I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: Solange may be Beyoncé’s little sis, but she’s the far more interesting of the two singing Knowles sisters. Not content to stand in Beyoncé’s estimable shadow, Solange has been forging her own musical path for years, dabbling in all sorts of sounds and beholden to no single genre. You know, running her own world, girl.
While we await a release date for Solange’s third album, already this year she’s hopped on Theophilus London’s beautifully hazy “Flying Overseas” and recorded a charity single with CANT and Twin Shadow. Today, Solange’s collaborative vibe continues on two new releases on which she’s featured.
First up is Chromeo’s “When The Night Falls,” first included on the Montreal duo’s Business Casual album last year, and now expanded to an EP with new remixes.
There’s been a fair amount of promo in anticipation of the EP, getting out the younger Knowles’ name in a bigger way. Pitchfork offered a free download of the Breakbot Remix and Stereogum served up an MP3 of the Hercules And Love Affair Remix. Besides the original album version, that leaves two more to purchase, the Lifelike Remix and a cover by Chromeo tourmate, Mayer Hawthorne (who previously covered another Business Casual track).
While I dig the disco-groove of the Breakbot Remix of “When The Night Falls,” it figures that the best re-do would require some wallet opening. Listen to the electro-pulse of the Lifelike Remix:
Purchase Chromeo feat. Solange Knowles – “When The Night Falls” EP via iTunes.
Today’s second serving of new Solange comes from Chairlift co-founder Aaron Pfenning, now recording as Rewards. “Equal Dreams” is his fourth single under the banner, a sultry, leisurely disco number on which his vocals overlap with Solange’s.
“Am I everything you always wanted?” she’s heard intoning on “Equal Dreams.” The answer is, yes, Solange. You are the best thing I never had.
Equal Dreams (Feat. Solange Knowles) by DFA Records
Purchase Rewards feat. Solange Knowles – “Equal Dreams” via iTunes.