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!
