Another year is coming to a close. Got to say, 2013 has been a pretty good one. Hope you enjoy this year's photo collection, set to "Top of the Pops 2013" by Audiomaniac.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Friday, December 27, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Brant's Christmas 2013 Playlist
1. This Christmas (Mary J. Blige) - R&B legend covers an R&B legend. MJB gives Donny Hathaway's 1970 classic all the props it deserves. What better way to start our holiday playlist?
2. Marshmallow World (Dean Martin) - Another Christmas Classic sung by a musical icon. Impossible to listen to and not smile.
3. Santa Baby (The Sugar Thieves) - This is one song I thought I'd NEVER put on another Christmas playlist - after hearing Madonna's version along with numerous other covers a million times over. Happily, this one was quirky enough to pique my interest!
4. Dig That Crazy Santa Claus (Oscar McLollie and His Honey Jumpers) - Here's one you may not have heard before! Found this on a collection of Doo Wop holiday songs. This version was recorded in 1954.
5. I Won't Decorate Your Christmas Tree (Loretta Lynn) - Jill had "To Heck with Old Santa Claus" on one of her previous holiday lists, so I looked at some other Loretta Lynn holiday tunes. This one feels very true to her "I'm not putting up with men's bullsh*t" philosophy. I love her.
6. Donde Esta Santa Claus (Guster) - Augie Rios' holiday hit, which I put on last year's playlist, gets an update from the boys in Boston band Guster.
7. Everybody's Waiting for the Man with the Bag (Brian Setzer Orchestra) - One of my favorite Christmas tunes, sung by the former Stray Cat!
8. One More Sleep (Leona Lewis) - The British Mariah Carey (in my head, at least!) serves up some holiday goodness, similar to MC's "All I Want for Christmas Is You".
9. Christmas Ain't Christmas, New Year's Ain't New Year's (the O'Jays) - Some songs just seem to keep crossing my path, and I assume there must be a reason for that. I found this 45rpm single while browsing through an antique store over the weekend. The next day, Pandora played it TWICE! So here it is.
10. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Frank Sinatra) - Irving Berlin's holiday anthem gets the Rat Pack treatment.
11. Mele Kalikimaka (the Puppini Sisters) - I love the Andrews Sisters, and apparently so do the Puppinis. Here they give a pretty spot-on rendition of the ladies' Hawaiian holiday greeting.
12. I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day (Wizzard) - When I think Christmas, my mind doesn't necessarily think Glam Rock - but maybe it should! To my knowledge, it was never a hit in the US, but was just listed as one of the Top 10 Christmas Songs in the UK. Lead singer Roy Wood went on to found ELO ("Don't Bring Me Down", "Evil Woman").
13. Santa Claus Is Back in Town (Elvis Presley) - The Elvis I remember from my early childhood was the chubby, cheesy guy in the sequined jump suit, so it's always a bit of a shock to hear him in the early days and realize how awesome he was. Great blues performance here!
14. Christmas Is the Time to Say 'I Love You' (Darlene Love) - Lead singer from the Crystals tackles a Billy Squier tune, and makes it her own. Not as fabulous as "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)", which I've put on previous lists, but still a fun seasonal song.
15. There's No Place Like Home for the Holidays (the Carpenters) - Another familiar favorite that goes down as easy as hot chocolate. Never get tired of this one.
16. Santa's Gonna Come in a Stagecoach (Buck Owens with Susan Raye) - Sometimes my search for rare Christmas songs leads me to strange places. Seems like if Santa's sled could fly, he wouldn't need to worry about the lack of snow - but who am I to question a host of "Hee Haw"?
17. Back to December (Taylor Swift) - Merry Christmas, Gary!!! Not a Christmas song, but it does reference December and the drama that usually accompanies the holidays.
18. Holly Jolly Christmas (Burl Ives) - This will forever be sung by the Snowman Narrator from "Rudolph the Rednosed Reindeer" in my head! Hearing it immediately brings back my childhood.
19. Gaudete (Erasure) - EDM act from the 1980's parties like it's 1599! Andy Bell and Vince Clarke sing the Medieval Christmas Carol (meaning "rejoice") on their newest album of holiday tunes.
20. Snowbird (Rani Arbo and Daisy Mayhem) - I know nothing about this band except I stumbled across this while browsing versions of the Anne Murray signature tune. Kinda liked their fresh take on it, though.
21. What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? (the Head and the Heart) - This is another one of my personal favorite holiday songs, but I've never heard it sung without the Big Band treatment (strings, horns, etc). Here, the Seattle band gives it an Americana flavor. Me likey.
So that's our final playlist of 2013! Hope everyone has had a great year, and that the upcoming holidays are good to you. Best wishes, always! I'll see ya in 2014 (God willing)! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Saturday, November 2, 2013
Brant's November 2013 Playlist
1. King of Everything (Boy George) - The Boy is baaaaaack! Got to say I was really excited about this comeback album. The Boy has had some turbulent times since Culture Club dissolved in 1986, and you can really hear it in his voice. The gruff weariness works though on this wistful first single. Welcome back, BG!
2. Shake (the Head and the Heart) - A warm, delicious confection that sounds like a Wilco song over the Beatles' "Ob La Di".
3. Dirty Boulevard (Lou Reed) - We lost him last month, and as much as I adore Velvet Underground I wanted to use a Lou Reed song that may be unfamiliar to fans. This is from his 1989 album "New York". I love the way this man tells a story. Kind of like an updated "Walk on the Wild Side" about NYC life in the 80s, versus the 70s.
4. Hanging on the Telephone (the Nerves) - Jill had the Flowers Forever version of this song on her October playlist, and upon researching them I was surprised to learn Blondie was not the first to record "Hanging on the Telephone". This is the original version the Nerves recorded in 1976!
5. Over Your Shoulder (Chromeo) - Smooth funk with a message about realistic body images and being comfortable in one's own skin??? Yes, please!
6. Diamond Girl (Dustin Tavella feat. Fingazz) - Philly singer/songwriter gets your toes tappin' with some shimmering dance pop.
7. Annabel (Goldfrapp) - More than any artist I know, Alison Goldfrapp continues to challenge and surprise me. After the 80s-influenced synth-pop of Head First, Goldfrapp returns with a dark, cinematic album of ballads. I'm still struggling with its iciness, but the songs are growing on me. This is a dismal little ditty about a poor transgender fellow whose true self, Annabel, only comes to life when he's sleeping. Not exactly the best choice for your next party mix.
8. Open Ended Life (the Avett Brothers) - I'm ashamed to admit this is the first time I've put the Avetts on one of my playlists. These guys are from right outside of Charlotte, NC. My bad. They really are talented and put on a great live show. Check them out!!!
9. Trails of Senselessness (Capsula) - This band is not from my home state, nor my home continent. They are from Argentina but they rock it out as well as any North American band. ¡Muy bueno!
10. Brighter (Cass McCombs feat. Karen Black) - I knew Karen Black could fly a 747 (see Airport 1975) but I DID NOT KNOW she could sing! The late actress provided the vocals for the Californian's song shortly before her death last August. I'd love to know the story of how these two got together.
11. American Girl (Bonnie McKee) - Songwriter for Britney Spears ("Ooh La La") and Katy Perry ("Roar") strikes out on her own with more sunny pop. Really strong vocals - I wonder why she's been content to let others sing her music up to this point.
12. Be Good to Me (Tyka Nelson) - I vaguely remembered Prince having a sister and that she had recorded an album back in the 1980's, but that was about it. Then I stumbled upon an awesome blog dedicated to failed pop stars. Isle Of Failed Pop Stars is dedicated to all the out-of-print efforts of failed musical acts. This was the first gem I discovered there (free download!). Tyka actually has a decent voice and I liked the CD. I guess she suffered from the inevitable comparisons to her brother. Glad to have had the chance to finally hear her music. Needless to say, I'll be back to the Isle to discover more Failed Pop Stars!
13. Say That (Leela James feat. Anthony Hamilton) - Eric turned me on to Ms. Leela and I will be forever grateful. I love me some old school soul and Ms. Leela serves it up hot.
14. Lighthouse (Diane Birch) - Another artist who surprises me. He debut album was full of warm, seventies stylings. On her latest CD she's moved into a more Euro vibe. Here she sounds like the lost child of Kate Bush, with maybe a bit of Bastille thrown in for good measure. Love it.
15. Standing Still (Roman Lob) - German singer sounds a little bit like the Fray. I'm sure this will turn up on a TV or movie soundtrack somewhere.
16. We Own the Night (the Wanted) - "Walks Like Rihanna" boys get back to their Irish roots on this old-school style anthem.
So that's November! I guess that means my next job will be putting together another holiday playlist for next month! Hope everyone had a great Halloween, and has a great Thanksgiving!!! See you in December!
Monday, September 30, 2013
Brant's October 2013 Playlist
There's a distinct chill in the air. The kind that makes you reach for extra covers at night. So that's exactly what I did for this month's playlist! In addition to some fresh new jams, I dug up some fun and interesting cover songs! Enjoy. To listen on Spotify, click HERE.
1. Zombie Jamboree (Harry Belafonte and His Orchestra) - No October playlist would be complete without a Halloween song! This was one I came across while searching Halloween playlists!
2. Thunder Clatter (Wild Cub) - Fun South African rhythms that would have fit nicely on Paul Simon's "Graceland".
3. Going Back to New York (Party Supplies) - Dark, brooding club jam from DJ Justin Nealis.
4. Somebody to Love (Berlin) - Terri Nunn is back and sounding as good as ever with the first of our cover songs. Here she turns Jefferson Airplane's classic rock song into a slammin' dance anthem!
5. Little Games (the Colourist) - Sunny pop from California Indie band.
6. Sailing (*NSYNC) - The second of our featured cover tunes. For people who like boy bands but wish they performed more Yacht Rock!
7. Working Woman Blues (Valerie June) - Stunning Appalachian folk music. First time I heard it I would have sworn it was something from the first part of the 20th Century, but the album was just released this year and the songs were written by Valerie June and Dan Auerbach (of the Black Keys)!
8. Get Happy/Happy Days (Pink Martini with Rufus Wainwright) - Cover Song #3. Pink Martini wisely recruited Rufus Wainwright for this fun duet that calls to mind Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand's legendary medley. Rufus is clearly a Judy Garland fan. In 2007 he recreated and released a concert album in honor of Judy's 4-time Grammy winning "Live at Carnegie Hall" recording.
9. Can't Raise a Man (K. Michelle) - Love and Hip Hop star channels Mary J. Blige and tells it like it is on this single from her long-delayed debut album.
10. The Throw (Jagwar Ma) - Funky psychedelic rock from Australian band.
11. Friday Nights (French Horn Rebellion and Viceroy) - Bouncy EDM from Brooklyn band, with a lead singer who bears a striking vocal resemblance to Barry Manilow!
12. Go All the Way (the Killers) - Cover #4. This was on the soundtrack to "Dark Shadows" but mysteriously did not show up on the album! My friend Jeff tracked it down and presented it to me on my birthday! Great version of the Raspberries 1972 hit.
13. Nothing More Whole Than a Broken Heart (the Shondes) - Awesome garage rock from New York City band. Reminds me of other female-fronted bands like Gossip and Romeo Void.
14. One Night (Matthew Koma) - Perky 80's-influenced pop from Carly Rae Jepsen's boyfriend!
15. Hunger (Rhye) - Easy funk vibe with androgynous vocals that sound like a tasty blend of Sade and Boy George.
16. Alone (Trampled by Turtles) - Gotta admit, they had me with the band name - but I was pleasantly surprised to find I totes dig their bluegrass/indie-folk sound!
17. Stairway to Heaven (Heart) - Cover #5. Widely regarded as one of the greatest Rock songs of all-time, Heart bravely covered it at the Kennedy Center during a tribute to Led Zeppelin! I'd say these ladies knocked it out of the ball park. Turn on your lava lamp and prepare to get goosebumps...
18. Ragtime (Neko Case) - Female singer-songwriter returns with a new album! This seemed like a great way to end the month as she sings about winter and snow. Love the horn section that kicks in midway through the song!
So that's October! Hope everyone has a great time trick-or-treating! See you next month!
Friday, August 30, 2013
Brant's September 2013 Playlist
1. All I Know (Washed Out) - Kinda feels like listening to 70s FM radio on while on drugs. I love the cheesy "Dream Weaver" synthesized flourishes throughout (first one is at 1:22).
2. I've Got Your Number (She & Him) - I had them on my Christmas 2011 playlist, and they return to help us wrap up our summer. Loving the 1960s surfer vibes.
3. I Wish I Knew (Doris) - Jill had Doris on last month's playlist and I was immediately taken with her groovy sound. This is from her 1970 album which has been re-released on CD and has been called (from Wikipedia) one of the "forty essential funk albums" in music history! Not bad for a white girl from Sweden.
4. Bedbugs (the Limousines) - I love this band!!! More delicious, bouncy New Wave stylings from the band that gave us "Love Is a Dog From Hell".
5. Another Girl Another Planet (the Only Ones) - Last month I noted that "Video Killed the Radio Star" was a song I didn't realize was a cover tune when it became popular. Same story this month with this song. I had only heard the Blink 182 version. The Only Ones originally cut this in 1978. This is why I love digging through the bins at the used CD stores. I find all kinds of stuff out by doing that.
6. Wrote a Song for Everyone (John Fogerty with Miranda Lambert) - Rock legend revisits some of his classic hits on his latest album, with some friends along for the ride. Loved this duet with the most excellent Miranda Lambert.
7. I'm Not Okay (Trent Dabbs) - TV show "Drop Dead Diva" played the Jill Andrews version of this song, which she co-wrote with Dabbs. Jill's version hasn't been released yet, but the Dabbs version is also really nice.
8. The Greatest (Cher + Lady Gaga) - Cher is gonna be super pissed I put this on here, but oh well. Leaked duet from their upcoming albums. Jordan turned me on to this. I'm sure if you Google it, you'll be able to find it out there.
9. Dance Apocalyptic (Janelle Monae) - Capitalizing on her exposure after singing "We Are Young" with Fun, Monae returns with this catchy pop ditty.
10. Pumpin' Blood (NoNoNo) - More upbeat pop, complete with whistling chorus!
11. Crickets (Drop City Yacht Club) - I had my doubts when Spotify suggested this to me - it looked like hard core hip-hop (which doesn't really appeal to me personally). But I have to give Spotify credit! Love it.
12. Hurricane (MS MR) - Spooky chill with sharp female vocals. Vaguely reminds me of classic Portishead.
13. California (Miranda Lambert) - Just caught her on her most recent tour in Charlotte, and again was blown away. I love this woman and how real her music feels. Was going through her catalogue and found this B-side, which seems a little different than her current material but still appealed to me.
14. Tools of the Trade (Charlie Worsham with Marty Stuart and Vince Gill) - Newbie jams with some of the old school Country greats!
15. On Blue Mountain (Foxygen) - I bet these guys are awesome in concert. More than anyone I know, they seem to really capture that late 1960s psychedelic sound. The tempo speeds up and slows down, but either way - you find yourself enjoying the ride.
16. No Stranger (Small Black) - Minimalist EDM with haunting vocals.
17. Best Song Ever (One Direction) - September is birthday month, so I'm gonna indulge myself for these last two songs. I love me some boy bands, and these guys deliver with this rapturous slice of pop heaven.
18. Right Back Where We Started From (Maxine Nightingale) - I started thinking, what is my "best song ever" and this one popped into my head. It ALWAYS puts me in a good mood, and I never get tired of it. What more can you ask for???
So that's September! Hope everyone has a safe and happy Labor Day weekend!!! Start thinking about your Halloween costumes - October is right around the corner.
See you next month!
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Brant's August 2013 Playlist
1. Dissolve Me (Alt-J) - In my head I picture Fleet Foxes jamming with Laurie Anderson. Gentle harmonies with a trippy electronic backing.
2. Dreams (Passion Pit) - Has it REALLY been 20 years since the Cranberries released this?!?! Love this cover by Passion Pit. Pretty sure Pandora shuffled this into my consciousness during a night on the porch with some friends.
3. Video Killed the Radio Star (Bruce Woolley & the Camera Club) - Discovered this on a recent visit to the Used CD store. I didn't even know it was a cover when the Buggles did it!
4. This City's Local Italo Disco DJ Has a Crush On Me (Sally Shapiro) - The title doesn't exactly flow off your tongue, but the easy breezy beats and female vocals remind me of the early 1980's in a Madonna/Tom Tom Club kinda way.
5. Funny Heartbeat (Kisses) - Bubblegummy pop from LA duo.
6. Life Is Better With You (Michael Franti & Spearhead) - I guess his Ganja Babe days are behind him, but he's kept his sunny outlook. I never tire of this guy. He puts on a great live show if you ever get the chance to see him.
7. Life Ain't Fair and the World Is Mean (Sturgill Simpson) - Not quite as sunny in his outlook as Michael Franti, but I'm digging the retro country stylings. Jill had "You Ain't Dolly" by Ashley Monroe on her last playlist, and it got me in the mood for more of this type of music.
8. Clear a Space (Lake Street Dive) - This was a Spotify rec, and I liked them. They also do a great cover of George Michael's "Faith". The lead singer definitely has been listening to Amy Winehouse and other soul divas.
9. Second Chances (Gregory Alan Isakov) - Gentle acoustic waltz from Colorado singer/songwriter.
10. Only In My Dreams (Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti) - Groovy 1960s lo-fi stylings from California band.
11. The Mother We Share (CHVRCHES) - Complex but catchy Scottish electropop.
12. Right Action (Franz Ferdinand) - More from Scotland!!! FF return with their usual sexy alt-rock.
13. Classic (MKTO) - How can I not like a song that name-checks Prince and Marvin Gaye?!? J'adore it.
14. Mysterious (Rodney Hunter) - Robot disco that would make Daft Punk proud!
15. Hold On When You Get Love and Let Go When You Give It (Stars) - Canadian band that sounds like New Order with maybe a touch of The Naked & Famous.
16. Dear Prudence (The Leslie West Band) - Another stream of consciousness selection inspired by Jill. She had a cover version of one of my fave Beatles' songs ("Dear Prudence") so I surfed around the Interwebz to see who else had done it. This was a really cool classic Southern rock interpretation from 1976 that I'd never heard before.
17. The Bottle Let Me Down (Vince Gill & Paul Franklin) - More classic country vibes from legend Vince Gill.
18. Cry Me a River (Chante' Moore) - Soul siren gives Julie London's signature tune an astounding update!!! Her voice sounds strong as ever. Chante's 1992 hit "Love's Taken Over" is one of my all-time favorite slow jams.
19. Long Hot Summer (The Style Council) - Eric had a SC tune posted a few weeks ago, and he suggested I put them on the August playlist. It never takes a lot of arm twisting to get me to listen to anything Paul Weller does (the Jam, Style Council).
So that's August! Best wishes for a great conclusion to your summer. See ya next month!
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Brant's July 2013 Playlist
1. Sign 'O' The Times (Dino Lenny & Amnesia) - Ultra funky update of the signature Prince song! Makes me bounce around like a Solid Gold Dancer (or whatever the millennium version of that is).
2. Honey /Mr. Moon's 80s Vocal Remix/ (Lisa Shaw) - More funk, this time taking us from the dance floor to perhaps poolside for some lounging and cocktails.
3. Love Is a Dog from Hell (the Limousines) - San Francisco Indie Band follows up their 2010 hit "Internet Killed the Video Star" with another toe-tapper. Is there a Grammy for Best Song Title???
4. Tomorrow (Gianluca) - Bouncy pop from a tiny little island in the Mediterranean (Yes, I had to look up Malta to see where it is. Geography is not my strong suit.)
5. Shake Sugaree (Elizabeth Cotten) - I first heard this in the world's most disturbing Tic Tac commercial. Did some research and learned she is a Carolina girl, who was discovered during the folk music revival in the 1950-60s.
6. I Feel a Sin Comin' On (Pistol Annies) - Miranda Lambert and friends are back again this month with an unapologetic jook joint stomper.
7. Stockholm (Jason Isbell) - Drive By Trucker goes solo, gets more contemplative, still good.
8. Wake Me Up (Avicii) - There are some really exciting things happening in dance music right now. The STALE formula of a sample or looped hook + pop diva (yes, Calvin Harris and David Guetta - I'm talking to YOU) is being replaced with more organic sounds and wide ranging influences. Thank you, Avicii and Daft Punk!!!
9. Tonight /Nouvelle Vague Remix/ (Wax Poetic) - Personal fave Nouvelle Vague takes WP's electronica and refashions it as a lazy bossa nova. ¡Muy bueno!
10. Everybody's Watching Me (the Neighbourhood) - Moody electronica with a pulsating beat that vaguely reminds me of Michael Jackson? Perhaps?
11. Melting in My Icebox (Bronze Radio Return) - Ever wonder what Creedence Clearwater Revival would have sounded like if they were an 80s band? Look no further! Earthy vocals blended with a Club Nouveau beat box!
12. Be My Man (Asa) - Groovy 1960s vibes from super cool Nigerian vocalist.
13. You & I (Crystal Fighters) - Folksy UK band serves up some frantic folk rock.
14. Desert of Pop (the Ruby Suns) - Yummy 80s synth pop from New Zealand band.
15. Blue Velvet (Lana Del Rey) - I can't think of a better song for this "self-styled gangsta Nancy Sinatra" (her words, not mine) to cover! Would love to hear her take on "Is That All There Is?" by Peggy Lee, though.
16. Dreaming (Smallpools) - In a perfect world, this would become a Top 40 Radio summer anthem. Just reminds me of the carefree energy of summer vacations.
17. Baby You're My Treasure (Breakbot vs. Bruno Mars) - Inevitable mashup of plagiarist Bruno Mars and Breakbot, the artist he ripped off. Free download HERE.
18. Living In America (James Brown) - I simply HAD to include a patriotic song, since this is our nation's birth month! 20 years after his prime, the Godfather of Soul proved he still had it with this classic celebration of all things American.
HAPPY 4th OF JULY! Hope you like the tunes and I'll see ya next month!
Friday, May 31, 2013
Brant's June 2013 Playlist
The legendary Bettie Page - RIP beautiful lady
INDIE BANDS!!! I remember when this meant 4 guys in a garage jamming away. Not bad, but these days it can mean anything. This month is heavy on some of my faves in the indie band/artist category. Great for summer cookouts or just wine on the dock. Hopefully some of these artists will be touring over the summer! Click HERE to listen on Spotify!
1. Fools Gold (Fitz & the Tantrums) - I'm pretty sure Jill was the one who turned me on to this awesome band! They are back and still rocking their late 60's/early 70's vibe, but now with a more contemporary edge than their previous album.
2. Say So (Allen Stone) - Self described "hippie with soul" seems to be channeling Stevie Wonder on this upbeat R&B tune.
3. I Second That Emotion (Japan) - I'd have bet the farm that this was Bryan Ferry and Roxy Music. Not too far off, though. I had them on my Feb 2012 playlist, and now they're back again covering Smoky Robinson & the Miracles. Not a new band, but still a great band.
4. Dream Machine (Tesla Boy) - Newest jam from a band Gary turned me on to. Feels like you're soaring thru outer space! If you are on Spotify and dig EDM (electronic dance music), subscribe to his Heavy Rotation playlist. It's great.
5. Asteroids (Wussy) - Did someone mention outer space? Watch out for those asteroids!!! Wussy is one of my personal fave Indie bands, from the 'Nati. Love the trippy 60's sounds.
6. Love Me Two Times (The Doors) - Okay, this is feeling very stream of conscious - but speaking of trippy 60's sounds (!) we lost Ray Manzarek last month. The Doors would not have been The Doors without his incredible keyboards. RIP.
7. Mother (Natalie Maines) - Dixie Chick warbles Pink Floyd! It's interesting when women cover this tune - not a very flattering representation of their gender. This is my favorite cover of this song since Sinead O'Connor did it back in 1990 for "The Wall Live in Berlin" concert.
8. Weight (Mikal Cronin) - Perky old-school garage rock from American Singer/Songwriter.
9. No Destruction (Foxygen) - I'm not gonna lie. They had me at Foxygen. But I was also happy to listen to their marijuana hazy, Dylan-esque music. Totally reminds me of college.
10. Girls Like You (The Naked & Famous) - Indie synth-pop from New Zealand with a delicious blend of Aaron Short & Alisa Xyalith's vocals.
11. Gasoline (Alpine) - Groovy Australian electronica with sexy female vocals.
12. We Belong Together/It Ain't Over til It's Over (S.I.R. Remix) - (Mariah Carey vs. Lenny Kravitz) - Awesome mash-up of two classic R&B songs. Free download HERE.
13. All Kinds of Guns (Tilly & the Wall) - Another fave Indie band. Love their 60's wall-of-sound stylings. Their earlier stuff actually used a tap dancer (yes, you read that right) as their percussionist - but I guess that was starting to feel gimmicky so they've moved into more traditional means of keeping the beat.
14. Make It Out This Town (Eve feat. Gabe Saporta) - Eve is back to Blow Ya Mind for a second time - this time with an assist from Cobra Starship lead singer Gabe Saporta.
15. Stay Out (Nina Nesbitt) - Scottish Singer/Songwriter delivers some folk pop from across the pond.
16. Easy Is Hard (Friska Viljor) - Indie Rock from Sweden!!! Awfully sunny tune from a country that I imagine is fairly chilly.
17. Say Say (Youngblood Hawke) - Upbeat Indie Pop from California band with soaring chorale refrains.
18. Can't Pretend (Tom Odell) - This guy sounds way too mature and world-weary to only be 22 years old!!! Winner of the BRITS Critics' Choice Awards earlier this year.
19. I Hope You're the End of My Story (Pistol Annies) - I love me some Miranda Lambert!!! When she's not singing her own stuff or teaming up with John Fogerty on his Creedence Clearwater Revival revival, she's joining her friends to make more great music. Here she's with Angaleena Presley and Ashley Monroe (who just sang with Train on "Bruises", see March 2013 playlist) creating gorgeous harmonies on this simple acoustic ballad.
So that's June! Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start and we'll see you next month!
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Brant's May 2013 Playlist
1. Buttons (the Weeks) - Maybe it's because I'm from the South, but somehow, I always enjoy a little classic style rock and roll with my summer. This one, from Mississippi band the Weeks, does the trick. Thanks, Holden (saw it on his FB wall)!
2. If Only (Gin Wigmore) - Sounds like a lost Shangri-Las song! She's touring with the Vans Warped Tour this summer so be on the lookout.
3. Hero (Family of the Year) - We had them on March's playlist, and now they are back again. More airy and less crunchy than "Buried", but still brilliant.
4. I'm Into Something Good (the Bird and the Bee) - I had their cover of Hall & Oates' "She's Gone" on October 2011's Playlist, but Josh turned me onto this one. Originally done by Earl-Jean of the Cookies, and made famous by Herman's Hermits.
5. Somebody (Niki and the Dove) - Lifted from my friend Gary's "Heavy Rotation" playlist. Swedish indietronica from the band that won the 2013 European Border Breakers Awards (Best New European Band!).
6. Feed Me Diamonds /RAC Remix/ (MNDR) - More indietronica, this time from New York City! RAC gives the electro number a little extra thump-thump.
7. Without You (One Two) - They drop an F-bomb in the first few seconds, yet still manage to be heartbreaking.
8. Valentine (Kina Grannis) - Yes - it's not February, but I couldn't wait and that One Two song has me feeling sentimental.
9. The Pit (Silversun Pickups) - New Wave rock from LA Band
10. Long Train Running (Richie Havens) - We lost a lot of great artists in April: Richie Havens, George Jones, Annette Funicello, and Chrissy Amphlett from the Divinyls. Rather than pick one song from each and take up a quarter of my playlist, I just picked this single track to represent them all. Havens is usually known for his Beatles and Dylan covers, but I kinda liked this take on the Doobie Brothers. RIP to all.
11. Get Lucky (Daft Punk) - I love what the French are doing with dance music! The latest from the greatest has elements of disco and old school R&B!
12. Sign Your Name (Nossa Alma Canta) - Terence Trent Gilberto?!? Italian band converts D'arby's 1980's love song to a summery bossa nova.
13. Heartache Avenue (the Maisonettes) - Jill turned me on to this one. Lost 80's single that pays tribute to some of the 1960's Easy Listening sounds.
14. Broken Glass Park (Simple Minds) - Did someone say 1980's? Simple Minds is back and sounding as great as ever!
15. Lose to Win (Fantasia) - Carolina girl returns and samples the Commodores on her new record. The album release party was here in Charlotte but my invitation seems to have gotten lost in the mail.
16. Trying to Be Cool (Phoenix) - More good music from France - this time some mid-tempo pop. J'adore!
17. High Hopes (Kodaline) - Irish quartet serves up some tasty rock.
18. Sex Shooter (Firefox) - Jeff & Ed turned me on to this. Apollonia 6's show-stopper from "Purple Rain" gets new life on the dance floor. It actually sounds close to the original demo that Vanity recorded before dropping out of "Purple Rain" to pursue a solo film and recording career.
So that's May! Hope everyone has a great Memorial Day. Stay safe and I'll see you in June!
Monday, April 1, 2013
Brant's April 2013 Playlist
1. Lose You Tonight (Kristina Train) - Dreamy vocals soar over piano driven soft rock. The musical equivalent of a sunset.
2. Nights
3. Fade Away (Selah Sue) - Obsessed with this song!!! Love its slinky Eartha Kitt sexiness.
4. Rewind (Devlin featuring Diane Birch) - I wanted this for last month's playlist, but it wasn't released until I'd published it. No worries - now we can enjoy it in April. Birch lends her soulful voice to Devlin's British rap.
5. High School Lover (Cayucas) - One of those songs that sounds retro and new at the same time! Peppy garage rock from Santa Monica band.
6. Please Don't Say You Love Me (Gabrielle Aplin) - Light and airy ballad from 20 year old singer/songwriter.
7. Oh My Lord (Steve Mason) - Not sure where I heard this, but I like its easy electronic sound. Imagine a hybrid of Scissor Sisters and Alan Parsons Project!
8. Everything Is Embarrassing (Sky Ferreira) - I almost overlooked this one, but Gary called it to my attention. More 80's goodness (she was also on last month's playlist) from LA model/actress.
9. Call Me a Hole (Nine Inch Nails vs. Carly Rae Jepsen) - First saw this on my friend Patricio's Facebook wall. Deliciously diabolical mashup of NIN and CRJ. Free download at http://official.fm/tracks/PCKP
10. Pompeii (Bastille) - Facebook music feed is responsible for this one. My friend Jason was listening to it. Very Icicle Works sound - soaring chorus and pounding percussion.
11. Chocolate (The 1975) - This has been on fairly high rotation on Sirius. Perky alt rock.
12. Sacrilege (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) - NEW Yeah Yeah Yeahs!!! This owes a small debt to Madonna's "Like a Prayer" but has its own twisted take on the religion-themed dance anthem.
13. I Have Never Loved Someone (My Brightest Diamond) - This is a weird one, but it has its appeal. Kinda Regina Spektor-ish.
14. Walking in Your Footsteps (Shout Out Louds) - I think the Swedish band has reclaimed their place in my heart with this charming song. Just when you thought Jethro Tull had cornered the market on rock-flute accompaniments.
15. Don't Rush (Kelly Clarkson with Vince Gill) - The first time I heard this, I thought the radio station had somehow gotten switched to an 80's easy-listening channel. This totally sounds like the stuff my mom used to listen to back in the day. Think "Whenever I Call You Friend" by Kenny Loggins and Stevie Nicks or "An American Dream" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
16. Heard It All (Illy) - Funky hip hop from Australian rapper.
17. The One (Alice Smith) - Seven years after her debut album, Alice is back with a new batch of soul songs. Here, she gets her Minnie Riperton on with a slow jam.
18. Recovery (Frank Turner) - Rollicking folk-rock that seamlessly works Seratonin boosters and smelling salts into the lyrics!
19. My Number (Foals) - Another one that has been getting a lot of play on the radio - but I love its new-wave beat.
So that's April! Assuming the pollen doesn't kill me - I'll see you in May!
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Brant's March 2013 Playlist
1. Buried (Family of the Year) - Catchy vocals espousing hokey spirituality gets us going. I hope they have a big coffin!
2. Kissing You Goodbye (The Pierces) - If someone had told me this was a long-lost Mamas & Papas recording, I would have believed them! Gorgeous harmonies and a great melody from two Alabama sisters.
3. Because I Know That I Can (Andy Burrows) - I had "Hometown" on January's playlist, and now he's back with this mellow groove from the same album.
4. Little Numbers (Boy) - Swiss/German band serves up some early-Cure sounding pop (think "Love Cats" with female vocals).
5. Halleluiah Man (Love and Money) - Every now and then I find a song I missed the first time around. This showed up on Traxx FM's 80's channel and I loved it.
6. Sweet Life (Frank Ocean) - The man won a Grammy AND beat Chris Brown! #winning
7. Yellow Gold (Andy Allo) - Produced by PRINCE!!! You can definitely hear his influence on this funky/jazzy tune. Looks like she got into Sheila E's wardrobe for the album cover!
8. Middle of the Night (Lilly Wood & the Prick) - I was expecting punk rock when I saw the name of the band, but it's actually disco!
9. Ten Thousand Angels (Mindy McCready) - This tragic country singer committed suicide last month, following the suicide of her baby-daddy. This is a re-recording of her 1996 hit, from her final album.
10. A Case of You (James Blake) - As I've mentioned in previous posts, I'm obsessed with the music feed on Facebook. This was one I saw my friend Desiree listening to - and immediately sought out. The vocals are very similar to Antony Hegarty (of Antony & the Johnsons), which works perfectly on Joni Mitchell's classic ballad. Thanks, Desiree!!!
11. Love Is Easy (McFly) - Because I'd never go a month without a boy-band. One of the UK's biggest boy bands recorded three new tunes for their Greatest Hits CD, "Memory Lane". This is the first of them. J'adore. NOTE: If you don't see this on Spotify, but you can listen to it on Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/ligia-savoine/love-is-easy-mcfly
12. Bruises (Train featuring Ashley Monroe) - I wasn't a huge fan of "Drive By", which sounded a little too pop/generic for my tastes. This is the follow-up single, which sounds a little truer to their legacy of hits like "Hey Soul Sister" and "Calling All Angels", IMHO.
13. Lost in My Bedroom (Sky Ferreira) - Another poached song - this one is from Zach. Featuring female vocals over Euro-influenced electronic beats, it kinda reminds me of early Berlin and Terri Nunn.
14. The Great Divide (The Mowgli's) - Hey, the hippies are back again! Upbeat, groovy rock in the style of Canned Heat. Let's hop in the VW Bus and roadtrip!
15. In It Together (Human Life) - Perfect for strutting down the runway in your fiercest couture (or at least practicing for the day you might).
16. From Nowhere (Dan Croll) - Icy anthem from Liverpool up-and-comer who has worked with Sir Paul McCartney, while attending the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts!
17. Circles Around the Sun (Dispatch) - Upbeat folk-rock from recently reunited Boston band.
18. Restless Heart (Matt Hires) - More adrenaline-charged folk-rock, this time from Tampa, Florida singer-songwriter Matt Hires.
19. Up Against the Wall (Fiction Family) - Winding down our March playlist is this easy ballad from hybrid band Fiction Family, made up of members from Switchfoot and Nickel Creek. "Our love is a puzzle that can't be solved..." Been there, done that!
So that's March! Hope everyone has a great month. See you in April!
Thursday, January 31, 2013
Brant's February 2013 Playlist
1. Luv Letter (Teena Marie) - We lost her in 2010, but Lady T left behind some recordings which her daughter Alia took upon herself to complete and release as a final album. I have to say - I love this song!!! It sounds very true to Teena Marie's legacy. And it's always nice to get a luv letter!
2. I'm His Girl (Friends) - Funky indie band keeps the groove going with this upbeat song.
3. Ouch That Hurts (Dionne Bromfield) - London soul singer and friend of Amy Winehouse apparently shares Amy's love of classic soul. This one sounds like a lost 1970s hit from Maxine Nightingale.
4. Chevy Van (Sammy Johns) - I was sad to hear of the NC native's passing last month. This is his biggest hit and one of my all-time favorite 70's jams. Always reminds me of summer. RIP Sammy
5. Get On the Road (Tired Pony featuring Zooey Deschanel) - "New Girl" joins members of Snow Patrol and other bands for this country-tinged ballad. Dave turned me on to this.
6. We Are What You Say (Dead Sara) - WoooooOOOaaa WoooooOOOaaa! Adrenaline-charged rock from LA band. Great for blasting on the stereo with the windows down!
7. Reunion /Mylo Remix/ (M83) - French band, named after a Galaxy (I was wondering - had to Wiki that) gets the remix treatment. The revised version is a tad smoother than the original.
8. I'm a Nasty Slave 4 U (Britney Spears vs. Vanity 6) - Brilliant mash up of Brit Brit and the most excellent Vanity 6. My personal hero Jason was able to extract the audio from a free downloadable video on Vimeo.
9. My Love Grows in the Dark (Sscion) - Pronounced "Shun", this Kansas City band sounds like the love child of Maroon 5 and The Archies. Impossible to listen to and not smile.
10. Two Fingers (Jake Bugg) - English singer-songwriter who was definitely influenced by 1960's pop and probably Oasis. Love this song! Not sure if the two fingers are a Peace sign or two middle fingers, but in the end I can't say I care either way.
11. Though It Aches (Daniel Norgren) - Jill had him on her January playlist, and I was sure it was a retro throwback to Levon Helm by some Southern rocker. Imagine my surprise to find out he was Swedish!
12. Why Did We Have to Part (Marianne Faithfull) - Some singers have truly "lived" life and you can hear it in their voices. Mick Jagger's ex-girlfriend Marianne Faithfull is one of those singers. This is off her "Horses & High Heels" cd but found it as a free download on Amazon.com.
13. Blue Ice (Shout Out Louds) - I debated about including this song. I love the band and their first two albums. Since then, they've been getting progressively mellower - which I think is weird for a band called Shout Out Louds. Still, not a bad song. I'm just ready for more of their peppier stuff.
14. Back It Up /Kraak & Smaak Remix/ (Caro Emerald) - Dutch people remixing Dutch jazz! Kraak & Smaak give Caro Emerald's 1940s-sound a little extra punch.
15. Hour Fortress (Light Asylum) - Bizarre disco from NYC duo. The lead singer is actually a woman!!! Reminds me of some of the 1980s industrial/goth stuff I'd occasionally hear at Pterodactyl Club back in the day!
16. Keep Me Crazy (Chris Wallace) - Bouncy pop from former lead singer of White Tie Affair.
17. Adorn (Miguel featuring Wiz Khalifa) - It wouldn't be Valentine's Day without some bow chicka wow wow. R&B singer gets his Marvin Gaye on with a little help from rapper Wiz Khalifa.
18. When the World Ends, I Hope You Burn (Music by Bradley James) - Ever wonder what Michael Buble' would sound like if his girlfriend cheated on him and then dumped him? Look no further! Acerbic but still very appealing jazz from a young Texan.
So that's February! I guess depending on what the Groundhog predicts, I'll either see you in the Spring or in the continued Winter of March! Au revoir!
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