Brant's January 2018 Playlist

"Am I to understand there is no beverage service on this flight?"

Baby New Year is fast approaching!  No word on whether he's bringing good luck and good fortune, but there do seem to be some new tunes for us!  This month's batch includes some new stuff from familiar bands, some Japanese Wallpaper AND Breakfast,  and other goodies!  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  My Only (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart) - Dreamy Indie Pop from NYC band.

2.  Meet on the Ledge (Greta Van Fleet) - My fave new rock band covers Fairport Convention's 1969 hit and drags it out of the commune and into the arena! 

3.  Permanent (Kygo feat. J. Hart) - No sophomore slump for this Norwegian artist!  This is from his second studio album and features Grammy nominated British singer J. Hart on lead vocals. 

4.  Baby Blue (Dusty Springfield) - I've heard "Dusty in Memphis" but was unfamiliar with "Dusty at the Disco"!  I stumbled across this on a compilation album of disco tunes.  This 1979 recording never made it onto any of her albums, so it's been something of a rarity. 

5.  Make It Work (Prince Charlez) - Prolific songwriter, who has worked with Rihanna and Usher, steps into the spotlight with this seductive slow jam. 

6.  Diving Woman (Japanese Breakfast) - We had her on November's playlist, and Michelle Zauner is back with more trippy beats to keep the New Year's Eve party going! 

7.  Time (Shy Luv) - I'm completely smitten with the old school R&B flavors on this London group's single!  Makes me want to put on some baggy pants and do the Smurf!

8.  Forces (Japanese Wallpaper feat. Airling) - Mellow electronica I first heard on a Pandora station.   Reminds me of some of the chill artists (Lamb, Frou Frou) from the early 00's.

9.  Better Than I Used to Be (Mat Kearney with Afsheen) - Folk singer/songwriter experiments with some electronic vibes on this new tune. 

10.  What Lovers Do (Maroon 5 feat. SZA) - Seasoned hitmakers team up with 2017 "It" Girl SZA  for this bouncy pop tune.

11.  Wild Fire /Live version/ (Laura Marling) - This is off the Deluxe edition of her album "Semper Femina".  I think I prefer it to the studio version - there's an edge to the live performance that I'm not hearing in the original.  Reminds me of some of Michelle Shocked's early stuff.

12.  What's New? (Keely Smith) - Best known for her material with husband Louis Prima, Grammy winning Jazz singer Keely Smith was just as compelling and enjoyable as a solo artist.  I was saddened to hear of her death this month.  This particular song wasn't on Spotify for some reason, but you can hear it here.   RIP

13.  Sign (VHS Collection) - Combining elements of New Wave, disco, and Indie pop - this NYC band delivers a gorgeous melancholy ballad! 

14.  Jester and June (Craig Finn) - Frontman of the Hold Steady serves up some quirky rock storytelling on his latest album, full of darkly tragic characters and top-notch songwriting. 

15.  Femmebot (Charli XCX feat. Dorian Electra and Mykki Blanco) - I think if I had to pick, Charli XCX would be my favorite contemporary pop diva.  I don't always love everything she does, but I love the way she brilliantly straddles the line between being accessible and a rebel.  This latest tune is way heavy on the beats and autotune, spinning wildly and deliciously out of control - like the last few hours of your New Year's Eve party! 

16.  United State of Pop 2017: How We Do It (DJ Earworm) - I always toss in a mashup of the best hits of the previous year, and was thrilled when my friend Mitch told me DJ Earworm's was out.  Not on Spotify, but you can hear it and download for free on Soundcloud. 

So that's the first playlist of 2018.  It's a few days early, but I wanted to go ahead and get this published prior to the holiday weekend.  Hope everyone stays safe, and I'll see you in the New Year! 

Brant's Christmas 2017 Playlist

It's the holiday season, so I guess I'd better mistletoe the line!

11 months out of the year, I try to shine a spotlight on cool NEW music.  For Christmas this year, it seemed like a good time to focus on the past.  I know there are new Christmas albums out there (Sia and Gwen Stefani immediately come to mind), but the holidays are tied to tradition.   Why not highlight the great seasonal songs of years gone by?  Some of these have made previous playlists, but others are new gems I discovered while researching.  Hopefully the result is a nice mix of the familiar and the fun!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Christmas Time Is Here (Vince Guaraldi Trio) - Probably one of the most well-known holiday songs, thanks to its exposure on the "Charlie Brown Christmas" television specials.  This one immediately takes me back to the Christmases of my childhood.

2.  I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Billie Holiday) - Jazz goddess sings a winter classic.

3.  There's Frost on the Moon (Artie Shaw and His Orchestra with Peg LaCentra) - This is the first I'd heard this 1936 tune, but I love the big band sound of this era!

4.  Christmas Night in Harlem (Louis Armstrong) - One of my personal faves!

5.  The Merriest (June Christy) - Über-cool 1950s vocalist bestows holiday cheer upon our unworthy ears!

6.  A Marshmallow World (Ray Anthony) - The last surviving member of Glenn Miller's orchestra brings his easy swingin' sound to this winter ditty.

7.  Christmas Blues (Ramsey Lewis Trio) - My mom had a few Ramsey Lewis LPs in her collection, so I was happy to find he had some Christmas music out there!  Funky piano jazz that almost sounds too happy to be the blues.

8.  Christmas Island (the Andrews Sisters) - Another song that brings back family memories for me.

9.  Winter Weather (Peggy Lee and Benny Goodman) - I've heard Peggy's Christmas albums, but was not familiar with this song, which is on a collaboration album with bandleader Benny Goodman!

10.  The Christmas Waltz (Frank Sinatra) - Another familiar holiday classic.

11.  Good Morning Blues (Ella Fitzgerald) -  Personally, I love everything on Ella's "Swingin' Christmas" album, but this was one I don't hear very often so I decided to select it for this year's playlist.

12.  Greensleeves (John Coltrane Quartet) - The version I have is from a 1961 Village Vanguard show.  I didn't see that on Spotify, but this one is quite similar.  Nice jazz interpretation of the traditional English folk song.

13.  Boogie Woogie Santa Claus (Mabel Scott) - Scott's version is an old school rhythm and blues stomper, but the Patti Page version on Spotify is also a great workout!

14.  O Holy Night (Mormon Tabernacle Choir) - My favorite traditional Christmas song, immaculately performed by the MTC.

15.  White Christmas (Dorothy Collins) - Canadian-born singer does a nice job with Bing Crosby's signature song.

16.  Ole Santa (Dinah Washington) - Another jazz goddess shines her light on the North Pole with this tranquil ballad.

17.  Blue Christmas (Elvis Presley) - No explanation needed.  An instant classic from the day it was released in 1957 (although a few others had recorded the song previously).

18.  Merry Christmas, Baby (Tex Beneke, Ray Eberle, and the Modernaires) - Big band treatment of the Charles Brown standard.

19.  Far Away Christmas Blues (Johnny Otis and Little Esther Phillips) - I really don't know anything about this tune, but I'm digging the jazzy blues vibes!

20.  The Christmas Song (Carmen McRae) - Influential jazz legend applies her signature stylings to this Mel Tormé holiday standard.

21.  Jingle Bell Rock (Floyd Cramer) - Festive piano instrumental!

22.  What Are You Doing New Year's Eve? (Margaret Whiting) - Smokey vocals over stately big band backdrop that makes New Year's Eve sound much classier than it usually is!

So that's the last playlist of 2017!  Hope everyone has a fantabulous holiday season, and God willing I'll see you in the New Year!

Brant's November 2017 Playlist

When they asked me to be a diplomat to Turkey, I think I misunderstood...

Well, Halloween is behind us and we are racing towards the holiday season!  So, while you're still snacking on Halloween candy and getting ready to pig out at Thanksgiving and other holiday meals - here's some new music to enjoy.  Last month skewed towards acoustic and Americana selections, so this month favors the electronic jams.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Machinist (Japanese Breakfast) - What a treat to see a new Japanese Breakfast album is out!  Spacey beats and delicate vocals to launch this month's playlist!

2.  Paola (Shout Out Louds) - ANOTHER favorite act I was thrilled to see in my new music folder!  Indie band from Sweden picks up where New Order and the Cure left off, with some first-rate melancholy alt-rock. 

3.  Take Her Place Tonight (Don Diablo feat. ARIZONA) - Dutch artist, who is listed on Wikipedia as a "founding father of Future House", has remixed everyone from Rihanna to the Chainsmokers.  Here, a chorus of auto-tuned voices and pulsating keyboards combine to reassure the listener that being someone's second choice doesn't have to suck! 

4.  I Believe in Us (LÉON) - Another Swedish artist, providing rich vocals over keyboards that would make Elton John swoon.

5.  Honky Tonk Flame (Tyler Childers) - Kentucky singer/songwriter landed Sturgill Simpson to produce his debut album!  I love the mix of old-school country with 60s psychedelia. 

6.  Blueberry Hill (Fats Domino) - So sad to lose this legend of Rock and Roll last month.  It's amazing how well this song, one of his biggest hits, holds up after almost 60 years!  RIP

7.  More, More, More (Dagny) - Yes, this is currently in a Target commercial.  But there's no denying that Dagny's smooth remake of the Andrea True Connection's 1976 classic is delicious!

8.  Lucy/Sun Goes Up (Chris Tall feat. Maydar) - Okay, I'm realizing there are a LOT of Swedish acts on this month's list.  It's not intentional - I just dig the disco beats on this tune! 

9.  LMK (Kelela) - Up and coming singer serves soulful vocals over industrial bass and club beats. 

10.  The One to Wait (CCFX) - This reminds me of the early 80s, when New Wave and Goth bands weren't afraid to incorporate R&B elements into their music.  Sounds like Alphaville singing over a Soul II Soul track. 

11.   Boyfriend (Hurts) - White boy soul from English band.

12.  Androgynous (Beach Slang) - Remember when Ike and Tina Turner decided to do a "nice and easy" song, instead of their usual "nice and rough" material?  Apparently punk band Beach Slang decided to go the same route.  Here, they tackle the Replacements' 1984 song with a fairly faithful rendition.  Reminds me of a gender-fluid saloon in the Old West!

13.  Stolen Hearts (Blitzen Trapper) - Portland, Oregon band is back with more mellow folk-rock!

14.   Dark Come Soon (Trashique) - I've pretty much decided I like anything Grimes does.  Here, she and Hana contribute to the excellent Con X: Covers album by Tegan and Sara.  Proceeds go to their Tegan and Sara Foundation, to raise money for self-identified girls and women in the LGBT community. 

15.  Sit Next to Me (Foster the People) - West Coast Indie Pop band shows no signs of slowing down with this selection from their third studio album. 

16.  Show Me Love (Fenech-Soler) - File this under "Songs I Never Expected Anyone to Cover"!  Robin S's glorious 1993 dance hit gets the Euro Synth-pop treatment from this British band, with surprisingly terrific results! 

So that's another month in the bag!  I haven't decided if next month will be Christmas music or continue to showcase recent releases. I guess I'll decide while I'm in my Turkey Coma at the end of the month.  Until then! 

Brant's October 2017 Playlist

The "Facepalm" - I think we're doing it wrong...

Okay, October is NOT off to a great start.  There was a mass shooting in Las Vegas, Tom Petty dies of a heart attack, and POTUS is in Puerto Rico tossing rolls of paper towels to people like he's in the half time show of a basketball game.  On a brighter note - Halloween is coming up!  And just like when you're trick-or-treating, I've got a tasty mix of musical goodies for you!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Counting Down (Cut Copy) - Upbeat dance pop from Australian band, from their first new album since 2013's "Free Your Mind".

2.  Little White Lies (BETSY) - Welsh singer comes on strong with her debut!  The first time I heard it I thought it was Cher.

3.  Human (Go West) - One of my fave bands from the 80s covers the Killers!

4.  That Old Black Magic (Florence Henderson) - We lost Florence last year, but her disco version of this witchy jazz standard will live on forever!  Not on Spotify, but you can find it here (recorded from the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween TV special).   

5.  Wednesday Morning Atonement (Curtis Harding) - We had him on my June 2014 Playlist, and now he's back with more classic soul vibes, produced by Danger Mouse!

6.  Maybes (Giraffage feat. Japanese Breakfast) - Bay area producer and artist collaborates with Japanese Breakfast for some cool-as-ice lounge beats to go with the October breezes.

7.    Slow Hands (Niall Horan) - Former One Direction member goes solo with some folksy, hand-clappin' pop.

8.  Days (Edward + Jane) - More folk vibes from Chattanooga Indie band.

9.  To All the Girls Who Cry (the Secret Sisters) - I just caught these ladies in concert last Friday and they were AMAZING!!!  After their record label dropped them, Brandi Carlile tracked Laura and Lydia Rogers down in Alabama and offered to produce a new album for them.  The results are glorious, and I'm happy to report that the sisters are as lovely in person as their harmonies are on stage.  Definitely catch them if they come to your city!

10.  Can't Get It Out (Brand New) - Long Island rockers are back with a highly anticipated 5th album, rumored to be their last!

11.  Don't Do Me Like That (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) - We lost Tom Petty this week, so I had to include one of his hits.  RIP.

12.  Da Ya Think I'm Sexy (Rod Stewart with DNCE) - Another music legend, who happily is still with us, teams up with a Jonas brother to update his 1978 disco classic for a new generation!

13.  Everytime I See the Light (Peaking Lights) -  Funky psychedelic vibes that sound like Astrud Gilberto singing to a Roxy Music tune. 

14.  Over My Shoulder (Two Another) - Smooth R&B vibes from British duo.

15.  Don't Dream It's Over (the Head and the Heart) - We had an 80s band singing a contemporary song (see #3), so it's only fair that we have a contemporary band sing an 80s song (originally done in 1986 by Crowded House). 

16.  Domino (Hiss Golden Messenger) - Upbeat and soulful folk from Durham, NC band.

17.  Tell Me What They're Saying Can't Be True (Cécile McLorin Salvant) - This woman could sing tax forms and I'd listen!  Taken from the Grammy winner's latest album of live and studio cuts. Please let her come through Charlotte sometime!!!

So that's October!  I'm off to eat some German food (Oktoberfest, y'know!) and then pull together a Halloween costume.  Hope everyone has a great and spooky month and I'll see you in November!

Brant's September 2017 Playlist

Whitney Houston, we have a problem! This is what
I get for shopping at Katy Perry's Etsy page.  

Okay, I'm a couple of days late with this one!  Between the holiday weekend and my birthday, time got away from me.  But I managed to cobble together some new tunes, with the help of a couple of friends.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Glide (the Dream Syndicate) - So, in one of those weird coincidences - I've been exploring music from the Paisley Underground the last few weeks, mainly because I found an out-of-print Three O'Clock CD that I've really liked (more on that later).  Anyway, it turns out that one of the premier bands from this movement is putting out a new album.  This single from the upcoming album is a great return to form for The Dream Syndicate!

2.  Heaven (PVRIS) - Robert turned me on to this band, and (as the kids say) they are FIRE!!!  Soaring vocals over driving percussion.

3.  Lady (Austin Mahone feat. Pit Bull) - Delicious remake of Modjo's 2001 classic, which features a sample from Chic's "Soup for One".

4.  Heart Attack (Oliver feat. De La Soul) - Electronic duo teams up with Hip Hop legends for some old school get-down that would make Grandmaster Flash smile!  Thanks, Gary, for calling these guys to my attention!

5.  Life Goes On (Fergie) - Taylor Swift isn't the only pop princess with a new album coming out!  I hope Fergie doesn't get overlooked in all the Tay Tay/Katy Perry hoopla!

6.  Carin at the Liquor Store (the National) - Bruce pointed me this way as we were discussing the latest in rock music.  Kinda sounds like a lost Tom Waits tune.

7.  Crawl (Gabriel Garzón-Montano) - Playful R&B vibes from new artist most-famous for being sampled by Drake on "Jungle".

8.  Sunflower (Glen Campbell) - I think we all knew this day was coming, but it was still sad to lose Glen Campbell.  Here, he covers Neil Diamond's "Sunflower" with his characteristic sincerity and exuberance. RIP.

9.  Sixteen (Thomas Rhett) - Rising country star serves up some John Cougar Mellencamp flavors with a dash of nostalgia.

10.  September Song (JP Cooper) - Uplifting pop from British singer-songwriter.

11.  Friendship Is a Small Boat in a Storm (Chicano Batman) - I can't remember how I found this song, but I'm digging its wacky 1970s Santana/War vibe.

12.  Walkaway (Weaves) - Tasty Indie Rock from Toronto band.  Lead singer Jasmyn Burke seems to be channeling Missing Persons' Dale Bozzio on this single!

13.  Fool's Gold (Dagny feat. BØRNS) - Dance-pop from Norwegian singer.

14.  Kiss It Better (Cerrone feat. Yasmin) - It's awesome to see disco legends still out there making great music.  Nile Rodgers never left, but in 2015 Giorgio Morodor released "Deja Vu".  Now we have Cerrone coming out with a new album.  Easy-going disco vibes with kittenish vocals, perfect for end-of-summer lounging by the pool.

15.  Flower Power (Greta Van Fleet) - Online reviews have compared this young band to Led Zeppelin, and that's a fair comparison - but WOW!  Can't wait to see what happens as this band matures and finds their own sound.  Until then, I'm totally good with the early 70s grooves they're currently delivering.

16.  Love Explosion (the Three O'Clock) - As I mentioned earlier, I recently came across this out-of-print album by the Three O'Clock which was released on Prince's Paisley Park label in 1987.  It's a shame some of these songs aren't more widely available, because there are some good moments on "Vermillion".  Not on Spotify, but you can hear this particular song on YouTube.  The Three O'Clock were part of the Paisley Underground scene in Los Angeles during the 1980s, along with the Dream Syndicate and the Bangles.  Prince was so impressed by their sound that he signed the Three O'Clock to his own label!

17.  Astronaut (Transviolet) - Speaking of LA bands, here's a new one!  Trippy, electronic psychedelia that still manages to get the toes tappin'.

So that's September!  I'm going to get back to my Labor Day weekend, but wanted to get this posted.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday!  See you in October.

Brant's August 2017 Playlist

It's back to school time - you grab the lunch box and I'll grab the boombox!  

Is it time for a new playlist already???  July went by fast - but not as fast as Scaramucci's stint as Communications Director at the White House.  The Mooch is out, but great music is always IN!  Let's get to it.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  When We Were Young (Andy Black and Juliet Simms) - Adele gets the Emo Power Ballad treatment!  I'm sure some folks will be mortified this recording exists, but I'm loving it.  Reminds me of slow dances at the prom.

2.  Automatic (Mondo Cozmo) - More arena rock vibes, this time from Philadelphia artist Josh Ostrander.  We also featured him on February's playlist.  Can't wait for the entire album to drop!

3.  Green Light /Chromeo Remix/ ( Lorde) - You know how sometimes something shouldn't work but then it totally works???  Chromeo turns Lorde's teen angst into a thumpin' 80s dance jam.

4.  We Could Run (Beth Ditto) - As promised, more from Beth Ditto's excellent solo album.

5.  Sleepwalking (Nicole Atkins) - Former Charlottean serves up some East Coast beach music.

6.  Brass Beam (Waxahatchee) - Confessional grrrrrl rock from Indie artist.

7.  Seems I'm Never Tired Lovin' You (Lizz Wright) - Talented vocalist takes Nina Simone to church with this delicious gospel-tinged cover!

8.  Paper Wings /Demo/ (Gillian Welch) - Two decades after the release of her debut album, Welch treats us to a collection of bootlegs and outtakes from the recording sessions.  I kinda like this straightforward reading/demo of this song from the original album.

9.  Unpredictable (Olly Murs and Luisa Johnson) - Olly is becoming my go-to for fun, danceable pop.  His latest does NOT disappoint.

10.  The Maze (Manchester Orchestra) - More gospel flavahs from Georgia Indie band.

11.  Systemagic /Hannah Holland Remix/ (Goldfrapp) - Thank goodness my friend Josh tipped me off that there was a new Goldfrapp album.  This one flew in under my radar.  Love the Euro-Disco vibe that Hannah Holland brings to the original.

12.  Drench Me With Your Lust (AMiR) - London based producer channels Michael Jackson for this toe-tappin (but kinda grossly titled) soul tune!

13.  Weakness (Margo Price) - Retro-country goddess is back with more old-school confections!

14.  Holding On (The War on Drugs) - This one kind of reminds me of 80s Grateful Dead, and I'm good with that.

15.  Wouldn't You Love to Love Me? (Taja Sevelle) - I guess the only good side of Prince passing is that stuff he worked on his bubbling up again.  30 years ago, Michael Jackson was working on his follow up to the legendary Thriller album.  As one of the biggest artists of that decade, Prince was asked to duet on the title song of Jackson's new album, "Bad".  Prince passed on that, but instead offered a song he had written for Jackson to record.  Jackson passed, but the song ended up on R&B singer Taja Sevelle's debut album.  It's not available on Spotify, but you can hear it HERE.  Would have loved to hear what MJ could have done with this song, though.

16.  Love On Hold (Aeroplane feat. Tawatha Agee) - One of those old-school sounding jams that immediately makes me perk up my ears!  Lead singer Tawatha Agee was previously lead singer for the Mtume hit, "Juicy Fruit", which may be why I was instantly drawn to this song.  The Dimitri from Paris remix comes with everything but roller skates and a disco ball!

So that's this month's batch of songs!  Hope everyone is having a great summer, and I'll see ya next month!

Brant's July 2017 Playlist

Always check your surroundings for safety...and bad music!

Well, I can't help you with the Sharktopus, but I can steer you towards some good music.  July's playlist is chock full of summery vibes - whether it's for sipping cool drinks by the pool or rocking out in your car with all the windows down.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Everything Now (Arcade Fire) - Never has consumerism been so danceable.  Arcade Fire returns to read all of (I'm assuming) American culture for their obsession with possession.

2.  Fake Sugar (Beth Ditto) - I have loved her since day one with Gossip, and was super thrilled to hear Beth's solo album.  Hat tip to Anthony for letting me know it was available.  As expected, I loved it all - and had a hard time choosing just one tune to add to this month's playlist.  SPOILER ALERT:  She'll probably show up on future lists.

3.  Green Eyes (Judah and the Lion) - New Wave vibes + banjo makes for some inspired can't-play-this-loud-enough jams!

4.  Your Song (Rita Ora) - British pop star is back after a two year absence, and pretty much guaranteed a comeback with this exuberant single.

5.  Possessed (Prince) - The much-awaited expanded edition of Prince's masterpiece, Purple Rain, is here and has several gems.  This was a tune he used to perform live, but never officially released.  I'd love to find a soundboard recording of one of his live performances of this.

6.  Love Comes in Spurts (Nouvelle Vague) - I love this band!!!  There's something so twisted about doing bossa nova versions of punk and New Wave songs.  Here, they cover Richard Hell and the Voidoids.

7.  Darkest Hour (Lyves) - I can't remember how I found this one, but it reminds me a little of London Grammar.  Rich vocals over icy beats.

8.  All We Ever Knew (the Head and the Heart) - I've sat on this one for a while, just because it was such a departure from the organic sounds the band used to do so well.  But every time I heard it, I always liked it - so I'm finally sharing it.  I guess every band has the right to evolve and change their sound.

9.  Bad Liar (Selena Gomez) - Let's file this under 'guilty pleasures'.  I WILL add that Selena Gomez owes a HUGE debt to Ciara - who was doing this minimal but funky sound before Selena even had her driver's license.

10.  Edge of Town (Middle Kids) - When Elton John gives you a 'thumbs up', you know you're doing something right.  Easy going alt-rock to keep your summer cookout hoppin'.

11.  April (Goody Grace) - This guy opened for LANY last month when I saw them in Charlotte, and I made it a point to track down some of his music.  Folk-tinged rock with wistful vocals.

12.  Classic (the Knocks feat. Powers) - Yes, this is from the Coca-Cola commercial.  But in fairness to me, I did have the Knocks on my May 2016 playlist!

13.  We/Me (Stokley) - Mint Condition singer goes solo and treats us to some feel-good soul that would make Stevie Wonder proud.

14.  Breathe /Shura Remix/ (Astrid S) - Shura popped up on my first playlist of the year, and now she's back adding her 1980's style beats to Astrid S's latest tune.

15.  Waiting on a Song (Dan Auerbach) - Producer and sometimes Black Keys member serves up some 1970s feels that are as retro as grandma's avocado green kitchen appliances.

16.  Rest of It (Strand of Oaks) - Let's keep the 70s vibes going with this muscular classic rock contribution from Philadelphia artist Timothy Showalter.  Why did we EVER stop making music like this???

17.  Universal Soldier (Buffy Sainte-Marie) - I usually try to put a patriotic song on my July playlists, and with all the political turmoil America is going through at the moment - I found myself gravitating towards the protest songs of the 1960s.  What's more patriotic than wanting your country to do better, because you know it can!  And as you probably guessed, I'm still on a Buffy Sainte-Marie kick - so this seemed like a perfect selection.

So that's July!  Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day weekend.  See you next month!

Brant's June 2017 Playlist

Hmmm...from the looks of things, maybe this half day excursion to the nudist beach wasn't such a good idea!

Well, summer is here, and unless your name is Kathy Griffin (who really should have known that posting a pic with a decapitated Trump head was a bad idea), there should be lots of good times ahead!  Nothing goes with cookouts and lounging on the beach like some good tunes - so let's dive in!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Wait for You (Ady Suleiman) - Some reggae flavors to get the summer started!

2.  Lorraine (Peter Bradley Adams) - Talented folk singer is back with some new music, and apparently a promise to his girlfriend that he's going to upgrade his social circle.

3.  Good Girls (LANY) - I just caught them in concert last month, and they were awesome!  Great energy, feel-good music, and lead singer Paul Klein's hair game is strong.

4.  Don't Take the Money (Bleachers) - Apparently I wasn't the only one excited to see that Jack Antonoff had new music out - several of my friends were texting me to give me the heads up (which I appreciate!).  Can't wait to hear the rest of the album.

5.  Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) - This month's RIP selection.  Chris Cornell's suicide was a great loss to the music world.  Gone but not forgotten.

6.  Heroin (Badflower) - Psychedelic rock from West Coast band.

7.  Moonshine Freeze (This Is the Kit) - Keeping the psychedelic vibe going with this tune, which vaguely reminds me of Velvet Underground and some of Lou Reed's early stuff.

8.  Peaceful Easy Feeling (Tristen) - I'm still enjoying the "Instant Love" series, so here's another offering - an Eagles cover by songwriter Tristen Gaspadarek.

9.  Arizona Hwy (the Darcys) - Canadian band serves up some peppy pop about cruisin' the American southwest.

10.  Cut to the Feeling (Carly Rae Jepsen) - CRJ has been consistently good since her breakout in 2011, but hasn't seemed to catch on in the US despite great success in the UK and Canada.  Here's hoping this new anthem brings her the universal success she deserves.

11.  Not the Loving Kind (Buffy Sainte-Marie) - Another 60s throwback!  I was moving some of her stuff onto my iPod when I wondered what BSM had been up to lately.  What a treat to see she is still releasing new music!  This is a reworking of her 1972 song, released in 2015.

12.  Bottle Rocket (the Weeks) - Indie rock swagger from Mississippi band.

13.  Drink You Gone (Ingrid Michaelson and John Paul White) - Indie darling teams up with former The Civil Wars singer/songwriter for this country-tinged number.

14.  Tango 'Til They're Sore (Madeleine Peyroux) - It's always fun to see an artist you like cover another artist you like!  Here, mercurial jazz chanteuse tackles Tom Waits with delectable results.

15.   Sweet VA Breeze (D.R.A.M.) - Kind of like listening to Barry White while on an acid trip.  I'm totally digging the Hammond organ!

16.  Cannonball (Hidden Charms) - Sexy glam rock from UK band.

17.  Little Hollywood (Alle Farben and Janieck) - Back to the sunny island vibes as we wrap up this month's playlist!

So that's June's list.  There are no sunny island vacations in my foreseeable future, but just in case I think I'll hit the gym so I'll be swimsuit-ready.  See ya next month!

Brant's May 2017 Playlist

What's going to be the best song of the summer?  It's still a toss up!

May is here and it seems the predictions of impending doom were a tad overblown.  America survived the first 100 days of its new President, and warnings of a tsunami in the Philippines were luckily unrealized.  In fact, the only disaster I can think of was the Fyre Festival - and anyone who is willing to pay $12,000 for a concert ticket pretty much deserves what they get.  Especially when you can listen to this month's playlist for free!  To check it out on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Why (Alan Cumming) - I just caught his one man show, "Alan Cumming Sings Sappy Songs", and it was fantastic.  I love that he opened with this Annie Lennox song!  Don't miss his show if he comes your way!

2.  Demon in Profile (The Afghan Whigs) - Recently reunited rock band brings their A-game with this new single!

3.  Shining In the Distance (the Stray Birds) - When I first heard this, I thought it was Christine McVie singing the lead!  Tight harmonies and toe-tappin' Americana.

4.  Kind Woman (Erin Durant) - Another selection from the excellent "Instant Love" series, where women sing love songs written for women.  Here, Brooklyn singer/songwriter Erin Durant sings Buffalo Springfield's 1968 classic.

5.  Until the Pain Is Gone (Daley feat. Jill Scott) - Another artist I've been lucky enough to catch in concert this year.  Smooth soul vibes delivered in collaboration with the totes brill Jill Scott!

6.  Big Picture /THRDL!FE remix/ (London Grammar) - Stately vocals over a pulsating beat that makes you feel like you are flying over a Scottish mountain range!

7.  Fever (Roosevelt) - We had him on last September's playlist, but this guy is so delicious I needed a second helping!  Feel good New Wave from Germany.

8.  She's Playing Hard to Get /Rid of/ (Sam Outlaw) - Former ad exec switched gears on his 30th birthday to pursue a career in music, and personally I'm glad he did!  He clearly has a love of classic country music and the chops to deliver some of his own!

9.  Spanish Harlem (Laura Nyro with Labelle) - It's been 20 years since we lost Laura Nyro, but when I saw the anniversary of her passing I dug out some of my old CDs.  Gone but not forgotten.

10.  Telling the Truth (Mary J. Blige feat. Kaytranada and BadBadNotGood) - The first of two Kaytranada songs on this month's list.  I'm really digging his minimalist beats, and of course Mary J. could sing tax forms and it'd sound good!

11.  Murder to the Mind (Tash Sultana) - Funky beats, slinky vocals that vaguely remind me of Macy Gray, and one bangin' guitar solo at the end!

12.  Deliverance (Prince) - Did someone say guitar???  How has it been a year since we lost Prince?  Various unreleased tunes of his have surfaced since he passed in 2016, but so far I think this one is my favorite.  I love the gospel touches, and his voice and guitar playing are on point.  I will forever be missing him.

13.  Dearly Beloved (Keisza) -  This is starting to feel like a stream-of-consciousness playlist, since "Dearly Beloved..." is the opening line to one of Prince's biggest hits.  Anyway, this is the latest from Keisza.  It kind of sounds like a 70s tune that got remixed in the 1990s.  It's growing on me.

14.  High (Sir Sly) - Indie pop from the West Coast.

15.  Rhinoceros (Juliana Hatfield) - Remember how Beyonce' used her album "Lemonade" to process her feelings about her husband's infidelity?  Well, Juliana Hatfield has done the same thing with her album "Pussycat" to process her feelings about our current President.  The results are honest, angry, and occasionally hilarious.  Case in point is this tune, which envisions what life must be like behind closed doors for First Lady Melania.    Ick.

16.  Together (Kaytranada feat. AlunaGeorge and GoldLink) - The second Kaytranada song, which serves up more spacey minimalist beats and flirty vocals.

17.  The Cross (Simple Minds) - Not one of Prince's more popular songs, but it perfectly suits Simple Minds' style and they do a great job with it.  This particular recording isn't on Spotify, but you can see it on YouTube.  It's nice to see other artists are still honoring Prince.

So that's this month's list.  Hope everyone has a safe Memorial Day, and we'll see ya next month!

Brant's April 2017 Playlist

Infamous crime duo Bunny and Clyde:  hoppin' dirty.  

Easter is two weeks away, and we've got a basket full of tunes for ya!  I guess the theme for this month could be collaborations.  Many of these songs are the product of artists coming together to make music.  And much like infamous Easter crime duo Bunny and Clyde - the results are outrageous and memorable.  Let's hop on in.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Babygirl (Charli XCX feat. Uffie) - I've definitely been keeping my eye on rising pop star Charli XCX.  She seems to have a clear vision of where she's going, and I love her sound - which takes the best of 80's and 90's pop and repackages it to feel fresh and contemporary.  And what a treat to hear Uffie return from a hiatus to lay down some rhymes!

2.  Friends (Francis and the Lights feat. Bon Iver) - Cinematic electronica backed by a choir of Auto-tuned angels to soothe your tax season nerves.

3.  Never My Love (Knox Hamilton) - Inspired New Wave take on the Association's groovy classic.

4.  San Francisco Dues (Chuck Berry) - This rock pioneer passed away last month, but his body of work will live on forever.  He's best known for early songs like "Johnnie B. Goode" and "Maybellene", but this 1971 recording shows that he was still going strong in his later years.  RIP

5.  There 4 U (Leela James) - Another artist I've followed for a while now.  I'm totally digging the 1970s vibe she's got going on here!

6.  Songbird (Freedom Fry) - Usually I get my freedom fries with a burger, but nothing wrong with some fowl every now and then!  Especially when it's sung so deliciously.

7.  Crazy Love (Irma Thomas) - I stumbled across this on NPR.  Apparently Instant Records is releasing a series of recordings of women singing love songs traditionally sung by men.  If the rest of the offerings are as great as this one - we've got a lot to look forward to.  Here - New Orleans soul legend Irma Thomas covers Van Morrison.

8.  Empty Hotel by the Sea (Conor Oberst) - Okay, I guess the theme for this month could also be Artists that I Love.  Here's the latest from prolific songwriter Conor Oberst.  I was a little puzzled why he went back and re-recorded songs from his last acoustic album, this time with a full band behind him.  But luckily he threw in some new stuff as well, such as this tune.

9.  Slide (Calvin Harris feat. Frank Ocean and Migos) - Whether it's K-Pop artists or Bruno Mars, it seems that the 80s R&B sound is making a comeback.  Calvin Harris jumps on the bandwagon with this funky mid-tempo collaboration featuring Frank Ocean and hip hop group Migos.

10.  Just a Feeling (Phantoms feat. Vérité) - LA electronic duo teams up with Brooklyn singer to serve some icy cool dance beats.

11.  Lost in Music (Sister Sledge) - We also lost Joni Sledge, of Sister Sledge, in March.  Best known for their hit "We Are Family", here is Joni singing lead on this selection from the same album.  RIP Sister!

12.  All My People /Boogie Back Remix/ (Kindred the Family Soul) - Neo-Soul husband and wife act deliver some feel-good vibes that would make Ashford and Simpson smile!

13.  I Feel It Coming (the Weeknd feat. Daft Punk) - Grammy winner shows no signs of a slump on his third album, which concludes with this Daft Punk collaboration that could easily have been an outtake from Michael Jackson's "Thriller" album.

14.  Get on Up (DJ Bobo) - Sometimes a song can be doing everything wrong (hokey raps, Chipmunk-style background vocals) and it totally works!!!  This song gets my toes tappin' every time.  I guess that's why DJ Bobo has sold 14 million records throughout Europe - clearly he knows what he's doing!

15.  (Nothing But) Flowers (Talking Heads) - Hard to believe the Talking Heads released this 29 years ago this month!  The lyrics still seem relevant with President Trump recently signing an Executive Order to undermine Obama's efforts to curb climate change.

16.  Answer My Text (PWR BTTM) - I used to love Pansy Division back in the day, so what a treat to find this new Queer Punk band!

17.  She's Like a Star (Soul System) - Heard this online and never would have guessed it was an Italian band!  Great contemporary soul vibes!

18.  Good as Hell (Lizzo) - Crystal turned me on to this artist.  Up-and-Coming hip hop star with sassy attitude for days!

So that's April's list!  I guess that means now I've gotta get back to my taxes.  Somehow that doesn't seem as much fun as discovering new music.  See you in May!

Brant's March 2017 Playlist

Nothing like a little music when times are trough!  

Welp, February flew by and despite the groundhog's predictions - it looks like Spring is here.  The Zyrtec is helping, but I am still feeling the first pangs of hay fever.  So before I completely succumb - here's March's playlist!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  The Love We Almost Had (Rhiannon Giddens) - Rhi is back and I'd follow this woman anywhere!!!  Sexy, jazzy song about missed opportunity.

2.  Call On Me (Starley) - Appealing folk-tinged pop from Australian singer.

3.  Gun Clap Hero (Hanni El Khatib) - Sounds like the long-lost theme song from a 1970s action flick!

4.  Glitter (Charly Bliss) - Loved this song from the first minute I heard it.  Reminds me of 1990s female-led alt rock groups like Veruca Salt!

5.  Love On the Brain (Rihanna) - I have a love/hate relationship with Rihanna.  I love some of her songs like "Pon de Replay" and "Only Girl in the World" but can't bear to suffer through other stuff like "Bitch Better Have My Money".  Luckily this  old school ballad falls in the "Love It" category.

6.  Alibi (Bear Mountain) - Wistful New Wave from Canadian band.

7.  We're In This Love Together (Al Jarreau) - No middle school slow jam playlist was complete without one of Al Jarreau's  tunes on it.  I was sorry to hear that he passed away last month.  #GoneButNotForgotten

8.  White Fields (Montmartre) - Icy beats and slinky vocals, courtesy of French duo.

9.  The Story (Dolly Parton) - Country legend covers one of Brandi Carlile's signature songs, with glorious results.

10.  Hollywood Forever (K. Flay) - Funky electronica that reminds me of Röyksopp.

11.  Love From the Sun (Theo Croker feat. Dee Dee Bridgewater) - Up and coming jazz trumpeter teams with Grammy winner for some glorious, soaring acid jazz.

12.  I Know a Place (MUNA) - Uplifting anthem that pays tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting and imagines a world where LGBT people are safe and part of a unified America.   From their lips to God's ears.

13.  They Don't Own Me (Richard Ashcroft) - Former lead singer of the Verve ("Bittersweet Symphony") goes solo for this easy-going country-tinged ditty.

14.  Tip My Heart (Sally and George) - Nashville duo delivers some catchy old-school vibes that would make Buddy Holly smile.

15.  Windy City (Alison Krauss) - Alison pays tribute to classic country on her newest album, and this cover of the Osborne Brothers standard was a highlight.

16.  Olive (Denitia and Sene) - My friend Gary turned me on to these guys and their new album "love and noir", but once I started digging through their catalog - I found myself favoring this perky single from a few months ago.

17.  By Your Side (Hoody feat. Jinbo) - A sugary slice of Korean/English disco dessert!

So that's March!  Hope everyone has a safe and festive month, and I'll see you in April if the pollen doesn't kill me first!

Brant's February 2017 Playlist

You don't always get the Valentine you want, but at least in Brantworld you can get some new music.  February is here, along with a new batch of songs.  This one leans towards the mellow side, but hopefully still excites.  It's nice to see so many of this month's songs involve new artists turning to established names for collaboration.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Black Tears (Imelda May feat. Jeff Beck) - Lawdy, this woman can sing - and a 1950s-style ballad like this is perfectly suited to her pipes.

2.  Shine (Mondo Cozmo) - This sounds like the love child of early Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan!  Totally dig when the choir kicks in.  Why aren't more people making rock music like this???

3.  Let Me Get There (Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions feat. Kurt Vile) - Mazzy Star lead singer teams up with Kurt Vile for this easy-going groove (although the video is freaky!).

4.  To Her Door (Empire of the Sun feat. Lindsay Buckingham) - The Australian duo tapped several veterans to work on their new album.  They got a Fleetwood Mac legend to collaborate on this track!  Wendy Melvoin (from Prince's band The Revolution) pitched in for another track: "Ride".

5.  Grow Up (Olly Murs) - I'll never understand why this guy isn't more popular in the US.  Great mid-tempo pop.

6.  Here I Am (Tom Odell) - The UK is clearly overflowing with gifted musicians!  This talented pianist from West Sussex is showing no signs of sophomore slump on his latest album!

7.  The Girl with Better Clothes (Crooked Man) - I picture this tune being on the soundtrack from some 80s teen movie!  Love its bitchy New Wave vibes.

8.  Sick Love (Red Hot Chili Peppers) - The feel is a little more mellow, but you can still recognize the band's characteristic funk.  Elton John provides a nice assist on keyboards.

9.  Oh My God (Gibbz) - Anthony brought this artist to my attention.  The use of horns reminds me of classic tunes by Chicago.

10.  Human /The Age of L.U.N.A. Remix/ (Rag'n'Bone Man) - The original version of this is getting a lot of play on Sirius/XM radio, but I kind of love this remix.  It removes a lot of the bombastic elements of the original and lets the focus remain on Rory Graham's bluesy vocals.

11.  Waiting for the Stars (Vitalic feat. David Shaw) - I loved their 2009 hit "Poison Lips", but Vitalic had slipped off my radar until Gary mentioned they had a new album out!  They can still rock some Euro-Disco like nobody's business, though.

12.  Kiss the Sky (Jason Derulo) - Top-selling singer/songwriter treats us to a new tune, from his Platinum Hits compilation.

13.  Come With Us /F9 Extended Disco Mix/ (Sophie Ellis-Bextor) - "Murder on the Dance Floor" songstress comes storming back onto the dance floor with this glitterrific disco ditty!

14.  Flowers (Bibi Bourelly) - German singer/songwriter seems poised to become the next big thing in the Hip Hop and R&B world!  She's already toured with Rihanna and collaborated with Lil Wayne!  Here she gives an expletive-laden tutorial on what NOT to do for Valentine's Day!

15.  All Night (Crystal Fighters) - Upbeat world music vibes from British band.

16.  Make Some Room (the Suffers) - Move over, Betty Wright!  There's a new Clean Up Woman in town.  My friend Page profiled the Suffers for South Park magazine, and I was digging their old-school soul sound.

17.  A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square (Blossom Dearie) - I've been on a Blossom Dearie kick lately, rummaging through her catalog and lamenting the fact that so much of her music is now out of print.  Here she covers the Vera Lynn standard with a simple jazz band accompanying.  This seemed like the perfect Valentine's Day song to end our playlist.  Sadly not on Spotify or YouTube, but you can find it on her 1991 album "Tweedledum and Tweedledee".

So that's February!  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see ya in March with some new music!

Brant's January 2017 Playlist

I opted for something simple and homemade to wear for New Year's Eve

Well, the craptastic year that took Prince, David Bowie, George Michael, and countless others from us is finally over.  Here's hoping 2017 is much kinder to us and the musicians we love.  Speaking of music, we've got some new songs!  I saw an article posted online the other day that says after age 33, the majority of people don't listen to new music anymore.  I'm happy to be bucking this trend, and hope some of you are too.  Life is too short to simply rehash your old playlists, no matter how great they are.  To listen to this month's list on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Tell My Heart (Nora En Pure) - We had the instrumental of this song, called "Lake Arrowhead", on last September's playlist!  Looks like somebody wrote some lyrics and added vocals by Dani Senior.  Seemed like a fun, upbeat way to start the year off.

2.  Indecision (Shura) - English singer/songwriter keeps the party going with some 80s flavored dance pop.

3.  Heavydirtysoul (Twenty One Pilots feat. Mutemath) - Mutemath takes Twenty One Pilots from the lounge and into the arena, expanding the sound of the original and making it even more epic!

4.  Gold (the Shelters) - Breezy, 60s style rock from LA band.

5.  Bullets (Kaytranada feat. Little Dragon) - Trippy beats and Yukimi Nagano's airy vocals combine to create the most blissed out anti-gun anthem ever!

6.  Radiate (Rockets) - Not sure where I stumbled across this, but it's the 80s version of trippy beats and bliss.  From the French band's 1981 album Pi Greco, 3,14.

7.  Sexual (Neiked feat. Dyo) - Gary turned me on to this one.  Perky Euro-Pop to get your body moving, both vertically and horizontally!

8.  I Knew You Were Waiting for Me (George Michael and Aretha Franklin) - The latest artist to be taken from us too soon.  D@mn you, 2016!  George Michael has a huge catalog of songs from which to choose, but ultimately I landed on this one - a duet with the Queen of Soul from 1987 which went on to chart at Number One in multiple countries, and win a Grammy!  RIP

9.  Redbone (Childish Gambino) - Some people are so talented it makes me feel like an invertebrate.  Donald Glover, aka Childish Gambino, started out as a comedy writer for 30 Rock before moving into music.  Two Grammy nominations later, he's back with this slinky slow jam clearly influenced by Prince.

10.  I Always Knew/Hotline Bling (the Struts) - I love hearing bands cover tunes that they love.  Here, the always engaging band The Struts covers the Vaccines and Drake in an unexpected mashup.  Not on Spotify, but you can watch the video HERE.

11.  Name on a Matchbook (Springtime Carnivore) - I heard this on the soundtrack to Crazyhead and immediately had to download it!  It has a great retro feel to it, like Nancy Sinatra meets the "Monster Mash".

12.  Not Easy (Alex da Kid with Wiz Khalifa, X Ambassadors, and Elle King) - With a lineup like this, it's no surprise this song is so awesome!  A glorious conglomeration of cowboy folk, hip hop, and electronica.

13.  Shakedown Street (Unknown Mortal Orchestra) - Another hybrid that perhaps shouldn't work, but does.  UMO provides a funky cover of the Grateful Dead's classic tune from the album of the same name.

14.  To Be Without You (Ryan Adams) - Fresh off his album of Taylor Swift covers, the prolific North Carolina-born artist returns with this gorgeous ballad.

15.  Blue Moon (Pink Martini feat. Rufus Wainwright) - After a great collaboration on "Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again" (featured on my October 2013 playlist!), the Oregon band partners with Wainwright once more to make magic.

16.   It's Over (Julaiah feat. Brothers Nalbandyan) - Taken from Hed Kandi's Serve Chilled 2016 compilation.  Sophisticated club beats and silky vocals that will go perfectly with whatever you're drinking to toast the New Year.

17.  United State of Pop 2016 (DJ Earworm) - An end-of-year mashup of some of 2016's hottest pop music, courtesy of DJ Earworm.  Also not on Spotify, but you can find it on Soundcloud.

So that's our first list of 2017.  Hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve, and that 2017 brings health and happiness for all!  See ya next month!