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| Here's the story, of a lovely playlist... |
Whoa! I was just getting used to the idea that Woodstock was 50 years ago, and now I'm hearing that the Brady Bunch is also celebrating a Golden Anniversary! 1969 was a good year! I'm not convinced that 2069 will look back on 2019 so fondly, but at least we had some decent music. This month's playlist is posted (and early, to get your holiday weekend going!), and skews slightly towards R&B and jazz influences. Hope you enjoy! To listen on Spotify, click HERE.
1. Remind Me (Emily King) - Grammy nominee Emily King has been working in the industry since 2004, but didn't land on my radar until I heard this juicy R&B number! I'll be paying attention from now on!
2. Floating /filous Remix/ (Alina Baraz feat. Khalid) - The first of our two Khalid songs! Here, he collaborates with American soul singer/songwriter Alina Baraz.
3. Rubberband of Life /Amerigo Gazaway Remix/ (Miles Davis feat. Ledisi) - A lost Miles Davis album gets to see the light of day! When Davis began recording his first album for Warner Brothers, he was wanting to go in a more contemporary, urban direction. Apparently the label pushed back, and those tracks were abandoned for the sleeker material found on Tutu. Davis' nephew Vince Wilburn Jr and original producers Randy Hall and Attala Zane Giles decided in 2017 that it was finally time to update and release the "Rubberband" album. Ledisi's vocals fill in for Chaka Khan (who I read was originally intended to sing on this track back in 1986), and Amerigo Gazaway's smooth remix completes the work started more than 30 years ago! The rest of the album comes out later in September.
4. Matahari (L'Impératrice) - The French have never given up on disco, and I will always love them for that! This track from Parisian band L'Impératrice makes me want to put on my most bedazzled leisure suit and hit the nearest lighted dance floor!
5. Bra (Cymande) - British funk band released this album in 1972, but it still sounds great today! I heard this song while out on the town one night last month and had Google identify it for me. Figured I'd share it since it was previously unknown to me. Sounds like a combo of War and Santana!
6. Black Cadillac (Mondo Cozmo) - We've had Mondo Cozmo on other playlists, and I'm still digging his feel-good Indie Rock!
7. Hobo Blues (Balsam Range) - NC band and previous International Bluegrass Music Award winners serve up some solid Americana.
8. Saturn (Nao feat. Kwabs) - This slow jam is almost a year old, but a recent live performance reminded me how great she is!
9. Whisper (Betty Who) - Speaking of live performances: I've already had two tracks from Betty Who's album on other playlists, but after seeing her perform at Charlotte Pride this year - I couldn't resist featuring one more! She and Carly Rae Jepsen are revitalizing pop music today, and for that I thank them.
10. Entitlement Crew (the Hold Steady) - Music veterans are back with their witty and upbeat brand of classic rock!
11. Mustang Ridge (Tanya Tucker) - When I heard that Brandi Carlile had worked with Tanya Tucker on a new album, I dropped everything to hear it. I was not disappointed! It's chock full of great songs and contemplative lyrics worthy of a country legend.
12. This Too Shall Pass (Jamestown Revival) - Another band I've had on previous playlists! This is mellower than some of their other material, but the harmonizing vocals are spot-on as always.
13. Take Good Care of My Heart (Le Flex) - Eric turned me on to this. A lost Whitney Houston/Jermaine Jackson duet is faithfully covered by London artist.
14. All or Nothing (Chloe Martini) - Gary turned me on to this, and I'm obsessed with the New Jack Swing vibe! Sounds like an outtake from one of Janet Jackson's albums.
15. Better (Khalid) - Our second Khalid contribution. If Betty Who and Carly Rae are saving Pop Music, then Khalid is the Saviour of Slow Jams!
16. Interstellar (International Teachers of Pop) - Todd turned me on to this band. They bill themselves as "Nerd Disco", and seem to be channeling that era when the line between disco and New Wave was still blurry and space travel was all the rage. Whatever it is, I am here for it! Perhaps once Trump gets Space Force going, IToP can play the launch parties!
17. forever (Shura) - Shura never lets me down, and this optimistic soul groove makes me smile! #ShuraForever
18. Night Time Is the Right Time (Tina Turner) - This is from Tina's first solo album after leaving Ike, which is criminally out-of-print. I was thrilled to be able to track down a copy! Tina gives Ray Charles a run for his money with this spirited rendition of one of his signature tunes. Not on Spotify, but you can check it out HERE.
So that's September's playlist! Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday, and I'll see you next month!
