Brant's August 2012 Playlist

Wowzers!  I'm a little surprised to have this ready on August 1st.  For some reason, I was struggling this month.  Before I hit "publish" I always ask myself, "Is this a list you're excited to listen to?"  Unfortunately, the first few playlists I put together for August were NOT lists I wanted to listen to.  I finally figured out it was because I'm in a more mellow mood at the moment.  Perhaps because it's the end of summer. Perhaps because another birthday is around the corner.  For whatever reason, I decided to scrap some of the noisy rockers and clubby stuff and stick to the soothing songs.  So here it is -   Chicken Soup (or at least a chilled Cucumber Melon Soup since it's summer!) for your soul.  Enjoy!

1.  Summer Breeze (Jason Mraz) - Jason introduces the Seals & Crofts classic to a new generation

2.  World Upside Down (Jimmy Cliff) - Remember when Loretta Lynn returned to her roots and recorded "Van Lear Rose" in the style of her 1960's best?  Apparently Jimmy Cliff decided to do the same, with equally impressive results.  His voice is in amazing shape for a 64 year old!

3.  If You Want Trees (Aer) - It's been fun to watch these guys become more & more popular.  I feel like friends of mine are on the brink of becoming huge successes!  And how wonderful that they're so into Arbor Day (not really).

4.  Ho Hey (the Lumineers) - Who says you can't mix Americana with exuberant shout outs?

5.  Never Quit Loving You (Jill Barber) - Delicious 1950's stylings that I never tire of!

6.  What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love & Understanding (Nick Lowe) - The "Jesus of Cool" reclaims the song he wrote for Elvis Costello.  He's coming to Charlotte on October 9th (Nick Lowe)!

7.  Oh Love (Green Day) - New stuff by Green Days!  Kinda has an Irish pub song sound to it.

8.  Queen of a Sad Land (A Silent Film) - Grandiose alt rock that sounds like some of the great 80s bands (maybe early U2 or the Church?).

9.  Good Time (Owl City with Carly Rae Jepsen) - "Fireflies" guy returns with Canadian Idol singer for this peppy pop song.  For some reason it makes me think of Donny & Marie!

10.  Drop in the Ocean (Javier Colon) - One of "The Voice" peeps serves up this piano laced ballad.

11.  Ain't Nobody Loves You Like I Do (LaToya Jackson) - All the Jackson drama lately got me thinking about LaToya.  I always thought she got a raw deal.  When I was a teenager, I had "Heart Don't Lie" and to this day still smile when I hear it.  Listen to her vocals here and tell me she sounds any weaker than Janet.  Unfortunately, bankrupt record labels and other bad choices kept LaToya from achieving the success of her siblings.

12.  Angels on High (Shakura S'Aida) - Bluesy gospel I stumbled across while surfing on iTunes.

13.  Youth Without Youth (Metric) - Sassy female vocals over synth rock.

14.  I'll Take You There /Director's Cut Classic Signature Mix/ (Frankie Knuckles) - Found this easy breezy beach electronica on a Hed Kandi CD.  D@mn you Spotify for not having this!!!

15.  Young Love (Jedward) - Cute blond boys singing wistful boy band balladry.

16.  Kandi (One Eskimo) - One of my new favorite songs!  Thanks Jill!

17.  Pontoon (Little Big Town) - Yet another country song about drinking and hanging outside, but I like it.

18.  Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (Paul Simon) - "Graceland" turns 25 this year, so wanted to include something from the Grammy Winning classic album.

19.  Runaways (the Killers) - Still mad at them for not releasing their cover of "Go All the Way" from the "Dark Shadows" soundtrack, but they did give me this one.  Sounds more Meatloaf than Springsteen (who they cite as an influence) to my ears, but I'm cool with that.