VOLKSWAGEN-like guitar line"?

Posted by: chrischke at 05/06/09 3:50 PM | Reply
Score = -5

both hippie-ish and like vampire weekend.

Posted by: brandon  in reply to chrischke's comment at 05/06/09 4:03 PM | Reply
Score = 0

The type of radio friendly indie guitar line that would work well in a car commercial of course!

Posted by: Marko in reply to chrischke's comment at 05/06/09 8:40 PM | Reply
Score = -1

i was expecting Ezra to rap damnit!!!,,,,,this is awesome though

Posted by: coop at 05/06/09 4:16 PM | Reply
Score = 1

Hey, aren't the MP3s archived monthly as torrents anymore?

Posted by: zombiemonkey at 05/07/09 8:30 AM | Reply
Score = 1

i am pretty sure i just heard a great gatsby reference

Posted by: genevieve at 05/07/09 12:34 PM | Reply
Score = 1

hahahaha awesome!

Posted by: Tj in reply to genevieve's comment at 05/09/09 7:22 PM | Reply
Score = 0

this is very dope.

Posted by: jetblak22 at 05/07/09 12:43 PM | Reply
Score = 1

Can we get this in the Gum MIx please?

Posted by: heywoodjewbrome at 05/09/09 12:47 AM | Reply
Score = 1

Meh. Wasn't what I expected. Wasn't too good either. Ezra should've rapped.
No offence ok? I just don't like rap..
VAMPIRE WEEKEND RULEEE!!!! :DDD

Posted by: Murron at 05/09/09 11:43 AM | Reply
Score = -3