This week’s countdown sees the return of seasoned artists (PJ Harvey, Drake, MGMT, Lightning Bolt) as well as some rookie debuts (Diane Coffee). One thing’s for sure: This is one of the most diverse weeks ever for “MP3s”, with everything from spiraling noise rock to pure R&B bedtime music.
10. Lightning Bolt – “Barbarian Boy”
The latest release in the Adult Swim Singles Program comes in the form of Lightning Bolt’s “Barbarian Boy”, an exercise in anxious percussion and sonic chaos. To be fair, most Lightning Bolt songs are chaotically percussive; however, this one is tighter and punchier than their typical krautrock-inspired experimentation. Frontman Brian Chippendale hollers his way through abrasive feedback, and his appearance here marks his first with Lightning Bolt since he began concentrating on side project Black Pus. –Jon Hadusek
