TUNE: After releasing two songs into the webosphere (“Miles, Miles, Miles” and “Slow Train” with Cate Le Bon), Kevin Morby’s LP “Harlem River” is now streaming. As it turns out, the title track is its most stunning, a stand out even in the company of eight exceptionally crafted tunes. Morby calls his album “an homage to New York City,” and while that may be true, “Harlem River” is definitely its most vivid ode. The nine-minute song (especially that slow-building, bluesy bass) feels like a slink along the water on one of those New York City nights you stumble across when you least expect it: sexy, immersive, and totally effortless.
BY: As a former bassist for the band Woods and singer/guitarist for the Babies, this album marks Kevin Morby’s solo debut.
CURRENTLY: The full album is out on November 26 on Woodsist, and Kevin Morby will be performing at the Mercury Lounge on January 16. Stream the album via Pitchfork now. And, if you’re really eager, our In Tune pick is track number three.
—Regina Mogilevskaya