Best Pics of 2011

I can't believe 2011 is almost over! Since I'm not one to break promises - maybe now is a good time to make my 2011 Resolutions.

In the meantime - here's the year in review, set to "Top of the Pops 2011" by Mashup-Germany!

Brant's December 2011 Playlist

Jiminy Crickets! Is it time for another holiday playlist again already? The dancing Santa Claus on my hearth makes me think that it IS! Well, in that case - here is this month's playlist. I tried to find a balance of personal favorites and unusual suspects. Hopefully the result is a playlist that feels both fresh and familiar. Ho Ho Hope you enjoy!

1. It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year (Andy Williams) - This optimistic anthem seemed like a great way to start this year's mix. When Andy sings it, I almost believe it.

2. Do They Know It's Christmas? (Band Aid) - The original version that inspired countless other celebrity choruses to sing for charity. As usual, this first attempt is much better than the efforts that would follow.

3. Ole Santa (Dinah Washington) - Peaceful Christmas ditty. You can almost visualize the children drifting off to sleep with smiles on their faces as they wait for Santa.

4. The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot (Vera Lynn) - Something tells me Vera was NOT the life of the party. Definitely a Debbie Downer tune, but I love the 1940's feel.

5. Snowflakes (Jeremy Fisher) - Sweet, nostalgic holiday stylings from Jeremy Fisher.

6. Christmas Island (Ella Fitzgerald) - I think the Andrews Sisters version is my fave, but since that was on last year's list I've substituted Ella's swinging cover.

7. Fairytale of New York (the Pogues featuring Kirsty MacColl) - Hot-headed Irish couple visits New York, discovers the meaning of Christmas, gets arrested for disorderly conduct and public intoxication.

8. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Dean Martin) - Dino's version of the holiday classic.

9. The Christmas Waltz (Kristin Chenoweth) - Broadway & Glee star graces us with a Christmas greeting.

10. One Happy Christmas (Tammy Wynette) - I think the best Christmas songs are the ones that fit the vocalist and their personal style. It seems a lot of singers will pick popular songs and try to sing them and it just doesn't sound right. This tune, from Tammy's 1970 album Christmas with Tammy, sounds like a song she would have sung anyway. It just happens to be a Christmas song.

11. Angel /Holiday version/ (Jack Johnson) - Holiday version of his 2007 acoustic ballad

12. White Christmas (Bing Crosby) - A classic.

13. Chilly Winds Don't Blow (Nina Simone) - Nina's not trying to have a White Christmas. Snow is cold, bitches.

14. Flowers in December (Mazzy Star) - Quiet, wistful winter ballad

15. Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (Mabel Scott) - Mabel's barn-storming boogie will melt the snow off anyone's chimney.

16. Merry, Merry Christmas (Koko Taylor) - We lost Ms. Koko in 2009, but her bluesy vocals keep the spirit alive.

17. Operator (Manhattan Transfer) - I checked out their Christmas albums, but somehow kept coming back to this gospel song off their 1975 debut album. Probably not intended as a holiday song, but I love it anyway.

18. O Holy Night (Mahalia Jackson) - Okay, this is a gospel holiday song. Amen.

19. I'll Be Home for Christmas (She & Him) - New Girl Zooey Deschanel teams up with M. Ward for an uber-cool Christmas album. Once again - the laid back instrumentation seems perfectly suited for her voice (see comments from #10). No bells and whistles, just awesomeness.

20. Santa Bring My Baby Back to Me (Elvis Presley) - A bodacious Elvis holiday song that ISN'T "Blue Christmas".

21. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve (the Carpenters) - Karen Carpenter could pretty much sing anything and it would sound good. Well, maybe not Heavy Metal...but anything else.

22. Sleigh Ride (the Ronettes) - Ronnie & the gang frolic in the snow. Not sure if Cher is singing back up on this song, but she sang back up on several Ronettes tunes.

23. Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Diana Krall) - Smooth and mellow rendition that reminds me of sipping hot chocolate and watching the snow fall.

Hope everyone has a great Christmas and holiday season! See you in 2012!

Brant's November 2011 Playlist

Okay, I'm a few days late with this one. Between Halloween and work, it just wasn't gonna happen. But I'm happy to finally be getting around to posting November's playlist. Probably more than some of my others, this one kind of reflects the way songs wander into my life. It's very stream of consciousness...Virginia Woolf would be proud.

1. Lover to Lover (Florence & the Machine) - Flo returns with some gospel, and the rejoicing begins.

2. The Walk (Mayer Hawthorne) - Now that Amy Winehouse has cleared the way, many are exploring the '60's soul sound. This one does it quite well, but don't play in front of the chil'rens. There are more curse words in 3 and a half minutes than you'd find in a week's worth of Temptations songs.

3. Roosevelt Island (Eleanor Friedberger) - Fiery Furnaces lead singer, who shares the same birthday as yours truly, busts out some 70's funk vibes.

4. I Think I Love You (Voice of the Beehive) - Here is where the stream of consciousness begins. Jill shared a playlist with me called 'Expo Girls'. The original had a VOTB song on it, but the song wasn't on Spotify so she substituted this great Partridge Family cover.

5. Betty's a Bombshell (Grouplove) - Great wave-your-lighter-in-the-air chorus. And you have to love a song that has glitter and suffering in the same refrain.

6. I'll Be Your Mirror (Rainy Day) - Stream of consciousness note #2. Expo Girls had a rare song on it, which was a great Bob Dylan cover by Susannah Hoffs (from the Bangles) and Mazzy Star. The cd was called Rainy Day. I tracked it down and was thrilled to find Susannah singing lead on this Velvet Underground cover.

7. Take It or Leave It (Sublime with Rome) - Unexpected return from the 90's group, with a new lead singer.

8. She Bangs the Drums (Stone Roses) - This popped up on my iPod while I had it on shuffle the other day so I decided to add it to this month's playlist.

9. Gidget Goes to Hell (Wrong Beach) - This was another of Jill's substitutions on Expo Girls, since Spotify didn't have Suburban Lawns' excellent original version. This cover is great too.

10. Set My Baby Free (Ian Brown) - Stream of consciousness #3. After hearing the Stone Roses, I started to wonder if any of the band members had done anything after the band broke up. I found this spooky song by former band lead singer, Ian Brown.

11. Lay Myself Down (Mazzy Star) - Stream of consciousness #4. After finding the Rainy Day cd, I checked to see if Mazzy Star had done anything recently, and found this song!

12. Second Hand News (Matthew Sweet & Susannah Hoffs) - Stream of consciousness #5. When checking to see if Susannah Hoffs had done anything recently, in addition to a new Bangles cd I found this duet with Matthew Sweet - a Fleetwood Mac cover.

13. This City /Breathe Electric Remix/ (Patrick Stump feat. Lupe Fiasco) - Breathe Electric breathes shimmery new disco life into the Patrick Stump tune. Free on PumptheBeat.com.
http://pumpthebeat.com/?cat=286

14. Break of Dawn (Goapele) - San Francisco siren returns with some smooth inspirational jazz

15. You Know That I'm No Good (Wanda Jackson) - Jack White works his magic on another country legend - this time by having rockabilly bad girl Wanda Jackson warble a Winehouse classic.

16. Fixin' to Die (G. Love) - G Love gets his blues on! Free (for now) on Daytrotter - they are soon going to have to start membership fees to cover expenses.
http://www.daytrotter.com/#!/concert/g-love/20054814-12982

17. Gimme Sympathy (Metric) - Fun female led alt-rock.

18. If (Janet Jackson) - This month's throwback. Janet grooves along to a Supremes sample as she imagines the love that might have been (and still could be!).

Brant's October 2011 Playlist

Woo hoo! It's October, and the sweltering heat of summer is behind us. Mild days without the pollen of springtime are followed by nights filled with Halloween parties and the new TV season. Hopefully you can put down your pumpkin-carving knives long enough to check out this month's playlist. Enjoy!

1. The King and All of His Men (Wolf Gang) - Upbeat latest from this British band that has toured with Florence & the Machine.

2. She Ain't Human (Billy Van featuring Quincy Kwalae and Zach Majors) - Mashup of Michael Jackson ("Human Nature") and Chris Brown ("She Ain't You") with tasty vocals by Zach Majors. Free download at Pump the Beat.

3. Spooky (Imogen Heap) - I had to have a Halloween themed song and Imogen Heap's groovilicious cover of the 1960's classic seemed perfect.

4. Flee or Fight (Matrimony) - Suzi & I caught these guys at the last Tosco Music Party and they put on an awesome show. Lead vocals by husband and wife James and Ashlee Hardee Brown.

5. Changing (Airborne Toxic Event) - Perky alt-rock to get your Halloween party started. Also check out "Sometime Around Midnight".

6. She's Gone (the Bird and the Bee) - Covering one Hall & Oates song would be daring, but to dedicate an entire album to them? That's crazy! Or is it GENIUS? Gotta say, I'm leaning towards genius.

7. Stars /LAZRtag remix/ (the XX) - Sean had this yummy mix on his latest playlist. Icy vocals meet a new wave beat and make beautiful music together.

8. Soldier (Ingrid Michaelson) - Mellow female rock reminds me of someone who probably played at Lilith Fair back in the day.

9. Tainted Love (Imelda May) - When I first heard this I thought it was Nouvelle Vague! Not sure who's playlist it was on. This is what happens when I go two months without posting new music! Great rockabilly version of the Soft Cell anthem.

10. Wish You Were Here (Glen Campbell) - Diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the country music legend recorded one last album, which was released in August 2011. He sounds as great as ever on this gorgeous ballad!

11. Atlas Hands (Benjamin Francis Leftwich) - Easy, breezy tune to play as the Autumn leaves begin to fall.

12. Not Your Fault (Awolnation) - Euro beats with arena rock vocals in the chorus

13. Touch My Bridge and Go (Fergie vs. Touch & Go) - Mashup that answers the question, "What if Fergie had recorded London Bridge with a Latin lounge band?" Free download at SoundCloud.

14. Teeth (the Ettes) - Jill sent me this on Spotify, and I love it! And not just because I'm a dentist. Female lead singer with a cute voice has totally got this guy's number!

15. If I Had a Gun (Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds) - Brother from Oasis rallies a new band, sounds just like his old band. Not that that's a bad thing. Just sayin'...

16. Betcha Wouldn't Hurt Me (Full Flava featuring Donna Gardier) - This Quincy Jones/Patti Austin collaboration was one of my favorite jazz songs from the 80's, so I was psyched to see it get a sleek Millennium-compatible remake.

17. Happy (the Daylights) - Epic love song in the style of the Fray.

18. We Used to Be Friends (Dandy Warhols) - Bluesy re-interpretation of their 2003 party jam. Free download at Daytrotter. http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/the-dandy-warhols-concert/20054551-7293.html

19. The Man with the 4-Way Hips (Tom Tom Club) - This month's throwback! I just caught them live in concert last night. Tina Weymouth looks and sounds as hot as ever! Definitely catch them if they come to your town.

Brant's September 2011 Playlist

Woo Hoo!!! September is birthday month, so (same as I did last year) I'm just gonna throw together a list of favorites. I'm not sure how I got into 1950's-60's girl groups - maybe it was movies like "The Big Chill" and "Stand By Me", which featured a lot of recordings from that time. But for whatever reason, I've always gravitated towards these artists. Whether they're singing about first love, broken hearts, or just missing the party of the century - these women (girls?) gave it everything they had. Listen to Dusty Springfield sing about the uncertainty of new love in "How Can I Be Sure" or Reparata & the Delrons wail in gorgeous loneliness after a breakup in "I'm Nobody's Baby Now". It's no wonder Janis Joplin and Amy Winehouse were inspired by this music.

As I've gotten older, I think I appreciate these ladies even more. Today's young women seem a lot more 'worldly' - one might even go so far as to label them Hoochie Mamas - but rarely do you hear them singing with such passion (Adele is admittedly an exception). Perhaps the Autotuner filters it out. But it seems a shame that an artist today can be singing about a menage-a-trois with less emotion than someone reciting their grocery list.

But enough editorializing. Let's kick it old school this month and think back to the days when our biggest problems were curfew and whether or not our crush was going to "like us back" (and not just on Facebook)! Enjoy.

1. My Baby Loves Me (Martha & the Vandellas) - They had bigger hits with "Love is Like a Heatwave" and "Dancing in the Streets", but this simple love song has always been my favorite in their catalogue.

2. Sweet Talkin' Guy (the Chiffons) - A bittersweet warning from someone who's learned the hard way.

3. The One You Can't Have (the Honeys) - Rare single from Mrs. Brian Wilson (of Beach Boys fame), mother to Carnie & Wendy Wilson (of Wilson Phillips). The Honeys often toured with the Beach Boys, and Brian Wilson produced and wrote many of their songs.

4. Needle in a Haystack (the Velvelettes) - Forgotten Motown girl group serve up some cynical soul.

5. Mr. Sandman (the Chordettes) - Bridging the gap between the Andrews Sisters and later Doo Wop acts, these ladies had their first hit with this classic in 1954. "Lollipop" would be an even bigger hit a few years later. Mr. Sandman would go on to be recorded by numerous acts ranging from Emmylou Harris to "The Golden Girls"!

6. She Don't Deserve You (the Honey Bees) - It sucks when someone you love dates someone you hate!

7. It's Gonna Take a Miracle (Royalettes) - Another song that has been covered many times. I think this original is still my fave.

8. Please Mr. Postman (the Marvelettes) - The first #1 Pop song for Motown, these ladies cleared the way for later female acts like Diana Ross & the Supremes.

9. Mixed Up Shook Up Girl (Patty & the Emblems) - This beach music gem was the only hit for the group. Always reminds me of hanging out on the pier at Myrtle Beach.

10. Don't Say Nothin' Bad About My Baby (the Cookies) - Sassy warning for all the haters out there!

11. Will You Love Me Tomorrow (the Shirelles) - Carole King's classic song was also the first song to hit #1 by an all-female group! Carole went on to record it herself for her Grammy winning album "Tapestry" in 1971.

12. Dream Lover (the Paris Sisters) - Dreamy remake of the classic Bobby Darin song

13. A Lover's Concerto (the Toys) - This catchy tune was based on Bach's "Minuet in G major" (hello! they were 'sampling' way back in 1965?!)

14. Party Lights (Claudine Clark) - Predecessor to Ke$ha? The whole song is about missing a party!

15. Born Too Late (the Poni-Tails) - It's no fun being a chicken when your man's not a chicken hawk.

16. I'm Into Something Good (Earl-Jean) - The Cookie's lead singer recorded this first, but it wasn't until Herman's Hermits did it that the song became a hit.

17. You Don't Have to Be a Baby to Cry (the Caravelles) - This fluttery tune is just begging to be in a Quentin Tarantino film!

18. I'm Nobody's Baby Now (Reparata & the Delrons) - Probably not anything you'd hear Beyonce' sing in these modern times of "Independent Women" and "Single Ladies", but we've all been there and felt like this.

19. Tonight You Belong to Me (Patience & Prudence) - Famously sung by Steve Martin & Bernadette Peters in "The Jerk", this is the 1956 version recorded by sisters Patience & Prudence McIntyre.

20. Walking in the Rain (the Ronettes) - Ronnie Spector did this song in 1 take! It wasn't as big a hit as their earlier songs "Baby I Love You" and "Be My Baby", but it was still a moderate success. Interesting piece of trivia - Cher started out as a back up singer for the group's recording sessions!

21. Love Is Here and Now You're Gone (the Supremes) - These ladies were supreme amongst the girl groups of the 60s! In fact, they rivaled the Beatles in popularity. Listen to Diana Ross's silky vocals and you'll know why. This isn't one of their signature songs ("Stop in the Name of Love", "Someday We'll Be Together") but it did hit #1 in 1967.

22. How Can I Be Sure (Dusty Springfield) - Dubbed The White Queen of Soul, Dusty had a career that spanned more than three decades. Fans included everyone from Aretha Franklin to the Pet Shop Boys. This was recorded around the same time as her fabulous "Son of a Preacher Man" single.

23. Give Him a Great Big Kiss (the Shangri-Las) - Upbeat song about lovin' a bad boy, from the "Leader of the Pack" ladies.

24. The Hideaway (the Young Generation) - Love the song, but not sure how I feel about the lyrics. On the one hand, it's sweet that a childhood promise was taken so seriously. On the other hand, get over it!

25. I Adore Him (the Angels) - Another song about lovin' Mr. Wrong! Can't find fault with the vocals, though.

26. Chapel of Love (the Dixie Cups) - The Ronettes had done this originally with little success, but the Dixie Cups recorded it and had the biggest hit of their career! The song would also be covered by the Beach Boys and Bette Midler.

27. You Don't Own Me (Lesley Gore) - The Divine Miss G recorded this iconic song back in 1963. The song was so popular she sang and released versions in Italian, German and French! Both the song & Lesley have become legendary, for good reason.

28. One Fine Day (the Chiffons) - Closing the playlist with a personal fave of all time. The optimism and joy in Carole King's anthem are positively infectious. The song would go on to chart in the Top 10 in 1963 and made Rolling Stone Magazine's list of the '500 Greatest Songs of All Time'. Couldn't agree more!

Brant's August 2011 Playlist

1. Here Comes the Sun /Live from the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh/ (George Harrison) - 40 years after the legendary Concert for Bangladesh, the Soundtrack is now available for download and all sales benefit the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF. A timeless song that still makes me happy.

2. Somehow (Joss Stone) - Upbeat latest from bluesy UK singer

3. Annie You Save Me (Graffiti6) - Hot on the heels of Fitz & the Tantrums, these guys also are reviving that early 1970s AM rock sound. Groovilicious!

4. I Wanna Go Kill Everybody /Basic Physics Mashup/(Britney Spears vs. Skrillex) - America's Pop Princess gets the electric chair. Sort of. This mash-up pairs Brit Brit's vocals with dark electro funk. Probably the closest we'll get to having Crazy Britney for a while. Free download at PumptheBeat.com

5. Love in a Vacuum /1983 demo/ ('Til Tuesday) - My infatuation with Aimee Mann continues. I was reading the iTunes review for Til Tuesday's 1985 "Voices Carry" cd and the author kept talking about how great the demo for "Love in a Vacuum" was (better than the fully produced version that appears on the album). It took me a while to track it down, but I have to say I agree with him. Free download at http://www.studiowner.com/

6. Season of the Witch (Karen Elson) - Jack White's wife covers Donovan for the "True Blood" soundtrack. Great version, but of course I still prefer Courtney Love's. :^)

7. Amy (Mashup-Germany) - We lost Ms. Winehouse last month. I was surprised how touching this mashup was. Free on PumptheBeat.com. RIP Amy.

8. Substitute (Gloria Gaynor) - This was originally recorded by the Righteous Brothers, and Gloria decided to put her own spin on it. The song was soon eclipsed by the B-side single, however - "I Will Survive". Gotta say I like 'em both!

9. Belong (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart) - Perky alt-rock song from another awkwardly named alt-rock band.

10. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win (Beastie Boys featuring Santigold) - If you had told me back in college that the Beastie Boys would still be around in 2011, I wouldn't have believed you. But here they are with this reggae-tinged single!

11. Dating a Porn Star (the Weepies) - Jill had this band on one of her playlists, and while browsing their catalogue I stumbled across this track. Never would have guessed it would be a tender ballad.

12. Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me (Boz Scaggs) - Another act I'm surprised is still recording. This is from a Billie Holliday tribute cd that came out this summer.

13. Wait & See /Richard X remix/ (Holy Ghost!) - This bouncy remix is great for some end of summer poolside chillaxin'.

14. Crystal Clear (the Darling Buds) - Hate to admit I missed this band first time around. Luckily I had Jill to call them to my attention. Better late than never!

15. Get Away (Yuck) - These guys did a Daytrotter session back in April. This wasn't one of the free tunes, but I liked them enough to check out their other music. Something about this reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins. Good stuff.

16. Speck (Deep Dark Robot) - Former 4 Non-Blonde member and hit producer (Pink, Gwen Stefani) Linda Perry returns to the studio with her new band. Great tune, but I still wish she'd gone for the "Big" ending (think: Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" or Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here").

17. School (Aer) - These guys make me smile. The song is about what makes them smile (hint: it's not school).

18. It's My Party (Quincy Jones featuring Amy Winehouse) - I had to have one more Winehouse song! QJ was putting together an album that showcased his work throughout a decades-long career. Who else but Amy to interpret his greatest Lesley Gore hit? Quincy Jones + Lesley Gore + Amy Winehouse = win win win

19. Sidewalk Talk (Jellybean featuring Madonna) - This month's official throwback. Back in the early 1980's, Jellybean and his girlfriend Madonna were the toast of NYC. He was a DJ and had worked on remixing Madonna's first album, which had made her a star. To return the favor, she contributed this song to his 1984 album "Wotupski !?!" Pretty sure the album is out of print, but this single still turns up occasionally. An under-appreciated Madonna track, IMHO.

Brant's July 2011 Playlist

The holiday fast approacheth, so I wanted to get July's playlist out ASAP. This month includes some new favorites along with some unearthed gems. My friend Jill inspired me to go through some of my old mix tapes - and I'm so glad she did. I unearthed several songs that I had held dear at some point in my life, yet had forgotten about over time. Enjoy!

1. California Soul /A. Skillz Remix/ (Marlena Shaw) - Another jazz vocalist gets a delicious millennial facelift. Great companion to the Madison Park vs Lenny B remix of Nina Simone's "Look of Love" and Adam Freeland's remix of Sarah Vaughan's "Fever". Free download on PumptheBeat.com.

2. Bow Chicka Wow Wow (Mike Posner feat. Lil Wayne) - Fun R&B seduction song with a rock vibe.

3. Lost in My Mind (The Head & the Heart) - Holden referenced this on his Facebook wall and I loved the song. Makes me think of the old West, cowboys and the whistle of railroad trains.

4. I Should Forget (Dynamic 4) - This summery jazz song was on an old playlist from 2003. I'm happy to have it back in circulation.

5. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair (Arctic Monkeys) - The Monkeys return with more psychedelic rock.

6. Nasty (Christina Aguilera & Cee Lo Green) - Unreleased track from the "Burlesque" soundtrack, probably leaked in response to their both being on "the Voice". I love the Jimmy 'Bo' Horne sample!

7. The Rhythm of Love (Lushus Daim & the Pretty Vain) - I had her poster in my freshman dorm room back in college (she looks like a female hybrid of Prince & Michael Jackson), but never bothered to buy the album. I stumbled across it on a music blog and I'm happy to report it wasn't bad! It's been out of print for years.

8. Drink Before the War (Sinead O'Connor) - Another lost single. When "The Lion & the Cobra" came out, I was obsessed with Sinead. It still sounds great after all this time.

9. Got to Give It Up (James Taylor Quartet) - Marvin Gaye's seminal soul classic gets retrofitted for a 1960's bachelor pad. Makes me want to put on my crushed velvet smoker's jacket and mix up some Moscow Mules in my stainless steel cocktail shaker...

10. Homesick Blues (Never Shout Never) - For me, summer is all about concerts. This bluesy number makes me think of cold beers and hot shows. Free download on Daytrotter.com.

11. Miss Me (Andy Grammer) - This was a free download on iTunes. Decent pop song in the style of David Gray or Daniel Powter.

12. Freeway (Aimee Mann) - Former lead singer of 'Til Tuesday did this session on Daytrotter back in 2008. She still sounds great.

13. Stay With Me 'Til Dawn (Heather Park) - Sleek, contemporary take on Judie Tzuke's haunting classic.

14. Bright Nights, Bigger City /Shapeshifter's Heavy Disco Remix/ (Cee Lo Green) - Cee Lo's latest gets even bigger & brighter thanks to the Shapeshifters.

15. I Love My Redneck Roots (Canady Thomas & Chris Cook) - This is the theme song to a local film called "Redneck Roots" being produced by some friends of mine! Can't wait to see the movie!!

16. I Can't Make You Love Me (Bon Iver) - Colton turned me on to this. Heartbreaking Bonnie Raitt cover & the B-side to the new "Calgary" single.

17. The Man Who Played God (Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse feat. Suzanne Vega) - The latest Danger Mouse collaboration with unexpected guest vocalist Suzanne Vega!

18. America (Prince & the Revolution) - I wanted to have something patriotic for Independence Day, so this month's throwback is Prince's red white & blue tribute to the US of A! Happy 4th of July e'er'body!

Brant's June 2011 Playlist

1. Bright Sunshiny Day (Mashup Germany) - Jimmy Cliff, Kelis and I'm not quite sure who else are thrown into the musical Cuisinart to result in this summery selection.

2. Sad Song (the Cars) - Didn't expect a new release from Ric Ocasek & gang, but gotta say I like it! Thanks to Stacy & Janique for the 'heads up' on this!

3. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You /the Twelves Remix/ (Black Kids) - Glee did this in a "blink & you'll miss it" prom sequence, and it reminded me how much I liked the original.

4. Instant Love (Sylvia Love) - This month's Disco Discharge pick is Sylvia Love's sublime 1979 Euro hit. Sounds like something Georgio Moroder might have done for Donna Summer during the "I Feel Love" years.

5. Restless Moods (Lulu) - Found this on an R&B compilation. Lulu recorded it in 1999, thirty two years after her classic "To Sir With Love" and she still sounds great!

6. L.O.V. (Fitz & the Tantrums) - I'm still digging these guys!!! Free download on Daytrotter. Thanks again to Jill for calling them to my attention.

7. Songbird (Glee Cast feat. Naya Rivera) - I wasn't sure how Fleetwood Mac would work in a Glee episode, but when Naya Rivera as Santana sang this to her love interest, Brittany - I got chills. I've always thought Christine McVie was underrated as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Hopefully the resurgence of this gorgeous ballad will give her some long overdue props.

8. Jupiter Flight No. 9 (Herman's Rocket) - Every now & again I come across a song that was probably meant to be edgy and avant garde but turned out to be ridiculously campy. This sounds like 1970s space porn! It still makes me smile, though.

9. Life (Ministry of Funk feat. Sade) - The Ministry of Funk guys drag Sade out of the bedroom and onto the dance floor! I first heard this poolside in Ft. Lauderdale - so now it immediately makes me crave sunshine and Mojitos.

10. Talking 'Bout a Revolution (Afro Fiesta) - This is from the first Playing for Change cd - which brings musicians from around the world together to raise money to build music schools across the globe. This is a Tracy Chapman cover, but they also do a great version of "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones on their second cd.

11. Two Against One (Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi feat Jack White) - Danger Mouse + Jack White! Yay!

12. Better Than Love /Freemasons Pegasus Club Mix/ (Hurts) - Nine minutes of bliss. Sounds like something New Order might have done.

13. How to Love (Lil Wayne) - I don't love everything he does, but I do love how he always surprises me.

14. Mine Is Yours /Passion Pit Mix/ (Cold War Kids) - The latest from CWK gets an electro boost.

15. Post Break Up Sex (the Vaccines) - Heard this on the Sirius Alt Nation channel, and was thrilled to find it as a free download on Daytrotter. Not bad advice, either!

16. Gold Mine (Breanne Düren) - This was a free download on iTunes. Sounds a little like Jenny Lewis, which isn't a bad thing!

17. The Roller (Beady Eye) - Oasis members pull together this awesome Beatles-esque anthem after Noel Gallagher exits the group.

18. Daydream Believer (the Monkees) - Since a lot of this month's list had a 60s vibe (Lulu, Fitz & the Tantrums, Beady Eye) I decided this month's throwback would be one of my fave 1960s songs. Sheer bubblegum bliss - and I like having that in my world.

Jabberweekendy

`Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All sudsy were the beerogoves,
In jubfuxtercation of the holidabe.

Branchula wore his mollitoffle loose,
As the sun beat down in fensome facation;
The Boombox burbled in blustery bloose
As he gnannifelt his gnawesome three day vacation!

Brant's May 2011 Playlist

1. Good Girls (Cris Cab) - Nice downtempo ballad with an R&B vibe.

2. So In Love (Jill Scott feat. Anthony Hamilton) - Jill is back with this delicious smooth groove.

3. Love at First Night (Kim Hart) - This month's Disco Discharge selection comes from their "Disco Ladies" compilation. Her voice sounds like Beyonce' to me.

4. Kiss You Off (Scissor Sisters) - I just caught them in Atlanta last month with Josh. If you ever get the chance to see them live I highly recommend it.

5. Marie Provost (Nick Lowe) - Based loosely on a true story! Silent film star Marie Prevost lived the lush life then died in obscurity. Unfortunately by the time they found her, her pet Dachsund had been nibbling on her. No reason not to write a fun pop song about it, though!

6. Colt .45 (Turbo Fruits) - Jill had these guys on her April playlist, and they are a hoot. This previously unreleased song is a free download on Daytrotter.

7. Purple Rain (Lucky Peterson) - Somebody had posted this on their Facebook wall, so I gave it a listen. Great bluesy reinterpretation of Prince's signature song.

8. My Society (De-Phazz) - One of those songs that sounds old and new at the same time. It has a slinky loungy feel to it that would suit Eartha Kitt.

9. Best of My Love (Phoebe Snow) - We lost Ms. Snow recently. I know "Poetry Man" is her best known track, but I love her cover of the Emotions disco song. It sounds a little dated today, but there's no denying Phoebe's joy in singing it.

10. Que Veux Tu /Madeon Remix/ (Yelle) - French dance track I found on PumptheBeat.com.

11. I Wrote the Book (Beth Ditto) - Gossip's rowdy lead singer goes solo with this sassy electronic number. This definitely ain't her first time at the rodeo!

12. Rock n Roll People in a Disco World (Sparks) - I'm just now getting into this LA Band. Much as Blondie was able to seamlessly morph between punk and disco and pop - these guys began as glam rockers before embracing disco and later new wave.

13. Stayin' Alive /Teddybears Remix/ (Bee Gees) - Disco people in a dubstep world!

14. Don't Gotta Work It Out (Fitz & the Tantrums) - First Jill, then Jeff told me I HAD to check these guys out! They are a contemporary band that is bringing back the late 60s/early 70s rock sound - think Rare Earth or Ides of March. Definitely worth a listen, and free download on Daytrotter.

15. Can't Find My Way Home (Alison Scott) - I found this while trying to track down Alison Krauss' version, which unfortunately is only available on the Crossing Jordan soundtrack. I went for the 99 cent single rather than getting conned into buying an entire album just to get the one song I wanted. When is the music industry gonna learn that trying to screw people over like that is the reason people illegally download songs???

16. My Girl (Nouvelle Vague feat. Sophie Delila) - French band continues their singular mission to reinterpret 80s songs. This is their reworking of Devo's "Girl U Want". Imagine if Chuck Berry had a sex change and then recorded a Devo tribute!

17. Ocean Drop (PJ Simas) - Mellow pop song with rhymes and sweet female vocals.

18. Rich Girls /Le Castle Vania Remix/ (the Virgins) - Great alt rock song gets a Spring Break remix.

19. Good Girls /Sucka Free CJ Remix/ (Cris Cab) - These were posted together on PumptheBeat so it seemed a shame not to include them both. It's just interesting to hear how a song is recorded by one artist, then reinterpreted by another.

20. Mutiny (the Family) - This month's throwback. After Morris Day left the Time, Prince decided to take the band in a new direction. He installed two new vocalists, added a symphonic orchestra, and changed the band's name to The Family. They only recorded one album, which has been out of print for 20 years, but Prince clearly is fond of this track - he's played it regularly at concerts over the years.

Brant's April 2011 Playlist

This month's playlist is dedicated to Spring Break and getting myself and anyone else into the spirit. Hopefully the pollen will taper off and there will be nothing standing between us and the warmer weather.

1. Civilization (Justice) - French electro duo return with a rock anthem! Unexpected but still great.

2. Loser Like Me (Glee cast) - Peppy pop to get your toes tappin'. Who cares if Sue Sylvester is throwing sticks at your head???

3. Keep Me Under the Sheets - Mochi Beats Remix (Ellie Goulding feat. Three 6 Mafia) - Get your Spring Break party started with this fabulous mash-up. Free download at http://pumpthebeat.com/?s=keep+me+under+the+sheets

4. Holdin' On (Rooney) - West Coast rock for convertible cruising. Their free downloadable session on Daytrotter includes this too - but Jill had a track from that on her April playlist so didn't want to plagiarize.

5. Dreamin' (Loleatta Holloway) - Miss Loleatta passed away last month, so wanted to have one of her tracks on here. Gone but not forgotten. The gospel breakdown at the end is fab!

6. The Sweetest Thing - Richard Hawley remix (Camera Obscura) - Originally was from their last album, but this remix makes an appearance on an EP they just put out. Hopefully a new album is on the way. I love their 1960s sound!

7. Summertime Girl (Shwayze & Cisco) - Jill turned me on to this! The EP (The W's) is available as a free download on the internet, but you have to search for it. Technically a summer song, but works for Spring break too, I think.

8. The Garden (the Creepshow) - My first foray into "psychobilly", thanks to Jeff. Some of their other stuff is rather disturbing, but this tune has a sweetness to it that appealed to me.

9. Girls With Accents (Fences) - He drops the "F" bomb quite a bit, but like the previous song - there's an endearing sweetness to the melody.

10. Gasoline (Britney Spears) - I'm still convinced the REAL Britney Spears is locked away in a mental institution somewhere, but her look-a-like nails this funky ode to explosives.

11. Filling Up with Heaven - Hardfloor Vocal Radio Mix (the Human League) - Spanky turned me onto this guy who's screen name is "musicoloog" on Sound Cloud. He has some cool remixes of tons of 80s acts (Pet Shop Boys, Human League, Simple Minds). This is one of them, and it's a free download at http://soundcloud.com/ikoens4/the-human-league-filling-up-with-heaven-hardfloor-vocal-radio-mix

12. Wait Up (Tokyo Police Club) - Peppy alt rock complete with "woo hoo hoo" backup vocals. Who needs more? Sure to turn up on a TV or movie soundtrack sometime soon.

13. Drunk Girls - Holy Ghost Remix (LCD Soundsystem) - This was a free download on iTunes. Not sure what made me think of Spring Break...!

14. On and On (Mac Miller) - Another freebie on iTunes. I like the mellow piano accompaniment.

15. M79 (Vampire Weekend) - This was from an older Daytrotter session, but still a goodie! Free download at http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/vampire-weekend-concert/20030173-110924.html

16. Give Me a Break (Vivien Vee) - I just discovered a CD series called "Disco Discharge" that I love! They have more volumes than I can afford at once, but their mission is to publish rare and previously unavailable disco recordings on CD. This is from their Euro Disco compilation. I'm sure more selections will be on future playlists and playing at the Russ Communications office! The video is hilarious. Vivien is working her butt off for three people on a sofa who can barely be bothered to snap their fingers and occasionally clap! Link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3vTmHqXEMo

17. Coco Jamboo (Mr. President) - This month's official throwback. Heard this on satellite radio and definitely put me in the Spring Break spirit. Where's my Mai Tai?

Brant's March 2011 Playlist

Advanced warning - this is a weird one. I think I'm just bored with a lot that is out there, so I was searching ALL over for interesting stuff.

1. Get Some (Lykke Li) - Swedish chanteuse doesn't need a ring on it. She's a prostitute.

2. Helena Beat (Foster the People) - upbeat follow up to their excellent "Pumped Up Kicks". Can't wait for their full length CD to drop.

3. Hold My Hand (Michael Jackson feat. Akon) - As creepy as it is to release songs after people die, I have to admit I like this one. I just wish I could feel confident that the folks who decided to release this record were doing it to share the music and not just reap some final profits.

4. I'll Be Waiting (Adele) - Adele gets her Janis Joplin on for this soulful performance. Love the horns!

5. Cut It Loose (Nic Cowan) - Country tinged stomper that sounds like John Cougar Mellencamp

6. Blue Skies Again (Jessica Lea Mayfield) - this was a free download on iTunes. I didn't like it at first but it's growing on me. Can a song be peppy and gloomy at the same time?

7. Simon Simon (Dale Bozzio) - stumbled across this while looking through some 80s stuff. Dale was lead singer of Missing Persons. After she left the band, she cut this single and a solo album. It seemed like a no brainer that she'd do great as a solo artist, but for whatever reason it never happened for her.

8. Triangle Walks /Rex the Dog remix/ (Fever Ray) - Side project of Karin Andersson from the Knife. The Knife's stuff is really weird and trippy, but this is...well, still weird and trippy - but you can dance to it.

9. Hey Alli (Runner Runner) - catchy boy band pop

10. September (Full Flava feat. Chantay Savage) - mid tempo cover of the Earth Wind & Fire song with Chantay's tasty vocals

11. Sweetest Taboo (the Watson Twins) - Jill had this on her playlist last month. It's a great interpretation of the Sade song. Free on Daytrotter

12. Girlfriendz (Drizabone Soul Family) - 1990s UK act returns with this smooth soul record

13. In the Ashes (Late Night Alumni) - LNA return with a spooky dance track. The Tuned Logic remix is good too, and a free download at http://soundcloud.com/tunedlogic/in-the-ashes-tuned-logic-remix

14. New Touch (Jimmy Edgar) - Funky outer space robot jam!

15. Work That Fat (Prince) - Unreleased Prince track I stumbled across while trolling the music blogs. Not very PC but can't argue with the beat. Prince is still playing with the vocal distortions on this tune - sounds like an out-take from Diamonds & Pearls.

16. One Last D.A.N.C.E. (5 & A Dime) - Ever go out and get blasted and dance your butt off, and the whole evening is a blur? That's what this mash up reminds me of. Your whole evening condensed into 3 minutes & 42 seconds. Free on PumptheBeat.com

17. Leaving It Up to You (Colleen Green) - the alt rock Donny & Marie cover song you never knew you wanted (but now you do!)

18. Bar (Sonia Leigh) - Imagine if Hank Williams Jr's soul got put in a skinny, butch 20 year old girl. She opened for Loretta Lynn and was great live.

19. Calling All Friends (the Low Stars) - A Facebook friend had this on her wall and I loved the song. Sounds like classic Cat Stevens to me.

20. Make Me Lose Control (Eric Carmen) - This month's throwback is a guilty, guilty pleasure that came on the other day while my iPod was on shuffle. Total 80s cheese, but it always makes me smile. I have to admit, when Eric sings "turn the radio up" I usually do.

Brant's February 2011 Playlist

1. California /Hustle and Flow/ (Social Distortion) - Mike Ness & crew deliver a flat out old school rocker. They have a free session on Daytrotter that doesn't include this tune but has a great version of Johnny Cash's "Ring of Fire".

2. Snowflakes (Jeremy Fisher) - Cute winter song that sort of ties together Christmas and Valentine's Day for me. Plus - I just want ONE more good snow before we jump into Spring.

3. I'm Not Your Toy (La Roux) - Jason had this on his wall the other day. I hope the success of "Bulletproof" doesn't overshadow some of their other tunes.

4. If I Go (Aer) - I had these guys on last month's playlist with their version of "We R Who We R". This is another laid back groove that reminds me of some of the R&B songs of the 70s ("Float On" by the Floaters). Free download at http://pumpthebeat.com/?p=3488

5. Higher (the Saturdays) - British girl group power anthem

6. White Knuckles (OK Go) - Free download on Daytrotter.com. The more I listen to these guys the more I like them! This is an unplugged version of their peppy pop song (see #19)

7. This Ain't a Love Song (Scouting for Girls) - Probably not the happiest song to have during Valentine's Day month, but the sentiment rings true. Kinda feels like the boy version of Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive". Breaking up sucks but it gets better.

8. Price Tag (Jessie J) - I just stumbled across this while surfing the web one day. Reminds me of something the Black Eyed Peas might do ("Where Is the Love").

9. Love Shadow (Fashion) - I found this in the Used CD store. How did I miss this the first time around? Funky 1980s New Wave.

10. Inspiration Information (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) - This was on an AIDS benefit CD called "Dark Was The Night". Sharon Jones singing Shuggie Otis for AIDS/HIV relief = win win win.

11. You Come Back (Edie Brickell) - Edie comes back with a great nighttime driving song.

12. My Body (Young the Giant) - This was a free download on iTunes but I liked it. It's somewhere in that Glam Rock/Arena Rock category. I love the chorus "My body tells me no, but I won't quit 'cause I want more!" Perhaps the new theme song for "Celebrity Rehab"?

13. Cars, Money & Fame (Timeflies) - Another song I found on PumptheBeat.com - which is becoming my go-to website for new and cool urban music.

14. Scenic World (Beirut) - Tired of the same old, same old in your Alt Rock bands? Look no further! These guys kick it WAY old school - like Eastern Europe in the 1800s.

15. Rhythm of Love (Plain White T's) - Just a fun, simple happy song. And that's plenty!

16. Marathon (Tennis) - Nautical tales set to 1960s girl group sounds? Bizarre but I kinda like it.

17. Semi Delicious (Shriekback) - Who knew these guys were still around? "Nemesis" was one of my favorite party tunes back in college, but this smooth groove from their Dec 2010 cd has been on heavy rotation since I stumbled across it earlier this month.

18. 100 MPH (Mazarati) - This month's throwback. Prince was working with these guys back in the 80s but kind of screwed them over when he heard them playing "Kiss", a song he had written for them. He liked their version of the song so much, he took it back and recorded it on his own! He let them keep this one - but without any "hits" the band quickly faded into obscurity. This still sounds like a Prince B-side, though.

19. White Knuckles (OK Go) - This is the album version - which sounds like Maroon 5 after a few Baby Guinness shots. Fun party tune!

Brant's January 2011 Playlist

1. Wake Up Everybody (Thelma Houston) - 30 years after her iconic "Don't Leave Me This Way", Thelma sounds as good as ever. This seemed like an appropriate message to start the New Year.
2. Here He Comes Again (Cheetah Whores) - I'm pretty sure it was Jill who turned me on to this band. I already love female garage rock, and this band was bad-ass enough to be on the "Sharktopus" soundtrack!
3. Tell Me I'm a Wreck (Every Avenue) - Fun, catchy emo rock
4. Hey Soul Sister (Glee cast) - Train's sublime song gets the Glee treatment, with glorious results
5. Fallin (Jay Z and Marvin Gaye) - Aneesha called this to my attention. It's a mash-up of "Fallin" from Jay Z's "American Gangster" album and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough" by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell. Free download at http://www.jayandmarvin.com/.
6. Exception of Love (the Truth) - Found this in the Used CD store. I vaguely remember them from the 1980s but listening to them again I'm pleasantly surprised how well it's held up over time. Reminds me of Style Council and The Jam.
7. Time Machine (Robyn) - Robyn continues her pop onslaught with "Body Talk Pt. 3".
8. All the Bugs Are Growing (Wussy) - I can't remember how I stumbled across this Cincinnati band, but they always make me smile. Also check out "Motorcycle" and "God's Camaro".
9. Outside (the Black Ryder) - These guys opened for the Cult on their most recent tour. Kinda shoe-gaze, but they were great live.
10. Buzzin' (Mann) - Never thought I'd hear Nu Shooz sampled in a rap song, but it works!
11. I Am a Song (Electric Six) - Imagine Steppenwolf with Lou Reed's backup singers, repackaged for the new Millennium.
12. We R Who We R (Aer) - Ke$ha gets kidnapped by stoner straight boys who force her to chill the f*ck out! Free download at http://pumpthebeat.com/?s=aer.
13. Big Wave (Jenny & Johnny) - Jenny Lewis ditches the Watson Twins for boyfriend Jonathan Rice, to serve up some tasty surf rock.
14. Shell Games (Bright Eyes) - Didn't see this coming! Conor Oberst returns to his original band. Has a New Wave feel to it, but still 100% Conor.
15. Stereo Love (Edward Maya featuring Vika Jigulina) - Sirius has been playing the heck out of this but it's catchy. Makes you feel like you are in a quaint European cafe' somewhere.
16. I Buried a Bone (Blind Pilot) - Heard this on the "Cyrus" soundtrack and was thrilled to find it as a free download on Daytrotter.
17. Make It Hot (Teena Marie) - When she died last month, I started going through her most recent recordings - which I'm embarrassed to admit I hadn't paid much attention to previously. Hard to believe this is a woman in her 50s singing. Lady T was HOT right up to the end. She will be missed.
18. One Step Closer to Something Good (Linkin Park vs. Utah Saints) - Another mash-up, this time with a Kate Bush sample added to the fun. Jeff turned me on to this. Free download at http://www.mediafire.com/?vwoizcmzbmb.
19. Like OMG, Baby (DJ Earworm) - Third and final mash-up, this time of 2010 pop hits! Free download at http://djearworm.com/.
20. Point of View (DB Boulevard) - This month's throwback. This song was on every self-respecting gay man's stereo when it came out in 2002 (it was even featured in a "Sex & the City" episode), then it disappeared. Not sure what made me think about it, but decided to track it down. Still sounds great!