The Best Songs Of The Month

As summer—and festival season—2017 takes its first steps, everyone is on the hunt for the song that will be the soundtrack to their season. While a concept like “song of the summer” may be a bit antiquated for today’s streaming era, it doesn’t mean there isn’t a song out there that will win your heart. Check out top songs from the month of May by Culture Trip’s music editors, Ann Lee and Ryan Kristobak, and maybe you will find the record you’ve been searching for.

Now, Now — “SGL”

Now, Now has been off the map for some time, and in their absence they’ve shed the angsty grit of previous album Threads. “SGL” is nothing short of a perfect pop record: it’s the song you turn to when you are in a good mood, it’s the song you turn to when you are feeling down, and once you hear it, you won’t be able to take it off repeat. —Ryan Kristobak (RK)

Grizzly Bear — “Mourning Sound”

Everything Is Recorded — “Close But Not quite” ft. Sampha

Who knew Sampha and Curtis Mayfield’s vocals would work like twins—so much that you barely notice when one takes over for the other? Apparently XL Recordings’ founder and producer Richard Russell, and we’re all better off for it. Full record, please? —RK

Kyla La Grange — “Violet Blue”

Kyla La Grange delivers up another slice of electro pop goodness on her new track “Violet Blue”. Her strong, confident vocals soar on this sprawling synth-driven melody that is bold and fearless in its emotional intent. —AL

Floating Points — “Kelso Dunes”

First, Sam Shepherd, aka Floating Points, mastered electronic music. Then he recorded a near-jazz album with a full orchestra. Now, it appears Shepherd is determined to win over experimental rock enthusiasts, and when the two songs you release are constantly compared to Pink Floyd, you’re probably doing it right. —RK

Alt-J — “Adeline”

Former Mercury Prize winners Alt-J are returning with their third album, Relaxer, and this is the third track they’ve shared with fans ahead of its release. It’s glorious, shimmering and multi-layered, with the band’s signature offbeat charm. —AL

Logic — “Take it Back”

If Logic’s Everybody is the anthem for the world’s biracial population, “Take It Back” is its centerpiece. Logic has often used his own story to talk on topics of race, but here he holds nothing back, breaking down the harrowing racism he endured as a child—even from his own mother—and laying out his message of equality for all people regardless of race, religion, color, creed, and sexual orientation. —RK

Mogwai — “Coolverine”

Scottish post-rock legends Mogwai surely win for best song title for this month. “Coolverine” is as assured and nuanced as anything they’ve done before. A slow-burning delight that smoulders with steely determination. —AL

Nilüfer Yanya — “Golden Cage”

Emerging London act Nilüfer Yanya is, for a lack of better words, freakin’ cool. Her lethargic cadence and jazz-tinted tones will give listeners shades of Amy Winehouse, but in an effort to avoid depending on such comparisons, suffice it to say that Yanya is a singular talent whose songwriting could very well define a slice of 21st-century music. —RK

Turtle — “Blood Type”

Producer Turtle has roped in singer Eliza Shaddad to provide the vocals on this beautifully hazy track. Her hushed tones perfectly complement the brooding electro/hip hop beats. —AL

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.