2014 - The Year in Pictures!

It's that time of year again!  Here's the annual Year in Pictures video.  Thanks to everyone who was part of this year's festivities, and I'm looking forward to more good times in 2015! 

Brant's Christmas 2014 Playlist

I like the holidays!  I really do!!!  But I insist on taking them in order.  Christmas will not be acknowledged until the last of the Thanksgiving leftovers has been eaten.  As I see Facebook friends putting up Christmas trees immediately after Halloween and have even heard Christmas music in October, I suspect I may be in the minority regarding this.  But whatevs.  Here's December's Holiday/Christmas playlist - right on schedule.  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (Ella Fitzgerald) - If one could wear out a CD, I would have worn out "Ella Wishes You a Swingin' Christmas".  One of my personal faves.  I was shocked it hasn't shown up on previous playlists.

2.  Happy Holiday/The Holiday Season (Manhattan Transfer) - Jazzy vocal quartet tackles the Andy Williams classic with their usual expertise.

3.  All My Bells Are Ringing (Lenka) - Speaking of previous playlists, this was on my 2010 holiday playlist, but I never get tired of it.  A playful, innocent holiday love song.

4.  Sleet and Snow (My First Tooth) - Charming winter folk-pop.

5.  The Christmas Waltz (She & Him) - I love how this duo can strip a song down to its basics and let it shine.  Sometimes all you need is a great voice and a great song.

6.  I Don't Wanna Spend One More Christmas Without You (N-Sync) - And sometimes all you need is five great voices in a boy band!

7.  The Christmas Song (Whitney Houston) - The holidays are always about reconnecting with old friends.  Hearing Whitney's crystal-clear voice again feels like a reunion.  Gone but not forgotten.

8.  Christmas in L.A.  (the Killers with Dawes) - Every year the Killers serve up a holiday tune for charity.  This is last year's offering - a wistful rock song with West Coast band Dawes.

9.  Rocking Around the Christmas Tree (Brenda Lee) - A classic holiday song that needs no introduction!

10.  The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot (Jimmy Ray) - This is the Debbie Downer of the playlist!  I had the Vera Lynn version on my 2011 holiday playlist, but here we get a male vocal telling the hilariously pitiful tale.

11.  Only You Can Bring Me Cheer (Alison Krauss) - Bluegrass queen serves up a surprisingly groovy holiday ditty!

12.  Please Come Home for Christmas (Anita Cochran) - Countrified version of the Charles Brown/Eagles' song.

13.  That Special Time of Year (Gladys Knight & the Pips) - I always wondered why there were no disco Christmas songs!  Should have known Gladys had it covered.

14.  I Wish It Could Be Christmas Every Day (Leona Lewis) - The British Mariah Carey singing Wizzard's glam-rock extravaganza.

15.  Christmas/Baby Please Come Home (Slow Club) - Faithful alt-rock cover of the Darlene Love anthem.

16.  OMG It's Christmas (Family of the Year) - Feel-good folk rock that feels very true to this band's existing catalog of music.

17.  Let It Snow (Glee Cast) - Okay, I haven't watched "Glee" in years, but where else are we going to find two guys (Kurt and Blaine!) singing this as a duet???

18.  I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Billie Holiday) - Another single that has been in heavy rotation on my iPod, but never made it onto a playlist.

19.  Silent Night (Pentatonix) - These folks are amazeballs with their vocals and acapella performances!!!

20.  What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? (Ledisi) - Closing out 2014 with one of my favorite songs, performed by one of my favorite R&B divas.

So that's December's playlist.  Hope everyone has a great holiday season!  Take lots of pics, eat lots of yummy food, and I will see you in 2015!

Brant's November 2014 Playlist

Late. Again.  Oh well, such is life.  Halloween deserves my undivided attention.  But better late than never, and I do have some new tunes to share.  So let's put Halloween away and turn our attention to the new month!  Apologies in advance - Spotify didn't have a few of these, but to listen to what they DO have, click HERE.

1.  Fade Out Lines (the Avener) - Okay, why doesn't Spotify have this?  Anyway, it's a super cool vocal over mid-tempo funk.  Stylistically this kind of reminds me of Cock Robin's "When Your Heart Is Weak" or Everything But the Girl's "Missing".  To hear it on YouTube click HERE.

2.  Out on the Street (Spanish Gold) - When I first heard this I thought it was the Black Keys - but it's a side project of My Morning Jacket's drummer Patrick Hallahan!

3.  Reflections (MisterWives) - Lead singer Mandy Lee cites the Spice Girls and Gwen Stefani as influences, but when I listen to it all I can hear is "Best of My Love" by the Emotions.  And I'm more than good with that!

4.  All This Way for Love (Syleena Johnson) - Grammy nominated R&B singer is back and sounding as good as ever.

5.  You Belong to Me (Annie Lennox) - We had "I Put A Spell on You" last month, but Annie's new CD is too good to just list one tune.  This is what I was hoping Aretha's new CD would be, but sadly it didn't pan out that way.  I give Annie Lennox credit for selecting material that suits her voice and her maturity.  Maybe we should pair Aretha up with Annie's producer (or even better - with Jack White!  I'd love to see JW do for Aretha what he did for Loretta Lynn!).

6.  Coulda Been My Love (Foxygen) - I love these guys!!!  A lot of their stuff is psychedelic rock, but this sounds like a lost Todd Rundgren track.

7.  Love's On Fire (Nikki Lane) - Retro-country sounds with the Black Key's Dan Auerbach.

8.  Archie, Marry Me (Alvvays) - Canadian Indie band treats us to some peppy garage rock!

9.  Never Been In Love (Cobra Starship with Icona Pop) - Dance pop band teams with Swedish duo for this exuberant single.

10.  Number 1 (Mystery Skulls featuring Nile Rodgers and Brandy) - Okay, with a line up like this you know it's going to be awesome.  Thanks, Gary, for calling this to my attention!

11.  Miss Downtown Sugar Girl (Chris Standring) - This was just randomly playing one day when I was surfing the radio.  It's from 2003 but its jazzy guitar and disco beat are timeless, IMHO.  Clearly Spotify does not agree, since this tune is missing from their inventory.  To hear it on YouTube, click HERE.  The video is a hoot!

12.  Still Waiting (Rainy Davis) - Found this on the Isle of Deserted Pop Stars blog.  I thought I had heard every Prince cover out there, but somehow missed this one.  Spotify doesn't have this either, so I just subbed Prince's version in the meantime.  Again, I refer you to YouTube.  Grrrrrrr

13.  Afraid of Ghosts (Butch Walker) - Jill sent me "Chrissy Hynde", one of the other singles from Butch's new CD.  I wasn't sure if she was going to put it on her November playlist, so I went for this other tune.  Love its mellow, Jackson Browne vibe.

14.  End of the Line (Boy and Bear) - Australian folk rock as comforting as a vegemite sandwich (or whatever Australian's eat for comfort!).

15.  Left Hand Free (Alt-J) - The latest single from British band's sophomore album.  It sounds like one of those early-70s classic rock bands that I can never remember (but always liked)!

16.  Say My Name (Odesza featuring Zyra) - Trippy but appealing electronica with a World Music vibe, from group named after a sunken ship (thanks, Wikipedia!).

17.  Green Poison (the Ting Tings) - The Ting Tings are baaaaaaack!!!  From the sounds of this track, I'd say they've been listening to a lot of George Clinton and Parliament in their down time.

So that's November!  Hope everyone has a great month.  Don't overeat on Thanksgiving, but also don't undereat.  It IS the holidays, for pete's sake!  See you next month!

Brant's October 2014 Playlist

It seems like there've been a lot of Autumn haters on Facebook.  People who love the summer and hate to see it go.  People who hate the Winter and hate to see it coming.  Personally, I love the change of seasons.  Usually around the time I'm getting tired of whatever season we currently have, the weather starts to turn.  And Fall has all the comfortable cool temperatures without all of the pollen we get in Spring.  So cheers to the Fall!  And to new music.  We've got a couple of spooky tunes for Halloween, some mega-star duets, and other good stuff!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  I Put a Spell on You (Annie Lennox) - It wouldn't be Halloween without some witchcraft, and who better to serve as Supreme Witch than Annie Lennox?  Her new album is a collection of standards, and her singing is anything but standard.  A great performance.

2.  Dearly Departed (Shakey Graves featuring Esme Patterson) - We'll keep the Halloween theme going, this time with a haunted house.  Raw acoustic rock from Austin, Texas singer and sometime "Friday Night Lights" actor.

3.  Still Crazy After All These Years (Robert Ellis) - The Americana vibe is working for me.  Next is a heartfelt Paul Simon cover by Nashville-based Robert Ellis.

4.  Nature's Call (Shaun Escoffery) - Toe-tappin' soul from British stage and studio performer.  Reminds me of Earth Wind and Fire at their best.

5.  i (Kendrick Lamar) - The latest from hip-hop star who got snubbed at last year's Grammy Awards.  Even winners Macklemore felt like Lamar should have received more recognition!  I have a feeling he'll have his day soon.  Groovy Isley Brothers sample over a self-affirming rap.

6.  Computer Games (Mi-Sex) - It's been a while since I posted a used record store find, but this one is fun!  Australian New Wave from 1979!

7.  Beggin' for Thread (Banks) - Smooth chill sounds from California singer-songwriter.

8.  Repeat Pleasure (How to Dress Well) - Glossy R&B that would make Babyface proud!

9.  Super Love (Charli XCX) - Just caught her live last night with Elyse, Gary and some friends!!!  She puts on a great show, so catch her if you can!  This isn't off her latest album, which comes out later in October - but IMHO it best captured the energy of her stage performance.  Looking forward to more from this lady!

10.  I Won't Dance (Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga) - I have to admit, I was a tad worried when I heard Gaga was doing a jazz album.  I stand corrected.  Gaga and Tony Bennett sound like they were made to sing together!  I think Mama Monster is going to be getting some Grammys for this album.

11.  Sonsick (San Fermin) - Anthony turned me on to this one.  Quirky baroque pop with impressive vocals.

12.  Still Can't Forget You (Jane Ellen Bryant) - Did somebody say impressive vocals???  JEB has them in spades.  Great country/blues performance that brings to mind a young Bonnie Raitt.

13.  We Were Young (Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert) - The second mega-star duet!  Two country legends make beautiful music together.

14.  I Can't Stand Mirrors and I'm Scared of Heights (Suzi Chunk) - Retro-rock vibes from artist who was also featured on last month's playlist.

15.  Long Live (Devan DuBois) - Funky psychedelic rock flavors, this time from Louisiana native.

16.  Lay Me Down (Avicii featuring Adam Lambert) - Straight up disco, complete with Chic legend Nile Rodgers on guitar.   Perfect for getting your Halloween party guests out on the dance floor.

17.  Lil' Red Riding Hood (Laura Gibson) - Why not throw one more Halloween tune into the mix?  This one is a cover of the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs classic by folk singer Laura Gibson.  You may remember it from a Volvo commercial.

So that's October! I guess I'm off to get to work on my Halloween costume.  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see ya in November.

Brant's September 2014 Playlist

IT'S BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!  September is the month I usually give myself a little more leeway to be self-indulgent.  Instead of focusing on new music, I'll create a themed playlist (60s girl groups, 80s club music) or just pepper the list with some personal faves.  I pride myself on paying pretty close attention to the music that is out there, but every now and then I realize something has escaped my notice.  This month I've included a few of these tunes that somehow I missed the first time around.  I figure if I overlooked them, maybe you did too!  Here goes!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Long Hot Summer (Keith Urban) - Not gonna lie.  I didn't really pay much attention to Keith.  I wrote him off as the pretty boy singer who married Nicole Kidman.  After seeing him in concert with Julie and Gary, I must say he's pretty good.  The man knows his way around a guitar and a catchy melody.  He landed in the Country Music genre but I think he could have easily been a rocker.

2.  The Joker (Ace Frehley) - Speaking of rockers, a 1970s rock legend pays tribute to another 1970s rock legend here.  I imagine some of the purists will hate this glam rock treatment of Steve Miller's signature song, but I'm kinda diggin' it!

3.  Born Under a Good Sign (the Suburbs) - I wondered if this was the same punk band from the 80s, and it is!  The guys are back with an awesome album of new jams.  This one kind of spoke to me since (as you remember, no doubt) September is birthday month.  And Virgo is a very good sign.

4.  Uptight Downtown (La Roux) - Still loving their new album!  This one has some David Bowie flavors mixed in with Elly Jackson's delicious vocals.

5.  Step Back in Time /Original 12" Mix/ (Kylie Minogue) - My friend Jeff texted me in ecstasy over the new Kylie Minogue song, which is a throwback to the sounds of the great 1990s club music.  Upon further examination, we realized that the song actually WAS from the 1990s.  We both had just missed it and were hearing it for the first time.  It's still a fun song, so I'm including it.  Not on Spotify but the video is HERE.

6.  #ThisCouldBeUs (Doug Locke) - Saw the video for this floating around on social media and liked it.  It's a heartbreaking depiction of lost love and what might have been.  Pop/R&B from Houston actor/singer.

7.  Oh Babe, What Would You Say (Cass Elliot) - I'd heard the Hurricane Smith version of this song, but had NO idea Mama Cass (who recorded under her Mama Cass name as well as her given name) sang this!  Gotta say the arrangement suits her well.  A great talent that was taken from us too soon. 

8.  Beat of the Music (Brett Eldredge) - This guy opened for Keith Urban at the concert we attended!  I think we all were swooning when he serenaded us with his deep baritone.  He's definitely one to watch.

9.  Get On Home (U.S. Royalty) - Indie band from Washington, DC delivers some stunning folk-rock.

10.  Right Now (SR-71) - Another one that I missed the first time around.  Heard this on the internet radio and immediately went to download it.  This was originally released in 2000.

11.  Make Me Smile (Duran Duran) - Janique turned me on to this!  I had never heard it, but a consummate Duran Duran fan like Janique was more than happy to school me.  A tasty cover of the Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel classic from 1975 (which I HAD heard, and have on my iPod!). 

12.  There She Goes (Michelle Phillips) - We couldn't have one Mama without the other!  After Mamas and Papas split up, Mama Cass immediately went solo.  Michelle dabbled in acting and then eventually came back to the recording studio.  Her first recordings were with Papa John Phillips (her ex-husband), but she scrapped those and started over with producer Jack Nitsche.  Happily a new CD has been released that houses ALL of her recordings.  Personally I like the stuff she did with Papa John better, but maybe that's just me.  Not on Spotify (or YouTube) either, unfortunately. 

13.  Tripwire (Suzi Chunk) - Missed this one the first time around too (it's from 2012), but luckily Spotify recommended her to me.  Very 1960s garage band style, which of course I totally love!

14.  Endless Summer (the Jezabels) - I had them on my May 2014 playlist, but also went through their back catalogue and found some other tunes, such as this one, that I enjoyed.  Hope we continue to hear more from them!

15.  Ghost (Ella Henderson) - British "X-Factor" singer debuts here in the US of A!  It seems like the U.K. is overflowing with great female vocalists, while the Americans are just shaking their butts.  Hmmmmm...

16.  I Can't Describe (Jennifer Hudson feat. T.I.) - Okay, here is one exception to the previous statement.  Sultry soul that would make Evelyn "Champagne" King proud!

17.  Romeo's Tune (Keith Urban) - I figured I'd close with another great song from Keith.  File this under songs I NEVER thought anyone would cover, but I'm glad they did!

So that's September!  Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend and month.  I'll see you for more spook-tacular tunes in October!

Brant's August 2014 Playlist

Well, it's pouring rain as I write this - but I still approached August with Summer and sunny days in mind.  This month is loaded up with lots of islandy beats and driving-with-the-windows-open-and-the-stereo-blasting selections.   Hopefully the weather will catch up with the music.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Mr. Tembo (Damon Albarn) - In my head, this is the love-child of Paul Simon's "Graceland" album and Arrested Development's "Mr. Wendall".  From the latest solo outing of Blur/Gorillaz' lead singer.

2.  My Diamond (Timothy Bloom) - Songwriter for Ne-You and Chris Brown strikes out on his own with all-new material.  Sounds like Lenny Kravitz jamming with Santana!

3.  Budapest (George Ezra) - British songwriter has a folksy 1970s vibe.

4.  Call (Francesco Yates) - Plucked from my friend Robert's Facebook wall.  Young Canadian looks like Leo Sayer and sounds like Chris Isaak!   And Pharrell is a fan!

5.  Sexotheque (La Roux) - Elly Jackson is baaaaaack!!!  5 years after La Roux's debut, new material is finally here - and worth the wait.  So are "Sexotheques" a thing, and why haven't I heard of them before now?  SPOILER ALERT:  Expect more La Roux on future playlists!

6.  Lovers on the Run (Echo and the Bunnymen) - Another unexpected comeback!  Ian McCullough's voice sounds EXACTLY the same!!!  So true to their original sound that I had to double-check to make sure this wasn't unreleased material from the 1980s.

7.  Loves Me Not (Cris Cab) - Speaking of double-checking, I was sure this was Sting or the Police when I heard it on the internet radio.  Turns out it's Miami native Cris Cab!

8.  Skinny Love (Birdy) - This was a no-brainer.  With a combination of Birdy's angelic vocals, and a song by Bon Iver - how could it not be fantastic???  J'adore it.

9.  Stay High /Hippie Sabotage Remix/ (Tove Lo) - One of our chillin'-on-the-porch jams that my neighbor Dave turned me on to.

10.  Killer on the Streets (the Raveonettes) - Jangly guitars and tons of feedback make for a dancing-in-my-chair tune about loving the wrong person (and savoring every minute of it).

11.  Rather Be (Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne) - This has been around for a few months, but I still love its feel-good vibe and great vocal performance.

12.  Rainy Day Woman (Kat Edmonson) - Okay, this song suits today's rainy weather!  Great mix of old school jazz (does anyone else hear Billie Holiday?) and 1960s soul.

13.  Can't Say Goodbye (Cary Ann Hearst) - Jill had this on her last playlist and I loved it.  Sassy country that would make Wanda Jackson proud.

14.  High (Young Rising Sons) - Are these the new Jersey Boys???  Great falsetto vocals and catchy chorus, and they're actually from New Jersey!

15.  Let Your Hair Down (Magic!) - Josh sent me this and I immediately downloaded it.  Easy reggae that makes me think of sunsets by the sea and sipping Red Stripe beer.

16.  After All This (Jay Brannan) - Confessional songwriting in the style of Ani DiFranco or Jewel.  Going to see his show later this month - can't wait!  (And he "liked" when I responded that I was attending his show on Facebook - that's class.)

17.  Call Me (St. Paul and the Broken Bones) - Fantastic soul from Alabama band!

18.  True Love /Soledrifter Remix/ (Corduroy Mavericks feat. EmTre) - Groovy poolside beats prove that there's more than just bluegrass coming out of Kentucky.

So that's August!  Next month is birthday month - so not exactly sure what I'm going to put together.  I always allow myself a little more creative license as a birthday indulgence.  See you then!  Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!

Brant's July 2014 Playlist

I'm not gonna lie - there's a lot going on in Brantworld right about now.  World Cup, 4th of July, "Devious Maids", "Orange Is the New Black", and other distractions.  But that's no reason not to share some great new music.  I'm a day late, so let's get started!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Rollercoaster (Bleachers) -  Side project of Jack Antonoff, who is currently in the group Fun ("Some Nights").  Every bit as fun (pun intended!) as his original band!

2.  Fancy (Iggy Azalea vs. Reba McEntire) - Chambaland's delicious mash-up of Australian hip-hop star's recent hit with Reba's classic of the same name.  Free download at his blog.

3.  Paper Girl (July Talk) - Ever wonder who will be the new millennium's Wolfman Jack?  I think this band could be the answer!

4.  No Angel (Birdy) - The latest amazeball talent to come out of England, following Adele and Sam Smith.  America, you got some catching up to do!

5.  Chocolate Strawberries (Cherub) - Tasty mid-tempo electronica from Nashville.

6.  Living In a Box (Bobby Womack) - The R&B legend passed away last month, so I began digging through his songbook.  This song is certainly not representative of his best work, but it was a surprise to find him covering the 1980s band of the same name.  Sometimes it's just fun to see what an artist is into!

7.  What I Am I Am (Pete Molinari) - I already was in love with this singer/songwriter, but I'd swear he is channeling George Harrison on this folk spiritual!

8.  Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene (Hozier) - More rock spirituals, from Irish musician's aptly titled "Take Me to Church" EP.

9.  Dark Sunglasses (Chrissie Hynde) - This was an unexpected find!!!  Longtime lead singer of the Pretenders goes solo and sounds as great as ever!

10.  Hey Sailor (the Detroit Cobras) - The first of two songs I discovered through television!  This one was on the soundtrack of "Angel".  Fantastic adrenaline-charged garage rock.

11.  All of Me /Tiesto's Birthday Treatment Mix/ (John Legend) - R&B crooner is dragged onto the dancefloor courtesy of Dutch DJ Tiesto!

12.  Feel It (Bright Light Bright Light) - Jeff turned me on to this guy.  He's got a new album coming out, but I love the 90s retro sounds of this tune from his 2012 album "Make Me Believe in Hope".

13.  Apples and Cigarettes (Kitten) - Speaking of the 90s, this one reminds me of early Sinead O'Connor!  Crazy-strong vocals from lead singer Chloe Chaidez.

14.  Zigzagging Toward the Light (Conor Oberst) - We had Conor on last month's playlist, but there was way too much choice material on his latest album not to include him again.

15.  Crazy Eyes for You (Bobby Hamilton) - Lost 1950's tune gets a revival courtesy of "Orange Is the New Black", which features a delightfully wacky character named Crazy Eyes.

16.  My Silver Lining (First Aid Kit) - Grand cowgirl country that would make Kitty Wells smile!

17.  Hey Boy (Goapele) - Easy poolside lounging music from Oakland, California soul singer.

18.  Pink Houses (John Cougar Mellencamp) - Not specifically a 4th of July song, but I wanted to include something patriotic.  This is one of my personal faves from the 1980s - a love song to Middle America.

So that's July!  Everyone stay safe and happy.  See you in August!

Brant's June 2014 Playlist

Three people on this playlist are dead.  Maybe this should've been my Memorial Day playlist!  I kind of go where the music takes me, though, and there were a few posthumous albums (Michael Jackson, Donna Summer) released, as well as a blues tune from the 1930s that references "bull dykes"!  How could I not include all that?  Hope you like!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Beautiful People (Curtis Harding) - Wistful soul that sounds like something Sly & the Family Stone would have released back in the day.  

2.  Great River Road (Ryley Walker) - Great musicianship on this one!!!  Listen to this guy pluck the guitar strings.

3.  It Don't Have to Rain  (Blair Crimmins and the Hookers) - Jazzy ragtime.  I just caught these guys in concert and they are great.

4.  Crazy for You (Hedley) - A little Canadian pop with some disco flavors thrown in.  I'd swear this is Nile Rodgers on guitars, but don't see him mentioned anywhere in their publicity material.

5.  Love Is In Control /Chromeo and Oliver Remix/ (Donna Summer) - Chromeo is taking over the music world this summer!!!  Hot on the heels of their hit "Jealous", they remix one of my fave Donna Summer songs on the tribute album "Love to Love You Donna".

6.  Cold Dresses (Al Corley) - This just showed up randomly while I was listening to the 80s radio station.  I thought it was Corey Hart, but turns out it was the guy from "Dynasty" (Steven Carrington) making his bid for music stardom.  Not on Spotify, but to listen on YouTube click HERE.

7.  Never Gonna Love Again (Lykke Li) - I would never have compared Lykke Li to Ronnie Spector (of the Ronettes) before hearing her latest album, but the wistful wall-of-sound vibe is VERY reminiscent of the 1960s girl group sound.  How do you say "Baby, I Love You" in Swedish?

8.  Magnolia (Lee Fields and the Expressions) - In my head, this is the companion song to "Rainy Night in Georgia".  North Carolina singer channels Brook Benton in this ballad.

9.  Love Never Felt So Good (Michael Jackson with Justin Timberlake) - Another great-talent-gone-too-soon is resurrected via technology.  Taken from a 1983 demo and paired with former N-SYNC singer.  If you'd have told me I'd live to see the day Justin Timberlake sang a Paul Anka song, I wouldn't have believed you!

10.  Every Shade of You (Jim Brickman with Luke McMaster) - Easy going pop similar to Plain White T's "Rhythm of Love".

11.  Enola Gay (Conor Oberst) - One of my all-time favorite lyricists is back!!!  At first I thought this was a cover of the 1980s song, but this is an original composition.  "The feelings come quick but they leave as soon, like the music from a passing car..."

12.  B.D. Women's Blues (Lucille Bogan) - Blues from 1935.  Who knew they had bull dykes (B.D. = bull dyke) back then?!

13.  Busy Earnin' (Jungle) - More classic soul vibes, this time sounding like something out of the O'Jays catalogue.

14.  So Good to Be Back Home Again (the Tourists) - I had these folks on last month's playlist.  Annie Lennox's first band.  Most of their stuff was mediocre, but a few of the tunes truly shine (like this one).  It's great to hear some undiscovered Annie Lennox gems.  Again, NOT ON SPOTIFY (WTF?!) but you can hear it on YouTube.

15.  Freakin' Me Out (the Ready Set) - If you know me, you know I love some bubblegum pop.  Indiana singer Jordan Mark Witzigreuter provides this month's dose.  Don't know why he recorded under this stage name and didn't go by his real name!  Witzigreuter is SO easy to pronounce and remember.

16.  Miss Teen Massachusetts (Skaters) - Classic rock vibes from NYC band.

17.  Let Go (RAC featuring MNDR) - That's a lot of letters!  Remix Artist Collective (RAC) join NYC duo for some funky electronica.

18.  Do It Again (Röyksopp featuring Robyn) - Another fruitful collaboration, this time from Scandanavia.  Norwegian act Röyksopp teams up with Swedish pop star Robyn.  Not sure what they're singing about but it's apparently very addictive!

So that's June!  Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start!  See you next month.

Brant's May 2014 Playlist

So, compiling a monthly list of my favorite music is a labor of love - but it's still a labor.  When my laptop crashes and I don't have access to my music library, it feels even worse.  More like a chore.  Or a challenge.  But I faced the challenge and here we are with another batch of strong songs to enjoy!  Let's get to it.  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  FallInLove2Nite (Prince and Zooey Deschanel) - Didn't see this one coming, but love it anyway.  Prince and New Girl Zooey Deschanel team up for a zesty little dance number.  Prince sounds like he's having more fun than he's had in years.

2.  One Night Town (Ingrid Michaelson and Mat Kearney) - Two Indie artists join forces for some singalong pop.

3.  Am I Wrong (Nico & Vinz) - Discovered this on Gary's excellent BamBamBoom playlist.  Cool World Music vibes.

4.  The End (the Jezabels) - Soaring female vocals over hectic guitars that remind me of the Cure.

5.  Friday Fish Fry (Kelis) - "Milkshake" lady is back with more songs about food, but this time with a soulful Blues influence.

6.  Can We Pretend (Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics) - Easy soul music that is perfect for sipping wine on the dock as the sun sets.

7.  Angels and Devils (Graffiti6) - Retro rockers are back with more early-70s flavored jams.

8.  I Only Want to Be with You (the Tourists) - Am I the only one who didn't know Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart had a band prior to the Eurhythmics?!?!  Any way, here they are in their first band.  Wish Spotify had this, but in the meantime you can hear it on YouTube.

9.  I Want You (Tafari feat. Nyla) - Summer always includes some reggae, so here we go!

10.  Avant Gardener (Courtney Barnett) - Trippy stoner chick tells a hilarious but somehow poignant story about discovering one's own limitations.

11.  Make the World Go Round (DJ Cassidy feat. R. Kelly) - So have we forgiven R. Kelly for peeing on people?!  Seems like we have.  Lady Gaga sang with him, and now DJ Cassidy partners with him for some tasty disco.

12.  Rescue (Yuna) - More World Music stylings, this time from perky Malaysian singer/songwriter Yuna.

13.  Good Love (Rihwa & Michelle Branch) - Michelle Branch is baaaaaaack!!!!  Love the Country influence on this duet with Japanese singer Rihwa.

14.  She's So Fine (the Strypes) - Didn't I have these guys on last month's playlist?  YES.  Do I still love them?  YES.  'Nuff said.

15.  I've Got the Music In Me (Bimbo Jones) - In Brantworld, this was a "Can't Miss".  Kiki Dee classic updated by British club music producers.  Personally, I can't play this loud enough.

16.  Last of Our Kinds /Michael Garcon remix/ (Yuksek feat. Oh Land) - A little French disco-lounge ditty to help us cool down after that Bimbo Jones jam.

17.  Ill Wind (Charlie Haden Quartet West feat. Norah Jones) - So once upon a time there was a beautiful vampire named Darla who was brought back from the dead to be united with her love, Angel.  Unfortunately, Angel was the one who had killed her in the first place.  To make matters worse, she was reincarnated as a human and was terminally ill.  Rather than save her by making her a vampire again - Angel chose to let Nature take its course.  So what's a terminally ill prior-vampire to do?  Darla chose to sing this song at a karaoke bar.  I've been obsessed with it ever since.  Julie Benz's version from TV show "Angel" wasn't available, but this Norah Jones version does just fine.

So that's May.  Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start.  Enjoy the tunes, have a fantastic Memorial Day, and I'll see you in June!

Brant's April 2014 Playlist

Well, my Mayor has been arrested and my Governor probably isn't too far behind.  But I am determined not to let my personal governmental tragedy impair my ability to do good playlists - so here's April!  This one is heavy on the Rock Music (Classic and Alternative) but I still left some room for some 80s divas who have put out new material and some other booty-shakin' stuff.  Let's dig in!

To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  Image is DJ Black Rabbit by Jasinski.

1.  Waves (Sleeper Agent) - Upbeat alt-rock from Kentucky band!

2.  I See Stars (La Honda feat. Rumer) - Given the success of Rumer, it's no surprise that someone dug up her earlier recordings with a former band.  Her vocals are recognizable, and I'm digging the 1960s vibes.  Looking forward to hearing more from her!

3.  When You Were My Girl (Matt Cardle) - British X-Factor winner releases the follow-up to his hit "Loving You" (with Melanie C).  Personally I like this song better.  Spotify hasn't picked this one up yet, but you can see the video and hear the song on YouTube.  

4.  Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Hunter Hayes) - As a general rule, I think covering Elton John is a risky proposition, because how could you improve on perfection?  For the 40th anniversary of the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Hunter Hayes covers the title song.  Gotta say he nailed it.  Very true to the original, but the slightly Country vibe totally works here.  Great job!

5.  You Can't Make Old Friends (Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton) - Two Country legends pair up again and sound as great as ever!  Warm and comforting like hot cider.

6.  It's Only Love (Heather Nova) - Another Buffy song!  Whoever was choosing the music for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" did a great job.  I've enjoyed reliving that era of music while catching the show on Netflix.  This is from Heather's 2001 album South.

7.  Cardiac Arrest (Bad Suns) - Groovy alt-rock from Southern California band.

8.  Nasty Thang (Sheila E and MC Lyte) - What the what?!?!  Two great 80s ladies pair up for some funky R&B.

9.  Himalayan (Band of Skulls) - I'm not gonna lie - I get Band of Skulls and Band of Horses mixed up sometimes.  This is the British skull band, not the American horse band, serving up some pulsating psychedelic rock.

10.  Me and My Broken Heart (Rixton) - Manchester, UK band sounds a little reggae, a lot like Maroon 5.

11.  Alison (Damon Fowler) - Bluesman that Crystal turned me on to is back and this is his cover of the Elvis Costello ballad!  He also does a great version of "Tightrope", which I featured on my January 2012 playlist.

12.  Good Suit and Tie Time /White Panda Mashup/ (Justin Timberlake vs. Chic) - I posted this on Facebook and NOBODY liked it!!!  So what?  It still makes me shake my groove thang.  Listen and download for free on Soundcloud HERE.

13.  Pass It On (Daley) - More goodness from Manchester!  This guy has to be channeling (dare I say it?) Michael Jackson.  Slick R&B from across the pond.

14.  Supernova (Ray LaMontagne) - I never paid much attention to this guy til Jill started putting him on some of her playlists.  This is his latest - kind of reminds me of George Harrison or some other happy 1960s dude!

15.  Blue Collar Jane (the Strypes) - Totally rad Irish lads with some garage rock that would make the guys from Jet ("Are You Gonna Be My Girl") smile!

16.  California/Cast Iron Soul (Jamestown Revival) - So these guys are from Texas, the EP is called Utah, and the song is called "California"!  No matter what state - it is Southern Rock at its finest!

17.  Stay with Me (Sam Smith) - I kept hearing about this guy on music blogs, etc, so decided to check him out.  British white guys do seem to do Soul Music pretty well!  Curious to hear the whole album once it's released.

18.  Nightlife /Moto Blanco Club Mix/ (Jody Watley) - Another unexpected comeback for an 80s diva!  Jody's voice sounds as strong as ever, and she's still ready to hit the dance floor.  The Moto Blanco team takes this dance tune to the next level with their excellent remix.

So that's April!  Hope everyone has a great Easter and I'll see you in May!

Put The Shame Where It Belongs

The more I read about Kim Novak, the more ashamed I am of myself for making fun of her at her recent Academy Awards appearance.  At the time, it seemed hugely ironic that someone presenting the award for Best Animated Feature Film had a face that was decidedly not animated due to Botox and I assumed other "cosmetic" procedures.  I did not know that she was an 81 year old breast cancer survivor who had also struggled with a bipolar disorder.

I usually take celebrities as "fair game" to mock, because ultimately they are the ones who have chosen to place themselves squarely in the public eye.  Lately it occurs to me though, that there is another party involved that thus far has stayed out of the line of fire - the plastic surgeons.

As a former health care provider - I can tell you one of the tenets of our profession is to "do no harm".  A health care provider is charged with taking care of his or her patients, sometimes against their wills.  I had many patients who came to me asking for tooth bleaching, crowns and veneers that ultimately were not in their best interest.  Many were opting to ignore gum disease or other issues in order to afford the cosmetic work they wanted.  Others had completely unrealistic ideas of what dentistry could achieve or how they should appear.  It was my job as a dentist to manage expectations, and educate patients about what was truly the best treatment plan for their situation.

I won't tell you I was universally successful in that endeavor.  I had patients leave my practice because I would not do the treatment THEY prescribed for themselves.  I heard the threat, "Well if you won't do it I'll find someone who will!"  I ultimately decided I was fine with that.  Let someone else worry about the deleterious effects they are ultimately having on their patient's health.  Or perhaps they didn't care and were just in it for the money.  Either way - it wasn't my problem any more.  I presented a treatment plan to a patient that I honestly felt was best for them, and did my best to explain my reasons to the patient.

At some point prior to the Academy Awards, Kim Novak saw a plastic surgeon (or multiple surgeons).  This surgeon listened to her and agreed to operate on her.  I am not a plastic surgeon and can't tell you at what point she should have stopped, but the plastic surgeon certainly could have.  At some point, her surgeon should have said, "You have had enough surgery.  If we keep going you will not look natural.  You are a beautiful woman at any age and I think we should feel good about where you are.  If you choose to go elsewhere, that is your decision but I won't perform any further work on you because it is not in your best interest."

If we are going to shame women (and some men) for overdoing it with the cosmetic surgery, shouldn't the doctors who performed this work ALSO shoulder some of the humiliation?  From what I'm reading online, reputable plastic surgeons (and there are many, many competent surgeons out there.  I certainly don't want to universally bash plastic surgeons!) agree that Kim Novak had "too much done".  It is a doctor's job to manage their patients - ESPECIALLY if that patient has a history of mental illness.  Clearly the ball was dropped in this case.

I'm certain it won't be long before another celebrity is called out for looking like "the Catwoman" or a freak.  But isn't shaming the celebrity "blaming the victim" in a way?  I submit that perhaps we should also shame the surgeon.  A patient just knows they want to look "younger".  A doctor is supposed to know better. 

Brant's March 2014 Playlist

Soooo...I had two goals for March.  One was to get this playlist out on time (Done!  Yay, me!).  The second was to put some different stuff on this month's list.  Sometimes I wonder if all of my playlists are starting to sound the same, so this month I put some genres of music towards which I don't usually gravitate - country, trip-hop and even some ragtime!  Hope you like!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.


1.  Sunshine and Whiskey (Frankie Ballard) - It doesn't get more country than this, but still makes me look forward to warm weather!

2.  Ghost (Jeremy Messersmith) - Indie singer/songwriter with an angelic voice and beautiful instrumentation to round it out.

3.  Girl You Look Amazing (Nicole Atkins) - Sassy strong vocals from former Charlottean (my hometown)!

4.  Dreams and Sounds (Chulius and the Filarmonicos) - Lead singer of Grammy-winning Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles releases a side project of funky electronica.

5.  Stayin' Alive in the Wall (Wax Audio) - Genius mashup of the Bee Gees and Pink Floyd!  Listen and download for free HERE.

6.  Luv, Hold Me Down (Drowners) - Wistful alt rock with jangly guitars and relentless drums keeping everything from getting too somber!

7.  Rental Love (Lake Street Dive) - I had them on my August 2013 playlist, and they're already back with another album!  Hope Spotify picks this up soon so everyone can hear it.  Lead singer Rachael Price has an incredible voice!!!

8.  Clouds (Zach Sobiech) - Sad story behind this.  Zach Sobiech was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May 2012, recorded this song, posted the video on YouTube, and died a year later in May 2013.  The song has gone viral, though, and the video has had over 9 million views!

9.  Dying to Start Again (Lovelife) - Up and coming band is working on their first full-length album, but has released this and a few other singles.  Can't wait to hear the whole album!  Mid-tempo alt rock.

10.  Going Out (apl.de.ap featuring Damien Leroy) - One of the OTHER Black Eyed Peas, apparently!  Dance pop to get your weekend started.

11.  Deja Vu (Cibo Matto) - Wacky trip hop that sounds like a 60s movie soundtrack getting scrambled by an outer space broadcast.  Kinda feels like what Deee-lite ("Groove Is In the Heart") might be doing if they were still around.

12.  I Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Melanie Doane) - This is an oldie from 1998, but it was new to me.  I've been watching "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" on Netflix, and this was a song Willow and Tara were slow dancing to at the Bronze!

13.  Popular Song (MIKA with Ariana Grande) - It never takes much arm-twisting to get me to put MIKA on a playlist!  The original version of this song was on his 2012 album "Origin of Love".  For the single, the song was reworked with a faster tempo and new vocals added by "It" girl Ariana Grande (replacing Priscilla Renea).

14.  Hit It (American Authors) - Exuberant pop from Brooklyn band's latest album.

15.  It's All Over Now (Blair Crimmins and the Hookers) - Awesome ragtime music from a great band!  Suzi and I caught them last month, and they're returning to Charlotte in April!

16.  So Many Nights (Biters) - If someone had told me this was Thin Lizzy, I would have believed them!  Great 1970s rock swagger.

17.  I Just Do (the Feeling) - More 1970s vibes, but this is more Elton John or Supertramp than Thin Lizzy.  A lush piano-driven ballad.

18.  Take It Like a Man /Dany Cohiba Remix/ (Cher) - I didn't love Cher's most recent album.  It felt like too many things at once, almost as if she'd used outtakes from every album she ever recorded.  Dany Cohiba wisely strips down the music on this one track, letting Cher's powerful pipes do the work!  Don't know many 67 year olds who can belt out a song like this!


So that's March!  Here's wishing every one a safe and joyous month.  Beware of pervasive pollen and lascivious leprechauns!

Brant's February 2014 Playlist

Wouldn't you know it?!?  The shortest month of the year and I'm late with the playlist.  Sorry folks.  A winter cold had me out of commission, but now I'm lucid enough to get this done.  There's only 24 days left to enjoy, so let's get started!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.


1.  Paint a Smile on Me (Black Yaya) - If there's a God this will become a summer anthem in a few months.  Love its retro 1970s sound.  The best song Stealers Wheel never released!

2.  Forever (Youngblood Hawke) - I had "Say Say" on my June 2013 playlist.  Now the California band is back with this peppy ditty.

3.  Running for Cover (Ivan & Alyosha) - Folk pop from Seattle, WA band

4.  Long Time, Wrong Time (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings) - The Goddess is baaaaaack!!!  After a bout with cancer, Sharon Jones is back in the driver's seat with her classic soul sounds.

5.  Love Sublime (Tensnake feat. Nile Rodgers and Fiora) - Is it fair to say disco is back?  With releases like "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk (also featuring Chic's Nile Rodgers) and "Take Back the Night" by Justin Timberlake, I think it's a safe statement.  Viva la Disco!!!  This sublime tune by Tensnake sounds like an out-take from a Chic album.

6.  Cheating (John Newman) - Young Englishman belts out some powerful pop!

7.  Wasting My Young Years (London Grammar) - This reminds me of a band called Clannad that I used to listen to with my college roomie!  Younger folks will likely be reminded of the also excellent Florence and the Machine.  Great vocals!!!

8.  Good Red Wine (Stephen Kellogg) - Not sure how I came across this one, but it has really poignant lyrics about relationships, communication, etc.   And wine...he also mentions wine.

9.  All I Have to Do Is Dream (the Everly Brothers) - We lost Phil Everly and Pete Seeger this past month!  This is my In Memoriam tune in their honor.  The Everly's harmonies still hold up well almost 60 years later!

10.  Overstand (Dead Prez) - The latest from the controversial NYC hip hop act.

11.  Digital Witness (St. Vincent) - Wacky musician returns with another quirky hit.  Remember when Prince was going through his experimental phase (circa Lovesexy)?  That's kind of what this reminds me of, but definitely contemporary sounding.

12.  Millionaire (Scouting for Girls) - Easy breezy pop from the group's "Greatest Hits" compilation.

13.  Runaway Daydreamer (Sophie Ellis-Bextor) - "Murder on the Dancefloor" diva is back but she's traded her retro-dance stylings for a more atmospheric 1960s sound.  Move over, Petula Clark!

14.  Riptide (Vance Joy) - Bouncy acoustic folk from Australian singer-songwriter.

15.  Dreaming Without You (Bleached) - Delicious California garage-rock.  Someone on iTunes described this as "The Ramones meet the Ronettes"!

16.  Time for a Change (Elephanz) - Hmmmm...wish I could tell you something about this band, but all their promo stuff is in French.  They're a French band.  And they play great New Wave music!

17.  Elizabeth (the Airborne Toxic Event) - Figured since this was February, I'd end with a love song!  Well, it sounds like a love song.  He's never known love so this is his "best guess".


So that's February!  Hope everyone has a great one and I'll see ya in March!

Brant's American Horror Story: Coven Predictions

 

 

 

Only 2 weeks til the Season Finale of American Horror Story: Coven! Here's my predictions for what will happen:

1. In an special episode starring Melissa Joan Hart, we learn that Sabrina the Teenage Witch may hold the key to who becomes the new leader of the coven.

2. Cordelia is cast out of the coven but finds a lucrative career doing "Scissor Safety" infomercials.

3. Myrtle takes her theremin on the road and finds much success in the Indie music scene with her new band Fertile Myrtle and the Hurdles.

4. Marie Laveau gets her own spinoff show, "Hexter", in which she plays a voodoo witch who only targets other voodoo witches to kill and offer to Papa Legba.

5. Queenie and Madame LaLaurie are forced to spend eternity together working the Super Sweet 16 party circuit. In a macabre scavenger hunt, young socialites search for pieces of Madame LaLaurie and the first debutante to completely re-assemble her gets a Bugatti.

6. Zoe and Kyle marry, but she eventually leaves him for someone who's a little bit more together.

7. Fiona kills the other witches and remains coven leader. Preferring R&B over classic rock, she also kills Stevie Nicks and the final scene shows Fiona at the piano with HER favorite singer. The episode is entitled "Diana Ross and the Supreme".

 

 

Brant's January 2014 Playlist

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!  It's great to be back!  I love Christmas music during the holidays, but gotta say it's nice to get back to the regular stuff!  Here's this month's batch!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Ordinary Love (U2) - U2's glorious tribute to Nelson Mandela, from the soundtrack to the biography film about him.

2.  Modern Jesus (Portugal. The Man) - The latest from the band that's neither a man nor from Portugal!!!

3.  New Year's Resolution (Camera Obscura) - Seemed appropriate given the timing.  More cool vocal stylings from the Scottish band.  Now to work on my own resolutions...

4.  Let Her Go (Jasmine Thompson) - It feels a little soon for this song to be covered, but Jasmine's vocals are so angelic I don't even care!  To hear the original, check out my November 2012 playlist.

5.  Sonnentanz/Sun Don't Shine (Klangkarussell featuring Will Heard) - One of those groovy little songs I heard on the internet and was happy to see was available in the US.  Apparently this is a huge hit in Europe.

6.  Red Eyes (The War on Drugs) - Kind of sounds like the love child of Bruce Springsteen and Joe Jackson!

7.  I Blame You (Ledisi) - Grammy nominated R&B singer is back and I know I am rejoicing (you should too)!!!

8.  Canary Island (Houndstooth) - This totally sounds like a band I would've dug back in college.  Spooky female vocals over stoner guitars.  Definitely in that Edie Brickell/early 10,000 Maniacs territory.

9.  Dangerous (Big Data) - ÜberCool electronic rock from New York band.

10.  Center Stage (Capital Cities) - Just saw these guys last month during their tour with Fitz and the Tantrums!  Great show if you ever get the chance to see them live.  This song stuck in my head for weeks afterwards!

11.  Time Will Tell (Blood Orange) - Solo project of Dev Hynes, a songwriter/producer who has worked with Florence & the Machine and Solange Knowles.  After hearing this, I'm convinced he has some Ready for the World cassettes stashed away in his closet!

12.  Panic Cord (Gabrielle Aplin) - Another act with angelic voice, who is popular in the UK and now her material is becoming available in the US!  One of her other songs, "Please Don't Say You Love Me", is on my April 2013 playlist.

13.  Never Give In (Will Hoge) - Some yummy Southern rock from Nashville.

14.  Turn It Around (Lucius) - Luscious (lucius?!) 60s girl-group stylings from New York band.

15.  Somebody Loves You (Betty Who) - I was almost done with January's list, but wanted to include an exuberant pop song.  After much searching, I stumbled upon this!  Found it on one of the myriad Best of 2013 lists that always pop up this time of year.

16.  Frontline /Cahill Mix/ (Shaun Baker) - I think this is a few years old, but wanted to end with a good party/club song.

17.  Top of the Pops 2013 (Audiomaniac) - It's always good to take a moment to appreciate the year that's been.  I looked at several mashups for 2013, and ended up choosing the same DJ as last year.  Well played, Audiomaniac.  Well played.  Free download HERE.

So that's the first list of the New Year!  Hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve celebration.  Looking forward to whatever 2014 brings!  See you in February!