Wishy released their fantastic debut LP, Triple Seven, back in August via Winspear (read our review in Notable Releases), and they’re about to begin the North American leg of their fall tour supporting it. In honor of that, the band’s Kevin Krauter told us about his favorite songs in languages other than English. Read his picks and commentary below.
Wishy’s tour starts tonight (11/18) in Pittsburgh, and includes a sold out Brooklyn show at Baby’s All Right on Wednesday (11/20) with Prize Horse and Plastic. Before that, they’ll do a performance and signing at Rough Trade on Tuesday (11/19), and tickets are still available. See all dates below.
KEVIN KRAUTER OF WISHY’S FAVORITE SONGS IN LANGUAGES OTHER THAN ENGLISH
Dur-Dur Band – “Goromphmca” (Somalia, 1992)
Starting off this list with one of my favorite tracks of all time. The quality of recording is really crunchy and lo-fi, it kind of feels like you’re listening through an old boombox. I love the combination of the tight, funky backing groove laying the foundation for singer to just go crazy with the melody. Her voice floats on top of everything in such an ethereal and effortless way.
Lijadu Sisters – “Orere Elejigbo” (Nigeria, 1979)
This song blew my mind the first time I heard it. The way the drums are mixed in stereo, the dirty ass bassline, the fat snare on the first down beat, and then the Sisters’ vocals bust in like a freight train throughout the whole song… I mean what’s not to love.
Helio Matheus – “Eu, Réu, Me Condeno” (Brazil, 1973)
As you might have gathered by now, I’m a sucker for a tight groove. This track certainly provides. Every time the electric piano sneaks in I low key get chills. And I love the backing vocals when they hit that super rhythmic section after the chorus. Feels like a song that was made for a J Dilla beat.
Hamid El Shaeri – Ayonha (Libya, 1983)
So basically any song with a Maj7 4th chord to Minor 3rd chord progression never fails to put me in a good mood. This song is a prime example. The beat feels extremely laid back while maintaining the perfect groove for the call and response vocals to shine through.
Jovanotti – Piove (Italy, 1994)
Fans of The Sopranos may recognize this track as the ending credits music from the episode where they go to Italy, which is where I found it. Sounds like the greatest Sublime song ever made if they were Italian. Not much more to say than that.
Stiffy – TOPPER (Argentina, 2023)
Alright this one’s a bit of a left-fielder in comparison to the rest of this list but fuck it its a banger. This kid is from Argentina, I think he’s like 13 or something. I love his flow and the melody on this song a lot. The whole album that this song is from goes crazy. Every beat makes me feel like I’m going insane low key. I love it.
Luminous Orange – How High (Japan, 2001)
I’ve been obsessed with this Japanese band for like the past 2 years now. Their ‘98 album Sugercoated and 2002 album Drop You Vivid Colours are both in regular rotation for me. Huge influence on a lot of stuff I write for Wishy. Crazy synthesis of Sonic Youth, MBV, Stereolab, basically any cool band from the era, but with this super precise execution that really speaks to my inner perfectionist.
Takako Minekawa – Fantastic Voyage (Japan, 1999)
Another cut from the land of the rising sun. This whole album goes crazy but this track in particular really makes me happy. Love the sampled intro. Love the drum machine. Love the low-end bass. Love the Lou Reed homage with the background vocals. Love the fluttery synths. I love it all.
Okay that’s it thanks for reading!
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WISHY: 2024 TOUR DATES
11/18 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
11/19 – New York, NY @ Rough Trade In Store
11/20 – New York, NY @ Baby’s All Right
11/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ PhilaMOCA
11/22 – Washington, DC @ Songbyrd
11/23 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade – Purgatory
11/25 – Nashville, TN @ drkmttr
11/26 – Indianapolis, IN @ Hi-Fi
12/05 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas
12/06 – Milwaukee, WI @ Xray Arcade
12/10 – Seattle, WA @ Barboza
12/11 – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall
12/13 – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill
12/14 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
12/15 – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar
12/17 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk (Indoors)
12/18 – Denton, TX @ Andy’s Bar