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!).  

Brant's December 2024 Playlist

Time to "pack" up another year!  

Whoa.  The last playlist of 2024.  After the year I've had, you would think I'd be ready to put 2024 behind me and welcome 2025 - but then the election happened.  I have no idea what the next 4 years will be like but I'm not excited.  Probably mandatory Christmas music from Labor Day until December 31st, if Project 2025 gets put into policy.  So anyway, as an antidote to the dread, I kept this month's playlist joyful and fun and free of references to the C word (although there's one seasonal song).  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Scumbag (Role Model) - Tucker Harrington Pillsbury is becoming a regular in Brantworld, and deservedly so!  Catchy melodies and a very camera-ready countenance.  What more could we want? Here's his latest appealing ditty.  

2.  Anti-Hero (Josiah & the Bonnevilles) - I always say a great tune can be presented in various styles and still be awesome.  Here's a prime example - a rootsy/bluegrass cover of one of Taylor Swift's recent hits! 

3.  Overrated (Arms Akimbo with Harbour) - LA rockers are determined to get over their ex.  Results TBD...

4.  Manpower (Pixey) - Lordy I love this woman!  Here's hoping she tours and comes to Charlotte soon!  

5.  Supersad (Suki Waterhouse) - One of those songs that makes you want to put all the windows down in the car, turn up the stereo, and drive on a road with no speed limit!  

6.  Moon Man (Balu Brigada) - Peppy alt-rock from New Zealand duo. 

7.  There's Frost on the Moon (Gordon Webster feat. Hetty Kate) - As seasonal songs go, this ragtime tune is relatively enjoyable.  I had the original on my December 2017 playlist - so what a treat to find this contemporary version!  

8.  Letting Myself Go (BØRNS) - BØRNS has been through some rough times, but his songwriting is solid!  Perhaps even better as he deals with post-cancellation life.  I'm digging it.  

9.  Ai No Corrida (Quincy Jones) - What a loss to the music industry when Quincy Jones passed away.  This is from his 1981 album "The Dude", and hints at the greatness coming when Jones & Michael Jackson would team up for "Thriller".  RIP

10.  Paradise (Mark Lower feat. Alexandra Prince) - Groovy disco version of the Sade classic!  Again - a great song in a new format and there's still magic!

11.  Holding On (Dizzy Days) - I was seeking an upbeat, super-catchy pop tune!  Mission accomplished.

12.  People Watching (Sam Fender) - Another frequent Brantworld listee is back, seemingly channeling Bruce Springsteen or the Killers.  This is another driving-with-the-windows-down selection! 

13.  Giving Up (Michigander) - Kalamazoo band delivers a toe-tapping alt-rock anthem. 

14.  The Angel & the Saint (Goldie Boutilier) - Haunting vocals and trippy beats from Canadian singer/songwriter.

15.  Whore (Mehro) - We had Mehro on last month's playlist, and he's back with this forgiving love song!

16.  The Lonely One (Hayley Mary) - Australian singer and former member of the Jezebels continues her solo streak with this winning offering.  Zach turned me on to this artist! 

17.  By Now (Selma Eriksen) - Young singer/songwriter had a 1960s girl group energy that immediately drew me in!  

18.  Know Who You Are at Every Age (Anajah with Gary Gunn) - This is from Red Hot's TRANSA collection, highlighting trans artists.  Ethereal cover of the Cocteau Twins tune.  

19.  Superficial /Keys & Copper Remix/ (Alesha Dixon) - An exuberant remix of English singer/rapper closes us out, and hopefully gets us energized for the New Year!  

So that's our final playlist for 2024!  Hope the rest of the year goes well for everyone - and I suppose we'll meet again in 2025!  Take care! 

Brant's November 2024 Playlist

I voted early.  From now on I'm just going to try to not worry about this election,
and focus on my parade float selfies!  

Ugh.  Halloween is behind us and good fear is being replaced with bad fear.  That existential dread you're probably feeling is because there's an election next week.  Considering the last one ended up with a bunch of wackos storming the Capitol, I don't think anyone is excited.  So, in an effort to stay positive and calm - this month's playlist leans towards happy vibes and comforting sounds.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  I Feel Alive (Art d'Ecco) - I'm getting Adam Ant vibes from this in all the right ways! And it seems to capture the leftover high from Halloween.  

2.  Taste (Sabrina Carpenter) - Current pop "it" girl keeps the hits coming!  The video is hilarious as well! 

3.  Am I? (Joy Oladokun) - Arizona singer/songwriter is also feeling some existential dread, but is able to present it in an enjoyable format with this catchy tune!

4.  Fake Nice (Beach Weather) - Duplicity is exhausting, say frequent Brantworld listees!

5.  Wrong Way (Two Friends feat. Alexander Stewart) - LA duo serves us some peppy dance/pop complete with a horns section!  

6.  b2b (Charli XCX feat. Tinashe) - Brat Summer (now Fall?!?) continues with a remix album and Charli collaborating with a galaxy of guest stars!  

7.  Kinky (bby) - Youthful alt-rock from East London, UK! 

8.  Slow Rider (Sherwyn) - Silly but fun offering that samples War's "Low Rider"!  It makes me smile, so here 'tis! 

9.  Ketamine (mehro) - Easygoing folk-rock from Indie singer/songwriter.

10.  Slow Burn (Baby Rose feat. BADBADNOTGOOD) - Psychedelic jazz/soul to soothe your frazzled nerves!  Eric turned me on to this. 

11. Amber (Tom the Lion) - Mellow soft rock from British singer/songwriter.  I guess animal names are popular these days - check out the next artist! 

12.  Moves (Squid the Kid) - Disco-influenced beats that draw you in like tentacles!  From Australian artist. 

13. Tears (John Summit feat. Paige Cavell) - More clubby beats with a darker edge!  

14.  Cool-Doug, at Night (Sammy Rae & the Friends) - I can't remember where I heard this campy, disco number but (like the "Slow Rider" tune) I just thought it was fun!

15.  Television of Memories (Alexsucks) - This one moves us back into brooding territory, but still nicely done! 

16.  Darkest Places (Amos Lee) - It's been a while since we've have Amos Lee on a playlist (March 2019!), but I liked this latest song!  Very 1970s Laurel Canyon vibe to it.  

17.  Dreams (Carol Ades) - Singer from "The Voice" tv show shows off her versatile vocals with this latest offering!  

18.  Searching for My Man (Dot & the Velvelettes) - Another tune from the fantabulous Basement Beehive compilation!  I've been trying to find out if this is the same Velvelettes group that gave us "Needle in a Haystack" but so far no luck!  Seems plausible, though. 

19.  Beaches (beabadoobee) - Sunny vibes from Indie singer/songwriter.

So that's November's playlist!  I guess we'll see if anyone's around in December after these election results come in.  Y'all stay safe out there.

Brant's October 2024 Playlist

"So you guys would rather listen to my playlist than eat my brains?!?
I'm flattered, relieved and insulted at the same time!"

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!  Halloween season is upon us!  In celebration, I've got a few spooky (and spooky-adjacent) tunes thrown into this month's mix.  Also included are some 60's-inspired folk and psych-rock, returning fave artists, and one or two wacky selections just for fun.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE. 

1.  Burial Ground (the Decemberists) - What better way to start us off than a song about cemeteries?!?

2.  Look at That Woman (Role Model) - We had him on my March 2023 playlist, and now Mr. Tucker Harrington Pillsbury is back with some Laurel Canyon/West Coast-style pop rock!   

3.  World on a String (Lady Gaga) - A pop star has to reach a certain level of success before they are allowed to get weird.  Fortunately Gaga is there.  This is off her latest album, inspired by her character Harley Quinn in the new Joker movie.  I doubt I'll see the movie, but I did love this deliciously subversive take on an old Cotton Club classic!  

4.  Before I Let Go (Maze feat. Frankie Beverly) - We lost Frankie Beverly last month.  It was impossible not to feel the joy whenever he sang.  RIP

5.  Jupiter (Almost Monday) - Funky alt-rock from frequent Brantworld listees!  

6.  45 Degrees (Laurel) - British Indie-pop singer/songwriter should have a bright future ahead of her if she continues to serve up catchy tunes such as this!  

7.  Literal Bae (Greg Shilling) - Contemporary yacht rock vibes that would make Hall & Oates smile! 

8.  Devil's Gotten Into My Baby (the Devotions) - This is off the Basement Beehive compilation.  I couldn't find much about the group, but I liked the song and it had "devil" in the title so it worked for Halloween too!  #winning 

9.  Sticks + Stones (Gallant) - Trippy acoustic R&B from Maryland singer/songwriter. 

10.  You Stepped Out of a Dream (Samara Joy) - Rich, velvety jazz offering from young Grammy winner.

11.  Sheesh (Little Monarch) - Danceable jazz/R&B from Venice, California collective.  

12.  Dirty Little Secret (Artemas) - New Wave/alt-rock from English-Cypriot singer/songwriter. 

13.  Something On My Mind (Purple Disco Machine feat. Nothing But Thieves & Duke Dumont) - I never would've expected these three to get together, but should've known the results would be great!  

14.  ¿Para Qué? (Ela Taubert) - I really haven't explored Latin music, but with it being Hispanic Heritage Month I decided to check some things out!  I really enjoyed this tune by up-and-coming Colombian singer Ela Taubert!  Shakira better watch her back! 

15.  Backsliders (Sarah Shook & the Disarmers) - NC artist is back with more tasty alt-country!  They're on tour currently so I may try to catch them.  

16.  Along for the Ride (COIN) - It's been about 2 years since COIN made one of my playlists, so I was very excited to see new music from this Tennessee band! 

17.  Brain Freeze (Everyone Says Hi) - British supergroup contains members from the Kaiser Chiefs, the Kooks, Howling Bells and the Dead 60s!  The full album comes out in January, but I'm digging this first psych-rock single.  

18.  Nine to Five (Josef Scott) - Groovy, chill electronica from Indie artist.  (spoiler alert:  It's not the Dolly Parton song!)

19.  Baddy on the Floor (Jamie XX feat Honey Dijon) - Enigmatic beatmaster teams up with DJ, trans activist and Beyoncé collaborator for this energetic dancefloor filler! 

20.  Midnight Madness (Cerrone/Don Ray) - I'm still on a Cerrone kick from last month, so I immediately knew this Halloween disco masterpiece ("Spooky nights!  Freaky lights!") had to close out our October playlist!  

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