Brant's July 2025 Playlist

When escapism is the only thing keeping you going... 

Welp, today a lot of people's worst nightmare came true as Trump and his goons pushed the "Big Beautiful Bill" through.  More people of color will get deported, nearly 12 million Americans will lose their health insurance, and the national debt will increase by about $3 trillion.  But at least corporations will get tax cuts!  Anyway, this month's playlist was built with escapism and summer in mind.  We've got some calypso, some reggae, bossa nova and anything else designed to take your mind off current events.  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  We Rise (Yung Bredda) - Why not start us off with some upbeat calypso, from Trinidadian soca musician Yung Bredda!  

2.  Pirouette (Zola Simone feat. Tomas) - Peppy Indie R&B from New York artist.

3.  Good Times (Nerd in Disco) - Good song from an album with a REALLY bad cover!  

4.  How It's Gonna Be (Nectar Woode) - We last had her on February 2024's playlist, and now this Ghanian/English singer/songwriter is back with more catchy soul!

5.  Spiral /butter version/ (Sofi Tukker) - Unexpected and delightful bossa nova version of their 2024 dance ditty.  

6.  Damage Is Done (Vacation Manor) - Another selection from Lynchburg, VA band's latest EP.

7.  Messy (Lola Young) - Confessional (and confrontational!) pop from South London singer/songwriter.

8.  CPR (Wet Leg) - Frequent Brantworld listees are back with this intense and darkly humorous expression of emotion. 

9.  Hold My Love (Hans Williams) - Folk-rock from New Orleans artist. 

10.  Oh So Close, Yet So Far (Shannon & the Clams) - I first heard this band on the soundtrack to something I was watching, and immediately gravitated to their 1960s garage band vibes!

11.  Shapeshifter (Lorde) - Lorde is back and the emo gays rejoice (as well they should!). 

12.  Skanking Loud (Fatbabs) - Fun reggae from Grammy nominated French artist. 

13.  Suzanne (Mark Ronson & RAYE) - The man who actually made Bruno Mars listenable is back with this tasty new offering!  

14.  Los Angeles (Cal in Red) - Easygoing pop/rock from Michigan duo. 

15.  Family Affair (Sly & the Family Stone) - It's hard to imagine someone whose influence on music was greater - Sly Stone played Woodstock AND the Harlem Cultural Festival in 1969, reaching fans across every genre and cultural heritage.  His band, the Family Stone, was a walking argument for DEI hires!  This racially integrated, mixed gender band could funk out with the best of them.  They would go on to sell millions of records and influence artists from Maroon 5 to Prince.  Sly and the Family Stone were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993.  Sly may be gone, but his music will "Stand!" forever.  This is one of my fave Sly Stone tunes.  RIP 

16.  Catching Feelings (Cerrone & Christine and the Queens) - Unexpected pairing of a disco legend and French singer/songwriter!  

17.  Cowboy Killers (Solo Kei) - Breezy Indie pop perfect for cruising down the highway with the windows open (or I guess maybe on horseback since he's singing about cowboys!). 

18.  Sound & Light (Alison Goldfrapp) - Josh happily messaged me to let me know we had new Goldfrapp!  Can't wait for the new album, but this will do nicely in the meantime.  

19.  I Couldn't Sleep (Laura Stevenson) - I'm getting Waxahatchee and Nanci Griffith vibes from this Long Island singer/songwriter!  

20.  Something Cool (June Christy) - Hard to believe it's been 35 years since June Christy passed.  Sadly she really wasn't on my radar until recently.  Anyway, this seemed like a nice song to end July's playlist with - there's nothing like something cool on a summer evening, and nobody was cooler when it came to mid-century jazz! 

So that's July's playlist!  Hope to see you in August.  

Brant's June 2025 Playlist

Who's ready for some summer road trips???

No man is an island, so this month's playlist is loaded with songs other people have turned me on to!  I spent some time in the mountains with fraternity brothers, and some time at the beach with another friend.  As always - music was a big part of the experience.  Expect some Pride tunes for June, lots of classic rock and a few returning faves.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Breakin' (Dexter & the Moonrocks) - We had these guys on last July's playlist, so why not get the summer's playlist going with this awesome Texas Indie band? 

2.  Undressed (sombr) - Handsome NY singer/songwriter has a slight 1960s influence that I'm digging. 

3.  Gunslinger (Natalie Bergman) - West Coast artist keeps the 60s sounds going and seems to be conjuring up visions of Nancy Sinatra in a spaghetti Western movie!  

4.  Cherry Bomb (Pixey with JD Cliffe) - Frequent Brantworld listee is back with this hip hop/dreampop offering. 

5.  Shock Treatment (Caroline Kingsbury) - I can't remember where I first saw her - but I was immediately drawn to Kingbury's aesthetic!  Imagine Chappell Roan with a skootch of Cyndi Lauper and perhaps Nina Hagen's edginess.  

6.  I Like (Ferris Pier with Brother Leo) - Upbeat dance pop that's perfect for rollerblading along a beachside strip (or whatever the kids are doing these days!).  

7.  Temptation (Bakermat with Elise LeGrow) - Mitch turned me on to this.  Sexy beats and powerhouse vocals!  

8.  World's Worst Girlfriend (Shura) - I forgot how much I missed this artist!  Can't wait to hear the new album!  

9.  Power of Love (Kacey Johansing) - My pledge bro Lewis put this artist on my radar.  Gorgeous vocals and minimal instrumentation.  This is from 2017.  I hope we get to hear more from her!

10.  Red Moon (Tom Misch) - Jazzy funk from British singer/songwriter.  

11.  Back It Up (Neal Francis) - Neal was already a fave of mine, so it was mostly validating and exciting to see my concert-going fraternity brother Al was also a fan!  From the pics and videos he sent me, Neal Francis is definitely worth catching if he comes to your town.  I know I intend to go! 

12.  Smalltown Boy (Bronksi Beat feat. the Knocks and Perfume Genius) - Pride offering #1 - There is no overstating how YUUUUUGE this song was when it first came out in 1984!  What a treat to find Perfume Genius and The Knocks giving it a reboot!  

13.  Bleed (Malcolm Todd feat. Omar Apollo) - Young West Coast artist got discovered on TikTok (that seems to be the primary entry point for musicians these days) and just released his first album! 

14.  Love Me Not (Ravyn Lenae feat. Rex Orange County) - Up and coming R&B chanteuse teams up with ROC for this catchy number.  

15.  Bottom of a Bottle (Julien Baker and TORRES) - Another fave song from this alt rock/country duo! 

16.  King of Possibilities (Goldie Boutilier) - Quirky LA singer/songwriter/model delivers this slinky lounge ditty.  

17.  Gild the Lily (Billy Strings) - This is another artist my fraternity bros brought to my attention.  Summery acoustic folk with a 1970s vibe!

18.  Different Kind of Lonely (Amber Burgoyne) - British jazz singer's career is just beginning, but she's off to a strong start!  

19.  Don't Speak (Loaded Honey) - Not the No Doubt song, but with islandy jazz sounds like these - who cares?  

20.  Revelation (The Knocks and Dragonette) - I've about decided that I love anything these folks put out!  Joyous dance-pop with an 80s flavor! 

21.  Enough Is Enough (KD Lang with Andy Bell) - This is an underappreciated Pride song from the 1993 Coneheads movie soundtrack!  Two greats making great music together.  Any chance we can get a 2025 remix????

So that's June's playlist!  Stay cool, wear your sunscreen, and I'll see ya next month!  

Brant's May 2025 Playlist

I'm moving into May with the confidence of Saxon and the determination of Piper, but hoping to be a little less "hands-on" than Lochlan!

May is here and the latest season of "White Lotus" has dropped!  This month's playlist was cultivated with thoughts of summer vacations and drinks on the veranda in mind.  It seemed to have a 1960s vibe somehow to my ears, but you can decide for yourself!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Honeycomb (Art D'ecco) - I like this guy more & more with each new album!  This tune sounds like a hybrid of Queen and T. Rex in all the best ways.  

2. Girl of the Hour (Tabitha Meeks) - Slinky go-go lounge vibes that seems like something Ann-Margret would dance to in her best cheetah-print catsuit! 

3.  January [Over and Over] (Vacation Manor) - Lynchburg, VA band delivers some dreamy Indie rock!

4.  I Would Now (Evangeline with Max Shrager) - Airy vocals and wispy slide guitar make for a perfect summer ditty from this West Coast singer/songwriter.

5.  Sugar in the Tank (Julien Baker with Torres) - One third of boygenius teams up with Indie chanteuse Torres for this soft-rock offering. 

6.  Coinstar (Runner) - Classic rock vibes from LA singer/songwriter.  

7.  It's Amazing to Be Young (Fontaines D.C.) - We last had them on our August 2024 playlist, but the Bonus Edition of their last album had this track on it - so they're back again!  This tune has a very 1980s college radio sound to it.  

8.  Dreams (the Knocks + Dragonette) - This power couple just keeps the joyous synth-pop songs coming, and I am here for it!!!  

9.  Smile (Martin Garrix feat. Carolina Liar) - This starts out like a 1960s hippie ballad and morphs into a circuit party dance anthem!  J'adore!!!  

10.  Spend My Nights (Winston Surfshirt) - A little Australian funk to keep the dance vibes going.  

11.  We Got to Hit It Off /Dimitri from Paris Liberated Women Mix/ (Millie Jackson) - Revered DJ Dimitri from Paris remixes underrated soul singer Millie Jackson's 1979 album cut!  

12.  Richardson (Shura feat. Cassandra Jenkins) - Shura is back with this slow dance ditty - just in time for prom!  

13.  Furry Sings the Blues (Kelela) - It takes a brave soul to tackle Joni Mitchell. This Washington DC singer proves she's more than up to the task!  

14.  Good These Days (Clover County) - Another artist I'm growing more and more fond of!  Easygoing folk for watching sunsets on the porch. 

15.  Dealing with the Devil (Carsie Blanton) - Carsie serves up some toe-tapping ragtime!  

16.  Love Looks Pretty on You (Nessa Barrett) - TikTok star signs with Warner Bros and delivers this dreampop confection.  

17.  Born with a Broken Heart (Damiano David) - Måneskin frontman goes solo and shows off his amazing vocal range with this breakout hit.  

18.  Julian (Meowboys with Motherfolk) - Jubilant but empathetic garage rock from Cinncinati band.  

19.  Catch These Fists (Wet Leg) - British Indie Rock band comes out swinging with their latest tune!

So that's May's playlist!  Y'all stay safe, have a great Memorial Day weekend, and I'll see you in June!  

Brant's April 2025 Playlist

I'm not gonna let a little pollen slow me down!

Here we are in April!  I've only seen one April Fool's post/joke so far - I think people are so stressed and exhausted just from sorting through the day-to-day misinformation that they don't see a need to generate more of it!  Anyway, we do have some new music to peruse.  This list feels more on the mellow side - probably for the same reasons as above.  Hopefully it'll be aural Xanax for a weary listener.  There are a few unexpected cover songs, new music from long-time favorites, and the typical tidbits that caught my attention.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  I Think They Call This Love (Elliot James Reay) - Whoa.  I don't know much about this kid (he's only 23!) but talk about a timeless voice!  He's just starting out, and I'll definitely be paying attention.  On this first song, he's certainly leaning into the mid-century vibe, with fantastic results! Very Elvis/Tab Hunter inspired!

2.  Somebody Else (Role Model) - Frequent listee Role Model covers The 1975!  

3.  Drift Away (the Horn) - Easygoing Indie Britpop perfect for the budding Spring weather.  

4.  But Not For Me (grentperez) - An unexpected Gershwin cover by young Australian singer.  I'd always associated this song with Judy Garland, but found this on a Chet Baker (also awesome, btw) tribute album.  

5.  Wimbledon White (slimdan) - AKA Danny Silberstein, who has previously worked with artists like Diplo, strikes out on his own with thie catchy alt-rock number!  

6.  Foolish Pleasure (the Knocks with Dragonette) - Some 80's styled synth-pop from US dance duo and their frequent collaborators Dragonette.  

7.  All in My Head (the Linda Lindas) - When they first came out with their hit "Racist Sexist Boy", I thought they might be one-hit wonders.  I'm thrilled to be wrong!  

8.  Holiday (Almost Monday) - Another frequent Brantworld listee is back with some summery Indie rock beats in anticipation of future vacations!

9.  When the Love Is Gone (Anna Graves) - I thought this was Clover County when I first heard it!  Either way, it's warm, acoustic strumming and lush vocals surround you like a much-needed, encouraging hug.  

10.  Men in Bars (Japanese Breakfast feat. Jeff Bridges) - I knew Michelle Zauner had a mercurial streak, but I never expected her to move into Classic Country!  This feels right within Tom Waits' wheelhouse, but Jeff Bridges fills in nicely for this whiskey-soaked duet.  

11.  Lovin' You (Ryan Woods) - I would never have thought Minnie Riperton's signature song would get the alt-rock treatment, but here we are!  I'm not mad about it! 

12.  No Right Time (Zaska feat. Melina Malone) - Feel-good jazz from a rotating collective of musicians headed up by Irish singer/songwriter Max Zaska.  

13.  Use My Heart Against Me (Jessica Simpson) - Looks like Japanese Breakfast isn't the only artist trying on new hats!  Early 00's pop princess belts out some roadhouse-ready blues-rock that really suits her powerful pipes! 

14.  Don't Wait (Neal Francis feat. Say She She) - Neal Francis continues to mine the 1970s music canon for inspiration, and rarely disappoints!  Even his exploration of disco, showcased here, is sublime! 

15.  Shadow of a Man (Lady Gaga) - "Abracadabra" felt like low-hanging fruit to pick for a playlist, so I delved into Gaga's latest album for a deep cut that still gets one's booty shaking!  

16.  Pop N Olive (Samara Cyn feat. Sherwyn) - Cheeky R&B from West Coast singer/rapper.  

17.  Summer Simmer (Orang Utan feat. West Rose) - This is from 2023 but I couldn't pass up its dreamy synths and soaring chorus!  

18.  Beware!!! (Sleep State) - Classic rock-styled Indie pop from West Coast duo. 

19.  Call My Name (Phin) - Breezy guitars and falsetto vocals perfect for sipping cocktails on the porch (after taking a Zyrtec, of course!)

20.  Me & Angel (Perfume Genius) - The latest from Michael Alden Hadreas continues in his gorgeous, heartfelt style to close us out on a poignant note.    

So that's April's playlist!  Stock up on decongestants, get those taxes done, and I'll see you in May!  

Brant's March 2025 Playlist

Gettin' my green on for March!  

Phew!  Despite the Groundhog's prediction, Spring is in the air and my sinuses can feel it.  But I shall not let personal congestion interfere with my intentions to get this month's playlist out on time!  I felt myself gravitating towards folk-rock this month but as always, there's a little bit of everything.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Don't Take the Night (The Driver Era, Ross Lynch & Rocky) - Brothers and former R5 members get us started with this pulsating rock tune! 

2.  Dead Weight (Maggie Rose) - Grammy nominee known mostly for her country music proves she can also rock with the best of them!  

3.  Growing Pains (Trousdale) - Country-tinged pop band (pop-tinged Country band?) has a positive energy that will get any juke joint jumpin'! I can hear a Shania influence.   

4.  Sally, When the Wine Runs Out (Role Model) - Frequent Brantworld listee dropped a few Bonus Tracks for his latest album!  This was one of my faves.  

5.  Please, Please, Please (Sabrina Carpenter with Dolly Parton) - Sabrina is living her best life!  I've seen her sing with a few of her idols lately - Xtina, Taylor Swift, and now Dolly! 

6.  Baby Blue (Willow Avalon) - I thought this was the Bob Dylan song when I first saw the title, but it's completely different (and still great!).  I wasn't familiar with the singer, but I will have to start paying attention to her from now on!  

7.  Feel Like Makin' Love (Roberta Flack) - What a loss to the world with Roberta Flack gone.  Her music, particularly "Killing Me Softly with His Song", has become part of the fabric of American music.  RIP.

8.  Bloom (aimei) - Chinese/UK artist has a knack for catchy pop melodies.

9.  Supernova (Supertaste) - I forget where I first heard this, but (of course) I was immediately drawn to the classic disco vibes!  

10.  Poolside (Nao) - It's been a while since we've had her on one of our playlists, but Nao is back with some summery soul!

11.  Love Hangover (Jennie & Dominic Fike) - K-pop star steps out from Blackpink with this slinky bedroom bop (not to be confused with the Diana Ross song!). 

12.  Add Up My Love (Clairo) - Clairo was on our January 2025 playlist, and happily we have this new offering from her latest album!  

13.  Mona Lisa on a Mattress (Bishop Briggs) - Confident alt-rock from UK artist.

14.  One Bullet Left (Yam Haus) - Easygoing folk-rock from American Indie band.

15.  Following the Feeling (Tommy Newport) - I got a 1970s singer/songwriter vibe from this that felt perfect for the pleasant Spring weather! 

16.  Plastic Horses (Colby Acuff) - Energetic Americana from Idaho singer/songwriter.

17.  Where I Belong (Galactic with Irma Thomas) - Holy cow!  Irma Thomas is still going strong and sounding great at 84!  Yaaaaaaas, queen! 

18.  I'll Be Okay (Michigander) - We last had him on our December 2024 playlist!  Optimistic (which Lord knows we all need right now) folk-rock from Kalamazoo band.

19.  Glasgow (Pale Waves) - I love this lead singer's voice!!!  Very Cranberries/90s alt-rock vibes!

20.  Milestones (Gift) - Brooklyn band closes us out with some groovy rock!

So that's March's playlist!  Stock up on decongestants, use that Neti pot, and I'll see you in April!  

Brant's February 2025 Playlist

Beta Testing devices to help me keep my sanity for the next 4 years... 

Welp, we're only a few weeks into the new administration and the news is chock full of catastrophes - philosophical, Constitutional, and actual.  The groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter, which seems like the least of our worries.  I'm a day late, but I did manage to pull together another list of songs.  Last month skewed towards folk and Indie Rock.  This month I found myself gravitating more towards Pop and Dance selections, with a lot of returning favorite artists - perhaps in hopes of improving my mood.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  The Way She Moves (Mia Wray) - Australian pop star kicks us off with a powerfully sung dance floor filler!  

2.  Crying in the Car Wash (ARXX) - I have a good friend who uses car washes as therapy.  I thought it was just her, but now this New Wave ditty by a UK duo has me wondering if it's a "thing"! 

3.  See You in the Afterlife (Foster the People) - Some foot-stompin' funk from American Indie band. 

4.  Slut for Excel (Charlie Houston) - I don't know much about this young singer/songwriter, but this tune had a Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club energy that immediately drew me in.  

5.  MIA (Khalid feat. Chlöe) - Frequent Brantworld listee duets with one half of Chlöe x Halle for some R&B excellence.  

6.  Small Change (Don West) - Every now & again someone brings back the Motown sound.  Here's the latest - I can dig it.  

7.  Done with You (Omar Apollo) - Grammy nomimee serves up some Latin-flavored soul.  

8.  Time (Olivia Dean) - English singer adds a surprising rock-edge to this neo-soul offering. 

9.  Under the Sun (Maggie Rose) - Maryland Americana artist is currently up for a Grammy Award for her latest album, which includes this dreamy ballad. 

10.  Stolen Love (Josiah & the Bonnevilles) - They've been on my last two playlists, so clearly I've gone down the rabbit hole!  But I'm still enjoying these roots rockers.  

11.  My Fun (Suki Waterhouse) - Another returning fave!  This song has a frisky blues tinge to it that I could easily see Mick Jagger singing.  

12.  Arm's Length (Sam Fender) - His new album comes out later this month.  So far I've enjoyed all of the singles released.  

13.  Cursed Romantics (Maude LaTour) - I feel like this tune could've been inspired by Taylor Swift's "New Romantics" - but who knows?  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!  

14.  Something Beautiful (YUNG & Dagny) - Not to be confused with Yung Kook (from BTS), YUNG is a Swedish duo who have teamed up with Norwegian pop star Dagny for this delicious ditty! 

15.  This Side of the Island (Hamilton Leithauser) - American singer/songwriter and former lead singer of The Walkmen goes solo! 

16.  Crocodile Tears (Lauren Mayberry) - I'm also continuing to enjoy the confident pop debut of former Chvrches lead singer Lauren Mayberry!  Here's another selection from her excellent album.  

17.  Fainted Love (Conan Gray) - 80s style New Wave from this talented American artist. 

18.  Uptight (Home Counties) - Energetic, percussion heavy Indie Dance-Rock from Bristol band. 

19.  Music Is Better (Rüfüs Du Sol) - Sydney, Australia serves as home base for this alt-dance/electronic band. Perfect for speeding through the waves on your favorite watercraft as the wind blows through your hair.  

20.  Remember (Miami Horror & Tim Ayre) - I knew I'd had them on a previous playlist, but I didn't expect it to be 10 years ago!  Anyway, this Melbourne band is back with more disco/dance funk and fellow-Australian vocalist Tim Ayre pitching in!  

So that's February's playlist.  Hope everyone has a good month, and we'll see you in March.  

Brant's January 2025 Playlist

Note to self:  Don't accept any more hats from your new friend Galinda...

Another year down the drain!  The fun part was as I was compiling this month's playlist I got to see what other friends had listed as their "Best of 2024".  It's a great way to find new stuff, as well as validate some of my own picks.  January's list leans towards Indie Rock - not sure if that's because that's what a lot of my friends were listening to or if I somehow skewed the choices.  Either way, hope you enjoy!  And Happy New Year!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Uncharted (Clover County) - Athens, GA artist last appeared on our June 2024 playlist, and she's back with more comfort vibes to kick off the first playlist of the year!  

2.  Sexy to Someone (Clairo) - Another Georgia native serves up this great little tune, produced by Leon Michels - one of the original members of Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings!  

3.  Enemies (Magic City Hippies) - Miami band keeps the smooth Indie vibe going! 

4.  Gravity (Pale Waves) - This was on my friend Tim's "Best of 2024" list, and I loved the 90's pop rock feel to the song!  

5.  El Camino High (Moody Joody) - Nashville band is serving mellow country and classic cars! 

6.  Lucy (Pacific Avenue) - Energetic Alt Rock from Down Under! 

7.  Sunday Best (Lauren Mayberry) - Sometimes when I'm Lyfting, if I hear a song I like I'll Shazam it.  This was one such tune!  Scottish lead singer and percussionist of Chvrches goes solo and keeps the frenetic beats front and center! 

8.  Bed Chem (Sabrina Carpenter) - Is there nothing Sabrina can't sing?!?  Love the 80s R&B vibes she's bringing to this bedroom jam.  

9.  Lonely Dancers (Conan Gray) - Another one from a friend's "Best of 2024" list!  Muscular New Wave beats that bring to mind classic bands like Men Without Hats.  

10.  Beat of Your Heart (Purple Disco Machine) - We've had a few songs from the latest PDM album, so I figured why not one more before year end? 

11.  Sweet & Sublime (L'Impératrice feat. Erick the Architect) - Minimalist funk as only the French can do it!  

12.  From Here (NxWorries) - The latest Anderson.Paak project retains his classic soul leanings.  

13.  Got to Get Better in a Little While (Derek & the Dominoes) - I heard this on the soundtrack to "Dark Winds" (great show, btw!) and immediately made a note to download it!  Classic Clapton. 

14.  Tell Me Why U Do That (Grace Bowers & the Hodge Podge) - Why aren't more bands doing old school blues/funk like this???  This lady rocks! 

15.  Blood Moon (Josiah & the Bonnevilles) - We had his cover of Taylor Swift on last month's playlist, so I was curious to hear some of his own songs.  This tune did not disappoint.  

16.  I'd Rather Overdose (honestav feat. Z) - Multi-genre artist from Springfield, MO sings with experience beyond his years.  

17.  The Architect (Kasey Musgraves) - I caught Kasey when she came through Charlotte last month and she put on a great show.  The connection she has to her fans is tangible.  

18.  Merry Go Round (Victoria Williams) - This is from the 80's, but it popped up on my iPod the other day and I forgot how much I liked it.  I figured it was a positive reminder to keep the "Merry" in the Merry Go Round as we enter a new year!

So that's January's playlist!  Everyone stay safe, and I'll see you in 2025 (hopefully!).