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.