Brant's January 2023 Playlist

Happy New Year!!!  Wait, why does Dorothy look so apprehensive?
Does she know something I don't???

Well, Happy New Year!  Considering I spent most of December sick with Covid (better now!), I can honestly say I'm ready for 2023.  Let's hope it's a kinder gentler year than its predecessor.  There's no real pattern to this month's playlist.  It's just some stuff I've found and liked - some of it from TV and movie soundtracks, some familiar artists, and some of it I don't even remember where I found.  Hopefully you'll enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  

1.  Six Ways (the Jack Moves) - I figured a little party song would be a great way to kick off the new year!  This Newark band never disappoints.  

2.  It's Been a Little Heavy Lately (Joesef) - Indie Scottish singer keeps the disco vibes going with his latest!  

3.  Freakalizer (Sudan Archives) - West Coast violinist is not your Mama's classical musician, as this funky ditty attests! 

4.  Killing Me (Omar Apollo) - Best New Artist Grammy nominee serves up some sexy soul. 

5.  I Want to Ta-Ta You Baby (Johnny "Guitar" Watson) - Lordy, they don't make songs like this anymore, and that's a shame!  I heard this on a movie soundtrack and had to track it down.  From 1976 but sounds as fresh as ever.  I suspect a lot of people Ta-Ta'd to this song. 

6.  Soul Sweet Song (Tedeschi Trucks Band) - Another band that never disappoints!  I caught them last time they came through Charlotte and love their bluesy-rock sound.  

7.  Elegy (Theo Kandel) - Indie singer/songwriter delivers some airy acoustic pop.  

8.  Abigail (Chatham Rabbits) - Another band I caught live and have followed ever since.  The backstory on this is pretty cool:  Singer Sarah McCombie wrote the song about the Pack Horse Library Initiative of 1935, where women were paid to deliver books to rural communities that might not otherwise have them!  A great tune about a great program!

9.  Many Mirrors (Alvvays) - Soaring dream pop from Canadian Indie band.  There was a lot of good stuff on their latest album!  Don't be surprised if more of them shows up on future playlists. 

10.  Ciao Ciao (La rappresentante di Lista) - This was on the soundtrack for Season 2 of "White Lotus" and I will always picture a coked-up Jennifer Coolidge dancing to it now whenever I play this!  

11.  Something About Your Love (SG Lewis) - Daft Punk-inspired lounge beats from English artist.

12.  Makin' Memories (Melissa Carper) - Some more roots Americana from Arkansas bassist and songwriter. 

13.  Ain't Bad for a Good Ol' Boy (Mo Pitney) - I have no idea how I stumbled across this Country musician, but so far I'm digging him.  Definitely one to watch. 

14.  Smartest Man (Homeschool feat. Samia) - This was giving me Weezer vibes in all the right ways! Singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tom D'Agustino teams up with touring partner Samia for some tasty pop. 

15.  And That's Saying a Lot (Christine McVie) - I went down the Christine McVie rabbit-hole after her death last month, and was pleasantly surprised to see she had recorded a solo album prior to her Fleetwood Mac years, under her maiden name Christine Perfect.  This is from that 1970 album.  

16.  Blutooth (Blu DeTiger feat. Chromeo) - NYC musician teams with funkmasters Chromeo for this danceable ditty.

17.  Honey (the Lone Bellow) - This reminds me of the New Wave-tinged country anthems by groups like Cock Robin and Lone Justice in the 1980s!  

18.  When You Stole the Sun from the Sky (Mamas Gun) - British soul band has obviously been studying some of the great R&B bands of the late 1960s and early 1970s!  This screams "Age of Aquarius"!

19.  United State of Pop 2022 (DJ Earworm) - It's been a while since I've had one of these End-of-Year mashups on a playlist, so I figured "why not?"  It's not available on Spotify, but you can find it on YouTube!

So that's our first playlist of the New Year!  Hope everyone has a safe and happy celebration and I'll see you in February!

Brant's December 2022 Playlist

Old Man Winter and a DiscoBrant of a certain age... 

Our last playlist of the year!  After the non-stop festivities of Halloween month and the indulgent deliciousness of Thanksgiving, it's nice to have some down time.  In that spirit, I found myself steering towards mellow Americana and easygoing electronica.  Lest I incur the wrath of the War-On-Christmas police, I also threw in a couple of seasonal ditties as a nod to the winter holidays.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Snowshoes (Caamp) - A little seasonal song to get us going! 

2.  Diamond Wave (Ron Sexsmith) - Canadian artist and a former Juno Songwriter of the Year keeps the easy vibes going with his latest offering.  

3.  Undo the Blue (Iraina Mancini) - Some lush, 60s-styled psychedelia from young British vocalist.

4.  Christmas Train (Brett Dennen) - A little Christmas music goes a long way for me, but this one handily flies under the radar without being too cloying! 

5.  Sugar (Remi Wolf) - Breezy West Coast pop from former American Idol contestant.

6.  If Love Is All It Takes (Glassio) - My 2022 Spotify Wrapped reminded me how much I like this guy and his self-described "melancholy disco"!  

7.  Only Ones (Art d'Ecco) - The latest from British Columbian Glam rocker.

8.  Let Me See Your Phone (DRAM) - We had him on our June 2017 playlist, and now he's back with more new-school R&B stylings!  

9.  Find a Way (Phillip-Michael Scales) - This is from 2020, but I heard it online somewhere and liked it.  I'll be keeping an eye on this new Indie rocker. 

10.  Holy Water Hangover (Butch Walker) - Obviously I can't get enough of the new Butch Walker album!  

11.  Temporary Home (Chatham Rabbits) - My friend Andrea took me to their show last month, and I am now a fan!  Catch them if they come through your town.  Home-spun folk to get your toes tappin'!

12.  Why (Fleetwood Mac) - It was heartbreaking to learn that Christine McVie passed away.  This isn't one of her bigger hits, but it's been a personal fave of mine for years.  RIP

13.  Under the Light (Airpark feat. St. Lucia) - Summery grooves to warm your bones on these cold winter nights!

14.  Lonely (Koffee) -  A little reggae from Jamaican Grammy winner to prolong our aural island excursion.  

15.  Warm In December (Samara Joy) - One last seasonal ditty for good measure!

16.  Lifetime (SG Lewis) - Danceable beats and backup choir are a delightful recipe to include on your holiday cocktail party playlist.  

17.  Who Do You Love (ARTY feat. Rozzi) - Did someone say "danceable"???  This newest anthem from Russian DJ is simply begging for some lasers and mirror balls! 

18.  Keep Away (Carly Rae Jepsen) - Uncharacteristically mellow CRJ, but I'm digging it! 

19.  Bigger Than the Whole Sky (Taylor Swift) - This was a bonus track on Taylor's latest, and it just seemed like a perfect chill-out song for sitting by a window and watching the snow fall (assuming at some point there IS snow!).  

So that's December's playlist - our last of the year!  Wishing everyone a great month, and hopefully we can get together again in the New Year!  

Brant's November 2022 Playlist

I didn't have time to cook for this year's holiday get-together,
but I did pull together a new playlist! 

I've pretty much given up trying to get November's playlist out on time.  Halloween month always takes precedence, and between pulling together a costume, haunted trails, and Halloween parties - finding new music always falls to the wayside.  But I did finally pull something together.  We've got a good mix of big names and newbies - so hopefully you'll enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  I'm Just High (Pixey) - The self-proclaimed "Indie Britney Spears" gets us started with some 90s-retro beats and soaring vocals.  I might describe her as closer to Gwen Stefani than Britney, but hey - I love her either way!

2.  Hang a Cross on Me (Pond feat. Cowboy John) -  Euphoric Indie rock from Australian band. 

3.  Anti-Hero (Taylor Swift) - Taylor has dropped her folksy quarantine sound and returned to her pop roots, with her faithful producer Jack Antonoff.  I get the whole 'don't fix it if it ain't broke' philosophy, but part of me keeps wondering what other producers could do with TSwizz.  Perhaps future albums will explore this possibility, but for now I'll enjoy the new songs.  

4.  Make Your Own Kind of Music (Paloma Faith) - Yes, I first heard this in the Volkswagon commercial.  But any faithful cover of a Mama Cass classic is worth a spot on my playlists, I dare say!  

5.  Wild Child (the Black Keys) - Testosterone-rich classic rock from Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney.  

6.  Left and Right (Charlie Puth with Jungkook) - YouTube sensation teams up with BTS member for some easygoing pop.  

7.  Honky Tonk Disco Nights (Elle King & Nile Rodgers) - Never in a million years would I have thought to put these two together, but it works! 

8.  Bad Habit (Your Smith) - Breathy vocals and drowsy beats from Minnesota artist.

9.  Miss Being Mrs (Loretta Lynn) - I'm still grieving the recent loss of Loretta Lynn.  And if you had told me that her Grammy winning 2004 album "Van Lear Rose" would be out-of-print and not available to stream - I'd have said you were insane.  But here we are.  Anyway, this isn't on Spotify so I hope you can find it somewhere.  The entire album is magnificent.  

10.  Streamline Train (Van Morrison) - Losing an all-time great like Loretta Lynn makes me appreciate having new music from Van Morrison all the more!  He sounds as good as ever.  

11.  Dancing In the Rain (Young the Giant) - Energetic arena rock from California band. 

12.  Lionheart (Joel Corry & Tom Grennan) - Here's an inspirational adrenaline-rush for your gym playlist!  The frantic beats remind me of some of the great dance songs of the early 00s!  

13.  Stay with Me (Calvin Harris feat. Justin Timberlake, Halsey & Pharrell Williams) - Popular Scottish DJ has pulled together an all-star cast for his latest single. 

14.  Big Energy (Latto feat. Mariah Carey and DJ Khaled) - I caught this rap artist at the recent Lizzo concert, and liked this little ditty featuring Mariah Carey and a Tom Tom Club sample! 

15.  Surprise (Chai) - Glorious Japanese dream-pop from Nagoya girl group.  

16.  Letter to the Past (Brandi Carlile) - Lordy I love this woman.  'Nuff said.  

17.  He Needs Me (the A's) - Growing up, Mom used to listen to a sister act called Patience and Prudence. That's the first thing I thought of when I heard this!  Imagine my surprise to learn it was a cover of a Shelley Duvall song from the Popeye soundtrack!  

18.  Somebody's Watching You (the Jack Moves) - I do love a good disco song!  The bass on this is flawless.  

19.  Social Call (Samara Joy) - This seemed like a good way to close out November's playlist, as we move into the holiday party season!  Jazz Chanteuse and frequent Brantworld listee covers Gigi Gryce.  

So that's November's list!  Hope everyone has a good Thanksgiving, and I'll see you in December! 

Brant's October 2022 Playlist

My onesie brings all the clowns to the yard

It's the most wonderful time of the year!  Hurricane Ian may be headed our way, but I'm not going to let it rain on my Halloween parade.  This month's playlist has the usual mix of new stuff as well as some yummy morsels for your Halloween playlists.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  First High (Nikki Lane) - Greenville, SC native gets us going with some old-school rock!

2.  Tell Me I'm Pretty (Butch Walker) - Another selection from Butch's "Glenn" album.  I'm digging this 1970s persona he's adopted!  

3.  Aloha from Hell (the Cramps) - This is a deep album cut from the 1980s, but it seemed to capture the free-spirited fun of the Halloween season. 

4.  Real Kicks (Toby Sebastian) - So this really is the guy from "Game of Thrones"!  I kept thinking I was Googling the wrong name.  Anyway, I like his voice and it's well-suited for this folksy AOR ditty.  

5.  Take Off (Prinze George) - I heard this on the "Never Have I Ever" sound track and loved its 80's New Wave vibe!  

6.  In the Honey (Wafia) - Australian singer serves up some catchy pop!

7.  Something 'bout the Night (Jay Diggs) - I stumbled across this while browsing new R&B singers.  This totally sounds like something Michael Jackson would've recorded during his "Off The Wall" days! 

8.  Feel It Comin' (Lady Blackbird) - Oh, Lady Blackbird!  Just when I thought I couldn't love her any more than I already do.  This is 3.5 minutes of pure rapture.  

9.  The Man with the Hat and the Tan (Yerba Buena, Daymé Arocena, and Pedrito Martinez) - Spotify suggested this to me, and what a pleasant surprise!  It reminds me of something Cab Calloway or one of the Harlem legends would've performed back at some glamorous jazz venue in the 1930s.  

10.  Fade Into You (Valerie June) - I love it when an artist I like does an unexpected cover of a song I like!  Great tribute to Mazzy Star! 

11.  Believe (Caamp) - Three people with ears I trust (Martha, Lewis, Jill) independently recommended this band to me - so I took heed.  I'll definitely be following them moving forward.  Heartfelt folk-rock from an Ohio band. 

12.  Go Home! (Claud) - Wistful but toe-tappin' pop from young Indie Chicago singer/songwriter.

13.  Sunroof (Nicky Youre with Dazy) - Another exuberant young pop star!  It's starting to get a tad chilly for opening one's sunroof - but whatevs! 

14.  Domino (Myd) - If you've been following these playlists for a while, you know I love me some French disco/dance/electronica!  Case in point... 

15.  Synchronicity (Rose Gray) - This dance tune just seemed dark and ominous and everything you'd want for a late night at the club during Halloween season.  

16.  Paradise (Great Good Fine Ok with Before You Exit) - At the opposite end of the dance music spectrum, we have this sunny song!  Soaring vocals over a percolating beat.

17.  Stars (Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness) - We had him on our June 2019 playlist, and now he's back with this pleasing alt-rock ballad.  

18.  Bloodletting /the Vampire Song/ (Concrete Blonde) - I couldn't sign off without at least one more Halloween song!  This is another classic from the 1980s, from a criminally underrated band. 

19.  Autumn Leaves (Anthony Roth Costanzo with Justin Vivian Bond) - Every now and again, I try to put something completely different on these playlists.  Why not close out with some seasonal cabaret?  Johnny Mercer, as performed by two NYC legends - Opera singer Anthony Roth Costanzo and Tony-nominated transgender icon Justin Vivian Bond.  

So that's October's playlist!  Hope everyone has a spooktacular Halloween season, and I'll see you in November!  

Brant's September 2022 Playlist

Cruisin' into my birthday month like...

My favorite time of year is almost here!  Not just because of my birthday, though.  Labor Day, Halloween, cooler weather and fewer bugs - I'm here for ALL OF IT.  And September's playlist is here too.  Like a motorcycle ride on a serpentine mountain road - there's a lot of twists and turns this month.  We start off with some R&B, move into some rock and then some jazz and then whatever else I stumbled upon.  Anyway, I hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  2NLuv (Jenevieve feat. Benziboy) - Frequent Brantworld listee kicks us off with some slinky R&B.  Question:  why did we EVER give up using cowbells on dance traxx?

2.  Rock with Me (Sparkee feat. Liinks) - Canadian artist keeps our feet a'tappin' with this Nile Rodgers influenced disco ditty! 

3.  Leave It on the Dancefloor (Hope Tala) - British singer/songwriter is serving easygoing beats with a slightly Latin/tropical vibe that's perfect for late-summer evenings.  

4.  Queen of the Silver City (Glassio) - This song just makes me happy.  Breezy male vocals over percolating dream-pop rhythms.   

5.  All Comes Crashing (Metric) - Indie Rock veterans are back and singing about love in the apocalypse!

6.  State-Line Fireworks (Butch Walker with Sue Clayton) - I'll follow Butch Walker anywhere, and this time he's reinvented himself as a 70s rock star (think:  Jackson Browne or Kris Kristofferson)!  Let's hope there's a tour with this new album.  

7.  Don't Let the Light Go Out (Panic! At the Disco) - Good lord, Brendon Urie can SANG!  His Broadway-caliber pipes are perfectly suited to this 1950s/60s-style ballad.    

8.  Stick Around (Josh Rouse) - Jill turned me on to this guy, and I'm so glad she did!  There were several songs on his new album that I enjoyed but I finally found myself gravitating to the Memphis Soul stylings of this tune.  

9.  Last Day on Earth (Tai Verdes) - Another apocalyptic ditty??? Sure, why not?  

10.  Home By Now (MUNA) - The latest pop offering from another frequent Brantworld listee! 

11.  All Talk (Brian Jackson) - Cap'n Lew recommended this to me.  Brian Jackson worked with some of the greats of the 1970s and beyond (Gil-Scott Heron, Kool & the Gang, Gwen Guthrie).  After years of retirement, he's back with a new album and it was definitely worth the wait.  Classic soul vibes that would be welcome in any decade.  

12.  Goodnight (Glenn Gould feat. Gabriel Pick and Your Hunni) - Glenn Gould has been dead since 1982, but on the new album "Uninvited Guests" his work has been remixed and rebooted!  It's proven to be a controversial project, but I'm digging it.  

13.  Sweet Pumpkin (Samara Joy with Pasquale Grasso) - Someone else I'm digging.  And I figured the pumpkin theme is perfect for getting into the Autumn spirit! 

14.  Mountain Song (Flatland Calvary) - I don't recall where I first heard this, but I always love some Americana as the days get chilly.  

15.  I Got This (Sarah Shook & the Disarmers) - We had them on last month's playlist, and I simply wasn't ready to go a month without them - so here's another song from their latest album!  

16.  No Gold Teeth (Danger Mouse with Black Thought) - I forgot all about Danger Mouse after the Grey Album!  Nice to know he's still out there doing his edgy art. 

17.  Impossible (Röksopp with Alison Goldfrapp) - Two masters at their craft team up for some moody European electronica.  

18.  Cinema (Harry Styles) - Oh, Harry.  Whether it's psychedelic rock, sexual double-entendre, or even yacht-rock such as this - I love everything you do!  

19.  Hearts on Fire /Dance Mix/ (Sam Harris) - This is a little birthday indulgence!  I found this song on an 80s mix-tape and had to add it to this month's playlist.  Sam Harris was YUUUUUUGE back in the day.  After winning "Star Search" (the "American Idol" of the 80s) - he was quickly signed to Motown and everyone expected great things from him.  He didn't exactly meet those expectations, but he's still out there performing.  Anyway - this song should've been a hit.  

So that's September's playlist.  I hope everyone has a safe and fun Labor Day Weekend, and I'll see ya next month! 

Brant's August 2022 Playlist

You never know what that new Webb Telescope is going to find out there! 

It's a Saturday, and summer is in full swing.  After meeting a friend at his pool yesterday and deciding it was too hot to be outside - I decided to spend this afternoon finishing up August's playlist.  Usually I steer towards Indie artists and those performers people may not know, but there have been so many A-list artists putting out great music that I went ahead and added them in.  So, for every up-and-comer we have a Beyoncé, Harry Styles, Lizzo, etc.  Anyway, here's this month's list, published early so you can enjoy it as part of YOUR weekend (be it indoors or outdoors).  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Killing Me (Coin) - We had "Chapstick" on January's playlist, and now they're back with another peppy alt-rocker.  I'll be paying attention to this Nashville band moving forward! 

2.  The Girls (Albertine Sarges) - This tune reminds me of the quirky female-led songs from artists like Lene Lovich and the B-52s back in the 80s.  

3.  Wake Up (Young the Giant) - The latest anthemic offering from California rockers!  

4.  Music for a Sushi Restaurant (Harry Styles) - Harry's new album seems to vacillate between peppy horns-forward ditties and yacht rock.  I'm mostly favoring the former.  

5.  Everybody's Gay (Lizzo) - Viva La Lizzo!!!

6.  Hi-Fidelity (Lava La Rue feat. Biig Piig) - Easygoing funk collab between non-binary poet/artist/musician and Irish artist Biig Piig. 

7.  You're No Good (Weyes Blood) - Okay, it's starting to look like I'll have this entire "Minions" soundtrack on a playlist somewhere, but there are so many good songs!  Here's Weyes Blood covering Linda Rondstadt! 

8.  No Mistakes (Sarah Shook & the Disarmers) - I loved this song the first time I heard it.  What a pleasant surprise to see she's a North Carolina native!  She's serving "country punk and twang" and I am HERE for it! 

9.  (Remember Me) I'm the One Who Loves You (Watkins Family Hour feat. Fiona Apple) - Fiona follows her muse wherever it leads, and I like that.  For this number, she joins Sara and Sean Watkins (formerly of Nickel Creek) to do their rendition of a Johnny Cash standard.  

10.  Waiting by the Window (mokina, carbeau) - From American country to Brazilian bossa nova!  I always enjoy a lil' bossa nova in the summertime.  

11.  Different Colors x Pride (Walk The Moon feat. Jake Wesley Rogers) - My friend Lynn turned me on to Jake Wesley Rogers.  What a treat to hear him do this song with frequent Brantworld listees Walk The Moon for last month's Pride! 

12.  Never Really Loved Me (Kygo feat. Dean Lewis) - I don't know who Dean Lewis is, but I love this man's voice!  Kygo always manages to find quality vocalists for his stuff. 

13.  Life's Too Short (Adesha feat. Vincent Kwok) - Eric turned me on to this lady, and I'm digging the 80s old-school vibes she delivers.

14.  Sneakers (ITZY) - This K-pop group is giving me Spice Girl nostalgia.  Unapologetically exuberant and youthful.  

15.  sheluvme (Tai Verdes) - Cool R&B performance from handsome Californian.  I wish it were longer!  Can we go back to songs that are more than 3 minutes long, pleeeeeeease???

16.  Cuff It (Beyoncé) - I'd be remiss if I didn't have something from Bey's new album!  I fully expect to be hearing selections from "Renaissance" on dance floors for the rest of the year (and beyond)!  

17.  Like I Never Left (Kid Bloom) - Trippy psych-rock from young West Coast artist.

18.  Back On My Love (Pure Shores) - Another song to get you back on the dance floor! 

19.  Let's Get It On /Flight Facilities Remix/ (Marvin Gaye) - Remixing Marvin Gaye is a bold undertaking, but I think these guys nailed it!  Flight Facilities build on the original without completely bastardizing something that really didn't need changing.  

So that's August!  Stay cool, and I'll (hopefully) see you next month!

Brant's July 2022 Playlist

I couldn't hear the Horn in the West, but I 
can definitely hear this month's playlist!

Sometimes life gets in the way of putting together these playlists, but I guess that's not all bad.  It was just a super-busy month at work, and then the holiday weekend crept up and here we are 3 days into July and I'm just now pulling this all together!  Anyway, this month's list is a mix of good stuff - some folk-rock, some summery vibes, and because after all the nonsense coming out of the Supreme Court I wasn't feeling especially patriotic - I just threw in a kickass protest song from Nina Simone.  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Broken Shadow (Karen Elson) - Gorgeously haunting folk from the former Mrs. Jack White.

2.  Shine a Light (Paolo Nutini) - This sounds nothing like "New Shoes" but is still quite appealing! 

3.  Shining Star (Brittany Howard and Verdine White) - I'm really digging this new Minions soundtrack!  We had Diana Ross last month, and now we've got Brittany Howard teaming up with founding member of Earth, Wind, and Fire for a powerhouse reboot of their classic 1975 hit.

4.  She Had Me at Heads Carolina (Cole Swindell) - Another fun reboot - this time of Jo Dee Messina's 1996 country hit!  

5.  In the Mirror (the Interrupters) - Summer always puts me in the mood for some reggae and ska, and this will do quite nicely! 

6.  Butterfly Wings (Felivand) - Percolating R&B from Australian artist.  

7.  The Highs and The Lows (Chance the Rapper feat. Joey Bada$$) - Jazzy rap from Chicago artist.

8.  Potion (Calvin Harris feat. Dua Lipa and Young Thug) - Dua Lipa is having her moment!  I'm not surprised Calvin Harris recruited her to sing on his latest.

9.  Just Sayin' (JayWood feat. Ami Cheon) - I can't remember where I heard this, but really digging this summery soul vibe from Canadian artist.  

10.  Mighty Cloud (Wooze) - This is wacky and muscular and just one of those kinda goth, kinda New Wave songs that reminds me of the Pterodactyl Club in 1980s/1990s Charlotte!  

11.  Give It to Me Baby (Jarina de Marco) - Slinky remake of the Rick James classic.

12.  Show Me Love (Tove Styrke) - Very 60s-styled girl group ballad from Swedish singer/songwriter. 

13.  The Funeral (YUNGBLUD) - Frequent Brantworld listee is back with some peppy alt-rock.

14.  That's Where I Am (Maggie Rogers) - New Wave beats and earnest vocals from Harvard Divinity School graduate.  

15.  Sometimes (MUNA) - From the Fire Island soundtrack.  A delicious Britney Spears cover. 

16.  Suburbia (NoSo) - Smooth electronica from Korean American artist.

17.  In the Dark /Extended Mix/ (Purple Disco Machine feat. Sophie & the Giants) - Fantabulous disco from the aptly named Purple Disco Machine!  

18.  Dream (Madison McFerrin feat. Photay) - This sounds like the Andrews Sisters after a few edibles (in all the best ways!).  And yes, she's Bobby McFerrin's daughter.

19.  Backlash Blues (Nina Simone) - Nina kicking ass and taking names, as only she can! A great protest song.  I first heard it in the excellent Academy Award-winning "Summer of Soul" movie.  

20.  Out of Time (the Weeknd) - Easygoing pop from versatile Canadian star.

So that's July's playlist!  Y'all stay safe out there.  And remember, if you're road-tripping with someone who recently lost an election - don't give them any bad news if they're within arm's reach of the steering wheel!  #SafetyFirst 

There Are Other People in This World Besides You

 

I haven’t been a child for a very long time, but I occasionally can still hear my Mom’s voice in my head. It’s like an internal alarm system notifying me that I need to course-correct. Most times, it’s something of small consequence such as, “We can’t afford to air condition the entire neighborhood!” (close the door). But lately, I've been hearing, “There are other people in this world besides you!”

Mom reserved this for times when I was being a selfish brat – for example when I would whine about wanting pizza for dinner instead of the restaurant my family had chosen. Or when I didn’t want to go to one of my brother’s tennis tournaments. It seems like a toss-away statement, but the more I think about it the more I realize it was actually seismic.

THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD BESIDES YOU. This one little phrase eventually shaped my view of the world. It took me outside my head and forced me to develop empathy. I began to notice that there were external points of view that I needed (at the very least) to consider and (ideally) perhaps from which I could learn something.

Looking around these days, I have noticed that there are a lot of people out there whose mothers clearly never said this to them. There are the small incidents – people not using turn signals while they drive, people who do not wipe down the gym equipment after they use it. These are just a part of life’s daily annoyances. But other incidents are happening on a larger scale with greater consequence.

I see a lot of people who compare the recent overturning of Roe v Wade with 2020’s mask mandates and vaccine requirements. If you’re not aware that there are other people in this world besides you – it probably seems like a sound argument. You can’t choose to end your pregnancy. I couldn’t choose to go without a mask. It’s the same thing in their heads. But the difference is that one of these actions affects OTHER PEOPLE. If you choose to go without a mask (or vaccine), you are increasing the odds that you will catch a disease, which YOU CAN THEN PASS ALONG to OTHER PEOPLE. If someone opts not to carry a baby to term, they don’t increase the risk for others to miscarry or end their own pregnancy against their will. One of these decisions affects the collective.

On an even grander scale, you have decision makers in power, like Clarence Thomas. After the Roe v Wade precedent was overturned, Thomas wrote that the Supreme Court “should reconsider all of this court’s substantive due process precedents, including Griswold, Lawrence, and Obergefell”. These decisions were also based on privacy rulings and regarded issues like contraception and same-sex marriage. It’s quite telling that he omitted Loving v Virginia. This was the Supreme Court decision that made interracial marriage legal in our country. Thomas is 74 years old, straight, and in an interracial marriage. I would imagine issues of gay marriage and contraception are not part of his realm. But interracial marriage is, therefore he left it off the table. I’m guessing Clarence Thomas’s mother never bothered to tell him that “there are other people in this world besides you.” And because he is in a position to actually affect change, his lack of empathy has staggering consequences for the entire nation.

I don’t know what the solution is for the adults who are already out there. It seems like if you didn’t learn this lesson early in life, you never will. But for the parents out there raising kids – PLEASE share with them this vital nugget of wisdom. THERE ARE OTHER PEOPLE IN THIS WORLD BESIDES YOU. If you don’t, we all will continue to suffer the consequences. And it sucks living in a world with dirty gym equipment, tone-deaf social media posts, and legislators who pass and enforce laws that only benefit themselves. Avoiding that in adulthood is definitely worth occasionally not getting pizza for dinner as a child.

Brant's June 2022 Playlist

Inflation really took a bite out of the special effects in
 "Jurassic World 3", didn't it?

The early bird gets the...cyclist?  I guess because I was home sick all weekend (not Covid, thank goodness), I was able to complete June's playlist a little early!  June is Pride Month, so in hopes that I will NOT be sick and that I will get to do some fun stuff during the next 30 days - I leaned into the party vibes:  lots of dance, R&B, and synth pop.  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Daydreaming (Harry Styles) - This glorious mix of Styles' charisma and a slammin' Brothers Johnson sample kicks us off!  It seems destined to be one of the "Songs of the Summer" for 2022.  

2.  Down (Hot Chip) - Eclectic, Grammy-nominated alt-dance artists serve up more peppy beats.

3.  Don't Forget My Love (Diplo and Miguel) - Two West Coast greats team up to create some night club magic!  

4.  Slow Song (the Knocks feat. Dragonette) - This was giving me Fleetwood Mac vibes in all the right ways!  

5.  Heartbursts (Lucius) - Dare I say...luscious (and Lucius!)  female vocals over tasty Indie pop?  Yes, please!

6.  You Make Me Mad (Aquilo) - Slick alt-rock from English duo.

7.  Ominira (Angelique Kidjo) - Beninese legend delivers some tropical vibes perfect for the upcoming season. 

8.  At the Hotel (Eunice Collins) - I heard this on an episode of "Atlanta" and had to have it.  A rare and nearly lost R&B recording from 1974.  Haven't we ALL felt a little "motel" at the "hotel" at some time or another?

9.  Quicksand (Hatchie) - Dreamy pop from Australian singer.

10.  Broken (Alfie Templeman) - We had Alfie on last month's playlist, and one song was not enough!  

11.  One Second (Pink Skies) - Easygoing psychedelic rock from Oakland, CA artist

12.  Against All Odds (Jenevieve) - Unexpected but welcome R&B cover of an 80s anthem.  

13.  Skyline (Khalid) - Sunny dance tune from one of my favorite contemporary soul singers. 

14.  girl ur so pretty (Ambar Lucid) - Young Indie singer dabbles in some Sapphic sensuality. 

15.  Meteorite (Anna of the North & Gus Dapperton) - Peppy pop from Norwegian artist

16.  Passion (Roosevelt feat. Nile Rodgers) - This combo was destined to happen!  Roosevelt is clearly influenced by 70s and 80s dance and disco music, and Nile Rodgers is well, Nile Rodgers!  I can't believe it took this long for them to collaborate!

17.  About Damn Time /Purple Disco Machine Extended Remix/ (Lizzo) - Did someone say "disco"???  This had BETTER be on EVERY Pride Playlist moving forward! 

18.  Hurts But It Goes Away (The Head and The Heart) - Latest from the Seattle Indie folk-rockers

19.  Turn Up the Sunshine (Diana Ross & Tame Impala) - Minions make strange bedfellows!  I never in a million years would've put Diana Ross in the recording studio with Tame Impala, but they sound pretty great on this tune from the "Minions:  Rise of Gru" soundtrack!

20.  Strut Your Funky Stuff  /Original 12" Version/ (Frantique) - It wouldn't be Pride without some disco, and I recently discovered this band on a Disco Discharge compilation!  Strut your funky stuff, y'all!

So that's June's playlist!  Hope everyone has a safe and HEALTHY month - and I'll see you in July! 

Brant's May 2022 Playlist

Okay, I survived the Spring pollen.  Now I just need to be ready for the Summer bugs!  

It's hard to believe May is here!  I guess the allergy-induced haze I've been in for the last two months has distorted my perception of time.  Anyway - I'm a day late but here is a new playlist.  We've got some unexpected covers, some poolside beats, and a few artists I hope to catch over the summer concert season.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Stacking Chairs (Middle Kids) - Upbeat Indie rock from down under to kick us off!

2.  Nervous at Night (Charlie Hickey) - Young artist signed to Phoebe Bridgers' record label!  

3.  Too Young to Remember (Christone "Kingfish" Ingram) - Young Grammy winner will hopefully have a long career ahead of him!  It's nice to hear some old school blues. 

4.  C'mon Baby Cry (Orville Peck) - Orville is back on tour, so I'm hoping to catch him this summer!  In the meantime, I'm digging this retro-Country offering. 

5.  Puppy and a Truck (Jenny Lewis) - Her opening line is "My 40s are kicking my ass, and handing it to me in a margarita glass!"  I hate to tell her what the 50s will be like...

6.  Steal My Sunshine (Portugal. The Man with Cherry Glazerr) - First unexpected cover!  Psychedelic Rock darlings Portugal. The Man cover Len's 1990s hit (which in itself had a delicious Andrea True sample!).  

7.  About Damn Time (Lizzo) - Lizzo is baaaaaaack!!!  And there is much rejoicing! 

8.  Colors (Thunder Jackson) - Powerful vocals over a groovy beat to keep the party going.  

9.  Rocket on My Feet (St. Lucia) - Many artists have adopted the 80s sound, but this tune nailed it for me.  It sounds like one of those mid-tempo club tunes you'd hear at every cocktail lounge you visited.  Perfect for sipping your blue caracao cocktail and trying not to worry that the valet is going to scratch your DeLorean.  

10.  Beatmaker (Matt Berry & Emma Noble) - Unexpected cover #2!  The guy from "What We Do in the Shadows" does a fantabulous cover of the Doris classic!

11.  So Lonely (PJ Morton feat. Wale) - Great summer vibes from Maroon 5 keyboardist and Grammy winner.

12.  Sharks (Diane Coffee) - So excited to have a new Diane Coffee album!  And there's a tour this summer so I may try to catch that as well.  Shaun Fleming never disappoints.  

13.  Wild One (Bobby Rydell) - We lost Bobby last month, so I wanted to include one of his biggest hits.  For giggles, you can check out the disco version from 1976!  It's also added as a Bonus Track on Spotify.  

14.  Colour Me Blue (Alfie Templeman) - It's impossible to be sad while listening to these upbeat 1960s vibes from this up-and-coming UK artist!  

15.  Pogo (Skeleten) - Easygoing electronica from Sydney band.  

16.  Landline (Little Boots) - English pop singer is back with this disco-tinged tribute to the days before wireless!

17.  As I Try Not to Fall Apart (White Lies) - Another English artist serves up some post-punk New Wave beats.  

18.  Used to Know Me (Charli XCX) - Charli had me at the Robin S sample.  Can we get an extended version please???  2.5 minutes is not nearly long enough!

19.  Dark Rain (DRAMA) - Breathy vocals over a mid-tempo beat to ease us into the final song.  

20.  Inside My Arms (Gabrielle Cavassa with Braxton Cook) - 'Transportive' is the only word I can use to describe this jazzy conclusion to May's playlist.  Hearing it, I immediately feel like I'm in some hole-in-the-wall cabaret in a big city.  

So that's May's list.  Hope everyone has a great month, and I'll see you in June!

Brant's April 2022 Playlist

Will Smith's slap may be getting the attention,
but I still say Joan Crawford is the one to beat!  

March has come and gone, much like Will Smith's sterling reputation - and so it's time for another playlist.  This month found me gravitating towards 80s vibes, as well as some global sounds.  Music that's perfect to enjoy as you ice your face after being bitch-slapped.  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  You Could Be (Anz feat. George Riley) - Manchester artist gets us started with some danceable pop! 

2.  Sweetest Pie (Megan Thee Stallion & Dua Lipa) - Two pop divas at the top of their game team up with predictably primo results.

3.  When You're Gone (Shawn Mendes) - Never has separation anxiety sounded so peppy! 

4.  Talk Over Town (Katy J. Pearson) - We had her on September 2021's playlist, and now she's back with more Americana-influenced melodies!

5.  Colors /Savoir Adore Remix/ (Emmit Fenn) - I couldn't find out much about this artist, but I'm digging this remix.  

6.  Hymn to Me (Nightlands) - SERIOUS Crosby, Stills & Nash vibes going on here, in all the best ways!

7.  I'd Want You (CMAT) - Irish singer Ciara Mary-Alice Thomas reminds me of Maria McKee from 80s band Lone Justice.  I can't get enough of her!  

8.  You Got to Move (Mavis Staples & Levon Helm) - I have loved every version of Mavis Staples - from the Staples Singers to her Prince days to her newest folksy self.  What a treat to see her teaming with dearly departed Levon Helm.  This track was recorded shortly before his death.  

9.  Can't Stop the Rain (Neal Francis) - Another artist who's been on previous playlists returns with his trademark 70s vibes.  

10.  Bitter Sweet Symphony (Deco) - Delicious remake of the Verve's 1997 hit.  

11.  17 18 19 (Ibibio Sound Machine) - My favorite British afro-funk band is back!!!  This was giving me Grace Jones vibes.  

12.  Paint Your Nails Blue (Dirty Nice) - Easygoing electronica from Lisbon/London duo.

13.  Love Tastes Like Strawberries (Somi feat. Gregory Abbott) - "Pata Pata" was the only Miriam Makeba tune I knew, but this tribute album by Grammy-nominated singer has me wanting to dive into her catalog of recordings!  

14.  Purple Zone (Soft Cell & Pet Shop Boys) - A good friend of mine died last month, and he would have loved this collaboration between two fantabulous 80s bands.  RIP Jeff.  

15.  Seventeen Going Under (Sam Fender) - Sam was on last month's playlist, and I couldn't help but pick another song off his recent album!  

16.  crashing down (Arlie) - I think I heard this on the Sirius XM Alt 18 countdown and immediately loved it.  Energetic alt-rock from Nashville Indie band.

17.  Dancing Feet (Kygo feat. DNCE) - Frequent Brantworld listee teams up with a Jonas brother for what's sure to be a hit!  

18.  Charley's Girl (Lou Reed) - I heard this 1976 song on the soundtrack to "The Tourist" and forgot how much I enjoy Lou Reed.  He would've turned 80 this year.  

19.  Last Night (Arooj Aftab) - NPR recommended this artist and I was immediately intrigued.  Trippy reggae from Pakistani singer that sounds like something you'd hear in a faraway hookah lounge.  It's a long way from the peppy pop we started this list with, but I go where the music takes me...

So that's April's list.  I guess I've put off doing my taxes long enough, so that will be my next undertaking.  See ya in May!  

Brant's March 2022 Playlist

CURRENT MOOD (well, except for maybe the twigs in my hair)

Oof.  February was NOT a good month.  No need to get into it, but I'm glad to be done.  Anyway, this month's playlist is pretty random.  It was just stuff with a happy vibe that felt like chicken soup to my soul, with a dash of escapism.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  

 1.  Forecast (Diane Coffee feat. Deep Sea Diver) - I love Diane Coffee.  Just knowing Shaun Fleming is out there doing his thang makes me smile.  Can't wait for the new album.  

2.  First in Flight (Don McCloskey) - Brooklyn singer-songwriter seems to be channeling Graceland-era Paul Simon and I am here for it!!! 

3.  I've Been Over It (Geowulf) - We had them on our May 2020 playlist, and this Australian duo is back with more sunny Indie pop.  

4.  Love Came Down (Yebba) - Chance the Rapper brought her to everyone's attention, but she is fully in command of the stage at this point!  I'm getting Florence + the Machine vibes from this anthem.  

5.  Beg for You (Charli XCX feat. Rina Sawayama) - Two powerhouse pop divas team up for this new single from Charli's upcoming album!  

6.  L.O.V.E. (Blue Hawaii) - I love me some minimalist disco, and this funky bop from Canadian duo is just what the doctor ordered! 

7.  Foreign Things (Amber Mark) - A frequent Brantworld listee returns with a 90s-style pulsating jam.  

8.  Strawberry Lady (Judi Jackson) - Groovy, psychedelic jazz from London UK artist.

9.  Outta Time (Orville Peck) - I was all set to see Orville in 2020, until the pandemic forced him to cancel his tour.  Hopefully he'll be back this year - and now we've got some new tunes to hear him play!  This Southern-rock vibe is perfectly suited to his rustic voice.   

10.  Pretending That You're Dead (Sam Fender) - Another repeat offender from October 2019!  This young Englishman is becoming very popular overseas.  Hopefully his success will transfer to the colonies if he continues to offer up great alt-rock tunes like this.  

11.  Ex I Never Had (LANY) - Dream-pop trio doing what they do best!

12.  Peur des Filles (L'Impératrice) - Nobody does nu-disco like the French!  Sugary Euro, escapist bliss.  

13.  Company (Melba Moore feat. Carmichael Musiclover) - How cool to see Melba is still out there sounding as awesome as ever!  Back in the day, we called this Quiet Storm R&B.  

14.  Funny Girl (Father John Misty) - Critic darling and former Fleet Foxes member serves up some cinematic crooning that would make Chet Baker proud! 

15.  The Last Goodbye (ODESZA feat. Bettye LaVette) - Whoa!  What a great way to introduce soul legend Bettye LaVette to a new generation!  A sample of LaVette's 1965  "Let Me Down Easy" with some slammin' beats.  I salute the masters!

16.  Pills /Roosevelt Remix/ (Selah Sue) - Roosevelt works his magic again on Belgian singer's latest single.  

17.  Too Late Now (Wet Leg) - British Indie rockers are heavy on the reverb and lightning-fast sometimes spoken/sometimes sung vocals.

18.  Like Exploding Stones (Kurt Vile) - Former War On Drugs guitarist goes solo with some leisurely and trippy/folk rock.  

19.  Fleabag (Yungblud) - Always entertaining rocker and Halsey's ex closes us out with some self-flagellating punk rock.  

*BONUS TRACK:  The Last Resort (Eagles) - Okay, I just saw the Eagles for their 2022 Tour, and they did this track from "Hotel California" with a full orchestra and choir behind them.  It truly was a revelation.  I'd never paid attention to this particular song because their are SO many other great songs on that album - but it gave me a new appreciation for it.  Enjoy.  And catch the tour if you can! 

Brant's February 2022 Playlist

There's nothing abominable about a snow day!

Ask and ye shall receive!  Last month I was complaining about the lack of winter weather, and this month we got three (3) snows!  It was so much fun to have it actually FEEL like winter.  And once I was done frolicking outside, I could warm up by the fireplace and work on February's playlist!  This month skews towards R&B with a couple of nice remixes, but there's still a healthy dose of rock!  Enjoy.  To listen on Spotify (although after Neil Young and Joni Mitchell pulled out, I may be exploring other platforms), click HERE.  

1.  Lights (Band of Horses) - Grammy-nominated band kicks us off with some upbeat rock.

2.  Monday (the Regrettes) - We had them on our May 2018 playlist with their awesome cover of "Teenager in Love", and now they're back with an original song!  

3.  Mama Tried (Eli "Paperboy" Reed) - One of my fave Merle Haggard songs gets the Memphis soul treatment!  

4.  Home (IYAMAH) - The final season of "Insecure" wrapped up this past December.  I loved the music from the show as much as the show itself, so here's one new tune I discovered from the soundtrack!  

5.  Don't Forget Your Neighborhood (Cola Boyy and the Avalanches) - Some disco-flavored Indie pop from West Coast artist/activist Matthew Urango.

6.  Take You Higher (Leisure) - Another repeat artist from playlists gone by!  This New Zealand band was on our Feb 2019 playlist, and this groovy soul track is their latest offering.  

7.  Nobody Sees Me Like You Do (Japanese Breakfast) - Michelle Zauner is having her moment, and I am here for it!  I love this cover of an obscure Yoko Ono track from 1981.  

8.  Moonglow (Samara Joy) - Eric turned me on to this young up-and-coming jazz chanteuse, and I can't get enough of her!  This can be our Valentine's Day pick.  

9.  Rush (Raveena) - Dreamy R&B from Indian American artist. 

10.  Lost and Looking /Colleen 'Cosmo' Murphy Cosmodelica Remix/ (Lady Blackbird) - Unexpected remix of Lady Blackbird reminds me of many late nights at the clubs back in the day!  

11.  Fine and Peachy (Eliza Shaddad) - Eliza was on our Dec 2020 playlist, and this is her latest!  Confessional soft rock that would fit perfectly in a Lilith Fair revival.  

12.  Dogs Run On (Maya De Vitry) - Beautifully simple acoustic folk harmonies that are perfect listening as you watch the snow fall and sip your cocoa.  

13.  Stay /Little Dragon Remix/ (Valerie June) - It's always a treat when two artists you love decide to collaborate!  Little Dragon gives the opening track on June's latest album an avant-garde reworking. 

14.  Good Old Days /Classixx Remix/ (JR JR and Classixx) - Peppy Indie pop from Michigan duo.

15.  Meant for Livin' (Mondo Cozmo) - Another welcome return, this time from LA folk-rocker Joshua Keith Ostrander.

16.  Get Lost in the Music (Ambar Lucid) - 1960s vibes that would make Lulu and Petula Clark proud! 

17.  (The Best Part of) Breaking Up (the Ronettes) - Speaking of the 1960s, we lost a legend this past month.  RIP Ronnie Spector, lead singer of the Ronettes.  I had to include one of their songs on this month's list.  

18.  Hard Drive (Cassandra Jenkins) - Half spoken, half sung cerebral lyrics that reminded me of Laurie Anderson.

19.  Night Call (Years & Years) - Olly Alexander is also having a moment, so I figured we could wrap up this month's list with his latest pop confection!  

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

Brant's January 2022 Playlist

When you were really excited about the winter weather,
but it's been 70 degrees all weekend...

Our first playlist of 2022!  I actually debated whether to continue doing these, but at the end of the day - I really enjoy finding new music.  It's also fun to be able to look back at the lists from previous years.  Anyway, here's a fresh batch of songs.  Some of the themes were a tad dark, despite the upbeat presentation!  That wasn't intentional on my part, but feels appropriate given the last two years.  Let's hope 2022 is better to us than her predecessors!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Last Day on Earth (beabadoobee) - Filipino-British singer/songwriter addresses the angst that sometimes comes in a New Year with an appropriately titled, but deceptively cheerful, ditty!

2.  Under the Rolling Moon (Ducks Ltd) - Toronto band serves up some jangly alt-rock.

3.  Train in Vain (Rostam) - A dreamy cover of the Clash classic.  

4.  Drugs (Anderson East) - Blue-eyed soul singer who last appeared on our March 2018 playlist is back with this dark but peppy disco tune!  

5.  All I Feel Is Rain (Khalid feat JID) - I love me some Khalid, and was very psyched to see he had released a new mix tape last month.  

6.  Walk On By (the Baylor Project) - Grammy-nominated Jean Baynor and husband also make a welcome comeback! It's not the Dionne Warwick song but still a great R&B performance.  

7.  Nothing's Ever Gonna Be Good Enough (Miles Kane feat. Corinne Bailey Rae) - This is one of those vivacious pop songs that only seem to come out of the UK.  Sounds like something Paul Weller would've done during his Style Council years.  

8.  Fire in Your House (Walk the Moon feat. Johnny Clegg and Jesse Clegg) - Frequent Brantworld listees continue to serve up great music.

9.  Don't You Worry About Me (Bad Boy Chiller Club) - This is a balls-to-the-wall party anthem.  I fully expect to hear it in some Netflix college/high school series in 2022.  

10.  How Not to Drown (Chvrches & Robert Smith) - Usually when a band has a guest vocalist, they sound like themselves with guest vocals.  This could TOTALLY be a Cure song with Chvrches as a guest performer!

11.  Purely Educational (Elder Island) - Let's keep the 80s vibes going with this minimalist Europop offering.  They've clearly spent some time listening to Yaz and Alison Moyet.  

12.  Heavy (Peach PRC) - Australian artist serves up a nice pop ballad.

13.  Silk Chiffon (MUNA with Phoebe Bridgers) - Dreamy soft-rock about ladies lovin' ladies!

14.  If You Got a Problem (Joy Oladokun) - Another proud queer artist who deserves much recognition.

15.  True Love (Hovvdy) - Austin, Texas duo, pronounced "howdy", adds some Western flair and harmonies to the usual rock vibe.  

16.  Bad Luck (BoyWithUke) - Mysterious TikTok artist has never shown his face but has racked up millions of views.  Can't wait to hear more from him!  

17.  Chapstick (COIN) - Sexy, nasty funk rock from Nashville band.  Probably not Covid-safe but fun anyway! 

18.  No Bad Days (Bastille) - I really expected Bastille to be a one-hit wonder for some reason.  Happily I was proven wrong! 

19.  Baby Grand (Anna B. Savage) - Listening to this is a completely immersive experience, so I put it at the end of the playlist.  I saw her name on several Best of 2021 Lists and have been fascinated ever since.  Her vibrato is off-putting (to me) at first, but the raw emotion is captivating.  She reminds me of Antony and the Johnsons/Anohni.  Enjoy!

So that's our first list of the New Year.  Hope everyone survived the holidays and has a great 2022!