Brant's April 2020 Playlist

Brunch ain't what it used to be, but at least you can turn the music up when the conversation lags.

Spring is typically a time when I retreat due to the pollen, but this coronavirus has forced me to take it to an all-new level!  I have to admit, I'm getting a little stir crazy.  Luckily there has been plenty of good music to delve into.  This month's list tends towards the chill side, but since all the clubs are closed anyway - perhaps that's for the best.  So pour yourself a refreshing drink, get comfortable, and press 'play'.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.


1.  Boys on Canvas (Diane Birch) - Prince-approved pianist is back to get us started with some jazzy vibes.  Can't wait for her new album!

2.  No No (Scott Hirsch) - Founding member of Hiss Golden Messenger goes solo, and is serving groovy psychedelic folk to go with your social distancing.

3.  Baby Powder (Jenevieve) - West Coast artist cites Aaliyah as an influence, and I can hear it in this slinky R&B groove.

4.  Break My Heart (Dua Lipa) - I guess I need to just save space for a Dua Lipa song in every playlist going forward!  Her new album "Future Nostalgia" is 🔥🔥🔥

5.  Blinding Lights (the Weeknd) - I saw him perform this on SNL and loved the early 80s synths!

6.  Amy, Run for the Hills (courtship.) - Sunny dream-pop from Indie band.

7.  I Love You's (Hailee Steinfeld) - Academy Award nominated actress and singer gives us a reboot of The Lover Speaks' classic!

8.  Sadness Is a Shade of Blue (Låpsley) - Moody electronica from British artist.

9.  Right Down the Line (Sam Evian) - This is one of those songs I've had in the cue for several playlists over the months, and it always got bumped because it didn't quite fit in whatever mix I was compiling.  It's a pretty straightforward reading of Gerry Rafferty's 1978 hit, but the mellow tone fits in perfectly with April's list!

10.  Wildflower (5 Seconds of Summer) - I do love me some boy bands, so here's this month's selection!

11.  Spotlight (Oracle Sisters) - Okay, I had these guys pegged as a jam band from Austin, Texas or something.  What a shock to learn they are French!  This tune could go on any Grateful Dead-inspired playlist.

12.  Can't Do Much (Waxahatchee) - Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield is back and paying homage to her Southern country roots, and the results are as tasty as Grandma's corn fritters!

13.  Where You Belong (Little Dragon) - Another welcome return!  I'll pretty much follow Yukimi Nagano anywhere, but I especially love when she dives into 90s R&B.

14.  Moon Rider (Jai Wolf feat. Wrabel) - I sent my friend Bruce a request for music to check out while I'm cooped up at home, and he didn't disappoint.  He pointed me towards Jai Wolf, and this new song is light years away from the trippy "Indian Summer", but with Wrabel's soaring vocals and smooth keyboards it's impossible not to be swept away!

15.  Say So (Doja Cat) - We can't currently pile into a convertible with this song cranked up on the car stereo, but once the stay-at-home orders are lifted...

16.  Shy (Jank Setup) - Easy, breezy jazz from New Orleans band

17.  F#ck with Me (Pokey LaFarge) - How have I not heard of Pokey before now?!?  I'm loving his retro-swamp blues!  This is a rabbit hole I'll happily go down.  Expect more Pokey on future playlists.

18.  The Stranger (Ingrid Andress) - Contemporary country from rising star.

19.  Closer to You (Adam Lambert) - Playing with Queen gave him an outlet for his over-the-top theatrical side, but personally I think Adam Lambert really shines on an Elton John-style ballad like this.

So that's April's list!  Who knows where we'll be in May, but if I'm here I'll do my darnedest to have another playlist for ya.  Until then - stay safe and healthy!