Brant's July 2019 Playlist

TFW people seem more interested in Instagramming the road trip than listening to your latest playlist!

I'm a few days behind on this month's playlist - mainly because June kicked my arse.  The a/c went out along with a few other issues - so browsing music had to take a back seat.  Anyway, I've managed to keep things afloat for at least a little while longer, so here's a soothing mix of cool tunes and interesting covers to enjoy in your climate-controlled living space.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Human Beings (the Wind and the Wave) - One of my fave bands is back, so it seemed only natural to have them get us going.  Plaintive vocals over a New Wavey beat that reminds me of Aimee Mann's Til Tuesday days. 

2.  Sisyphus (Andrew Bird) - Another selection (see April's playlist) from Andrew Bird's latest!  This one is giving me classic John Lennon vibes. 

3.  Head Over Heels (Japanese Breakfast) - Cover song #1.  Michelle Zauner sings Tears for Fears! 

4.  Far Away (Tom Rush) - The man credited with introducing Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, and Jackson Browne to the world reminds us that he's a pretty awesome songwriter in his own right!  Glad to see he's still around and still making great music. 

5.  Juke on Jelly (Cory Wong) - Minneapolis-based artist recorded this easy-going funk number with members of Prince's old band, New Power Generation! 

6.  Stayin' Alive (Lizzo) - Cover song #2.  Lizzo does disco with a fun remake of the Bee Gee's anthem.

7.  Baby You're a Trip (Prince) - Speaking of Prince, his estate has released an album of demos for songs he gave to other artists.  I think I'm still partial to Jill Jones' version (the horn section she has really makes the song pop), but it was fun to hear Prince's take on this underrated tune. 

8.  Talk (Khalid) - Eric turned me on to this, just this morning!  Yummy collaboration with the guys from Disclosure! 

9.  Landslide (Antony aka Anohni) - Cover song #3.  This is from 2012, but it turned up in the recent Netflix reboot of Tales of the City and I immediately recognized the voice!  Gorgeous rendition of Stevie Nicks' ballad. 

10.  Late September (Mandolin Orange) - My friend Page had posted about this band, so I had to check out their latest, and I was not disappointed.    Americana folk duo from Chapel Hill, NC.

11.  Broken Bones (Wingtip) - Up and coming electronic artist I stumbled upon and enjoyed!  Drowsy vocals and a choir lift your spirits before the beat drops and things really get hoppin'!

12.  religion /you can lay your hands on me/ (Shura) - I've been wondering when Shura would drop a new album.  If it's as good as this early single, I will be playing it all summer.

13.  Love 4 Love /Joey Negro Extended Remix/ (Change) - Some groovy disco for your next pool party!

14.  Super Cool (Beck feat. Robyn and the Lonely Island) - Yes, this is from the new Lego movie, but what fun to hear Beck and Robyn together!!!

15.  Loner (Queen Zee) - I do love a fun punk band, and these Liverpool rockers fit the bill perfectly!

16.  Dissolve /acoustic version/ (Absofacto) - Dreamy acoustic ballad by Michigan-based artist. 

17.  Love Again (Daniel Caesar with Brandy) - 2019 Grammy winner teams up with another Grammy-winner and 90s pop star for this jazzy new slow-jam! 

18.  Higher Love (Kygo feat. Whitney Houston) - Cover song #4.  Kygo takes a rare Steve Winwood cover from the 1990s and repackages it as a delicious contemporary dance-pop ditty! 

So that's July's playlist.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day and I'll see you next month!