For this edition of Best Songs, we checked in with the Philadelphia band Kassie Krut, who are an outgrowth of now-shuttered math rock band Palm—the name is a play on former Palm member Kasra Kurt’s government ID. The band’s exciting self-titled debut EP came out today; it fuses a variety of influences into a noisy, dubby whole. Listening to the EP made us curious about what the band would consider to be the Best Songs for ten hyper-specific situations. Read their answers and listen to the EP below.

Best song to eat a hoagie to?  

“Cost of Living” by Morgan Garrett  

 

Morgan, a very sweet person who makes very scary music. If this song was a hoagie it would have hot sauce and worms in it.

Best song by a Philly band?

“Glitter of the City (Song By Tahira)” by Ron Everett

So much amazing music has been made in Philly that it feels reductive to choose just one song, but this track from Ron Everett’s self-released 1977 album is a lesser-known favorite worth hearing.

Best grime song?

“Stop Dat” by Dizzee Rascal

Probably a perfect track. The beat, the vocal, the sounds, that meandering keyboard line. My cousin got me this CD when it came out and I’m still processing.

Best song with a siren or car alarm sample?

“Special Effects” by Dean Friedman

Beautiful song about love and sound effects.

Best song for zoning out?

“Mais Do Que Valsa” by Marcos Valle

Dare u not to zone to this one.

Best song for locking in?

"Industrial Graft" by Plasticman

I play this loud when I'm walking through the city and it makes me feel invincible.

Best song in a weird time signature?

“Dungeon Master” by Self Love

Recent discovery. This track has a fun odd rhythm.

Best song to listen to for an hour straight?

“Hip Love” by FaltyDL

When I first found this song I listened to it for an hour straight.

Best pop song from 2007?

"Wuzhannanan" by Soulja Boy

In hindsight, the shape of pop to come.

Second place: 

“Paper Planes” by M.I.A.

Best indie rock song from 2007?

“The Perfect Me” by Deerhoof

Rock so hard.