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| On second thought, maybe I DON'T need to get out at this stop. I can just stay on the train and listen to this month's playlist... |
It's my favorite time of the year!!! Halloween season is upon us, and the heat of summer is finally fading. I haven't picked out a Halloween costume yet, but I have picked some songs for this month. It's a little bit of everything - but hopefully you'll enjoy. To listen on Spotify, click HERE.
1. Harmony Hall (Vampire Weekend) - We had them on May's playlist, but I loved this song (and apparently so did Comfort Suites, since they're using it in their latest commercial!). And what better way to begin a Halloween season playlist than with vampires?
2. Blue (Jamie Drake) - LA folk singer is bedazzling on her debut album! It's a little bit folk, a little bit 1950s cinema, perhaps even a little bit Disney? But a lot of enjoyment.
3. Let's Go (the Cars) - We lost Ric Ocasek last month, and it hit me harder than expected. The Cars were one of those bands I always included on any 80s mix, and I just assumed they'd be around forever (Benjamin Orr, lead singer on this particular song, died in 2000). In hindsight, I don't think I gave them enough credit for having such a versatile and universally enjoyable catalog of music. I can honestly say I've never met anyone who didn't love this band. RIP.
4. Mixer (Amber Mark) - Amber Mark is a performer whose name I saw often on "Best New R&B Artist" lists, and this funky tune is a great example of why she deserves to be heard!
5. Dead Boys (Sam Fender) - Another newcomer people are starting to notice. This particular song examines toxic masculinity and male suicide with a compassion that isn't often found in the rock
genre.
6. Slide Away (Miley Cyrus) - Whoa! This is kind of a different sound for Miley, but I'm loving it. I hated to see her split up with Liam Hemsworth, but if the end result gives us perfect breakup songs like this...
7. Love You Tonight (Le Flex) - Frequent Brantworld singer continues to amaze me with his flawless George Michael-esque vocals and seductive soul.
8. Rootie Kazootie (Prince and Madhouse) - Madhouse is one of my favorite Prince side projects, so what a treat to find a Madhouse tune on the new "Versace Experience" release from the Paisley Park vault.
9. True Blue (Mark Ronson feat. Angel Olson) - Another tasty collaboration from DJ Ronson, that vaguely reminds me of Kate Bush during her prime.
10. Leather Daddy (Microwave) - Gritty 90s style grunge complete with growling vocals and a heapin' helpin' of angst.
11. High Hopes (Panic! At the Disco) - This is about a year old, but I overlooked it! Brendon Urie doing what he does best.
12. Crybaby (Lizzo) - I just saw Lizzo in concert last month, and she was everything I wanted: bold, unapologetic, and amazingly talented. She was at an outdoor venue, but if there had been rafters, Lizzo would've shaken them with her powerhouse vocals. Viva Lizzo!!!
13. Weird Kid (Chris Malinchak and Kiesza) - It's always fun when two artists you like collaborate. This is a danceable ode to non-conformity.
14. White Mercedes (Charli XCX) - Her new album got a little bizarre for my personal tastes, but it did include some nice moments like this contemporary ballad!
15. Young Republicans (Lower Dens) - Bruce turned me on to this. Politically charged electronica that soars with an 80s Erasure-style vibe!
16. Worry Doll (Jeremy Ivey) - Margo Price's husband ventures out on his own with some easy-going classic country.
17. Dim Blue Light (Lobby Boy) - Mellow Indie rock from Virginia band that's perfect for chilling and watching the leaves fall...
18. Shine (Emili Sandé) - Good lord this woman can SANG!!! Backed by a full choir and relentless drums, she still outshines everything they're throwing at her. Be prepared to hear this song on a lot of inspirational montages from here on out.
19. Harlem Ghost Story (Gunhild Carling) - Ah, Gunhild, you never disappoint me. I wanted to have at least one Halloween song on this list, and when I saw Gunhild had one - my decision was easy. Old World swing + Gunhild's distinctive voice = perfection.
So that's October's list! Hope everyone has a Spook-tacular Halloween and I'll see you in November!
