Brant's November 2017 Playlist

When they asked me to be a diplomat to Turkey, I think I misunderstood...

Well, Halloween is behind us and we are racing towards the holiday season!  So, while you're still snacking on Halloween candy and getting ready to pig out at Thanksgiving and other holiday meals - here's some new music to enjoy.  Last month skewed towards acoustic and Americana selections, so this month favors the electronic jams.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Machinist (Japanese Breakfast) - What a treat to see a new Japanese Breakfast album is out!  Spacey beats and delicate vocals to launch this month's playlist!

2.  Paola (Shout Out Louds) - ANOTHER favorite act I was thrilled to see in my new music folder!  Indie band from Sweden picks up where New Order and the Cure left off, with some first-rate melancholy alt-rock. 

3.  Take Her Place Tonight (Don Diablo feat. ARIZONA) - Dutch artist, who is listed on Wikipedia as a "founding father of Future House", has remixed everyone from Rihanna to the Chainsmokers.  Here, a chorus of auto-tuned voices and pulsating keyboards combine to reassure the listener that being someone's second choice doesn't have to suck! 

4.  I Believe in Us (LÉON) - Another Swedish artist, providing rich vocals over keyboards that would make Elton John swoon.

5.  Honky Tonk Flame (Tyler Childers) - Kentucky singer/songwriter landed Sturgill Simpson to produce his debut album!  I love the mix of old-school country with 60s psychedelia. 

6.  Blueberry Hill (Fats Domino) - So sad to lose this legend of Rock and Roll last month.  It's amazing how well this song, one of his biggest hits, holds up after almost 60 years!  RIP

7.  More, More, More (Dagny) - Yes, this is currently in a Target commercial.  But there's no denying that Dagny's smooth remake of the Andrea True Connection's 1976 classic is delicious!

8.  Lucy/Sun Goes Up (Chris Tall feat. Maydar) - Okay, I'm realizing there are a LOT of Swedish acts on this month's list.  It's not intentional - I just dig the disco beats on this tune! 

9.  LMK (Kelela) - Up and coming singer serves soulful vocals over industrial bass and club beats. 

10.  The One to Wait (CCFX) - This reminds me of the early 80s, when New Wave and Goth bands weren't afraid to incorporate R&B elements into their music.  Sounds like Alphaville singing over a Soul II Soul track. 

11.   Boyfriend (Hurts) - White boy soul from English band.

12.  Androgynous (Beach Slang) - Remember when Ike and Tina Turner decided to do a "nice and easy" song, instead of their usual "nice and rough" material?  Apparently punk band Beach Slang decided to go the same route.  Here, they tackle the Replacements' 1984 song with a fairly faithful rendition.  Reminds me of a gender-fluid saloon in the Old West!

13.  Stolen Hearts (Blitzen Trapper) - Portland, Oregon band is back with more mellow folk-rock!

14.   Dark Come Soon (Trashique) - I've pretty much decided I like anything Grimes does.  Here, she and Hana contribute to the excellent Con X: Covers album by Tegan and Sara.  Proceeds go to their Tegan and Sara Foundation, to raise money for self-identified girls and women in the LGBT community. 

15.  Sit Next to Me (Foster the People) - West Coast Indie Pop band shows no signs of slowing down with this selection from their third studio album. 

16.  Show Me Love (Fenech-Soler) - File this under "Songs I Never Expected Anyone to Cover"!  Robin S's glorious 1993 dance hit gets the Euro Synth-pop treatment from this British band, with surprisingly terrific results! 

So that's another month in the bag!  I haven't decided if next month will be Christmas music or continue to showcase recent releases. I guess I'll decide while I'm in my Turkey Coma at the end of the month.  Until then!