Jonah Bromwich wishes they had come up with a better name for this song.
It’s November 2011 and I’m back in DC for Thanksgiving, hanging out with some of my friends from high school. Drake’s album has just come out and I’ve dutifully reviewed it over on my own site. In my review, I say that the first half is inarguably good but that the middle is too long and not very good. I also say that Drake is a polarizing figure and this album won’t change anyone’s opinion about him. In the critical company I keep, Drake has become persona non grata (which, if you’re a regular Passion reader, you probably know) and there are plenty of good reasons for that, but it’s not the point here.
I’m with my friends and they love the new Drake album. Actually, they don’t really love the album. They’re not critics and don’t hold to holistic views. What they do love is the part in “Crew Love” where Abel Tesfaye croon-howls (crowls?), “Cuz they lovin’ the crew…they lovin’ the crewww, they lovin the crew” etc. My friends, both of whom are above 6”4, are going ape over this part of the song, singing it in an abandoned, committed, absurd fashion that’s really funny to see when it’s all taking place several inches above your head. And they’re right, the song’s great.
Shlohmo’s got the kind of ear that picks out that sort of greatness, regardless of whose album it originates from. And when The Weeknd got wind of his remix of “Crew Love” and requested an official version, everyone’s favorite beatmaking mensch was only too happy to acquiesce. He doesn’t change much here, just starts on the perfect line, adds some subtle effects to the background, and slows everything down just a mite. As Shea Serrano will attest, Drake sounds way better screwed up and I’m happy to report that the Weeknd also sounds excellent in multiple octaves. As Araabmuzik said in a recent interview with Pitchfork, this is what good DJs do. They “make stuff that’s already hot even hotter.” Sometimes they make it so hot that I can’t help but to eagerly anticipate an emphatic response from a certain pair of enormous white guys the next time we’re all in DC.
Previous Episodes:
Shlohmo’s Vacation
Places & Kings
Beat Traps: The Bad Vibes of Shlohmo
Download:
MP3: Drake ft. the Weeknd – “Crew Love” (Shlohmo Remix) (Left-Click)
