A new month is upon us, and with it comes a showroom-new playlist! This month has a few finds from my most recent Used CD Store excursion, as well as some previously out-of-print records that have been reissued - along with the usual new stuff. Enjoy!
1. The Unconventional (Japan) - Used CD Store find #1. This was on an 80s compilation. The liner notes said Duran Duran has cited this band as an influence. I can hear that - this kind of sounds like Simon LeBon singing over a 70s porn soundtrack!
2. Little Talks (Of Monsters and Men) - Exuberant jig in the style of Kirsty MacColl and the Pogues.
3. Come Home (Chappo) - Another upbeat jam that makes me dance around like one of the little kids in the Peanuts comics.
4. I Don't Like the Man That I Am (Pete Molinari) - Used CD Store find #2. This was on a Neo-Soul compilation I picked up. Retro-50s sound a la Ricky Nelson. Would love to see a show with Pete and Sonny & the Sunsets headlining!
5. St . Valentine's Massacre (Cocktail Slippers) - A nod to the holiday. When I saw the title I expected a heavy metal riff, but this is actually a sweet mid-tempo ballad.
6. Old Songs (Betty Wright with the Roots) - The Clean Up Woman teams with hip hop artist for some glorious soul.
7. Right Back to You /DVAS Remix/ (Electric Youth) - Easy 80s beats that would be well-suited for a K-tel compilation and enjoyed along with some Reunite on ice. Eat your hearts out, Air Supply.
8. Melancholy Sky (Goldfrapp) - NEW GOLDFRAPP!!!!! Even though "Supernature" will always be my favorite recording of theirs, they never disappoint me.
9. Boots of Spanish Leather (Airborne Toxic Event) - One of my fave new bands sings one of my fave Dylan songs. Win + Win.
10. New Shoes (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) - I saw her sing this live last year, and now it's finally out on CD!
11. Holy Touch (Foxy Shazam) - If you ever get a chance to see these guys live, DO IT! This is their outrageous latest.
12. Stormy Weather (Etta James) - Le sigh. RIP Etta. "At Last" is her signature song, but this is another great performance.
13. Measure Up (Tom Tom Club) - Reissue #1. Their second album, which personally I liked better than the first (which included their hit "Genius of Love") is now out as part of a Deluxe Package which includes both discs.
14. Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye) - I saw my friends Justin & April listening to this on Spotify so decided to check it out. Sounds like Sting during his "Dream of the Blue Turtles" days.
15. Could It Be (Charlie Worsham) - This guy opened up for Miranda Lambert in Charlotte, and not only is he total eye-candy - but I loved his easy breezy songwriting. Hopefully he'll be on Spotify soon.
16. Alphaville (Bryan Ferry) - "Slave to Love" singer returns with some Chic-influenced disco. C'est Chic!
17. Eleven Days (David Byrne & Fat Boy Slim featuring Cyndi Lauper) - Putting these three together sounds like an episode of "the Surreal Life" and the result is every bit as fun!
18. Saved (Grace Jones) - Reissue #2. When you think religion, you probably don't think Grace Jones - but on her 1979 disco album "Muse", Grace takes us on a spiritual journey from "Sinning" to "Saved". This is the high-octane finale to the 4-song medley.
Hope everyone has a great February! See you next month.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Brant's January 2012 Playlist
Yikes! We're almost a week into January and I'm just now getting to this! I guess the holidays got me all distracted. Anyway - here 'tis.
1. Jealousy (Will Young) - The latest from Britain's Pop Idol.
2. Like We Did/Windows Down/ (the Maine) - Nostalgic pop rock that is perfect for riding in the car with your....wait for it...windows down!
3. Domino (Jessie J) - Kety Perry-esque girl pop
4. Are You My Baby (Wendy & Lisa) - Stumbled across this on iTunes. I used to have this on cassette! From Wendy & Lisa's second album after leaving Prince & the Revolution. Funky 80s R&B that holds up pretty well today.
5. Bizarre Love Triangle (Nouvelle Vague) - Gorgeous cover of New Order's classic. This was on a limited edition CD I found on one of my Used CD Store expeditions. Pretty sure I found it at Amoeba in San Francisco...
6. Sister (the Black Keys) - Off their new CD, El Camino. Am I the only one who's bothered by the fact that the car shown on the cover is NOT an El Camino???
7. Tight Rope (Damon Fowler) - I love the Spotify scroll on Facebook. I pilfered this off something I saw Crystal D listening to! Thanks Crystal! Remake of the classic 1972 Leon Russell tune.
8. Fascinated (Ivy) - I loved her spooky cover of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" so was checking out her original tunes. Groovy electronica.
9. You & I /Mark Taylor remix/ (Lady Gaga) - Mark Taylor replaces the original clunky dubstep percussion with a sleek 1990's Shania Twain-like groove. "Man! I feel like a Gaga!"
10. No Tears to Cry (Paul Weller) - Every now & then I search a musician just to see if they've been up to anything lately. Came across this 2010 Weller track that sounds like a lost Gary Puckett single.
11. Brand New Key (the Dollyrots) - How is this not on Spotify??? Spunky grrrrrl group that Jill turned me on to covers Melanie's 1970s hit.
12. Angel with a Shotgun (the Cab) - They had me at the song title, but it's actually a pretty good tune!
13. Don't F#ck with My Money (Penguin Prison) - The best bubblegum electronic song with a gangsta title that I've heard in recent memory...
14. Wake Up Baby (Jill Scott) - Smooth soul from a smooth soulstress
15. Always (Bent) - The excellent Mahavishnu Remix is on any self-respecting queen's iPod, but it occurred to me that I'd never heard the original. Nice - a little bouncier than the remix, but I like.
16. Baggage Claim (Miranda Lambert) - Contemporary honky tonk from the other young blonde country singer (who could kick Taylor Swift's butt and not even spill her Budweiser).
17. Boys Will Be Boys (Maureen Steele) - This was on the Flamingo Kid soundtrack, but basically could have been on ANY movie soundtrack from the 80s. Brings back fond memories of the movie theatre I worked in back in high school...
18. I Took a Little Something (Florrie) - Euro dance pop that I'm sure I heard on the satellite radio.
19. Top of the Pops 2011 (Mashup Germany) - Adrenaline-packed mashup of all the top Pop songs of 2011. Free download on soundcloud
Hope everyone's 2012 is off to a great start! See you next month!!!
1. Jealousy (Will Young) - The latest from Britain's Pop Idol.
2. Like We Did/Windows Down/ (the Maine) - Nostalgic pop rock that is perfect for riding in the car with your....wait for it...windows down!
3. Domino (Jessie J) - Kety Perry-esque girl pop
4. Are You My Baby (Wendy & Lisa) - Stumbled across this on iTunes. I used to have this on cassette! From Wendy & Lisa's second album after leaving Prince & the Revolution. Funky 80s R&B that holds up pretty well today.
5. Bizarre Love Triangle (Nouvelle Vague) - Gorgeous cover of New Order's classic. This was on a limited edition CD I found on one of my Used CD Store expeditions. Pretty sure I found it at Amoeba in San Francisco...
6. Sister (the Black Keys) - Off their new CD, El Camino. Am I the only one who's bothered by the fact that the car shown on the cover is NOT an El Camino???
7. Tight Rope (Damon Fowler) - I love the Spotify scroll on Facebook. I pilfered this off something I saw Crystal D listening to! Thanks Crystal! Remake of the classic 1972 Leon Russell tune.
8. Fascinated (Ivy) - I loved her spooky cover of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" so was checking out her original tunes. Groovy electronica.
9. You & I /Mark Taylor remix/ (Lady Gaga) - Mark Taylor replaces the original clunky dubstep percussion with a sleek 1990's Shania Twain-like groove. "Man! I feel like a Gaga!"
10. No Tears to Cry (Paul Weller) - Every now & then I search a musician just to see if they've been up to anything lately. Came across this 2010 Weller track that sounds like a lost Gary Puckett single.
11. Brand New Key (the Dollyrots) - How is this not on Spotify??? Spunky grrrrrl group that Jill turned me on to covers Melanie's 1970s hit.
12. Angel with a Shotgun (the Cab) - They had me at the song title, but it's actually a pretty good tune!
13. Don't F#ck with My Money (Penguin Prison) - The best bubblegum electronic song with a gangsta title that I've heard in recent memory...
14. Wake Up Baby (Jill Scott) - Smooth soul from a smooth soulstress
15. Always (Bent) - The excellent Mahavishnu Remix is on any self-respecting queen's iPod, but it occurred to me that I'd never heard the original. Nice - a little bouncier than the remix, but I like.
16. Baggage Claim (Miranda Lambert) - Contemporary honky tonk from the other young blonde country singer (who could kick Taylor Swift's butt and not even spill her Budweiser).
17. Boys Will Be Boys (Maureen Steele) - This was on the Flamingo Kid soundtrack, but basically could have been on ANY movie soundtrack from the 80s. Brings back fond memories of the movie theatre I worked in back in high school...
18. I Took a Little Something (Florrie) - Euro dance pop that I'm sure I heard on the satellite radio.
19. Top of the Pops 2011 (Mashup Germany) - Adrenaline-packed mashup of all the top Pop songs of 2011. Free download on soundcloud
Hope everyone's 2012 is off to a great start! See you next month!!!
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Best Pics of 2011
I can't believe 2011 is almost over! Since I'm not one to break promises - maybe now is a good time to make my 2011 Resolutions.
In the meantime - here's the year in review, set to "Top of the Pops 2011" by Mashup-Germany!
In the meantime - here's the year in review, set to "Top of the Pops 2011" by Mashup-Germany!
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Brant's December 2011 Playlist
Jiminy Crickets! Is it time for another holiday playlist again already? The dancing Santa Claus on my hearth makes me think that it IS! Well, in that case - here is this month's playlist. I tried to find a balance of personal favorites and unusual suspects. Hopefully the result is a playlist that feels both fresh and familiar. Ho Ho Hope you enjoy!
1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams) - This optimistic anthem seemed like a great way to start this year's mix. When Andy sings it, I almost believe it.
2. Do They Know It's Christmas? (Band Aid) - The original version that inspired countless other celebrity choruses to sing for charity. As usual, this first attempt is much better than the efforts that would follow.
3. Ole Santa (Dinah Washington) - Peaceful Christmas ditty. You can almost visualize the children drifting off to sleep with smiles on their faces as they wait for Santa.
4. The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot (Vera Lynn) - Something tells me Vera was NOT the life of the party. Definitely a Debbie Downer tune, but I love the 1940's feel.
5. Snowflakes (Jeremy Fisher) - Sweet, nostalgic holiday stylings from Jeremy Fisher.
6. Christmas Island (Ella Fitzgerald) - I think the Andrews Sisters version is my fave, but since that was on last year's list I've substituted Ella's swinging cover.
7. Fairytale of New York (the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl) - Hot-headed Irish couple visits New York, discovers the meaning of Christmas, gets arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication.
8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Dean Martin) - Dino's version of the holiday classic.
9. The Christmas Waltz (Kristin Chenoweth) - Broadway & Glee star graces us with a Christmas greeting.
10. One Happy Christmas (Tammy Wynette) - I think the best Christmas songs are the ones that fit the vocalist and their personal style. It seems a lot of singers will pick popular songs and try to sing them and it just doesn't sound right. This tune, from Tammy's 1970 album Christmas with Tammy, sounds like a song she would have sung anyway. It just happens to be a Christmas song.
11. Angel /Holiday version/ (Jack Johnson) - Holiday version of his 2007 acoustic ballad
12. White Christmas (Bing Crosby) - A classic.
13. Chilly Winds Don't Blow (Nina Simone) - Nina's not trying to have a White Christmas. Snow is cold, bitches.
14. Flowers in December (Mazzy Star) - Quiet, wistful winter ballad
15. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (Mabel Scott) - Mabel's barn-storming boogie will melt the snow off anyone's chimney.
16. Merry, Merry Christmas (Koko Taylor) - We lost Ms. Koko in 2009, but her bluesy vocals keep the spirit alive.
17. Operator (Manhattan Transfer) - I checked out their Christmas albums, but somehow kept coming back to this gospel song off their 1975 debut album. Probably not intended as a holiday song, but I love it anyway.
18. O Holy Night (Mahalia Jackson) - Okay, this is a gospel holiday song. Amen.
19. I'll Be Home for Christmas (She & Him) - New Girl Zooey Deschanel teams up with M. Ward for an uber-cool Christmas album. Once again - the laid back instrumentation seems perfectly suited for her voice (see comments from #10). No bells and whistles, just awesomeness.
20. Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me (Elvis Presley) - A bodacious Elvis holiday song that ISN'T "Blue Christmas".
21. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve (the Carpenters) - Karen Carpenter could pretty much sing anything and it would sound good. Well, maybe not Heavy Metal...but anything else.
22. Sleigh Ride (the Ronettes) - Ronnie & the gang frolic in the snow. Not sure if Cher is singing back up on this song, but she sang back up on several Ronettes tunes.
23. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Diana Krall) - Smooth and mellow rendition that reminds me of sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall.
Hope everyone has a great Christmas and holiday season! See you in 2012!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Brant's November 2011 Playlist
Okay, I'm a few days late with this one. Between Halloween and work, it just wasn't gonna happen. But I'm happy to finally be getting around to posting November's playlist. Probably more than some of my others, this one kind of reflects the way songs wander into my life. It's very stream of consciousness...Virginia Woolf would be proud.
1. Lover to Lover (Florence & the Machine) - Flo returns with some gospel, and the rejoicing begins.
2. The Walk (Mayer Hawthorne) - Now that Amy Winehouse has cleared the way, many are exploring the '60's soul sound. This one does it quite well, but don't play in front of the chil'rens. There are more curse words in 3 and a half minutes than you'd find in a week's worth of Temptations songs.
3. Roosevelt Island (Eleanor Friedberger) - Fiery Furnaces lead singer, who shares the same birthday as yours truly, busts out some 70's funk vibes.
4. I Think I Love You (Voice of the Beehive) - Here is where the stream of consciousness begins. Jill shared a playlist with me called 'Expo Girls'. The original had a VOTB song on it, but the song wasn't on Spotify so she substituted this great Partridge Family cover.
5. Betty's a Bombshell (Grouplove) - Great wave-your-lighter-in-the-air chorus. And you have to love a song that has glitter and suffering in the same refrain.
6. I'll Be Your Mirror (Rainy Day) - Stream of consciousness note #2. Expo Girls had a rare song on it, which was a great Bob Dylan cover by Susannah Hoffs (from the Bangles) and Mazzy Star. The cd was called Rainy Day. I tracked it down and was thrilled to find Susannah singing lead on this Velvet Underground cover.
7. Take It or Leave It (Sublime with Rome) - Unexpected return from the 90's group, with a new lead singer.
8. She Bangs the Drums (Stone Roses) - This popped up on my iPod while I had it on shuffle the other day so I decided to add it to this month's playlist.
9. Gidget Goes to Hell (Wrong Beach) - This was another of Jill's substitutions on Expo Girls, since Spotify didn't have Suburban Lawns' excellent original version. This cover is great too.
10. Set My Baby Free (Ian Brown) - Stream of consciousness #3. After hearing the Stone Roses, I started to wonder if any of the band members had done anything after the band broke up. I found this spooky song by former band lead singer, Ian Brown.
11. Lay Myself Down (Mazzy Star) - Stream of consciousness #4. After finding the Rainy Day cd, I checked to see if Mazzy Star had done anything recently, and found this song!
12. Second Hand News (Matthew Sweet & Susannah Hoffs) - Stream of consciousness #5. When checking to see if Susannah Hoffs had done anything recently, in addition to a new Bangles cd I found this duet with Matthew Sweet - a Fleetwood Mac cover.
13. This City /Breathe Electric Remix/ (Patrick Stump feat. Lupe Fiasco) - Breathe Electric breathes shimmery new disco life into the Patrick Stump tune. Free on PumptheBeat.com.
http://pumpthebeat.com/?cat=286
14. Break of Dawn (Goapele) - San Francisco siren returns with some smooth inspirational jazz
15. You Know That I'm No Good (Wanda Jackson) - Jack White works his magic on another country legend - this time by having rockabilly bad girl Wanda Jackson warble a Winehouse classic.
16. Fixin' to Die (G. Love) - G Love gets his blues on! Free (for now) on Daytrotter - they are soon going to have to start membership fees to cover expenses.
http://www.daytrotter.com/#!/concert/g-love/20054814-12982
17. Gimme Sympathy (Metric) - Fun female led alt-rock.
18. If (Janet Jackson) - This month's throwback. Janet grooves along to a Supremes sample as she imagines the love that might have been (and still could be!).
1. Lover to Lover (Florence & the Machine) - Flo returns with some gospel, and the rejoicing begins.
2. The Walk (Mayer Hawthorne) - Now that Amy Winehouse has cleared the way, many are exploring the '60's soul sound. This one does it quite well, but don't play in front of the chil'rens. There are more curse words in 3 and a half minutes than you'd find in a week's worth of Temptations songs.
3. Roosevelt Island (Eleanor Friedberger) - Fiery Furnaces lead singer, who shares the same birthday as yours truly, busts out some 70's funk vibes.
4. I Think I Love You (Voice of the Beehive) - Here is where the stream of consciousness begins. Jill shared a playlist with me called 'Expo Girls'. The original had a VOTB song on it, but the song wasn't on Spotify so she substituted this great Partridge Family cover.
5. Betty's a Bombshell (Grouplove) - Great wave-your-lighter-in-the-air chorus. And you have to love a song that has glitter and suffering in the same refrain.
6. I'll Be Your Mirror (Rainy Day) - Stream of consciousness note #2. Expo Girls had a rare song on it, which was a great Bob Dylan cover by Susannah Hoffs (from the Bangles) and Mazzy Star. The cd was called Rainy Day. I tracked it down and was thrilled to find Susannah singing lead on this Velvet Underground cover.
7. Take It or Leave It (Sublime with Rome) - Unexpected return from the 90's group, with a new lead singer.
8. She Bangs the Drums (Stone Roses) - This popped up on my iPod while I had it on shuffle the other day so I decided to add it to this month's playlist.
9. Gidget Goes to Hell (Wrong Beach) - This was another of Jill's substitutions on Expo Girls, since Spotify didn't have Suburban Lawns' excellent original version. This cover is great too.
10. Set My Baby Free (Ian Brown) - Stream of consciousness #3. After hearing the Stone Roses, I started to wonder if any of the band members had done anything after the band broke up. I found this spooky song by former band lead singer, Ian Brown.
11. Lay Myself Down (Mazzy Star) - Stream of consciousness #4. After finding the Rainy Day cd, I checked to see if Mazzy Star had done anything recently, and found this song!
12. Second Hand News (Matthew Sweet & Susannah Hoffs) - Stream of consciousness #5. When checking to see if Susannah Hoffs had done anything recently, in addition to a new Bangles cd I found this duet with Matthew Sweet - a Fleetwood Mac cover.
13. This City /Breathe Electric Remix/ (Patrick Stump feat. Lupe Fiasco) - Breathe Electric breathes shimmery new disco life into the Patrick Stump tune. Free on PumptheBeat.com.
http://pumpthebeat.com/?cat=286
14. Break of Dawn (Goapele) - San Francisco siren returns with some smooth inspirational jazz
15. You Know That I'm No Good (Wanda Jackson) - Jack White works his magic on another country legend - this time by having rockabilly bad girl Wanda Jackson warble a Winehouse classic.
16. Fixin' to Die (G. Love) - G Love gets his blues on! Free (for now) on Daytrotter - they are soon going to have to start membership fees to cover expenses.
http://www.daytrotter.com/#!/concert/g-love/20054814-12982
17. Gimme Sympathy (Metric) - Fun female led alt-rock.
18. If (Janet Jackson) - This month's throwback. Janet grooves along to a Supremes sample as she imagines the love that might have been (and still could be!).
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Brant's October 2011 Playlist
Woo hoo! It's October, and the sweltering heat of summer is behind us. Mild days without the pollen of springtime are followed by nights filled with Halloween parties and the new TV season. Hopefully you can put down your pumpkin-carving knives long enough to check out this month's playlist. Enjoy!
1. The King and All of His Men (Wolf Gang) - Upbeat latest from this British band that has toured with Florence & the Machine.
2. She Ain't Human (Billy Van featuring Quincy Kwalae and Zach Majors) - Mashup of Michael Jackson ("Human Nature") and Chris Brown ("She Ain't You") with tasty vocals by Zach Majors. Free download at Pump the Beat.
3. Spooky (Imogen Heap) - I had to have a Halloween themed song and Imogen Heap's groovilicious cover of the 1960's classic seemed perfect.
4. Flee or Fight (Matrimony) - Suzi & I caught these guys at the last Tosco Music Party and they put on an awesome show. Lead vocals by husband and wife James and Ashlee Hardee Brown.
5. Changing (Airborne Toxic Event) - Perky alt-rock to get your Halloween party started. Also check out "Sometime Around Midnight".
6. She's Gone (the Bird and the Bee) - Covering one Hall & Oates song would be daring, but to dedicate an entire album to them? That's crazy! Or is it GENIUS? Gotta say, I'm leaning towards genius.
7. Stars /LAZRtag remix/ (the XX) - Sean had this yummy mix on his latest playlist. Icy vocals meet a new wave beat and make beautiful music together.
8. Soldier (Ingrid Michaelson) - Mellow female rock reminds me of someone who probably played at Lilith Fair back in the day.
9. Tainted Love (Imelda May) - When I first heard this I thought it was Nouvelle Vague! Not sure who's playlist it was on. This is what happens when I go two months without posting new music! Great rockabilly version of the Soft Cell anthem.
10. Wish You Were Here (Glen Campbell) - Diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the country music legend recorded one last album, which was released in August 2011. He sounds as great as ever on this gorgeous ballad!
11. Atlas Hands (Benjamin Francis Leftwich) - Easy, breezy tune to play as the Autumn leaves begin to fall.
12. Not Your Fault (Awolnation) - Euro beats with arena rock vocals in the chorus
13. Touch My Bridge and Go (Fergie vs. Touch & Go) - Mashup that answers the question, "What if Fergie had recorded London Bridge with a Latin lounge band?" Free download at SoundCloud.
14. Teeth (the Ettes) - Jill sent me this on Spotify, and I love it! And not just because I'm a dentist. Female lead singer with a cute voice has totally got this guy's number!
15. If I Had a Gun (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds) - Brother from Oasis rallies a new band, sounds just like his old band. Not that that's a bad thing. Just sayin'...
16. Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me (Full Flava featuring Donna Gardier) - This Quincy Jones/Patti Austin collaboration was one of my favorite jazz songs from the 80's, so I was psyched to see it get a sleek Millennium-compatible remake.
17. Happy (the Daylights) - Epic love song in the style of the Fray.
18. We Used to Be Friends (Dandy Warhols) - Bluesy re-interpretation of their 2003 party jam. Free download at Daytrotter. http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/the-dandy-warhols-concert/20054551-7293.html
19. The Man with the 4-Way Hips (Tom Tom Club) - This month's throwback! I just caught them live in concert last night. Tina Weymouth looks and sounds as hot as ever! Definitely catch them if they come to your town.
1. The King and All of His Men (Wolf Gang) - Upbeat latest from this British band that has toured with Florence & the Machine.
2. She Ain't Human (Billy Van featuring Quincy Kwalae and Zach Majors) - Mashup of Michael Jackson ("Human Nature") and Chris Brown ("She Ain't You") with tasty vocals by Zach Majors. Free download at Pump the Beat.
3. Spooky (Imogen Heap) - I had to have a Halloween themed song and Imogen Heap's groovilicious cover of the 1960's classic seemed perfect.
4. Flee or Fight (Matrimony) - Suzi & I caught these guys at the last Tosco Music Party and they put on an awesome show. Lead vocals by husband and wife James and Ashlee Hardee Brown.
5. Changing (Airborne Toxic Event) - Perky alt-rock to get your Halloween party started. Also check out "Sometime Around Midnight".
6. She's Gone (the Bird and the Bee) - Covering one Hall & Oates song would be daring, but to dedicate an entire album to them? That's crazy! Or is it GENIUS? Gotta say, I'm leaning towards genius.
7. Stars /LAZRtag remix/ (the XX) - Sean had this yummy mix on his latest playlist. Icy vocals meet a new wave beat and make beautiful music together.
8. Soldier (Ingrid Michaelson) - Mellow female rock reminds me of someone who probably played at Lilith Fair back in the day.
9. Tainted Love (Imelda May) - When I first heard this I thought it was Nouvelle Vague! Not sure who's playlist it was on. This is what happens when I go two months without posting new music! Great rockabilly version of the Soft Cell anthem.
10. Wish You Were Here (Glen Campbell) - Diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the country music legend recorded one last album, which was released in August 2011. He sounds as great as ever on this gorgeous ballad!
11. Atlas Hands (Benjamin Francis Leftwich) - Easy, breezy tune to play as the Autumn leaves begin to fall.
12. Not Your Fault (Awolnation) - Euro beats with arena rock vocals in the chorus
13. Touch My Bridge and Go (Fergie vs. Touch & Go) - Mashup that answers the question, "What if Fergie had recorded London Bridge with a Latin lounge band?" Free download at SoundCloud.
14. Teeth (the Ettes) - Jill sent me this on Spotify, and I love it! And not just because I'm a dentist. Female lead singer with a cute voice has totally got this guy's number!
15. If I Had a Gun (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds) - Brother from Oasis rallies a new band, sounds just like his old band. Not that that's a bad thing. Just sayin'...
16. Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me (Full Flava featuring Donna Gardier) - This Quincy Jones/Patti Austin collaboration was one of my favorite jazz songs from the 80's, so I was psyched to see it get a sleek Millennium-compatible remake.
17. Happy (the Daylights) - Epic love song in the style of the Fray.
18. We Used to Be Friends (Dandy Warhols) - Bluesy re-interpretation of their 2003 party jam. Free download at Daytrotter. http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/the-dandy-warhols-concert/20054551-7293.html
19. The Man with the 4-Way Hips (Tom Tom Club) - This month's throwback! I just caught them live in concert last night. Tina Weymouth looks and sounds as hot as ever! Definitely catch them if they come to your town.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Brant's September 2011 Playlist
Woo Hoo!!! September is birthday month, so (same as I did last year) I'm just gonna throw together a list of favorites. I'm not sure how I got into 1950's-60's girl groups - maybe it was movies like "The Big Chill" and "Stand By Me", which featured a lot of recordings from that time. But for whatever reason, I've always gravitated towards these artists. Whether they're singing about first love, broken hearts, or just missing the party of the century - these women (girls?) gave it everything they had. Listen to Dusty Springfield sing about the uncertainty of new love in "How Can I Be Sure" or Reparata & the Delrons wail in gorgeous loneliness after a breakup in "I'm Nobody's Baby Now". It's no wonder Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse were inspired by this music.
As I've gotten older, I think I appreciate these ladies even more. Today's young women seem a lot more 'worldly' - one might even go so far as to label them Hoochie Mamas - but rarely do you hear them singing with such passion (Adele is admittedly an exception). Perhaps the Autotuner filters it out. But it seems a shame that an artist today can be singing about a menage-a-trois with less emotion than someone reciting their grocery list.
But enough editorializing. Let's kick it old school this month and think back to the days when our biggest problems were curfew and whether or not our crush was going to "like us back" (and not just on Facebook)! Enjoy.
1. My Baby Loves Me (Martha & the Vandellas) - They had bigger hits with "Love is Like a Heatwave" and "Dancing in the Streets", but this simple love song has always been my favorite in their catalogue.
2. Sweet Talkin' Guy (the Chiffons) - A bittersweet warning from someone who's learned the hard way.
3. The One You Can't Have (the Honeys) - Rare single from Mrs. Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame), mother to Carnie & Wendy Wilson (of Wilson Phillips). The Honeys often toured with the Beach Boys, and Brian Wilson produced and wrote many of their songs.
4. Needle in a Haystack (the Velvelettes) - Forgotten Motown girl group serve up some cynical soul.
5. Mr. Sandman (the Chordettes) - Bridging the gap between the Andrews Sisters and later Doo Wop acts, these ladies had their first hit with this classic in 1954. "Lollipop" would be an even bigger hit a few years later. Mr. Sandman would go on to be recorded by numerous acts ranging from Emmylou Harris to "The Golden Girls"!
6. She Don't Deserve You (the Honey Bees) - It sucks when someone you love dates someone you hate!
7. It's Gonna Take a Miracle (Royalettes) - Another song that has been covered many times. I think this original is still my fave.
8. Please Mr. Postman (the Marvelettes) - The first #1 Pop song for Motown, these ladies cleared the way for later female acts like Diana Ross & the Supremes.
9. Mixed Up Shook Up Girl (Patty & the Emblems) - This beach music gem was the only hit for the group. Always reminds me of hanging out on the pier at Myrtle Beach.
10. Don't Say Nothin' Bad About My Baby (the Cookies) - Sassy warning for all the haters out there!
11. Will You Love Me Tomorrow (the Shirelles) - Carole King's classic song was also the first song to hit #1 by an all-female group! Carole went on to record it herself for her Grammy winning album "Tapestry" in 1971.
12. Dream Lover (the Paris Sisters) - Dreamy remake of the classic Bobby Darin song
13. A Lover's Concerto (the Toys) - This catchy tune was based on Bach's "Minuet in G major" (hello! they were 'sampling' way back in 1965?!)
14. Party Lights (Claudine Clark) - Predecessor to Ke$ha? The whole song is about missing a party!
15. Born Too Late (the Poni-Tails) - It's no fun being a chicken when your man's not a chicken hawk.
16. I'm Into Something Good (Earl-Jean) - The Cookie's lead singer recorded this first, but it wasn't until Herman's Hermits did it that the song became a hit.
17. You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry (the Caravelles) - This fluttery tune is just begging to be in a Quentin Tarantino film!
18. I'm Nobody's Baby Now (Reparata & the Delrons) - Probably not anything you'd hear Beyonce' sing in these modern times of "Independent Women" and "Single Ladies", but we've all been there and felt like this.
19. Tonight You Belong to Me (Patience & Prudence) - Famously sung by Steve Martin & Bernadette Peters in "The Jerk", this is the 1956 version recorded by sisters Patience & Prudence McIntyre.
20. Walking in the Rain (the Ronettes) - Ronnie Spector did this song in 1 take! It wasn't as big a hit as their earlier songs "Baby I Love You" and "Be My Baby", but it was still a moderate success. Interesting piece of trivia - Cher started out as a back up singer for the group's recording sessions!
21. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone (the Supremes) - These ladies were supreme amongst the girl groups of the 60s! In fact, they rivaled the Beatles in popularity. Listen to Diana Ross's silky vocals and you'll know why. This isn't one of their signature songs ("Stop in the Name of Love", "Someday We'll Be Together") but it did hit #1 in 1967.
22. How Can I Be Sure (Dusty Springfield) - Dubbed The White Queen of Soul, Dusty had a career that spanned more than three decades. Fans included everyone from Aretha Franklin to the Pet Shop Boys. This was recorded around the same time as her fabulous "Son of a Preacher Man" single.
23. Give Him a Great Big Kiss (the Shangri-Las) - Upbeat song about lovin' a bad boy, from the "Leader of the Pack" ladies.
24. The Hideaway (the Young Generation) - Love the song, but not sure how I feel about the lyrics. On the one hand, it's sweet that a childhood promise was taken so seriously. On the other hand, get over it!
25. I Adore Him (the Angels) - Another song about lovin' Mr. Wrong! Can't find fault with the vocals, though.
26. Chapel of Love (the Dixie Cups) - The Ronettes had done this originally with little success, but the Dixie Cups recorded it and had the biggest hit of their career! The song would also be covered by the Beach Boys and Bette Midler.
27. You Don't Own Me (Lesley Gore) - The Divine Miss G recorded this iconic song back in 1963. The song was so popular she sang and released versions in Italian, German and French! Both the song & Lesley have become legendary, for good reason.
28. One Fine Day (the Chiffons) - Closing the playlist with a personal fave of all time. The optimism and joy in Carole King's anthem are positively infectious. The song would go on to chart in the Top 10 in 1963 and made Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the '500 Greatest Songs of All Time'. Couldn't agree more!
As I've gotten older, I think I appreciate these ladies even more. Today's young women seem a lot more 'worldly' - one might even go so far as to label them Hoochie Mamas - but rarely do you hear them singing with such passion (Adele is admittedly an exception). Perhaps the Autotuner filters it out. But it seems a shame that an artist today can be singing about a menage-a-trois with less emotion than someone reciting their grocery list.
But enough editorializing. Let's kick it old school this month and think back to the days when our biggest problems were curfew and whether or not our crush was going to "like us back" (and not just on Facebook)! Enjoy.
1. My Baby Loves Me (Martha & the Vandellas) - They had bigger hits with "Love is Like a Heatwave" and "Dancing in the Streets", but this simple love song has always been my favorite in their catalogue.
2. Sweet Talkin' Guy (the Chiffons) - A bittersweet warning from someone who's learned the hard way.
3. The One You Can't Have (the Honeys) - Rare single from Mrs. Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame), mother to Carnie & Wendy Wilson (of Wilson Phillips). The Honeys often toured with the Beach Boys, and Brian Wilson produced and wrote many of their songs.
4. Needle in a Haystack (the Velvelettes) - Forgotten Motown girl group serve up some cynical soul.
5. Mr. Sandman (the Chordettes) - Bridging the gap between the Andrews Sisters and later Doo Wop acts, these ladies had their first hit with this classic in 1954. "Lollipop" would be an even bigger hit a few years later. Mr. Sandman would go on to be recorded by numerous acts ranging from Emmylou Harris to "The Golden Girls"!
6. She Don't Deserve You (the Honey Bees) - It sucks when someone you love dates someone you hate!
7. It's Gonna Take a Miracle (Royalettes) - Another song that has been covered many times. I think this original is still my fave.
8. Please Mr. Postman (the Marvelettes) - The first #1 Pop song for Motown, these ladies cleared the way for later female acts like Diana Ross & the Supremes.
9. Mixed Up Shook Up Girl (Patty & the Emblems) - This beach music gem was the only hit for the group. Always reminds me of hanging out on the pier at Myrtle Beach.
10. Don't Say Nothin' Bad About My Baby (the Cookies) - Sassy warning for all the haters out there!
11. Will You Love Me Tomorrow (the Shirelles) - Carole King's classic song was also the first song to hit #1 by an all-female group! Carole went on to record it herself for her Grammy winning album "Tapestry" in 1971.
12. Dream Lover (the Paris Sisters) - Dreamy remake of the classic Bobby Darin song
13. A Lover's Concerto (the Toys) - This catchy tune was based on Bach's "Minuet in G major" (hello! they were 'sampling' way back in 1965?!)
14. Party Lights (Claudine Clark) - Predecessor to Ke$ha? The whole song is about missing a party!
15. Born Too Late (the Poni-Tails) - It's no fun being a chicken when your man's not a chicken hawk.
16. I'm Into Something Good (Earl-Jean) - The Cookie's lead singer recorded this first, but it wasn't until Herman's Hermits did it that the song became a hit.
17. You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry (the Caravelles) - This fluttery tune is just begging to be in a Quentin Tarantino film!
18. I'm Nobody's Baby Now (Reparata & the Delrons) - Probably not anything you'd hear Beyonce' sing in these modern times of "Independent Women" and "Single Ladies", but we've all been there and felt like this.
19. Tonight You Belong to Me (Patience & Prudence) - Famously sung by Steve Martin & Bernadette Peters in "The Jerk", this is the 1956 version recorded by sisters Patience & Prudence McIntyre.
20. Walking in the Rain (the Ronettes) - Ronnie Spector did this song in 1 take! It wasn't as big a hit as their earlier songs "Baby I Love You" and "Be My Baby", but it was still a moderate success. Interesting piece of trivia - Cher started out as a back up singer for the group's recording sessions!
21. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone (the Supremes) - These ladies were supreme amongst the girl groups of the 60s! In fact, they rivaled the Beatles in popularity. Listen to Diana Ross's silky vocals and you'll know why. This isn't one of their signature songs ("Stop in the Name of Love", "Someday We'll Be Together") but it did hit #1 in 1967.
22. How Can I Be Sure (Dusty Springfield) - Dubbed The White Queen of Soul, Dusty had a career that spanned more than three decades. Fans included everyone from Aretha Franklin to the Pet Shop Boys. This was recorded around the same time as her fabulous "Son of a Preacher Man" single.
23. Give Him a Great Big Kiss (the Shangri-Las) - Upbeat song about lovin' a bad boy, from the "Leader of the Pack" ladies.
24. The Hideaway (the Young Generation) - Love the song, but not sure how I feel about the lyrics. On the one hand, it's sweet that a childhood promise was taken so seriously. On the other hand, get over it!
25. I Adore Him (the Angels) - Another song about lovin' Mr. Wrong! Can't find fault with the vocals, though.
26. Chapel of Love (the Dixie Cups) - The Ronettes had done this originally with little success, but the Dixie Cups recorded it and had the biggest hit of their career! The song would also be covered by the Beach Boys and Bette Midler.
27. You Don't Own Me (Lesley Gore) - The Divine Miss G recorded this iconic song back in 1963. The song was so popular she sang and released versions in Italian, German and French! Both the song & Lesley have become legendary, for good reason.
28. One Fine Day (the Chiffons) - Closing the playlist with a personal fave of all time. The optimism and joy in Carole King's anthem are positively infectious. The song would go on to chart in the Top 10 in 1963 and made Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the '500 Greatest Songs of All Time'. Couldn't agree more!
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