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.
