Brant's October 2014 Playlist

It seems like there've been a lot of Autumn haters on Facebook.  People who love the summer and hate to see it go.  People who hate the Winter and hate to see it coming.  Personally, I love the change of seasons.  Usually around the time I'm getting tired of whatever season we currently have, the weather starts to turn.  And Fall has all the comfortable cool temperatures without all of the pollen we get in Spring.  So cheers to the Fall!  And to new music.  We've got a couple of spooky tunes for Halloween, some mega-star duets, and other good stuff!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  I Put a Spell on You (Annie Lennox) - It wouldn't be Halloween without some witchcraft, and who better to serve as Supreme Witch than Annie Lennox?  Her new album is a collection of standards, and her singing is anything but standard.  A great performance.

2.  Dearly Departed (Shakey Graves featuring Esme Patterson) - We'll keep the Halloween theme going, this time with a haunted house.  Raw acoustic rock from Austin, Texas singer and sometime "Friday Night Lights" actor.

3.  Still Crazy After All These Years (Robert Ellis) - The Americana vibe is working for me.  Next is a heartfelt Paul Simon cover by Nashville-based Robert Ellis.

4.  Nature's Call (Shaun Escoffery) - Toe-tappin' soul from British stage and studio performer.  Reminds me of Earth Wind and Fire at their best.

5.  i (Kendrick Lamar) - The latest from hip-hop star who got snubbed at last year's Grammy Awards.  Even winners Macklemore felt like Lamar should have received more recognition!  I have a feeling he'll have his day soon.  Groovy Isley Brothers sample over a self-affirming rap.

6.  Computer Games (Mi-Sex) - It's been a while since I posted a used record store find, but this one is fun!  Australian New Wave from 1979!

7.  Beggin' for Thread (Banks) - Smooth chill sounds from California singer-songwriter.

8.  Repeat Pleasure (How to Dress Well) - Glossy R&B that would make Babyface proud!

9.  Super Love (Charli XCX) - Just caught her live last night with Elyse, Gary and some friends!!!  She puts on a great show, so catch her if you can!  This isn't off her latest album, which comes out later in October - but IMHO it best captured the energy of her stage performance.  Looking forward to more from this lady!

10.  I Won't Dance (Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga) - I have to admit, I was a tad worried when I heard Gaga was doing a jazz album.  I stand corrected.  Gaga and Tony Bennett sound like they were made to sing together!  I think Mama Monster is going to be getting some Grammys for this album.

11.  Sonsick (San Fermin) - Anthony turned me on to this one.  Quirky baroque pop with impressive vocals.

12.  Still Can't Forget You (Jane Ellen Bryant) - Did somebody say impressive vocals???  JEB has them in spades.  Great country/blues performance that brings to mind a young Bonnie Raitt.

13.  We Were Young (Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert) - The second mega-star duet!  Two country legends make beautiful music together.

14.  I Can't Stand Mirrors and I'm Scared of Heights (Suzi Chunk) - Retro-rock vibes from artist who was also featured on last month's playlist.

15.  Long Live (Devan DuBois) - Funky psychedelic rock flavors, this time from Louisiana native.

16.  Lay Me Down (Avicii featuring Adam Lambert) - Straight up disco, complete with Chic legend Nile Rodgers on guitar.   Perfect for getting your Halloween party guests out on the dance floor.

17.  Lil' Red Riding Hood (Laura Gibson) - Why not throw one more Halloween tune into the mix?  This one is a cover of the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs classic by folk singer Laura Gibson.  You may remember it from a Volvo commercial.

So that's October! I guess I'm off to get to work on my Halloween costume.  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see ya in November.