K Records founder Calvin Johnson released his third solo album and first in 13 years, A Wonderful Beast, a couple weeks ago. The record was produced by the Black Keys’ Patrick Carney which may seem like an unlikely pairing but in the end works wonderfully. Our Song of the Day is the album opener “Kiss Me Sweetly,” which features backing vocals from pop star Michelle Branch, who’s married to Carney. Johnson’s deep baritone over a dragging bassline makes the words “kiss me sweetly” sound more like an ominous threat than a romantic suggestion.
Below, watch the kooky lo-fi video for A Wonderful Beast track “Like You Do,” directed by Red Williamson.