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!
