Monday, June 8, 2015

Brant's June 2015 Playlist



Sometimes it seems like life gets in the way of the fun stuff!  This is probably a record for lateness - 8 days into the month.  But better late than never, I suppose!  Here's June's music findings!  Last month was pop-heavy so this month I tried to focus on more indie bands and folksy stuff.  The downside of doing this is many of these songs are not on Spotify.  I have provided Soundcloud links when possible.  Hope you like.  My apologies for being late, and I'll try to have July finished on schedule!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  U R (The Young Wild Hearts) - Summer always makes me crave some good ol' rock and roll, and these guys provide it.  Kind of has a punk edge that reminds me of The Clash.

2.  Hunter (Du Blonde) - Sometimes it takes a good breakdown and re-invention to find yourself.  Beth Jeans Houghton (of the Hooves of Destiny) goes solo, with a name change, and the result is this powerful kiss-off anthem.  Viva Du Blonde!

3.  Fond Farewell (Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield) - A mellower farewell from an Avett brother and Jessica Lea Mayfield, from their album of Elliot Smith songs.

4.  Sunday Candy (Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment) - Complex, layered but sunny sounds from a mix of Chicago artists including Nico Segal (Donnie Trumpet), Chance the Rapper, and others.  This was free on iTunes, last I checked, but not posted on Spotify.  You can hear it on Souncloud HERE.

5.  I'll Be Good to You (the Brothers Johnson) - Brother Louis E. Johnson died last month, so I wanted to include one of their songs.  This is from their first album, and a personal fave for me.  Not as funky as their cover of Shuggie Otis' "Strawberry Letter 23", but still a classic.

6.  I Would Die 4 U (CHVRCHES) - Another great cover!  I don't know if this will be on their new CD, but worth sharing.  You can hear it on Soundcloud HERE.  I think Prince would approve.

7.  Text Me In the Morning (Neon Trees) - Neon Trees also has a new album coming out, but until then here is a sexy single from their last album.

8.  Heart Keeps Dancing (James Gruntz) - Jazzy pop from Swiss singer.  Again, not on Spotify but you can hear it on Soundcloud!

9.  Can't Keep Checking My Phone (Unknown Mortal Orchestra) - Kinda organic, kinda disco toe-tappin' vibes from American/New Zealand trio.

10.  The Sunshine of Your Youth (Cheerleader) - Soaring, driving-with-the-car-windows-open indie rock.

11.  Middle of America (Will Hoge) - Country rock in the spirit of John Cougar Mellencamp.  I almost held onto this until July since it was such a celebration of American life!

12.  Summer of Love (Waxahatchee) - Wistful acoustic waltz from singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield.

13.  Desire (Years and Years) - Retro-90s club sounds from British electronic band.

14.  Do It (Jupiter) - The glittery latest from disco-funk French duo.

15.  Get It Right (Teedra Moses) - Strong and sultry R&B from New Orleans singer/songwriter

16.  No Words (Erik Hassle) - Danceable pop from Swedish artist.

17.  Cold Cold Man (Saint Motel) - We had them on last January's playlist, and now they're back with another exuberant single.

18.  Still Gonna Drive You Home (the Strypes) - Irish band that plays in the style of some of the great 1960s pub rock bands returns, with a producing assist from rock legend Paul Weller.  Can't wait for the new album!

So that's June!  Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start.  See you next month!

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