Every Thursday, the Paste staff and contributors choose their five favorite songs of the week, awarding one entry a “Song of the Week” designation.
Song of the Week: Westside Cowboy, “Pin Up Boys”
The Manchester quartet Westside Cowboy continues to impress with their latest single, “Pin Up Boys.” Following their January EP, So Much Country ‘Til We Get There, the band demonstrates a masterful command of dynamics. The track, which has become a staple of their live performances, balances quiet, introspective moments with explosive, percussive catharsis. It is a testament to their growing maturity as songwriters and performers.
FKA twigs feat. Lil Yachty: “On Your Mind”
FKA twigs returns with “On Your Mind,” a collaboration with Lil Yachty that explores the intersection of emotional turmoil and dance. Born from the frustration of a cancelled Coachella appearance, the track serves as a rhythmic inquiry into connection and resilience. Twigs continues to use the dancefloor as a conduit for profound emotional expression.
Gary Stewart: “Woman Will Tear The Heart Right Out Of A Man”
This unearthed recording of Gary Stewart, captured between 1967 and 1972, offers a rare glimpse into the artist’s early career. Before his later struggles, Stewart was a young songwriter in Nashville crafting honky-tonk gems. “Woman Will Tear the Heart Right Out of a Man” stands as a poignant artifact of his formative years.
mary in the junkyard: “Blood”
London trio mary in the junkyard explore the complexities of early romance in their latest single, “Blood.” With a mathy guitar line and a steady groove, the track captures the delicate balance between sweetness and uncertainty. Bandleader Clari Freeman-Taylor delivers a performance that is both subtle and deeply compelling.
Nirosta Steel: “BOSS TRIX (BENNY’S SONG)”
Steven Hall’s project Nirosta Steel has finally released My Skyscraper, a collection forty years in the making. “BOSS TRIX (BENNY’S SONG)” is a standout track, offering a deconstructed, nocturnal take on disco. It is a heartfelt tribute to a former partner, showcasing Hall’s unique ability to blend nightlife energy with genuine emotional depth.
