Brant's December 2019 Playlist

Elizabeth had her hands full with Prince Andrew, so she agreed to have me announce this month's playlist.  I wonder if she'll let me keep the outfit for the holidays?  

Whoa!  I just realized this was not only the last playlist of the year, it's the last playlist of the decade!  I seem to have ended on a mellow note - but I guess that's okay.  Perfect for sipping cocoa on a brisk, December night.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  side effects (Shura) - At this point, I pretty much love everything Shura does.  And the theme of boldly moving forward is a great way to start this month's playlist as we look towards a New Year.

2.  Die Waiting (Beck feat. Sky Ferreira) - Beck changes his sound with every album.  Here he teams up with Sky Ferreira for some chill, loungy beats.

3.  Watermelon Sugar (Harry Styles) - One Direction singer continues to move away from bubble gum pop and into the rock realm.  I'm hoping to catch him on tour next year with Jenny Lewis (#14)!

4.  You Showed Me (Echo in the Canyon) - Jakob Dylan and Cat Power duet on this cover of the Turtles' classic.

5.  Ain't Together (King Princess) - Quirky Brooklyn diva is signed to Mark Ronson's label and off to a great start!

6.  A World So Full of Love (Shakey Graves) - Another chill cover, this time of Roger Miller's 1970 country hit.

7.  I Think You're Wonderful (Husky Loops) - London Band samples and tweaks Aretha Franklin on this kooky alt rock number!

8.  Nobody (Ariana Grande with Chaka Khan) - Okay, my friend Gary discouraged me from including this song, and Chaka herself has distanced herself from it - but what can I say?  I kinda dig it.  Apologies in advance!

9.  Get to Do It Again (ALO) - Animal Liberation Orchestra serves up some "Shakedown Street" Grateful Dead vibes, and I am here for it!

10.  Stop This World (Chrissie Hynde) - Chrissie continues to move into jazz and easy listening, this time covering Mose Allison.  Why did we stop putting Hammond Organs into our songs???

11.  Buying Time (Lucky Daye) - R&B Grammy nominee drops a surprise single!

12.  Crashing (Illenium feat. Bahari) - Catchy dance pop from American DJ and producer.

13.  Free Fall (Bloom Twins) - Twin sisters Anna and Sofia Kuprienko deliver what they call "dark pop" and I can totally dig its nasty underground vibe!

14.  Red Bull and Hennessy (Jenny Lewis) - This is one I've actually been listening to since it came out last Spring, but I figured why not include it?

15.  If It'll Make You Happy (Prince) - From the expanded, Super Deluxe version of "1999".  I kinda wish Prince had revisited this tune with his New Power Generation band.  Seems like it would've fit well on the "Diamonds and Pearls" album.

16.  Ol' 55 (Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer) - From the "Come On Up to the House:  Women Sing Waits" album.  Two great ladies cover a great Tom Waits tune.

17.  Snowqueen of Texas (Molly Burch) - I debated about including a seasonal tune on this month's playlist, but this Mamas and Papas cover was just different enough to spark my interest!

So that's December's playlist.  Apologies for the lateness - November was a hectic month.  I guess I'll see everyone in the New Year, and hope the holidays are good to ya!

Brant's November 2019 Playlist

Gain an hour AND a new playlist tonight!

The bad news is, I'm once again late with November's playlist.  The good news is, Daylight Savings Time ends tonight so you've got an extra hour to enjoy this month's music!  This month skewed a tad towards alternative rock, but like a Thanksgiving spread,  there's still a little bit of everything to enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Stay High (Brittany Howard) -  Alabama Shakes vocalist goes solo and gets this month going with a groovy, old school-style R&B ditty.

2.  Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile (the New Pornographers) - Going strong after more than 20 years, the New Pornographers deliver what is probably my favorite song title of all time!

3.  Gold Past Life (Fruit Bats) - Another band that has been around for a while!  I'm digging the pre-disco Bee Gees vibes.

4.  Here with Me (Marshmello feat. Chvrches) - At this point, I'm pretty much on board for anything Chvrches does.  This new collaboration is no exception.

5.  6's to 9's (Big Wild feat. Rationale) - Slinky soul from one-man band, with an assist from Zimbabwe-born Rationale.

6.  I Feel Love (Sam Smith) - Move over Jimmy Somerville, there's a new falsetto in town.  I'm not exactly sure what prompted Smith to cover this classic Donna Summer tune, but I'm not complaining!

7.  I Like That /Easy Star All-Stars and Michael Goldwasser Reggae Remix/ (Janelle Monáe) - Sometimes a remix works so well that you wonder why it wasn't done like this originally.  I suppose the reggae stylings didn't really work on Janelle Monáe's "Dirty Computer" album, but as a standalone single this remix is awesome!

8.  Summer Candy (Ona) - West Virginia Indie band serves up some 1970s FM radio vibes on this single from their sophomore album.

9.  I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend (Ezra Furman) - Furman describes this tune as "a romantic song of transgender longing".  It sounds like something from the most socially-progressive 1960s garage band EVER.

10.  I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You (10,000 Maniacs) - I just recently heard this and immediately fell in love.  One of my favorite bands sings Tom Waits, from 1992.

11.  Standards (Leslie Odom Jr.) - Hamilton guy is gearing up to release his first pop album.  I'm super curious to hear the rest of it, but this bluesy number seems to suit his voice.

12.  I Doubt It (Aquakultre) - Socially conscious hip hop from Canadian band.

13.  No Quit (Michael Nau) - Easy breezy pop with a delicious "Crystal Blue Persuasion" sample!

14.  Sister Buddha (Belle and Sebastian) - More 1960s pop stylings, this time from Scottish folk-rockers.

15.  All Your'n (Tyler Childers) - Exactly two years ago, we had Tyler Childers on our monthly playlist!  He's back again with this new country ballad, also produced by Sturgill Simpson.

16.  Hold On You (Valley Queen) - Gorgeous folk-rock from LA Band that has gained comparisons to Fleetwood Mac and Florence Welch.

17.  Faith (Galantis feat. Dolly Parton) - Dolly delivers a dance-floor anthem, and the gays everywhere are rejoicing!  As am I.

18.  Ever Again /Soulwax Remix/ (Robyn) - Belgians remix Robyn's album track and come up with a sound reminiscent of the best 1980s club cuts.


So that's November's list!  Hope everyone has a fantabulous month, and I'll see you in December!

Brant's October 2019 Playlist

On second thought, maybe I DON'T need to get out at this stop.  I can just stay on the train
and listen to this month's playlist...

It's my favorite time of the year!!!  Halloween season is upon us, and the heat of summer is finally fading.  I haven't picked out a Halloween costume yet, but I have picked some songs for this month.  It's a little bit of everything - but hopefully you'll enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Harmony Hall (Vampire Weekend) - We had them on May's playlist, but I loved this song (and apparently so did Comfort Suites, since they're using it in their latest commercial!).   And what better way to begin a Halloween season playlist than with vampires?

2.  Blue (Jamie Drake) - LA folk singer is bedazzling on her debut album!  It's a little bit folk, a little bit 1950s cinema, perhaps even a little bit Disney?  But a lot of enjoyment.

3.  Let's Go (the Cars) - We lost Ric Ocasek last month, and it hit me harder than expected.  The Cars were one of those bands I always included on any 80s mix, and I just assumed they'd be around forever (Benjamin Orr, lead singer on this particular song, died in 2000).  In hindsight, I don't think I gave them enough credit for having such a versatile and universally enjoyable catalog of music.  I can honestly say I've never met anyone who didn't love this band.  RIP.

4.  Mixer (Amber Mark) - Amber Mark is a performer whose name I saw often on "Best New R&B Artist" lists, and this funky tune is a great example of why she deserves to be heard!

5.  Dead Boys (Sam Fender) - Another newcomer people are starting to notice.  This particular song examines toxic masculinity and male suicide with a compassion that isn't often found in the rock
genre.

6.  Slide Away (Miley Cyrus) - Whoa!  This is kind of a different sound for Miley, but I'm loving it.  I hated to see her split up with Liam Hemsworth, but if the end result gives us perfect breakup songs like this...

7.  Love You Tonight (Le Flex) - Frequent Brantworld singer continues to amaze me with his flawless George Michael-esque vocals and seductive soul.

8.  Rootie Kazootie (Prince and Madhouse) - Madhouse is one of my favorite Prince side projects, so what a treat to find a Madhouse tune on the new "Versace Experience" release from the Paisley Park vault.

9.  True Blue (Mark Ronson feat. Angel Olson) - Another tasty collaboration from DJ Ronson, that vaguely reminds me of Kate Bush during her prime.

10.  Leather Daddy (Microwave) - Gritty 90s style grunge complete with growling vocals and a heapin' helpin' of angst.

11.  High Hopes (Panic! At the Disco) - This is about a year old, but I overlooked it!  Brendon Urie doing what he does best.

12.  Crybaby (Lizzo) - I just saw Lizzo in concert last month, and she was everything I wanted:  bold, unapologetic, and amazingly talented.  She was at an outdoor venue, but if there had been rafters, Lizzo would've shaken them with her powerhouse vocals.  Viva Lizzo!!!

13.  Weird Kid (Chris Malinchak and Kiesza) - It's always fun when two artists you like collaborate.  This is a danceable ode to non-conformity.

14.  White Mercedes (Charli XCX) - Her new album got a little bizarre for my personal tastes, but it did include some nice moments like this contemporary ballad!

15.  Young Republicans (Lower Dens) - Bruce turned me on to this.  Politically charged electronica that soars with an 80s Erasure-style vibe!

16.  Worry Doll (Jeremy Ivey) - Margo Price's husband ventures out on his own with some easy-going classic country.

17.  Dim Blue Light (Lobby Boy) - Mellow Indie rock from Virginia band that's perfect for chilling and watching the leaves fall...

18.  Shine (Emili Sandé) - Good lord this woman can SANG!!!  Backed by a full choir and relentless drums, she still outshines everything they're throwing at her.  Be prepared to hear this song on a lot of inspirational montages from here on out.

19.  Harlem Ghost Story (Gunhild Carling) - Ah, Gunhild, you never disappoint me.  I wanted to have at least one Halloween song on this list, and when I saw Gunhild had one - my decision was easy.  Old World swing + Gunhild's distinctive voice = perfection.

So that's October's list!  Hope everyone has a Spook-tacular Halloween and I'll see you in November!

Brant's September 2019 Playlist

Here's the story, of a lovely playlist... 

Whoa!  I was just getting used to the idea that Woodstock was 50 years ago, and now I'm hearing that the Brady Bunch is also celebrating a Golden Anniversary!  1969 was a good year!  I'm not convinced that 2069 will look back on 2019 so fondly, but at least we had some decent music.  This month's playlist is posted (and early, to get your holiday weekend going!), and skews slightly towards R&B and jazz influences.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Remind Me (Emily King) - Grammy nominee Emily King has been working in the industry since 2004, but didn't land on my radar until I heard this juicy R&B number!  I'll be paying attention from now on!

2.  Floating /filous Remix/ (Alina Baraz feat. Khalid) - The first of our two Khalid songs!  Here, he collaborates with American soul singer/songwriter Alina Baraz.

3.  Rubberband of Life /Amerigo Gazaway Remix/ (Miles Davis feat. Ledisi) - A lost Miles Davis album gets to see the light of day!  When Davis began recording his first album for Warner Brothers, he was wanting to go in a more contemporary, urban direction.  Apparently the label pushed back, and those tracks were abandoned for the sleeker material found on Tutu.  Davis' nephew Vince Wilburn Jr and original producers Randy Hall and Attala Zane Giles decided in 2017 that it was finally time to update and release the "Rubberband" album.  Ledisi's vocals fill in for Chaka Khan (who I read was originally intended to sing on this track back in 1986), and Amerigo Gazaway's smooth remix completes the work started more than 30 years ago!  The rest of the album comes out later in September.

4.  Matahari (L'Impératrice) - The French have never given up on disco, and I will always love them for that!  This track from Parisian band L'Impératrice makes me want to put on my most bedazzled leisure suit and hit the nearest lighted dance floor!

5.  Bra (Cymande) - British funk band released this album in 1972, but it still sounds great today!  I heard this song while out on the town one night last month and had Google identify it for me.  Figured I'd share it since it was previously unknown to me.  Sounds like a combo of War and Santana!

6.  Black Cadillac (Mondo Cozmo) - We've had Mondo Cozmo on other playlists, and I'm still digging his feel-good Indie Rock!

7.  Hobo Blues (Balsam Range) - NC band and previous International Bluegrass Music Award winners serve up some solid Americana.

8.  Saturn (Nao feat. Kwabs) - This slow jam is almost a year old, but a recent live performance reminded me how great she is!

9.  Whisper (Betty Who) - Speaking of live performances:  I've already had two tracks from Betty Who's album on other playlists, but after seeing her perform at Charlotte Pride this year - I couldn't resist featuring one more!  She and Carly Rae Jepsen are revitalizing pop music today, and for that I thank them.

10.  Entitlement Crew (the Hold Steady) - Music veterans are back with their witty and upbeat brand of classic rock!

11.  Mustang Ridge (Tanya Tucker) - When I heard that Brandi Carlile had worked with Tanya Tucker on a new album, I dropped everything to hear it.  I was not disappointed!  It's chock full of great songs and contemplative lyrics worthy of a country legend.

12.  This Too Shall Pass (Jamestown Revival) - Another band I've had on previous playlists!  This is mellower than some of their other material, but the harmonizing vocals are spot-on as always.

13.  Take Good Care of My Heart (Le Flex) - Eric turned me on to this.  A lost Whitney Houston/Jermaine Jackson duet is faithfully covered by London artist.

14.  All or Nothing (Chloe Martini) - Gary turned me on to this, and I'm obsessed with the New Jack Swing vibe!  Sounds like an outtake from one of Janet Jackson's albums.

15.  Better (Khalid) - Our second Khalid contribution.  If Betty Who and Carly Rae are saving Pop Music, then Khalid is the Saviour of Slow Jams!

16.  Interstellar (International Teachers of Pop) - Todd turned me on to this band.  They bill themselves as "Nerd Disco", and seem to be channeling that era when the line between disco and New Wave was still blurry and space travel was all the rage.  Whatever it is, I am here for it!  Perhaps once Trump gets Space Force going, IToP can play the launch parties!

17.  forever (Shura) - Shura never lets me down, and this optimistic soul groove makes me smile!  #ShuraForever

18.  Night Time Is the Right Time (Tina Turner) - This is from Tina's first solo album after leaving Ike, which is criminally out-of-print.  I was thrilled to be able to track down a copy!  Tina gives Ray Charles a run for his money with this spirited rendition of one of his signature tunes.  Not on Spotify, but you can check it out HERE.

So that's September's playlist!  Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, and I'll see you next month!

Brant's August 2019 Playlist

It would be a cat-astrophe to start a new month without some purr-fectly curated music!

Welp, this summer brought us a lot of scary stuff:  Season 3 of Stranger Things, Katy Perry dressed as a cheeseburger, and the CATS movie trailer!   All of these things involved terrifying transformations (Townspeople morphing into a giant spider!  CGI cats!!!) .  Thank goodness there was music to remind me that change doesn't always have to be scary.  A good remix can totally make a song better, so this month I focused on some fun remixes.  There's also some returning favorite artists and a few choice cover songs.  Hope you enjoy.   To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  You Mean the World to Me /Vertue x Franklin Radio Mix/ (Freya Ridings) - Our first remix brings to mind fellow British artists London Grammar!  The original was a ballad with piano accompaniment, but the remix gives Ridings' pristine vocals a peppy jolt of adrenaline!

2.  Take Me Back (Morgan Saint) - Quirky New Yorker serves up some ethereal vibes from her appropriately named debut album "Alien"!

3.  The Get Up /Miguel Campbell Edit/ (Kayex) - Remix #2.  My goddaughter turned me on to this!  Funky soul that sounds like an updated Dazz Band!

4.  Wished Out (Carl Broemel) - This has a psychedelic 1960s rock sound that I was totally digging!

5.  Idle Crown (Queen Zee) - I had these guys on last month's playlist and simply had to add another song by this irreverent punk band!

6.  Pop Life (Dump) - This is from 2001, but I only heard it for the first time last month while I was browsing Prince cover songs.  It totally captures the wistfulness of the lyrics.  Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.

7.  Wanna Come Down (Ibibio Sound Machine) - Another repeat artist from previous playlists.  This afro-funk band knows how to get the party started!!!

8.  Sure Don't Miss You (BUNT. feat the Dip) - Remix #3.  German duo takes the Dip's 2017 retro-rock tune and gives it the lounge treatment.  I fully expect this to be used by Wall Street to advertise either shoes or an Apple product at some point!

9.  Blame It On Your Love /Kat Krazy Remix/ (Charli XCX) - Remix #4.  This song has gone through numerous transformations.  It first appeared on Charli's 2017 EP "Pop 2".  She later added a new version with Lizzo to her 2019 album "Charli".  This is the Kat Krazy Remix.   The downside:  this remix edited out Lizzo (Why?????).  The upside:  it's WAY more fun than the reggaeton album version.

10.  Mirror (IDER) - London female duo harmonizes over mid-tempo beats.

11.  Seventeen (Sharon Van Etten) - This tune by rock veteran Van Etten reminds me of a female Bruce Springsteen!  Must be a New Jersey thing!

12.  Turn to Hate (Orville Peck) - Finally the gay cowboy that Brokeback Mountain promised us!  I'm totally loving the mashup of classic country and queer theatricality.  Hope I get to see him live on stage someday.

13.  Have You Ever Seen the Rain (Paula Nelson with Willie Nelson) - For some reason, Big Little Lies used a re-recorded version of this father-daughter duet during their Season 2 Finale, but I'm partial to the 2010 original!

14.  Late Night Feelings (Mark Ronson feat Lykke Li) - Glittery disco with Lykke Li's tasty vocals.

15.  Remind Me (Lipstick Gypsy) - Justin Timberlake-approved band gives us a delicate slow jam that definitely has some JT vibes.

16.  I Been (Ari Lennox) - Is Ari Lennox this generation's Millie Jackson?  Classic soul that is NOT safe to play at work!  I do wish we had the option to leave out the monologue at the end.  In these days of streaming, why can't we have the chatter as a separate track???

17.  Feels Right (Carly Rae Jepsen with Electric Guest) - I adore Carly and so I couldn't resist tossing in one last irresistible song from her latest album to close out this month's list! 

So that's August!  Hope everyone's summer ends on a good note and I'll see you in September!

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! 

Brant's June 2019 Playlist

Domo Arigato, Mr. Gelato!

Technically, summer doesn't start for three weeks but it already feels like it to me.  The weather is warm, the days are long, and my favorite gelato store is already crowded.  This month's list is very pop heavy - because there's always that ONE pop song that seems to encapsulate the summer season each year, and I found myself gravitating towards those types of tunes.  Catchy hooks, upbeat lyrics, and melodies that are just meant to be the soundtrack to your summer.  To check them out on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Cool (Jonas Brothers) - Is any contemporary group more "pop" than the Jonases???  They are giving me Weezer vibes on this song, and I happily receive them (especially since Weezer is busy making Toto karaoke songs at the moment).

2.  Want You in My Room (Carly Rae Jepsen) - Two more members of Pop Music Royalty!  CRJ teams up with Jack Antonoff for this deliciously seductive bop!

3.  The Power of Love /Joey Negro Power of the Boogie Mix/ (Wardell Piper) - I will follow Joey Negro anywhere.  Here, he unearths a criminally forgotten gem by First Choice singer Wardell Piper and gives it a faithfully disco-fied remix!

4.  Work (Foxygen) - Eccentric California band serves up some thumpin' Indie rock!

5.  The Hill (Wilma Vritra) - Moody, contemplative rhymes with a chorus of angels singing backup.

6.  This Charming Man (Los Stellarians) - Last month we had Morrissey doing a cover tune, and now this month we have someone covering Morrissey!  Love this lighthearted rendition of the Smiths' classic.

7.  Final Fires (Strand of Oaks) - Songwriter Tim Showalter says he wrote this song as part of his midlife crisis.  It sounds like it could potentially be depressing, but Showalter seems to have found some amusement in the realization that "everyone's as completely f#cking lost as you are"!

8.  Have You Both (Wild Belle) - Natalie Bergman (along with her brother Elliot) is less apologetic, but no more willing to give up her two lovers than Mary MacGregor was back in 1976!

9.  Why Did You Run? (Judah and the Lion) - Never has a song about abandonment sounded so uplifting!

10.  Sonja Smokes Me Out (Anjimile) - Trans singer/songwriter finds solace in that one friend who's always willing to light up with her.

11.  Oh Me Oh My /I'm a Fool for You Baby/ (Barbara Howard) - Another lost treasure (see #3), this time reissued by Colemine Records.  Barbara Howard never found stardom, but her sole album from 1968 has apparently been sought after by collectors for years.  After hearing this powerful rendition of Lulu's classic, I can understand why!

12.  Thinkin Bout You (Ciara) - Ciara is back with some tasty pop to keep the summer party going strong!

13.  Valley Girl (Neon Valley) - Groovy funk that reminds me of the days of Midnight Star and other 80s R&B bands.

14.  Something Strange (Vicetone feat. Haley Reinhart) - Dutch electronic artists team up with an American Idol alum for this potential summer anthem!

15.  House in the Trees (Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness) - Latest project by former Jack's Mannequin songwriter.

16.  Boat /Rameses B Remix/ (Zoë Phillips) - I believe this is from 2012, but I missed it the first time around.  It's kinda reggae, kinda chillstep, but consistently enjoyable.  The original piano version is also great!

17.  To Rise You Gotta Fall (Nicki Bluhm) - I can't remember where I heard this, but it immediately got my attention!  Sounds like Dusty Springfield covering a Bonnie Raitt tune!

18.  You Had Your Soul with You (the National feat. Gail Ann Dorsey) - People seem to be loving or hating the new National album!  Apparently the addition of female vocalists seems to be the dealbreaker for folks.  Personally, I'm digging it.  This tune especially reminds me of the complex and ecclectic duets you'd hear from the likes of Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel.

So that's June's playlist!  Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start and I'll see you next month!