Brant's January 2013 Playlist

Happy New Year!!!!  Okay, I'm a bit early - but the first week in January is going to be crazy busy so I wanted to go ahead and get this playlist published.  This month we have TWO Prince songs, some interesting interpretations of classic songs, and other goodies.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  Enjoy!

1.  Celebration (Mika) - The year always starts off with a party, and I'm still partying to Mika's latest release.

2.  Candy (Robbie Williams) - He's a huge star worldwide, but has never had much success in the U.S.  I'm not sure this bouncy pop song will change that, but I'm still digging it.

3.  At Home (Crystal Fighters) - FOLKTRONICA.  That's how the band describes their music.  They use a mix of traditional instruments (ever heard of a txalaparta?) along with synthesizers!  Kinda reminds me of "Life in a Northern Town" by The Dream Academy.

4.  Ready or Not (Bridgit Mendler) - The latest Disney kid makes her bid for music stardom.

5.  If I Was Your Girlfriend (TLC) - Gary was listening to this the other day and I forgot how much I liked their version of the Prince album cut.

6.  Love Will Tear Us Apart (June Tabor with Oysterband) - Every now and then I hear a song and I'm like "Oooh, I like this.  Wait, I've heard this before!  Who sang this originally???".  This is one of those songs.  A tender acoustic reworking of the Joy Division tune.

7.  One Way (Tomorrows Bad Seeds) - Fun rock/reggae tune from a California band.

8.  The High Road (Joss Stone) - ANOTHER GREAT REMAKE!  Joss takes the Broken Bells' chill ballad and redoes it R&B style.

9.  Lucky Now (Ryan Adams) - Heard this in the new "This Is 40" movie.  Just found out on Wikipedia he's from my home state (North Carolina) and married to Mandy Moore!

10.  The Secret Life of Us (Joey Negro and the Sunburst Band) - Wow.  This REALLY sounds like 1970's Chic ("I Want Your Love", "Good Times").  Love it!!!

11.  Same Love (Macklemore and Ryan Lewis feat. Mary Lambert) - Holden turned me on to this!  Hip Hop and Gay Rights don't usually go hand-in-hand, but maybe they should!

12.  Hall of Fame (The Script feat. will.I.am) - Power ballad from Irish band and Black Eyed Pea guy.

13.  Put the Gun Down (ZZ Ward) - Sassy grrrrrl pop

14.  Rock and Roll Love Affair (Prince) - His Royal Badness is back, and sounding pretty good!

15.  Sun (Two Door Cinema Club) - More Irish rock!  Maybe I should've saved some of these for March's playlist...

16.  Hometown (Andy Burrows) - Wistful folk song

17.  Hold Us Together (Matt Maher) - Technically this is filed under Christian music, but it sounds like the Devil's classic rock!

18.  Cut It Out (Kitten) - 17 year old lead singer Chloe Chaidez has definitely been listening to her parents' Siouxsie and the Banshees albums!  This is a band I'll be keeping my eye on, fo' shizzle!

19.  Top of the Pops 2012 (AudioManiac) - I always like to start the year off by finding a great mashup of the music from the previous year.  This is my selection for 2012.  Click HERE to get the free download from Soundcloud.

Hope everyone had a great 2012 and has an even better 2013!  See you in the New Year!!!

2012 - The Year in Pics

Wowza!  Another year is almost over.  2012 had its ups and downs, but for the most part I can't complain.  Here's a little composite video of some of the good times.  Thanks to all my awesome friends and family.  Looking forward to 2013!

Brant's December 2012 Playlist

I think this is always the toughest playlist I do all year!  Every other month I try to find some new music that people might not hear otherwise.  It can be challenging, but I'm not really out to create a feeling of nostalgia or tap into any kind of holiday memories.  December's list is holiday themed - so I feel like I need to try to strike a balance between familiar favorites and some new stuff that will (hopefully) keep things from going stale.  Anyway, here goes!  Listen on Spotify by clicking HERE.

1.  Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season (Andy Williams) - We lost him last September, but classic songs like this one will assure he is never forgotten.  "Whoop de do, and hickory dock - and don't forget to hang up your sock!"  Good stuff.

2.  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays (*NSYNC) - Justin, Lance and the gang serve up some 90's holiday spirit.  Chris Kirkpatrick would go on to guest star on the "Simpsons" TV show!  Not sure what happened to any of the other members...

3.  The Cowboys' Christmas Ball (the Killers) - Great holiday song from the Las Vegas band, and the proceeds go to the Product Red campaign, to fight AIDS in Africa!

4.  Up on the Housetop (Reba McEntire) - Reba gives the holiday standard a bluesy, barnstorming edge.

5.  I Think It Was December (Wendy & Lisa) - Prince sidekicks did this on their 1989 album, "Fruit at the Bottom".  It was never a hit, but always takes me back to Christmas and the college days.

6.  Baby It's Cold Outside (Colbie Caillat & Gavin DeGraw) - For some reason I figured I'd hate this CD (Christmas in the Sand), but have to admit it's really fun.  This is her duet with Gavin DeGraw.  She also does a great version of "Merry Christmas Baby" with Brad Paisley.

7.  Donde Esta Santa Claus (Augie Rios) - I first became aware of this song via the Guster version, but when I found out it was a cover, I tracked down the original - which is from 1958.  Cute in a not-so-politically-correct way!

8.  Light of the Stable (Emmylous Harris) - This lady's voice sounds like an angel!  Every time I hear her I'm blown away.  No wonder she's won 12 Grammys.

9.  You Raise Me Up (Secret Garden) - Josh Groban made it a hit, but I kinda dig the original version.

10.  Christmas Vacation (Mavis Staples) - A little gem from the movie soundtrack.  This needs to be more widely available!!!

11.  Miracle (Matisyahu) - We don't want to forget our Jewish friends during the holidays.  Not sure if this is a Hanukkah song, per se, but I like it.

12.  Little Saint Nick (the Beach Boys) - Another classic single that I never get tired of.

13.  All I Want for Christmas Is You (Vince Vance and the Valiants) - Fun facts from Wikipedia:  This is the most-played Christmas song on Country Radio!  The vocals are NOT by Vince, but by Lisa Layne!  I was SO glad to read that.  I wasn't sure, but suspected Vince might be a eunuch. 

14.  Pretty Paper (Glen Campbell) - I just love classic country.  This is from Glen's 1968 holiday album "That Christmas Feeling". Clearly paper cuts were not as painful back then as they are now.

15.  The Gift (Jim Brickman featuring Collin Raye and Susan Ashton) - DON'T HATE.  This is a guilty pleasure.

16.  Angel (Madonna) - Not a Christmas song, but not entirely out of left field.  I miss Madge's bubblegummy sound.  She would never sing about starry-eyed infatuation these days.

17.  Mele Kalikimaka (Bing Crosby and the Andrews Sisters) - I'm guessing the Andrews Sisters weren't fans of cold weather.  Like their hit "Christmas Island", this is a song about the holidays in a tropical paradise.

18.  Christmas Blues (G. Love) - Just to give my holiday playlist some Rock credibility!

19.  Kissin' by the Mistletoe (Aretha Franklin) - Somehow I missed this one the first time around.  Luckily Sirius radio has been playing it.  From Aretha's 1962 album "The Electrifying Aretha Franklin" which was not a holiday collection but a mix of jazz standards.

20.  Christmas Won't Be the Same Without You (Plain White T's) - Tee hee!  This is from a Target collection, but still a fun song.

21.  Same Old Lang Syne (Dan Fogelberg) -   I wasn't a fan of this for a long time, but as I've grown into middle-age and can relate to the story it tells, the song is becoming more and more poignant to me.  I guess Fogelberg is an acquired taste.

22.  The Christmas Waltz (Nancy Wilson) - Nancy closes us out with this cool-as-ice rendition of the holiday classic.

Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday season!  Stay warm and I'll see you in 2013!!!

Brant's November 2012 Playlist

Okay, I'm a day late - but still got this posted in time for the weekend.  I guess between Halloween, starting a new job, and election fatigue I've been off my game.  Anyway, here's this month's list.  We've got some new tracks from 1990's divas (Alanis Morisette and Macy Gray), some funky retro R&B sounds (I'm totally down with it if New Jack Swing makes a comeback!), and a random assortment of other stuff.  You can listen on Spotify.  Enjoy!

1.  Best Day of Your Life (Katie Herzig) - An optimistic song to get us started.  The holidays are coming up, and this song seems to capture the giddy anticipation of reuniting with friends and enjoying life.

2.  Breakdown (Gary Clark Jr.) - Young bluesman cuts loose on a rock song.  Kinda reminds me of Steve Miller.

3.  Origin of Love (Mika) - From the pop virtuoso's third album of the same name.  I LOVE THIS GUY!!!  The album is fantastic - so expect more Mika tunes on future playlists.  Here, he's joined by a choir of autotuned angels as he celebrates the object of his affection.

4.  Baby I'm Yours (Breakbot feat. Irfane) - French artist channels 1980s Cameo for some bouncy R&B.

5.  Tuesday Heartbreak (Macy Gray) - Macy's back, and covering Stevie Wonder's 1972 album "Talking Book" song by song.  The cd is a little uneven, but I did enjoy her take on this song.

6.  Guardian (Alanis Morissette) - Another lady who was big in the 1990s!  Now she's married, a mom, and according to PETA one of "The World's Sexiest Vegetarians".   Here she promises to protect those she loves, and something tells me if you've got Alanis on your side - nobody's gonna mess with you.

7.  Sledgehammer (Peter Gabriel) - Ugh.  Has it really been 25 years since this was released?  Still sounds great, though.

8.  Down the Road (C2C) - Somebody put "Molly" in the Moonshine, and the hillbillies are having a rave!

9.  Madness (Muse) - Latest track from the English bands starts at a slow simmer then escalates to a rolling boil (note to self:  I've been reading too many recipe blogs).

10.  Loca Por Un Loco (Kela Gates) - Jill had this on her September playlist, and I fell in love with it.  Perky Peruvian, who resembles Doris Day - gets the fiesta started!

11.  Kodachrome (Conor Oberst & the Mystic Valley Band) - Paul Simon gets the Indie band treatment.

12.  Let Her Go (Passenger) - Wistful blues from UK singer/songwriter Mike Rosenberg.

13.  Bonified Lovin' (Chromeo) - I found a recent remix of this on White Folks Get Crunk, but the more I listened the more I just wanted to hear the original.  Another fun band paying homage to the great 1980s R&B sound.

14.  What Makes a Good Man? (The Heavy) - Sounds like one of those early 1970s bands whose name I should know, but I don't.

15.  Be Your Everything (Boys Like Girls) - You know I love me some boy band pop with a sick hook.

16.  My Flaming Thirst (Pepe Deluxe) - Sounds like a lost James Bond theme song!

17.  Everybody's Free (Simon from Deep Divas featuring Debbie) -Burn off those Thanksgiving calories by playing this and dancing your booty off!  See ya next month!

Brant's October 2012 Playlist

Happy October boys & ghouls!  I'm so glad to see you.  Hopefully your month is already booked with lots of Octoberfests and Halloween activities.  What goes better with beer and parties than music!  Here's this month's selections!  To listen, go to Spotify

1.  Spooky (Dusty Springfield) - My favorite Halloween song by one of my favorite singers.  Seems like a great way to get this month started.

2.  Blue Jeans /RAC Remix/ (Lana Del Rey) - Another spooky tune, but this time thanks to RAC's mix - I actually believe her when she says "We were dancing all night".

3.  This Corrosion (Diane Birch) - Anthony turned me on to this.  Diane takes Sisters of Mercy's Goth classic and reworks it into a 1970's gospel song.  How does Spotify NOT have this?!?!  It was released in 2010.

4.  Summer Paradise (Simple Plan featuring K'naan) - Personally I think it's a tad early to be nostalgic for summer, but I do like the tune.

5.  Let the Meter Run (Charlie Mars) - Toe-tapping minimalism from Mary Louise Parker's boyfriend.

6.  My Dear (Ruby Velle & the Soulphonics) - Another Amy Winehouse wanna-be but at least she's a good one!

7.  We've Only Just Begun (Andy Williams) - We lost him last month.  My first instinct was to use "Moon River", but I decided to do something unexpected and went with his version of the Carpenters' classic.  I love the early 1970s Easy Listening vibe it has.

8.  U Lit My Fire (Angie Stone) - Angie's back with more soul!  This kinda sounds like something Gladys Knight & the Pips might have done.

9.  Lover of the Light (Mumford & Sons) - Uplifting folk from the Grammy nominated British band.

10.  Soulsville (Rumer) -  I had her on last month's playlist, but still digging her voice!

11.  oOoO (Oberhofer) - Vaguely reminds me of Joey Ramone.  Was this in a commercial somewhere?  Seems perfect for an advertising ditty.

12.  Bad for Me (Megan & Liz) - Bubblegummy pop that sure is catchy!  I love the line "He's the melody and she's background noise".  I think I know that couple. ;^)

13.  One O Six (Jupiter) - Super cool Parisians make even 80s R&B sound avant garde.

14.  Big Wide Wonderful World (Chris Isaak) - I just caught his show last month.  This was his showstopping finale!

15.  That Wasn't Me (Brandi Carlile) - Because she's awesome and a lesbian and October 11th is National Coming Out Day!

16.  How Bad We Need Each Other (Marc Scibilia) - I first heard this bluesy love song on "Rehab with Dr. Drew".  I guess love really IS a drug.

17.  Respect (The Real Roxanne) - Back in the day, there was Roxanne Shante' and then The Real Roxanne - and you better NOT get them confused.  This was TRR's girl power anthem - with a little help from Aretha and Rodney Dangerfield.

So that's this month's list!  Hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween!!!  Be sure to post costume photos on Facebook so I can see them!

Brant's September 2012 Playlist

Woo Hoo!  It's birthday month, and not only have I completed another trip around the Sun - the entire nation has turned its collective eye my way as Charlotte hosts the Democratic National Convention!  Truth be told - my involvement has been 99% spectator, but I did help write some of the venue descriptions for the DNC 2012 app.  :^)

Now on to the music.  Since last month was more mellow, this month I was ready to get the party started.  Enjoy!

1.  The House That Heaven Built (the Japandroids) - Sounding like Bruce Springsteen after 20 Mountain Dews, these guys (who are actually Canadian and NOT androids!) get us off to a rousing start.

2.  Capricornia (Allo, Darlin') - Not sure if it's the Zodiac reference or the jangly guitars, but this tune sounds charmingly like one of those 1960s songs I can imagine Flower Children dancing around to.  Good morning, starshine!

3.  Bad /Afrojack Remix feat. Pitbull/ (Michael Jackson) - It's the 25th Anniversary of MJ's follow up to his record-breaking "Thriller" album.  Pitbull joins the celebration on this updated version of the title song.

4.  Tonight I'm Alright (Narada Michael Walden) - Best known for his work with Whitney Houston ("How Will I Know") and Aretha ("Freeway of Love"), NMW also recorded under his own name.  I always enjoy some disco and cowbells on my birthday!

5.  45 RPM /My Life Story/ (Lovebugs) - Because 45 RPMs have played a huge part in my life too!  Bouncy pop from Swiss band.

6.  Slipping Away (Barcelona) - Straight ahead percolating rock, vaguely reminiscent of Led Zeppelin.

7.  Lonely Feeling (the Gaylets) - Jill turned me on to this and I can't get enough of it!  1960s reggae group emulates the girl group sounds of the Shirelles!  Shoulda been a hit, IMHO.

8.  Sara Smile (Rumer) - This woman's voice is so buttery it's got to be fattening!!!  Imagine Karen Carpenter singing Hall & Oates.  Yep, it's THAT good. 

9.  Hurt Me Tomorrow (K'naan) - International artist and African activist has got better things to do than get dumped today.

10.  Cupid (Daniel Powter) - "Bad Day" guy is apparently doing better.  He's back with a fun, country-tinged love song!

11.  Vampire Smile (Kyla La Grange) - Stumbled across this one and enjoyed it.  If it's not already, I'm sure it will turn up on a True Blood or Vampire Diaries soundtrack!

12.  200,000 (The Rocket Summer) - Power pop singer who may not be willing to walk "1000 Miles" like Vanessa Carlton, but he doesn't mind putting the miles on his car.

13.  I'm Loving You More Every Day (Leela James) - Eric turned me on to this album.  Love her voice and the update on Etta James' catalogue.

14.  Suga /Mars and Van Remix/ (Bastion) - Perky remix of a song about being in a smothering relationship.

15.  Moonshine (Katie Melua) - Smooth groove that would go well with Van Morrison's "Moondance".

16.  Forgotten Your Name (77 Bombay Street) - Folk rock that also has a 1960-ish sound to it.

17.  Ray of Sex (Madonna vs. the Sex Pistols) - Mashup I found a while back that combines Madonna's "Ray of Light" with classic Sex Pistols!  Free download at http://soundcloud.com/michael-dent/mashup-sex-pistols-madonna

18.  Mama Lover (Serebro) - Delicious Euro Pop from a Russian (!!!) girl group!  These ladies are so hot they could melt the snow in Siberia!

And so concludes another monthly playlist!  Guess I'm off to continue the DNC and birthday parties.  Hope everyone has a great month, and I'll see you in October!

Brant's August 2012 Playlist

Wowzers!  I'm a little surprised to have this ready on August 1st.  For some reason, I was struggling this month.  Before I hit "publish" I always ask myself, "Is this a list you're excited to listen to?"  Unfortunately, the first few playlists I put together for August were NOT lists I wanted to listen to.  I finally figured out it was because I'm in a more mellow mood at the moment.  Perhaps because it's the end of summer. Perhaps because another birthday is around the corner.  For whatever reason, I decided to scrap some of the noisy rockers and clubby stuff and stick to the soothing songs.  So here it is -   Chicken Soup (or at least a chilled Cucumber Melon Soup since it's summer!) for your soul.  Enjoy!

1.  Summer Breeze (Jason Mraz) - Jason introduces the Seals & Crofts classic to a new generation

2.  World Upside Down (Jimmy Cliff) - Remember when Loretta Lynn returned to her roots and recorded "Van Lear Rose" in the style of her 1960's best?  Apparently Jimmy Cliff decided to do the same, with equally impressive results.  His voice is in amazing shape for a 64 year old!

3.  If You Want Trees (Aer) - It's been fun to watch these guys become more & more popular.  I feel like friends of mine are on the brink of becoming huge successes!  And how wonderful that they're so into Arbor Day (not really).

4.  Ho Hey (the Lumineers) - Who says you can't mix Americana with exuberant shout outs?

5.  Never Quit Loving You (Jill Barber) - Delicious 1950's stylings that I never tire of!

6.  What's So Funny 'Bout Peace Love & Understanding (Nick Lowe) - The "Jesus of Cool" reclaims the song he wrote for Elvis Costello.  He's coming to Charlotte on October 9th (Nick Lowe)!

7.  Oh Love (Green Day) - New stuff by Green Days!  Kinda has an Irish pub song sound to it.

8.  Queen of a Sad Land (A Silent Film) - Grandiose alt rock that sounds like some of the great 80s bands (maybe early U2 or the Church?).

9.  Good Time (Owl City with Carly Rae Jepsen) - "Fireflies" guy returns with Canadian Idol singer for this peppy pop song.  For some reason it makes me think of Donny & Marie!

10.  Drop in the Ocean (Javier Colon) - One of "The Voice" peeps serves up this piano laced ballad.

11.  Ain't Nobody Loves You Like I Do (LaToya Jackson) - All the Jackson drama lately got me thinking about LaToya.  I always thought she got a raw deal.  When I was a teenager, I had "Heart Don't Lie" and to this day still smile when I hear it.  Listen to her vocals here and tell me she sounds any weaker than Janet.  Unfortunately, bankrupt record labels and other bad choices kept LaToya from achieving the success of her siblings.

12.  Angels on High (Shakura S'Aida) - Bluesy gospel I stumbled across while surfing on iTunes.

13.  Youth Without Youth (Metric) - Sassy female vocals over synth rock.

14.  I'll Take You There /Director's Cut Classic Signature Mix/ (Frankie Knuckles) - Found this easy breezy beach electronica on a Hed Kandi CD.  D@mn you Spotify for not having this!!!

15.  Young Love (Jedward) - Cute blond boys singing wistful boy band balladry.

16.  Kandi (One Eskimo) - One of my new favorite songs!  Thanks Jill!

17.  Pontoon (Little Big Town) - Yet another country song about drinking and hanging outside, but I like it.

18.  Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes (Paul Simon) - "Graceland" turns 25 this year, so wanted to include something from the Grammy Winning classic album.

19.  Runaways (the Killers) - Still mad at them for not releasing their cover of "Go All the Way" from the "Dark Shadows" soundtrack, but they did give me this one.  Sounds more Meatloaf than Springsteen (who they cite as an influence) to my ears, but I'm cool with that.

Brant's July 2012 Playlist

This month's playlist came out a little heavy on the retro sounds.  Normally throughout the month, I drop songs I like into one "bucket", then spend the last few days of the month listening to everything and whittling the list down to 16-20 favorites.  I try to make sure I have a little of everything (pop, rock, R&B, etc) and usually that works out.  This month, I never really gravitated to the newer sounding stuff.  I finally decided that since our little nation is turning 236, maybe it was okay that a lot of the music on this month's list sounded like years gone by.  At the end of the day - it's still a list that I am excited about sharing.  Enjoy!

1.  Radio (Raphael Saadiq) - Former Tony!Toni!Tone'! member goes solo and sounds like early Stevie (Stevy!Steve'!) Wonder.

2.  Free (Graffiti6) - I had "Annie You Save Me" on last August's list, and this is their latest.  Three Dog Night smiles every time this is played.

3.  Somewhere (Scissor Sisters) - Another band worth repeating (they were also on last month's list).  Reminds me of the sound Giorgio Morodor pioneered with Berlin and other 80s acts.  If you ever get the chance to see them live, DO IT!!!  They put on a fantastic show.  Right, Josh & Adam???

4.  Soul Salvation of Love (Cocktail Slippers) - Norwegian female garage-rockers return with a new song, and establish themselves in my heart as the Go-Go's of the new millennium.

5.  Only You /Imogen Heap mix/ (Joshua Radin) - Imogen Heap teams with Joshua Radin on this lullaby-like remake of the classic Yaz tune.

6.  Good Riddance (Glen Campbell) - Aging country singer sings Green Day.  At first I was like, "Really?!"  Then I was like, "Whoa, this is beyond awesome".

7.  Warrior (Kimbra) - "Somebody That I Used to Know" co-singer steps away from Gotye and into the solo spotlight with this upbeat, uplifting anthem.

8.  Forgive Forget (Caligola) - Swedish band serves up some perky blue-eyed soul.

9.  Two Melodies (Audra Mae & the Almighty Sound) - Judy Garland's great-great niece definitely inherited the family's powerful pipes. Elton John has "Your Song", but Audra Mae's got twice as many to give you!  Boom!

10.  Orange Blossoms (JJ Grey & Mofro) - Jill turned me on to this song.  These guys are always great, and Amazon gives you this download for free!!!

11.  Glitter and Gold (Rebecca Ferguson) - I had her on last month's playlist, and she is also worth a second listen.  Sounds like 1960s/1970s Aretha.

12.  Is That Clear (Nick Waterhouse) - More retro rock sounds!  I don't know anything about this guy except that he totally rocks and appreciates the classic sounds of the 1950s and 1960s.  Will definitely be paying attention to him from now on.  If he and Pete Molinari ever tour together, I'm there!

13.  The A Team (Ed Sheeran) - Donna Summer's "Bad Girls" is still my favorite song about prostitution, but this one isn't bad either.

14.  Greatest Hit (Annie) - Sampling Madonna's 1982 song "Everybody" gives this a charmingly dated sound.  Once again, other people seem to be doing Madonna better than Madonna these days.

15.  Hold Back Love (Kraak & Smaak) - Not sure why the title isn't "Hold Baak Love" given the group's name, but it's some fun straightforward disco.  Is that a cowbell I hear in the background???

16.  Shady (Adam Lambert featuring Sam Sparro and Nile Rodgers) - La Lambert returns with Sam Sparro and the guy from Chic ("Le Freak" and "Good Times").  Glorious, glam, and glad he's back.

17.  Fire Burning (the Urges) - These guys have definitely been listening to their parent's 1960's rock albums.  Another fun band in the spirit of Fitz & the Tantrums and Sonny & the Sunsets.  *NOTE:  they didn't have this song on Spotify, so I subbed it for another fun Urges song - "You Don't Look So Good".

18.  We've Got Tonight (Patti Austin) - Phillip Phillips sang this on "American Idol", so I Googled it to see who else had done it.  Was thrilled to find this version by one of my favorite Jazz singers.

19.  Philadelphia Freedom (Elton John) - Just like some of our best Christmas tunes have been written by Jewish songwriters, one of my favorite American patriotic tunes is performed by a Brit.  Never get tired of it, though.  God Bless America, and the British singers who don't hold the American Revolution against us!

Hope everyone has a safe & fun Independence Day and July!  See you in August!!!

Brant's June 2012 Playlist

What a month we've had!  Usually I only have one song on the playlist from an artist who has passed away, but this month we lost Donna Summer AND Robin Gibb - both of whom I thoroughly enjoyed.  It's so depressing to see the Idols of one's youth disappear to that great disco in the sky.  Hopefully this month's list will not only honor their memory, but provide some uplifting moments to carry us through in their absence.

1.  Heart on Fire (Scars on 45) - I hate their name, but love their sound!!! Is it just me or does it seem reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac circa the "Rumours" years?

2.  Sunshine (Matisyahu) - America's favorite Hasidic Hebrew reggae singer is back with more positive vibes!

3.  Brokenhearted (Karmin) - Bouncy pop by supercute duo.  Katy Perry better watch her back!

4.  Every Man & Woman Is a Star (the Cult) - Ian Astbury & the gang return with this new rocker and sound as great as ever!

5.  Young Homie (Chris Rene) - Wistful rap-pop by one of the X Factor (USA version) kids.

6.  Nothing's Real But Love (Rebecca Ferguson) - Another ex-X Factor performer, this time from the British version.  Love the old school soul sound!

7.  Heaven Knows (Donna Summer) - Le sigh.  We lost Donna this year - but she has left behind a HUGE catalogue of disco and dance anthems.  I struggled over which one to pick for the playlist, but finally landed on this personal fave.  I think it holds up well even today (some of the other disco songs seem a tad dated, IMHO - for example Anita Ward's "Ring My Bell").

8.    Only the Horses (Scissor Sisters) - YAAAAAYYYY!!!  New Scissor Sisters!  Thanks Jordan for bringing this to my attention!  A soaring club anthem to get your summer dance party started.

9.  Walk Over Me (All-American Rejects) - Nothing puts a pep in your step like a dysfunctional relationship!

10.  I Make My Own Sunshine (Alyssa Bonagura) - Okay, this is a jingle from a Lowes commercial, but still I kinda dig it.

11.  Bright Whites (Kishi Bashi) - Totally plagiarized from Jill's list last month, but I wasn't ready to say 'goodbye' to it yet.  Love the summery World Music sounds.

12.  The Brightest Lights (King Charles) - Mumford & Sons lend a hand with this singalong folk ditty.

13.  Cinnamon Tree (Esperanza Spalding) - Smooth jazz to sip your Pinot Grigio to on a warm summer evening.

14.  Shining Star (Nneka) - Nigerian soul singer serves up some catchy R&B.

15.  Party Line (Joey Ramone featuring Holly Beth Vincent) - Usually posthumous duets creep me out ("Hello, Natalie Cole!") but this one I enjoy.  Sounds like a classic Phil Spector tune from the 1960's.

16.  Fanny Be Tender With My Love (Bee Gees) - Robin Gibb also passed away recently, so I wanted to include a Bee Gees song in his honor.  This was always one of my favorites (although I believe it is Barry who's singing lead on this track).  Wikipedia says "The group did not perform "Fanny" live because of the layers of harmonies used to create the studio recording." Bummer.  It's still a great song.

17.  Miss Mood /Satin Jackets remix/ (Novika) - Dark, sexy, cool.  Basically it's everything I wanted Madonna's new CD to be (but wasn't).  Makes me want to sip something exotic and refreshing under an oversized umbrella by an infinity pool. 

So that's June's list!  Try to stay cool in this summer sun, and I'll see you next month.

Brant's May 2012 Playlist

No real theme for this month - just some new tunes, so let's dig in!

1.  Lost Somewhere (Tanlines) - A lot of times electronic music can sound cold.  This one is as warm as a summer breeze.  Makes me truly want to get lost somewhere (somewhere with a bar that makes delicious frozen drinks!).  Thanks to April for bringing them to my attention!

2.  Watching You Watch Him (Eric Hutchinson) - Upbeat song that instantly reminds me of the Beatles/Simon & Garfunkle.

3.  Something in the Water (Brooke Fraser) - Another upbeat folksy tune with a male chorus that seemingly comes out of nowhere.

4.  Do Ya (SWV) - 90s female group returns sounding as sassy as ever.   Love the Chaka Khan sample.

5.  Too Close (Alex Clare) - Soulful vocals over alternating percussion and electro surges.

6.  Dancing on My Own (Fleet Foxes) - Fleet Foxes turn Robyn's dance floor anthem into a lonesome cowboy lament!  Free download at Soundcloud:  http://soundcloud.com/fleetfoxessing/dancing-on-my-own

7.  Where Did Our Love Go? (Stephanie McKay) - Jill turned me onto this.  70s retro-soul groove with a tasty assist from Anthony Hamilton.

8.  It's Time (Imagine Dragons) - Grandiose pop in the style of 1980s acts like The Hooters or The Outfield.

9.  Want U Back (Cher Lloyd) - Poised to become the "Party in the USA" of 2012.  Gay men everywhere rejoice!!!

10.  Angel Eyes (Love & Theft) - Easy country music to go with your Lynchburg Lemonade as you relax on the porch.

11.  Rules of the Road (Nikka Costa) - Stumbled across this track, which is on a tribute CD to someone I'd never heard of.  The CD has some new Fiona Apple on it too!  I decided I preferred Nikka's bluesy number over Fiona's piano driven jazz, but I'd recommend checking out the entire CD.  It's called "The Best Is Yet to Come - the Songs of Cy Coleman".  Anyone know who he is???

12.  Caught in a Life (Donkeyboy) - Piano driven pop, vaguely sounds like the Fray.

13.  Let's Get It On (Aaradhna) - Elise Testone sang this on "American Idol".  I'd never heard a female sing it, but decided to see if I could find a version with female vocals.  This New Zealand R&B star delivers a killer version (which I actually like better than Elise's).

14.  Don't Leave Me (Regina Spektor) - NYC East Villager returns with more eclectic pop.

15.  Bad Seed (Nanci Griffith) - I had Nanci on last month's playlist, but decided to see what she's been up to lately.  This is off her latest disc.

16.  I Wish I Knew How It Would Feel to Be Free (Levon Helm) - Lead singer of the Band ("The Weight", "Up on Cripple Creek"), Levon Helm passed away this month from cancer.  This is off his Grammy-winning "Electric Dirt" CD.

17.  Use Your Love (Katy Perry) - Peppy cover of the Outfield's classic, that Gary turned me on to.

18.  Good Vibrations /Stanton Warriors remix/ (the Beach Boys) - Just in time for summer, we have this bedazzling remix of the Beach Boys classic, that throws Marky Mark and Loleatta Holloway in for good measure.  Seemed like a fitting way to end this playlist and mark the beginning of summer!  Also a free download on Soundcloud:  http://soundcloud.com/stantonwarriors/good-vibrations-stanton-warriors-remix

Hope everyone has a fantastic May & Memorial Day!   See ya next month!

Brant's April 2012 Playlist

Ahhhhh...or should I say ah-CHOO?! April is upon us, and with the pollen comes a fresh batch of songs. Many of these are not new releases - they are just great tunes I've come across either while hanging out with someone or just by trolling through the internet seeing what's out there. Enjoy!

1. Honestly (Hot Chelle Rae) - Sunny, if brutally frank, pop that has been getting some airplay on Sirius.

2. Wild Horses (Vess) - A Charlotte band that I'm happy to report I've come into contact with! Their most recent single, "10,000 Eyes" is available as a free download at http://vess.bandcamp.com/track/10000-eyes-single

3. Wrote a Song for Everyone (Mavis Staples) - I just caught Mavis live this past Friday and she was awesome! With a production assist from Wilco's Jeff Tweedy, she won a Grammy for "You Are Not Alone", the CD this track is taken from.

4. Stay the Night (James Blunt) - Joyous new tune from singer/songwriter/former Army officer is (thankfully) light years away from his sappy "You Are Beautiful" debut.

5. Family Affair (Lalah Hathaway) - Annetta had Lalah on her Sexy Sistahs playlist, through which I discovered this fantastic "Sly & the Family Stone" cover.

6. Disco Dancer (Lemon) - I keep listening for the irony in this song, but can't say for sure it's there. Perhaps Lemon truly is nostalgic for the mirror balls and lighted dance floors of 1979!

7. Look Out, Here Comes Tomorrow (the Monkees) - I'd already put "Daydream Believer" on my June 2011 playlist, so in tribute to Davy Jones' passing, I selected this lesser known tune. RIP Davy!

8. Dead Wrong (Hanni El Khatib) - Just stumbled across this, possibly as a suggestion for people who have downloaded Pete Molinari. Love the 1960s vibes.

9. Running Up That Hill (Isadar) - Funky remake of the Kate Bush classic that somehow is also true to the original.

10. I'm Still Waiting (Kate Bush) - I was searching for new material by Kate Bush, but unfortunately most of it is slow tempo to the point of being comatose. I DID find an EP of outtakes from 1989's "The Sensual World" that included this song!

11. Long Way to Get (Bob Schneider) - Dave turned me on to this song during a recent wine-on-the-front-porch evening.

12. Soldier's Joy (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band) - This tune features the late Earl Scruggs on banjo, and is on my list of songs it's impossible to be sad while listening to! RIP Earl!

13. F*ck I Hate the Cold (Cowboy Junkies) - Jill's "Expo Girls" playlist had the Junkies on it, so I was inspired to see what they've been up to lately. This is a bluesy rant off their latest.

14. Hang It Up (the Ting Tings) - Booty shakin' newest from the English duo.

15. Say You Like Me (We the Kings) - Boy Band vocals with upbeat reggae flavahs? Yes, please!

16. That's Understanding (Tami Lynn) - Another song Jill turned me on to. Love the 1970s soul sounds - this was recorded in 1972.

17. Bobby (Youth Lagoon) - 20 year old Trevor Powers recorded this in his bedroom & garage! Haunting groove that I enjoy the more I listen to it.

18. Three Flights Up (Nanci Griffith) - This is a personal throwback from my dental school days. Its easy stylings were great for studying and alleviating grad school stress. Still love it.

19. Notes of the Past /Lovely FM on the Beach Remix/ (Papik) - I saw Daniel listening to this band on Spotify. Love the loungey Swing Out Sister feel of this mix. Makes me want a Mai Tai and a coastal sunset!

Anyway, that's this month's batch! See ya in May!

Brant's March 2012 Playlist

If there's one thing I love about music these days, it's that there no longer seems to be the stigma of "Nobody's making music like that any more". If it was EVER cool, then today there is somebody that is copying that sound and adapting it for their own artistic expression. Maybe Amy Winehouse opened the floodgates when she decided to pay homage to classic soul of the '60's on her second CD. Anyway, if this month's list has a "theme" - that is it. The majority of the new songs here somehow remind me of great music of the past. Enjoy.

1. Ray Charles (Chiddy Bang) - Not sure if this is an actual Ray Charles sample, but the funky piano on this peppy hip-hop track sure sounds like something he would have loved.

2. Trojans (Atlas Genius) - This easy breezy tune reminds me of something you would've heard on A.M. radio back in the 1970's. DON'T PAY iTUNES' outrageous prices for it! They have it as a free download on their website at http://www.atlasgenius.com/music

3. A Little Less Loneliness (Pete Molinari) - I usually try not to repeat artists, but this guy is so awesome I simply had to. Love his rockabilly sound!!!

4. Wanted Dead or Alive (Rock of Ages Soundtrack) - Bon Jovi goes Broadway, and gotta say I love the choral background vocals. Suzi & I caught the show last month, and it is an entertaining romp through the best of 1980's rock.

5. Liquid Jesus (Lenny Kravitz) - Lenny channels early '70's Marvin Gaye on this groovy new track.

6. My Love Is Your Love (Whitney Houston) - Le sigh. I hate that once again I have to post a song by someone we've lost (I guess Davy Jones will be next month). This wasn't one of her showstoppers, but still stands as a personal fave of mine. RIP Whitney

7. What Do I Do (Lanie Lane) - Somewhere Peggy Lee is smiling when this song is played. I know I am.

8. What Makes You Beautiful (One Direction) - Reminds me of the great Boy Band era of the mid-1990's (Backstreet Boys, BBMak, N-Sync).

9. Buried in the Ruins of Love (Lady Flash) - Found this in the Used CD store. Loved it anyway, but when I found out the lead singer was from Reparata & the Delrons (see last September's playlist) I was even more enamored.

10. Trying to Get to You (Chris Isaak) - Chris pays homage to Elvis & the gang from Sun Records with stellar results. I was struggling to find just one song to represent this fantastic CD.

11. Looking Back at You (Kate Wolf) - Another singer we lost, although several years ago. I had one of her CDs in college and it always had a soothing effect on me. Nice to see her on Spotify.

12. Shouldn't Do That (Kaja) - Am I the only one who didn't know Kajagoogoo ("Too Shy") continued after Limahl left the group? They shortened their name to Kaja and served up this tasty number. Now I'm wondering if the Supremes recorded under the name The Sups after Diana Ross left...

13. I Know What Boys Like (the Bouncing Souls) - Never thought I'd hear this song with MALE vocals, but glad I can now say that I have.

14. Next to Me (Emeli Sande) - Scottish R&B singer powers through some uplifting gospel.

15. Some Nights (fun.) - Their current song, "We Are Young" is blowing up the airwaves. I'm certain this will soon be doing the same, so wanted to post it before I get sick of hearing it.

16. Brown Eyed Handsome Man (Lyle Lovett) - My favorite of Julia Roberts' ex's returns and sounds as great as ever!

17. Colors (April Smith and the Great Picture Show) - I saw Bob listening to this on Spotify and decided to check it out. Fabulous contemporary cabaret!

18. When the Night Knows /Whitney Houston vs. Chromeo/ (the Hood Internet) - Fantastic mashup of Whitney's "How Will I Know" with retro-80's groovesters Chromeo.

19. Say No Go (De La Soul) - This month's official throwback. Classic 1980's early hip-hop gets the party started with a Hall & Oates sample.

That's it for March. Guess I'm off to start infusing green food coloring into my beer. Hope you enjoy the tunes! See you next month.

Brant's February 2012 Playlist

A new month is upon us, and with it comes a showroom-new playlist! This month has a few finds from my most recent Used CD Store excursion, as well as some previously out-of-print records that have been reissued - along with the usual new stuff. Enjoy!

1. The Unconventional (Japan) - Used CD Store find #1. This was on an 80s compilation. The liner notes said Duran Duran has cited this band as an influence. I can hear that - this kind of sounds like Simon LeBon singing over a 70s porn soundtrack!

2. Little Talks (Of Monsters and Men) - Exuberant jig in the style of Kirsty MacColl and the Pogues.

3. Come Home (Chappo) - Another upbeat jam that makes me dance around like one of the little kids in the Peanuts comics.

4. I Don't Like the Man That I Am (Pete Molinari) - Used CD Store find #2. This was on a Neo-Soul compilation I picked up. Retro-50s sound a la Ricky Nelson. Would love to see a show with Pete and Sonny & the Sunsets headlining!

5. St . Valentine's Massacre (Cocktail Slippers) - A nod to the holiday. When I saw the title I expected a heavy metal riff, but this is actually a sweet mid-tempo ballad.

6. Old Songs (Betty Wright with the Roots) - The Clean Up Woman teams with hip hop artist for some glorious soul.

7. Right Back to You /DVAS Remix/ (Electric Youth) - Easy 80s beats that would be well-suited for a K-tel compilation and enjoyed along with some Reunite on ice. Eat your hearts out, Air Supply.

8. Melancholy Sky (Goldfrapp) - NEW GOLDFRAPP!!!!! Even though "Supernature" will always be my favorite recording of theirs, they never disappoint me.

9. Boots of Spanish Leather (Airborne Toxic Event) - One of my fave new bands sings one of my fave Dylan songs. Win + Win.

10. New Shoes (Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings) - I saw her sing this live last year, and now it's finally out on CD!

11. Holy Touch (Foxy Shazam) - If you ever get a chance to see these guys live, DO IT! This is their outrageous latest.

12. Stormy Weather (Etta James) - Le sigh. RIP Etta. "At Last" is her signature song, but this is another great performance.

13. Measure Up (Tom Tom Club) - Reissue #1. Their second album, which personally I liked better than the first (which included their hit "Genius of Love") is now out as part of a Deluxe Package which includes both discs.

14. Somebody That I Used to Know (Gotye) - I saw my friends Justin & April listening to this on Spotify so decided to check it out. Sounds like Sting during his "Dream of the Blue Turtles" days.

15. Could It Be (Charlie Worsham) - This guy opened up for Miranda Lambert in Charlotte, and not only is he total eye-candy - but I loved his easy breezy songwriting. Hopefully he'll be on Spotify soon.

16. Alphaville (Bryan Ferry) - "Slave to Love" singer returns with some Chic-influenced disco. C'est Chic!

17. Eleven Days (David Byrne & Fat Boy Slim featuring Cyndi Lauper) - Putting these three together sounds like an episode of "the Surreal Life" and the result is every bit as fun!

18. Saved (Grace Jones) - Reissue #2. When you think religion, you probably don't think Grace Jones - but on her 1979 disco album "Muse", Grace takes us on a spiritual journey from "Sinning" to "Saved". This is the high-octane finale to the 4-song medley.

Hope everyone has a great February! See you next month.

Brant's January 2012 Playlist

Yikes! We're almost a week into January and I'm just now getting to this! I guess the holidays got me all distracted. Anyway - here 'tis.

1. Jealousy (Will Young) - The latest from Britain's Pop Idol.

2. Like We Did/Windows Down/ (the Maine) - Nostalgic pop rock that is perfect for riding in the car with your....wait for it...windows down!

3. Domino (Jessie J) - Kety Perry-esque girl pop

4. Are You My Baby (Wendy & Lisa) - Stumbled across this on iTunes. I used to have this on cassette! From Wendy & Lisa's second album after leaving Prince & the Revolution. Funky 80s R&B that holds up pretty well today.

5. Bizarre Love Triangle (Nouvelle Vague) - Gorgeous cover of New Order's classic. This was on a limited edition CD I found on one of my Used CD Store expeditions. Pretty sure I found it at Amoeba in San Francisco...

6. Sister (the Black Keys) - Off their new CD, El Camino. Am I the only one who's bothered by the fact that the car shown on the cover is NOT an El Camino???

7. Tight Rope (Damon Fowler) - I love the Spotify scroll on Facebook. I pilfered this off something I saw Crystal D listening to! Thanks Crystal! Remake of the classic 1972 Leon Russell tune.

8. Fascinated (Ivy) - I loved her spooky cover of Vince Guaraldi's "Christmas Time Is Here" so was checking out her original tunes. Groovy electronica.

9. You & I /Mark Taylor remix/ (Lady Gaga) - Mark Taylor replaces the original clunky dubstep percussion with a sleek 1990's Shania Twain-like groove. "Man! I feel like a Gaga!"

10. No Tears to Cry (Paul Weller) - Every now & then I search a musician just to see if they've been up to anything lately. Came across this 2010 Weller track that sounds like a lost Gary Puckett single.

11. Brand New Key (the Dollyrots) - How is this not on Spotify??? Spunky grrrrrl group that Jill turned me on to covers Melanie's 1970s hit.

12. Angel with a Shotgun (the Cab) - They had me at the song title, but it's actually a pretty good tune!

13. Don't F#ck with My Money (Penguin Prison) - The best bubblegum electronic song with a gangsta title that I've heard in recent memory...

14. Wake Up Baby (Jill Scott) - Smooth soul from a smooth soulstress

15. Always (Bent) - The excellent Mahavishnu Remix is on any self-respecting queen's iPod, but it occurred to me that I'd never heard the original. Nice - a little bouncier than the remix, but I like.

16. Baggage Claim (Miranda Lambert) - Contemporary honky tonk from the other young blonde country singer (who could kick Taylor Swift's butt and not even spill her Budweiser).

17. Boys Will Be Boys (Maureen Steele) - This was on the Flamingo Kid soundtrack, but basically could have been on ANY movie soundtrack from the 80s. Brings back fond memories of the movie theatre I worked in back in high school...

18. I Took a Little Something (Florrie) - Euro dance pop that I'm sure I heard on the satellite radio.

19. Top of the Pops 2011 (Mashup Germany) - Adrenaline-packed mashup of all the top Pop songs of 2011. Free download on soundcloud

Hope everyone's 2012 is off to a great start! See you next month!!!