Brant's January 2019 Playlist

Shining a spotlight on the best music for your New Year!  

Just think - twenty years ago we were getting ready to party like it was 1999.  Where does the time go?  2019 is literally hours away!  I decided to go ahead and post January's playlist - so that'll be one less thing I have to do in the New Year.  Maybe it's the wet and chilly weather, but I found myself gravitating towards the slow jams and chill tracks.  But we've also got some Indie bands to keep everyone from dozing off!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Aliens in Our Midst (Wussy) - Cincinnati band is back with some of their signature quirky rock! 

2.  Break Out the Champagne (Amanda Shires) - Mrs. Jason Isbell has an extensive repertoire of her own!  This is off her latest album.  My friend Page turned me onto her!  This song feels like she is picking up the baton from Natalie Merchant and 10,000 Maniacs with its distinctive vocals and soft rock backdrop.

3.  Bad Guy (Hatchie) - Mellow dream pop from Australian chanteuse. 

4.  Fast Talk (Houses) - Chicago duo faces an existential crises with a sick beat.

5.  While My Heart Is Still Beating (Bryan Ferry) - On his latest album, the former Roxy Music singer reworks his catalog in the style of a 1930s orchestra with surprisingly successful results!  This feels like a night out in Berlin with Christopher Isherwood! 

6.  Just Thought You Should Know (Betty Who) - Much like I said about Olly Murs last month, Betty Who never disappoints!  She's another one of my go-to's when I need some peppy pop! 

7.  Lucia (Roosevelt) - We had "Under the Sun" on last August's playlist.  German electronic artist serves up more sunny beats on this latest tune from his sophomore album. 

8.  Say the Word (Raheem DeVaughan) - R&B crooner is eager to please on this new bedroom jam.

9.  Sufferin' with the Blues (Nancy Wilson) - I never realized how popular Nancy Wilson was until her death this month!  How nice to see all the tributes to this jazz legend on social media.  This was one of my personal favorites of hers.  RIP

10.  Monumental Shame (the Spirit of the Beehive) - Trippy psychedelic rock from Philly band. 

11.  Dumb Blonde (Dolly Parton with Miranda Lambert) - I thoroughly enjoyed the movie "Dumplin'" in its own right, but the soundtrack also exposed me to songs from Dolly Parton's early years.  Here, she remakes one of her first hits, with Country superstar Miranda Lambert. 

12.  Used to You (Foreign Air) - Indie band has gotten some airplay on Sirius/XM with this ambient groove.  They met in Charlotte while touring with different bands! 

13.  Your Nail and Your Hammer (Oh Pep!) - Australian folk duo brings some 1960s girl group flavors to this easy-going jam. 

14.  Chances (Kaytranada and Shay Lia) - Canadian DJ and singer team up for some loungy soul.

15.  TV in the Morning (DNCE) - Maybe it's because I finally tried their family's restaurant in Belmont, NC this month, but I was in the mood for some Jonas music!  Joe Jonas and band explore yacht rock territory on their newest ditty.

16.  Sunday Driver (the Raconteurs) - Jack White and gang serve up some muscular 70s rock!

17.  Grunt Work (Pomplamoose) - Husband/Wife YouTube sensations are known for covering tons of songs.  I can't find out if this is a cover or an original, but I'm digging its 1960s vibes! 

18.  Waiting (Mac Ayres and Chris Anderson) - White boy soul from young NY artist.

19.  Between the Lines (Robyn) - I didn't instantly love Robyn's new album, "Honey", but have to admit it grew on me eventually.  This song especially seems runway-ready.  I fully expect to see drag queens strutting to it in the New Year! 

20.  One Last Time /44 Remix/ (Christopher Jackson, Barack Obama, and Bebe Winans) - Obama does "Hamilton"???  I can't think of a better way to start the New Year!

So that's the first playlist of 2019!  Hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year!  We'll see you next month. 

Brant's December 2018 Playlist

Bah humbug!  I got visited by THREE spirits and not one of them brought music!  

Like Candy Spelling in her gift decorating room after too many Peppermint Mochas, another year is wrapping up fast!  Christmas albums began coming out back in September, but I'm still not ready for them.  Besides, there was plenty of other great music to check out - so let's get to it!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Sylvia Says /Mind Enterprises Remix/ (Charlotte Gainsbourg) - Whether it's Breakbot (who also remixed this particular song!),  dearly departed Avicii, or DJ Snake - Europeans are masters of Electronica.  I'm totally digging this 80's flavored remix of Charlotte Gainsbourg's tune from her critically acclaimed album "Rest". 

2.  Lover Chanting (Little Dragon) - Yukimi Nagano and the gang are back with more trippy European electronica to help you dance off those Thanksgiving calories.

3.  Ride or Die (the Knocks feat. Foster the People) - I really thought after "Pumped Up Kicks" that Foster the People would be a one-hit wonder, but they continue to turn out great music, this time with American duo the Knocks!

4.  Gut Feeling (Ella Mai feat. H.E.R.) - Another powerhouse pairing that has been on heavy rotation since I first heard it.  Two R&B divas join forces for a simmering slow jam!

5.  Dream Operator (Talking Heads feat. Annie McEnroe) - It took him 32 years, but David Byrne has FINALLY released the complete soundtrack to "True Stories"!  I liked the Talking Heads' version, but something about Annie McEnroe's vocals from the film really took this song to the next level for me!  It sounds like a quirky lullaby sung to the world's coolest toddler!  The scene from the movie is probably one of my favorite 1980s movie clips ever!

6.  Winter's Day (Gunhild Carling) - I stumbled across a video of her performing "Bag Pipe Blues" at a jazz festival, and was immediately #obsessed with Gunhild.  What's not to like about a blonde bombshell with a horn???  Here, she welcomes the season with a mix of vocals and trumpet!

7.  Really Gone /Hansa Session/ (Chvrches) - Whoa.  Electronic band goes acoustic with gorgeous string renditions of songs from their latest album.  Perfect for listening as the snow falls.

8.  Flower in the Gun (Michael Franti with Victoria Canal) - One of my favorite live performers is back with a new album, and this earnest plea for world peace. I miss his "Ganja Babe" days, but this'll do in the meantime! 

9.  Messin' with Me (Northern Faces) - Indie band from Albany gets the party going again with this song from their sophomore album!

10.  New Compassion (Haerts) - German duo serves up some anthemic rock with soaring vocals.

11.  Farther Away (Sam Valdez) - LA songwriter reminds me of a female Chris Isaak with her mellow crooning and seductive guitar strumming!

12.  Feel the Same (Olly Murs feat. Nile Rodgers) - Olly is my go-to guy when I want some upbeat pop, and this partnership with Nile Rodgers only increases the fun!

13.  On the Inside (Cindy Wilson) - I'm really digging Cindy Wilson's (B-52s) solo material.  I had "Ballistic" on last August's playlist, but had to showcase this dreamy selection from last year's "Change" album.

14.  All I Needed Was the Rain (Glen Campbell) - Glen Campbell began his career recording demos for Elvis Presley!  Who knew???  Fortunately, someone dug up the recordings from 1964-68 and decided to make them available to the public.  Here, he sounds like Elvis covering a Bobbie Gentry tune!

15.  Get By (Diane Coffee) - California artist, and frequent Brantworld listee, Shaun Fleming is giving me life with this glam rock ditty!

16.  Dance Hall Days (Theophilus London) - Trinidadian-born American performs a solid cover of Wang Chung's classic, warming the original with a tropical flair!

17.  Great (IDLES) - Punk has always been a rallying cry against mainstream culture, so what a thrill to see it utilized here to call out the racist haters in the world by beloved British band IDLES.

18.  Crazy (Taichi Mukai) - I'm really getting into Asian pop!  Here, "Japanesey" artist gets our feet tappin' with some danceable R&B!

19.  Candy Cane Lane (Sia) - I had to include at least one Christmas song!  Since last year's December playlist was all vintage holiday music, I went contemporary for this year's selection.  Sia took a huge creative risk by releasing an album of original material for the season, but I think she did a great job!  I guess time will tell if any of these reach the heights of Mariah's 1994 standard ("All I Want for Christmas Is You").

So that's our last list for 2018!  Hope everyone has a festive holiday season - and stay warm!  I'll see you in the New Year!

Brant's November 2018 Playlist

New music always gets a thumbs up!  Mitch McConnell?  Not so much.  

Okay - now that Halloween is behind me and I've voted - time for a new playlist!  I actually had a tough time pulling together this month's list, due in part to the fact that all the new music seemed to be Christmas albums!!!  It's not even December, people!  Let's give everyone time to put away their Halloween decorations and enjoy Thanksgiving before we start breaking out the holly.  Plus, I always like to have had my flu shot before I start kissing people under the mistletoe.

Anyway - here's this month's list.  Last month was R&B heavy, so this month I found myself leaning towards the rock offerings.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  You're the One (Greta Van Fleet) - I'm starting to notice some pushback from music lovers, who report that this young band's Led Zeppelin sound is starting to feel rote.  I certainly see their point, but good songs are good songs - and I'm digging this one.  Can't wait to catch them live on this current tour.

2.  Blue Again (Weakened Friends) - Maybe it's because I grew up in the age of Punk and Grunge Rock, but there will always be a place in Brantworld for this kind of unhinged female vocals and growling guitars!  Nothing weak here!

3.  Resting Bitch Face (Boy George and Culture Club) - I was lucky enough to catch them this summer on tour, and it was worth the wait.  Boy George's voice is shockingly lower in register, but all of the feeling still comes through.  The band has always been known for tackling different genres of music (bluegrass with "Karma Chameleon" and the gentle reggae of "Do You Really Want to Hurt Me?"), but to my knowledge they've never done anything with this Memphis Soul vibe.  At a time when so many of the stars of the 80s are no longer with us, we're fortunate to have Boy George still around and still taking chances with his music.

4.  The Wave (Lion Babe with Leikeli47) - Funky soul workout from American duo.

5.  Tongue Tied (Earl) - This popped up on a streaming app and I was instantly #obsessed.  The swing sound of the last millennium gets a 21st century update, with glorious results! 

6.  Strawberry Lover (Mazarati) - My quest to own everything Paisley Park continues!  Mazarati is best known for the song they didn't get - Prince's signature song "Kiss".  They still managed to put together a solid album back in 1986, however.  This psychedelic soul ditty (with lyrics by Prince!) was a standout for me.  Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.

7.  Boogie All Night (Chic with Nao) - Nile Rodgers is still going strong, serving up fun, danceable grooves - this time with an assist from British singer Nao.  BTW - why did we EVER stop saying "boogie"???   

8.  Best Years of My Life (Pistol Annies) - Country supergroup returns with gorgeously despondent harmonies and tales of suburban ennui.

9.  We Might As Well Dance (Madeleine Peyroux) - I had "Party Tyme" on last month's list, but I can't get enough of Peyroux's latest album chronicling life in the modern era!  "Party Tyme" had a snarky, ironic tone - but this one soothes us with quiet resignation.

10.  1999 (Charli XCX and Troye Sivan) - Not to be confused with the Prince song "1999" (which looked forward),  this duet looks back with nostalgia at the last year of the previous millennium.  Percolating pop from two of today's most engaging artists.

11.  make you feel pretty (lovelytheband) - Handclaps and singalong chorus from LA indie band.

12.  Not Many Miles to Go (Rosanne Cash) - Introspective lyrics and a toe-tapping melody, from well-respected songwriter and Country music royalty.

13.  Are You Okay? (Winnetka Bowling League) - Wistful dream pop from LA band (Gossip Alert:  singer and songwriter Matthew Koma is Hilary Duff's baby daddy!!!).

14.  (We Don't Need This) Fascist Groove Thang (LCD Soundsystem) - Well-known Brooklyn band covers Heaven 17's frenetic political hit, which is sadly relevant again!

15.  Before You Get a Boyfriend (Phony PPL) - Delicious R&B vocals with a dash of hip hop.

16.  Heart to Break (Kim Petras) - Transgender German pop diva delivers some fearless danceable sass to burn off those Thanksgiving calories!

17.  Love Like Ours (Estelle with Tarrus Riley) - London singer closes us out with some easy reggae.

So that's November's list!  Hope everyone has a great month, and get out there and VOTE today!!!  If you need transportation - many car, bike, and scooter sharing companies like Lyft and Lime are offering discounted rides to the polls.  Or if you know a Mark Harris supporter - maybe he'll loan you his servant wife so she can drive you.  See you next month!

Brant's October 2018 Playlist

New music.  Some sweet new headphones.  What could possibly go wrong?

Well, here we are with September behind us, and only three months left in 2018.  What's been going on?  Brett Kavanaugh is pursuing his seat on the Supreme Court like Michael Myers pursuing Jamie Lee Curtis, which is surprisingly on point since "Halloween" premiered 40 years ago this month.  I've also got some killer new songs to share.  This month I seemed to gravitate towards jazz and R&B numbers, so grab some candy corn and settle in for some smooth beats and funky basslines.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Love Just Ain't Enough (Kara Marni) - London artist emotes over tribal beats and a cowbell!

2.  Whathegirlmuthafuckinwannadoo (the Coup with Janelle Monáe) - I would follow Janelle Monáe anywhere!!!  Here she's serving groovy old-school soul that would make Betty Wright proud!

3.  You're Somebody Else (flora cash) - Husband and wife duo made their American TV debut with this song on "The Late Late Show with James Corden" back in August.  Dreamy vocals over minimal instrumentation.

4.  Party Tyme (Madeleine Peyroux) - Peyroux is another artist I've grown to love over the years.  Her new album "Anthem" deals with the challenges of modern-day life, and this one is a slightly dark/slightly humorous take on life in rehab.

5.  Tieduprightnow (Parcels) - German band has clearly been listening to their parents' Nile Rodgers/Chic disco records!

6.  Count on Me (Jefferson Starship) - Founder and lead singer Marty Balin died this month.  He had a tempestuous history with the band, but there's no denying they made great music together!  RIP.

7.  Run Run (RAY BLK) - Reggae-tinged song details the singer's experiences on the streets of London.

8.  Adeus America (Susannah McCorkle) - I'm not sure where I heard this song, but Pandora or Spotify or somebody suggested it to me and I was immediately hooked to its easy samba beats.  Sad to hear the singer committed suicide back in the early 2000s.

9.  You Used to Hold Me So Tight /Club Mix/ (Reel People feat. Angela Johnson) - One of my fave Thelma Houston songs gets a fantastic update!

10.  Comeback (Ssion) - I had "Tell Me About It" on last month's playlist, but there was too much deliciousness on Ssion's newest album not to include another selection for October.

11.  New Birth in New England (Phosphorescent) - References to beer?  Tropical beats?  I think it's fair to compare this to Jimmy Buffett, in all the best ways!

12.  Here I Am (Dolly Parton with Sia) -  I would never have put these two together, but they make magic!!!  An update of Dolly's 1971 ballad.

13.  Dope Queen Blues (Adia Victoria) - Nashville-based singer delivers some bluesy soul.

14.  100 Miles and Running (Logic feat. Wale and John Lindahl) - I don't usually put a lot of hip hop on my lists, because frankly I don't feel like I'm a good judge of it - but I do know what I like!  Logic and friends serve up some lightning-fast rhymes over Incredible Bongo Band's "Apache".

15.  Dust /Dimitri from Paris vs Cotonete Discomix/ (Gizelle Smith) - French collaborators Dimitri from Paris and Cotonete transform Gizelle Smith's funky soul workout into a sizzling disco jam that would've gotten the Studio 54 crowd moving!

16.  Lucretia My Reflection (Sisters of Mercy) - I always like to have a Halloween song on my October playlists, and pretty much any Sisters of Mercy song fits the bill.  FULL DISCLOSURE:  I used to think the chorus was saying, "Vampire down!!!"  (It's really saying "Empire down")  Still works for Halloween, though, since they later ask to "dance the ghost with me"!

So that's October.  Hope everyone has a safe and spooky Halloween, and I'll see you next month!

Brant's September 2018 Playlist

Clearly Bill preferred Ariana Grande's tribute to Aretha over mine!

Okay, ideally I would've liked to have had this out before the holiday weekend but it just wasn't in the cards.  Virgos hate to be late, and I am no exception.  But I'm here now and hopefully this month's batch of songs will be so delicious that you'll forget their tardy arrival.  We've got some returning favorite dishes, some criminally out-of-print treats, and some tasty morsels from the Far East!  So without further adieu, let's dive in.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  New Fire (Pretty Sister feat. MarcLo) -  Pretty Sister is the stage name of Zak Waters, and he's serving up some West Coast funk to get the party started!

2.  love4eva (LOONA/yyxy feat. Grimes) - From the West Coast to the Far East!  I'm pretty much on board for anything Grimes does, and this bubblegummy K-pop confection is no exception!

3.  Enemies (Lauv) - San Francisco artist had a hit with "I Like Me Better" and this minimalistic R&B number is from the same album.

4.  Body Talks (the Struts feat. Kesha) - I am SO digging free-range Kesha!  Seems like she's just doing whatever floats her boat, and this collaboration with British rockers the Struts is electrifying! Can't wait to see what she does next.

5.  If Not Now When (Aaron Lee Tasjan) - Indie rocker seems to be channeling George Harrison on this latest single! 

6.  Fascinating Rhythm (Tony Bennett with Diana Krall) - Tony Bennett sounds better at 92 than I've EVER sounded in my entire life.  He's got a new duet album coming out with Diana Krall, and if this first single is any indication - it's going to be divine!

7.  Laughter On My Mind (Helen Terry with Boy George) - After seeing Culture Club in concert this summer, I started digging into their music catalog.  I never realized that backup singer Helen "Church of the Poison Mind" Terry had released a solo album ('Blue Notes') in 1986.  For some reason, this particular song wasn't included!  It was the B-side to one of her first singles, and was out of print for years until a 2009 limited edition reissue of 'Blue Notes' included it as a bonus track. How this song was never a hit is beyond me.  Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.  Helen is no longer making music, but she certainly made her mark in the brief time she was recording.

8.  The Falls (Nic Pool) - Bluesy vocals over a percolating electronic backdrop, perfect for enjoying some of these gorgeous late-summer sunsets!

9.  Missing U (Robyn) - Robyn is back!!!  Hopefully a new album won't be far behind.

10.  Gimme! Gimme!  Gimme! A Man After Midnight (Cher) - The queen is back, and doing an entire album of ABBA songs can only mean great things for the dance floors of 2018!

11.  I Don't Want to Love You Any More (LANY) - Another personal fave band that I'm happy to see return with new music!  Easygoing dreampop with a wistful edge.

12.  It Might Get Dark (White Denim) - Austin, Texas band throws down some classic 70s-style rock that would fit on any Bachman-Turner Overdrive album!

13.  Don't Stop Believin' (Juliana Hatfield) - I'm still digging Juliana's sublime album of Olivia songs!

14.  Any Other Way (Jackie Shane) - I can't remember how I stumbled across this - but Jackie has an amazing story.  She was a transgender soul singer who left the Jim Crow South to find success in 1960s Toronto.  Her recorded works were painstakingly compiled and released in one volume last year.  Read more about her HERE.

15.  Deep Shadows (Nightmares On Wax feat. Sadie Walker) - A chill electronic remake of Little Anne's 1967 ballad.

16.  Every Girl Wants My Guy (Aretha Franklin) - Le sigh.  I still can't believe the Queen of Soul is gone.  I considered putting one of her timeless 1960s classics on this month's playlist - but instead decided to go with one of the early 1980s jams that first put Aretha on MY radar.  It was dance/funk tunes like this that made me a fan when I was a young teenager!  RIP

17.  Tell Me About It (Ssion) - "My Love Grows in the Dark" has been a fave song of mine for years, so I was psyched to see Ssion had some new stuff coming out.  This particular tune continues in the same danceable groove I first fell in love with all those years ago!

18.  Bliss (Kahoru Kohiruimaki) - Back in 1989, Prince contributed two songs to Kahoru Kohiruimaki's "Time the Motion" album.  It was only released in Japan, so getting a copy here in the USA has been next to impossible!  Thanks to a fraternity brother of mine who was traveling overseas - I can finally say I own it.  Both songs were good, but this one especially is a solid jam.  Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.  I wonder if it was an outtake from the 'Batman' soundtrack Prince was working on around this same time?

So that's September's playlist!  Apologies once more that it was late.  Hope everyone had a safe Labor Day weekend, and I'll see you next month!

 

Brant's August 2018 Playlist

If it's going to rain all the time, you might as well have something fun to wear!  

It's another rainy day in North Carolina.  I think we've had at least a quick thunderstorm every day for the last month.  The upside of all this is that I've had plenty of time to browse music!  We've got some lead-singers-gone-solo, new songs from reliable favorites, and a couple of old school selections worth remembering!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Under the Sun (Roosevelt) - Nothing like getting rained on every day to make you miss the sun!  And I've missed Roosevelt!!!  Totally digging this new song from his upcoming album.

2.  All For You (Years and Years) - Another returning fave serves up some danceable pop!

3.  Kissing Tree (the Spencer Lee Band) - This West Coast talent is giving me shades of Bill Withers with this funky jam!

4.  Don't Think Twice, It's Alright (Susan Tedeschi) - I had the pleasure of catching Susan live with the Tedeschi Trucks Band last month (got rained on, natch!), and was blown away by her cover of this Bob Dylan song.  Definitely see them if they come to your town!

5.  Sad Song Backwards (Jake Shears) - Counting the days until the Scissor Sisters' lead singer's solo album comes out!  Until then, we have this new offering.  Dare I say it reminds me of Tony Orlando and Dawn (and I'm cool with that!)?

6.  My Name Is the Night (Brian Fallon) - The second in our Lead-Singer-Gone-Solo series!  Gaslight Anthem vocalist delivers on this Springsteen-esque rock throw-down.

7.  Sugar Daddy (Macy Gray) - Macy is still out there making music, even if she's not showing up in the Top 40 these days.  Love this playful R&B ditty.

8.  Wanna Be (the Internet) - Jazzy, soulful slow jam from 2015 Grammy nominees.

9.  The War After the War (Mary Gauthier) - Folk singer worked with real life soldiers and their families to tell their stories on her new album, giving them songwriting credits and all!  A tough, but necessary, listen for all Americans.

10.  Heaven Only Knows (Bob Moses) - Canadian duo serves heavenly harmonies over 80s beats.

11.  Metal (Poppy) - American chanteuse covers Gary Numan's 1979 release (B-side to his hit record "Cars").   Craig turned me on to this!

12.  Simplify (Young the Giant) - California alt-rock band is back with a new uplifting single!

13.  Half a Mind (Loretta Lynn) - Country legend covers another country legend, from the upcoming Roger Miller tribute album.

14.  Cyber Stockholm Syndrome (Rina Sawayama) - Japanese/British model makes some pretty awesome R&B music!

15.  Betcha I (Chaka Khan) - Chaka famously covered Prince's "I Feel For You" in 1984, but in 1998 (20 years ago this summer!) they also produced an album together called "Welcome 2 My House".  It's criminally out of print, but I tracked down a copy last month, and love this funky number co-written by Chaka and Prince.   Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.

16.  Ballistic (Cindy Wilson) - Lead-Singer-Gone-Solo #3.  I caught the B-52's earlier this summer and was thrilled to learn that singer Cindy Wilson had released some solo stuff this past year.  This rowdy number showcases her still-strong-as-ever vocals but places them in a lively electronic/dance format we haven't really seen in her music with the B-52's.

17.  Stardust (Silverland) - Glittery house beats to get your booty moving!

18.  Da B Side (Da Brat feat. The Notorious B.I.G.) - Saw this on a 25th anniversary compilation.  I never knew they collaborated, so what a treat to hear!  From the Bad Boys soundtrack, and reissued on Jermaine Dupris presents So So Def 25.

So that's another month of music!  Hope everyone is staying dry, and we'll see ya in September (hey, that sounds like a song title)!

Brant's July 2018 Playlist

Summers are made for lawn parties with your crew, and good music!

Well, our country may be pretty divided but at least people are coming together for good music.  I noticed a lot of this month's selections were duets!  Maybe my subconscious was drawn to collaborations in hopes that our country would follow suit.  But enough discourse.  Let's get into this month's music!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Tired of Being Happy (Ashley McBryde) - Imagine Miranda Lambert with a dash of Tanya Tucker thrown in!  This troublemaking bar jam is my new fave song for the summer!

2.  Feel Like a Fool (Kali Uchis) - I had one of her songs on May's playlist, but my friend Anthony convinced me to give the entire album a spin - and I'll be forever grateful.  I'm totally digging the old school girl-group vibe she's giving me on this tune.  It sounds like a long lost Marvelettes song.

3.  Grease (Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White) - Duet #1.  Speaking of old school, this delicious remake of the theme song from the classic movie "Grease" was too good to let slip by!  Grease IS the word.

4.  Crosseyed and Painless (Angelique Kidjo) - The Talking Heads 1980 album "Remain In Light" was chock full of Nigerian influences and African polyrhythms, so how cool to see African superstar Angelique Kidjo redo the entire album, track by track!  Impossible to sit still and listen as she revels in this cultural synergy.

5.  Summer (the Carters) - Duet #2.  Bey and Jay surprised everyone when they dropped this collaboration last month!  Most of it veers towards hip hop and rap, but I found myself gravitating to this easy-going album opening number.

6.  Done for Me (Charlie Puth with Kehlani) - Duet #3.  No sophomore slump here for this young American artist.  This is the 3rd single from his latest album, a mid-tempo duet with neo soul singer Kehlani.

7.  Silver Tongue (Nikka Costa) - I stumbled across this while looking for the new Neko Case album (see #13), and was flabbergasted to see that this was a tune she co-wrote with Prince back in the early 2000s.  You can hear Prince's version here, but Nikka finally recorded her version with piano and strings accompaniment.  Gorgeous loungy vibes perfect to wind down your night.

8.  Disco Yes (Tom Misch feat. Poppy Ajudha) - Duet #4.  From the lounge to the disco!  Groovy late night beats with jazzy vocals.

9.  Girlfriend (Christine and the Queens with Dâm-Funk) - French singer is back with a chill new song, which you can enjoy in French or English.  This is the English version, obvs!

10.  If You Wanna Love Somebody (Tom Odell) - More excellent emotive power pop from British singer-songwriter!   

11.  Bad Dreams (Pete Yorn and Scarlett Johansson) - Duet #5.  Power duo reunite for the first time since 2009 to cover Echo Friendly's "Worried".

12.  Kindness of Strangers (Courtney Marie Andrews) - I would've sworn this was Emmylou Harris the first time I heard it!!!  How have I never heard of CMA before?  This is from her 6th album, released earlier this Spring.

13.  Sleep All Summer (Neko Case and Eric Bachmann) - Duet #6.  Two Indie Rock icons join forces for this wistful summer ballad, a remake of the song from Bachmann's band Crooked Fingers.

14.  Beibi (Fundacion Tony Manero) - They had me at Tony Manero (John Travolta's character in "Saturday Night Fever"), but I also was digging the seductive Latin bedroom vibes in this selection. 

15.  Bedroom Calling Pt. 2 (Chromeo feat. The-Dream) - Did somebody say bedroom???  Chromeo is back with more danceable funk!

16.  Naive (Solange with Beyonce) - Duet #7.  Sisters team up for the duet you always wanted and weren't quite sure if it had ever happened.  Out of print today, but it was a bonus track on Solange's first album "Solo Star" back in 2002.  I also feel like credit should be given to Da Brat for her super tight rap!  I'll take her over ANOTHER Nicki Minaj guest rap any day.  Not on Spotify, but you can hear it HERE.

17.  Eve of Destruction (Paul Revere and the Raiders) - I usually do a patriotic song for the July playlist, but with everything going on in our government (Supreme Court, immigration, race relations) - this was the best I could muster.  We survived the turmoil of the 1960s (when this song was written) so maybe the USA will survive today.  There are several versions of this tune out there, but I found myself loving the horns in this rendition.

18.  Spells (Jenny Hval) - Okay, I admit #17 was kind of a downer.  In the interest of closing on a hopeful note, I added this ethereal, trippy jam!

So that's this month's playlist.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day, and I'll see you next month!

Brant's June 2018 Playlist

"Yeah, I'm trying to listen to my music and they're out here making all kinds of noise..."

Summer is in full swing, and while everyone else is looking forward to pools and cookouts, I'm basically counting the days until Jurassic World:  Fallen Kingdom.  In the meantime, though, we have this month's playlist.  June's list is chock full of summery vibes perfect for picnics, lounging by the pool, or just getting pumped so you can outrun a T. Rex.  Just make sure not to get dinosaur repellent in your earbuds!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Summer Days /Roosevelt Remix/ (Rhye) - This seemed like the perfect song to get us started.  Roosevelt surrounds Rhye's silky vocals with a percolating beat to keep your bare feet tappin'!

2.  Nervous (Shawn Mendes) - Canadian social media sensation shows no signs of slowing down on his third album, which includes this peppy tune.

3.  I Need A Woman to Love (Kesha) - Another selection from the awesome Universal Love: Wedding Songs Reimagined album.  Not many people can cover Janis, but Kesha does a great job with this version from Janis' Cheap Thrills days.   

4.  Creep City (Jake Shears) - Scissor Sisters singer goes solo with a slightly ragtime offering that sounds like a New Orleans production of "Rocky Horror"!  Can't wait to hear the entire album!!!

5.  Roll Away (Birds of Chicago) - Husband/wife folk trio serves up some feel-good vibes with delicious harmonies and hands a'clappin'.

6.   All She Wants to Do Is Me (Peabo Bryson) - Okay, I did not expect Peabo to put out a comeback album - but here it is!  Gotta say, for 67 years old, his bedroom game is as strong as ever!

7.  Old Love (Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers) - I heard this on NPR and immediately loved the East Coast beach music vibes!

8.  Stuck with Me (Tinashe feat. Little Dragon) - After many delays, Tinashe has finally released Joyride, which was announced in 2015.  Gary turned me onto this duet with Swedish band Little Dragon.

9.  Never Be the Same /WestFunk Remix/ (Camila Cabello) - Another singer gone solo, Camila Cabello (from Fifth Harmony) released her solo album this year.  I especially love this remix that turns her pain into a party!  Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it on Soundcloud.

10.  Back Seat Driver (Bear Hands) - Uplifting Indie rock from Brooklyn band.

11.  Look at What the Light Did Now (Flo Morrissey and Matthew E. White) - Engaging duo does a tasty update of Little Wings' drowsy ditty.  Be sure to check out their version of "Grease"!

12.  Everyday I Have the Blues (Van Morrison and Joey DeFrancesco) - Van Morrison can sing anything and make it amazing!  Here he tries his hand at some loungey blues, with excellent results.

13.  The Ultracheese (Arctic Monkeys) - I would've sworn this was a lost David Bowie tune!!!

14.  Bed of Thorns (Gary Numan) - The guy who gave us "Cars" is back, this time to warn of the coming global apocalypse.  His voice is as strong and hypnotic as ever, and he's traded in the New Wave beats for some cool Middle Eastern flavahs!

15.  Sunflower (Rex Orange County) - Young English songwriter's 1970s stylings are shockingly on point!  So much so that hearing this song immediately takes me back to my own childhood.

16.  Bad Habit /Dr. Packer Remix/ (ATFC feat. Lisa Millett) - Another new song that takes me back - this time to the 1980s and Jocelyn Brown's classic "Somebody Else's Guy".  Love the old school soul vibe that Dr. Packer brings to ATFC's early 2000s house classic.

17.  Endless Conversation (Oliver feat. Johnnie Newman) - We'll close out this month with some danceable funk that should give off enough sparks to hold you until Independence Day!

So that's June's playlist!  Hope everyone's summer is off to a good start, and we'll see ya next time!

Brant's May 2018 Playlist

My playlists bring all the First Ladies to the yard

What a month April has been!  We lost a First Lady, a promising young DJ, and - if not for Zyrtec and Neti pots - probably would have lost me as well (#PollenSucks).  With all the turmoil and sneezing, I found myself gravitating towards more soothing tunes this month.  So pop an antihistamine, settle in, and let's give this month's playlist a spin.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Such a Simple Thing (Ray LaMontagne) - Critically acclaimed crooner is back with this easy ballad to set the mood!

2.  Time In a Bottle (Lykke Li) - Prior to the release of her new album, Swedish Indie goddess Lykke Li tips her hat to Jim Croce with this delicate cover of his 1972 classic.

3.  After the Storm (Kali Uchis feat. Tyler the Creator and Bootsy Collins) - Columbian-American singer serves up some soulful reassurances in this single from her latest album.

4.  What Would I Change It To (Avicii feat. Aluna George) -  I usually expect to do a monthly RIP post to an artist we have recently lost, but I did NOT expect this month's to be someone so young!  I always loved the creativity in the dance music we got from Avicii.  Rather than follow a single formula, he seemed to be constantly on the lookout for new sounds and hybrids - taking elements of folk and blues music and blending them seamlessly with electronica, like this song with its prominent acoustic guitar.  I was heartbroken to learn of his suicide.  I hope Avicii has found the peace he was seeking.

5.  Hippy Blood (Ingrid Chavez) - 26 years after the date on her Paisley Park debut album, Ingrid Chavez slips onto my radar!  I've been collecting albums by artists on Prince's record label since he died, and tracked this one down a few weeks ago.  Breathy spoken and sung vocals over trippy dance beats.  Ingrid co-wrote Madonna's "Justify My Love", which would have fit perfectly on this album.  "Hippy Blood" is not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.

6.  Language (Starchild and the New Romantic) - Joyful, jazz-influenced R&B from frequent Solange and Blood Orange collaborator.

7.  Lightyears (Kimbra) - Best known for her contribution to Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know", Kimbra released her third album this year - and seems to be channeling Robyn in this perky pop ditty!

8.  A Teenager in Love (the Regrettes) - Dion and the Belmonts 1958 classic gets a garage rock update by this LA band!   

9.  Plastic Hamburgers (Fantastic Negrito) - When I first heard this I could've sworn it was Lenny Kravitz!  Grammy winner serves up some glorious classic rock that would make Led Zeppelin proud.

10.   You're the One (Etana) - Reggae artist (who is the first female in more than two decades to hit number one on the reggae charts TWICE!) gets us in the mood for warm weather with some summery ska!

11.  Blue Rose (Amen Dunes) - Soaring psychedelic-folk that sounds like Van Morrison singing over a Roxy Music track, in all the best ways!

12.  Pynk (Janelle Monáe feat. Grimes) - Two of my fave contemporary artists join together for this celebration of everything estrogen!

13.  Up All Night (Beck) - I just saw him for the first time in concert last night, and he was everything I hoped he would be!  Energetic, enigmatic, and excellent.  This upbeat party tune is from his newest album.

14.  Thinkin Bout You (Robert Glasper Experiment feat. Talib Kweli) /KAYTRANADA Remix/ - If Beck winds us up, this mellow remix is here to wind us down!  Sexy, late-night beats from another of my favorite DJs!

15.  Real Love (Curtis Roush) - Fleetwood Mac vibes from Austin, Texas singer.

16.  Don't Bring Me Flowers (Elise Davis) - To my knowledge, the Ronettes never released a country album - but if they had, it probably would've sounded something like this!  Powerful vocals over a wall-of-sound production let a paramour know that he won't be expected to cuddle after the lovin'!

17.  And I Love Him (Benjamin Gibbard) - Death Cab for Cutie singer puts a same-sex spin on the Beatles ballad for the LGBT compilation "Universal Love - Wedding Songs Reimagined".  Be sure to check out Kesha's cover of Janis Joplin on the same album!

18.  Whatever Comes to Mind (MorMor) - Hypnotic dream-pop that's as warm and hazy as a night in May, from Canadian singer and multi-instrumentalist.

So that's this month's playlist!  Hope you enjoyed, and I'll see ya next month!

Brant's April 2018 Playlist

Does this bonnet make my playlist look big?

If there was ever a comeback story, I guess it has to be Easter.  Coming back from the dead is about as good as it gets!  It's kind of poetic that it falls on April Fool's Day this year.  "Guess what?  I'm not dead!  April Fools!!!"  As I was looking over this month's tunes, I noticed a lot of comebacks.  Chris Collingwood from Fountains of Wayne in the 00s, Lisa Stansfield and Meshell Ndegeocello from the 1990s, Jimmy Somerville from the 1980s, and 1970s rockers Fanny with their newly christened group, Fanny Walked the Earth!  I guess it's never too late to put yourself back in the spotlight.  So without further adieu, let's put this month's playlist in the spotlight!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Alfie's Song /Not So Typical Love Song/ (Bleachers) - Jack Antonoff gets our Easter hoppin' with some festive Indie Pop from the Love, Simon Soundtrack.

2.  Laughing Gas (the Fratellis) - Scottish rockers, whose band is named after the criminal family in "the Goonies" serve up some danceable alt-rock vibes.

3.  Short Court Style (Natalie Prass) - I put her cover of Anita Baker's "Caught Up in the Rapture" on my December 2015 playlist, so what a treat to have Natalie Prass back with more R&B-flavored pop!

4.  Don't Disturb This Groove (Meshell Ndegeocello) - Her latest album, "Ventriloquism", is full of delicious covers so it was hard to choose just one!  In the end, I chose this unexpected interpretation of The System's 1987 hit.

5.  Cookie Jar (Chris Collingwood) - Fountains of Wayne founding member records under his own name for 2009 tribute album "Ciao My Shining Star".

6.  Overload /Extended Version/ (Jimmy Somerville) - Spotify suggested this to me, and I'll be eternally grateful.  I've always loved Jimmy, since his days with Bronski Beat and the Communards.  I had no idea he had released this album in 2015, entitled "Homage", which was recorded in loving tribute to the disco music he adored as a teenager.  The songs are all new, but inspired by and recorded using the lush orchestrations common from that era.  This extended version always gets me going - I'd love for someone to mash it up with Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough"!

7.  Everything (Lisa Stansfield) - Funky new new from the glorious Lisa Stansfield!  She sounds as good as ever.

8.  Real Love (Jesse Royal) - Reggae slow-jam from Jamaican star.

9.  Lil' Girl's Name (Charley Crockett) - Former New Orleans street performer brings some rootsy vibes to his country blues music (and yes, he's related to Davy Crockett).

10.  Lured Away (Fanny Walked the Earth) - Back in the day, Fanny was part of the 1970s Los Angeles music scene.  Crazy that they never made it big, but it's great to hear them again!

11.  I Feel Like I'm Drowning (Two Feet) - NYC singer/songwriter Zachary William Dess keeps the blues/rock feels going with his latest single.

12.  Today Is the Day (Eels) - Long-running Indie rock band is going strong with this new single from their 12th studio album.

13.  Bad Bad News (Leon Bridges) - Jazzy retro-funk from Texas artist.

14.  In the Rain (Le Flex) - I just featured another Le Flex tune on my February 2018 playlist, but this London artist is putting out music faster than I can keep up with!  Love his easy synth-pop stylings!

15.  Have You Never Been Mellow? (Juliana Hatfield) - Is there anyone out there who doesn't love Olivia Newton-John?!?  If so - I hope I never meet them.  Juliana Hatfield's latest is chock full of loving tributes to ONJ.  I was psyched to see she included some of Olivia's 1970s hits (like this one!) in addition to the great 1980s songs like "Physical" and "Xanadu".

16.  Little Sister (Trixie Mattel) - RuPaul's Drag Race contestant proves she is a solid songwriter in addition to being a drag superstar!  Shantay, you stay!

17.  Bye Bye Darling (BØRNS) - 1970s style ballad from Michigan glam-rocker.

So that's April's Playlist (no foolin'!).  Hope everyone has a glorious Spring and I'll see you in May!

Brant's March 2018 Playlist

Phew!  I'm a few days late on this one.  I knew February was going to be a busy month, and unfortunately fun activities like exploring new music had to take a back seat.  Anyway, all is back to normal now, so let's get into it!  Last month skewed a little towards R&B, and this month I kept the beats going with a focus on dance and electronica.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Make Me Feel (Janelle Monáe) - America's favorite cyborg is back with some Prince-inspired funk!  The video is awesome too.

2.  Out of Love /Jaded Remix/ (Indiia feat. Whitney Phillips) - Island-y beats from Stockholm duo.

3.  Faded Heart (BØRNS) - Michigan artist is back with a sophomore album, and I was totally digging the Glam rock vibes on this new tune.

4.  My Enemy (Chvrches with Matt Berninger) - The National's lead singer stops by the studio to duet with festival buddies Chvrches!

5.  Until We Get There (Lucius) - Angelic vocals over an easy, 1970s-sounding acoustic guitar track.

6.  Ripple (Roots of Creation with G. Love and Special Sauce and Melvin Seals) - Grateful Dead staple is reimagined as a reggae jam, and I can already tell this will be on heavy rotation for me as summer approaches!

7.  All On My Mind (Anderson East) - Southern soul singer is back with this emotive ballad.

8.  My My My! (Troye Sivan) - I actually had this on last month's playlist, but bumped it because its reverb-heavy vocals didn't seem to fit in with the rest of the songs.  It seems much more at home on this month's list!  Great pop performance from openly gay Australian singer/actor.

9.  Valerie (Ra Ra Riot) - File this under "Songs I Never Thought I'd Hear Covered".  From 2012, but it popped up on Pandora and I liked it.  Indie band cover the 1980s Steve Winwood hit.

10.  More of the Same (Caroline Rose) - Urban ennui has never sounded so intriguing!

11.  The Good Life (Blossom Dearie) - I finally tracked down Blossom's 1963 album, "Blossom Dearie Sings Rootin' Songs"!  She recorded it for Hires Root Beer immediately after leaving the Verve label, and it was never widely distributed, which is unfortunate because it has some choice tunes on it.  Here she sings the Tony Bennett classic in her own intimate style.  Not on Spotify (obviously) but you can listen to it here.

12.  How Come U Don't Call Me Anymore (Danielle Nicole) - The often covered Prince song gets a bluesy treatment from former Trampled Under Foot singer/bassist.

13.  Don't Matter Now (George Ezra) - Peppy first single from the English singer/songwriter's sophomore album!

14.   Rosebud (U.S. Girls) - Breathy vocals over a disco-flavored track that vaguely reminds me of "I'll Be Around" by the Spinners.

15.  Have a Seat (En Vogue feat. Snoop Dogg) - I had no idea they were doing a comeback album!  This sassy tune feels true to their legacy, while also evoking memories of earlier girl groups like Diana Ross and the Supremes!  Viva En Vogue!!!

16.  Dancing /Initial Talk Remix/ (Kylie Minogue) - I love Kylie already, but especially gravitated towards this glorious 80s-influenced remix.  Thanks to Gary for bringing it to my attention!

17.  Make You Mine (Saint Wknd feat. Boy Matthews) - German artist delivers some 90s-influenced dance pop to get your Saint Paddy's Day party shakin'!

18.  Feedback Loop (CHAPPO) - Indie rockers close us out with this toe-tappin', slightly psychedelic jam. 

So that's March!  Hope everyone has a safe and festive St. Patrick's Day.  See ya next month!

Brant's February 2018 Playlist

Working on my look for President's Day

A February without new music would be unpresidented!!!  I'm Bush-ed from searching for new songs, but I feel like this month's list will Trump anything else out there!  This month has a few Grammy nominees, as well as some new and familiar artists.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE. 

1.  Got Soul (Valerie June) - Indeed she does!  Tennessee singer/songwriter gets us going with this Memphis soul ditty. 

2.  Watch Me (Labi Siffre) - This showed up on my Spotify suggestions - apparently it was recently used in the soundtrack for "This Is Us", but was recorded in 1972! I'd never heard it before (although Siffre has been covered and sampled extensively), but love the expansive, acoustic sound.  Reminds me of classic John Denver. 

3.  Old Flames Can't Hold a Candle to You (Kesha with Dolly Parton) - It's so good to have Kesha back, and I was bummed she didn't score a Grammy this year.  Apparently her mother was a songwriter who collaborated with Dolly on this song, and Kesha decided to record it with Dolly for her comeback album! 

4.  Real Love, No Shade (Roman GianArthur) - Sexy slow jam from R&B talent known for his work with Janelle Monáe!

5.  Rush (Lauren Faith) - British R&B signer keeps the smooth grooves going!

6.  Tangled (Le Flex) - Eric turned me onto this!  Sounds like something from an 80s movie soundtrack, which I'm totally digging. 

7.  i can't wait (Lalah Hathaway) - Veteran soul singer and Grammy winner is back, and experimenting with a more contemporary sound.  Well worth the wait!

8.  Linger (the Cranberries) - What a shock to lose Cranberries lead singer Dolores O'Riordan this month!  Sad to hear that fentanyl may have been the culprit.  RIP

9.  Arkansas (John Oates) - Former Hall and Oates singer channels Springsteen on this new song, and it's actually pretty good!!!  Does this mean we can expect an Andrew Ridgeley comeback album next?

10.  Why Don't You Do Right (Beth Hart with Joe Bonamassa) - Blues rocker teams up with Grammy nominated guitarist for this rollicking Peggy Lee cover! 

11.  Our Love Is Here to Stay (Jean Baylor and Marcus Baylor) - I adored Zhané back in the day, so what a treat to discover lead singer Jean Baylor had recorded a jazz album with her husband!  Apparently I wasn't the only one to notice, because the album (which mysteriously isn't on Spotify) was nominated for a Grammy this year!

12.  Don't Delete the Kisses /Charli XCX x Post Precious Remix/ (Wolf Alice) - I'll forever be grateful to Zach and Gary for turning me on to Charli XCX.  She's a delight to see in concert, and I adore everything she touches.  Here she sprinkles her magic on Wolf Alice's 2017 single. 

13.  No Turning Back (Joy Oladokun) - It pays to have friends with good musical tastes on social media.  This showed up on my friend David's feed, and I was instantly hooked.  Sounds like a Tracy Chapman demo.

14.  All the Stars (Kendrick Lamar and SZA) - Grammy nominated/winning duo teams up for this single from the Black Panther soundtrack.

15.  Alone (Stars) - Indie Pop from long-running Montreal band.

16.  Visions of Gideon (Sufjan Stevens) - Dreamy, melancholy vibes to close us out.  This is from the soundtrack of the Oscar nominated film "Call Me By Your Name", which chronicles the romance between a teen and a young grad student in Italy.  It seemed like an appropriate choice for Valentine's month. 

So that's February's list!  Hope everyone has a great month, and I'll see you in March!