Brant's January 2024 Playlist

When 2023 has kicked your arse, but you are determined
to be optimistic about the New Year... 

It's hard to believe a new year is beginning, but here we are.  The holidays were pretty uneventful here, for which I'm grateful.  Anyway - here's January's list!  We've got some cool cover songs, a few returning faves, and the usual mix of pop, rock and disco!  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Beautiful Stranger (the Dip) - Madonna gets the Memphis soul treatment! 

2.  Life Goes By (Almost Monday) - This San Diego Indie band never disappoints when serving up some high-energy alt-rock!  See also 2023's March and April playlists.  

3.  Sweet Is the Night (Juliana Hatfield) - I think one of the things I've enjoyed most about Juliana's ELO cover album is discovering the ELO songs I missed the first time around.  Case in point!  

4.  Ray-Bans (Dagny) - Another artist who's been on previous playlists returns and reminds me why I love this Norwegian singer/songwriter!  

5.  Get Me Started (Troye Sivan) - Young pop star shows no signs of slowing down with his latest album!  

6.  Gold (Austin Millz & Aluna) - Mitch turned me on to this!  Harlem dance music artist teams up with Welsh singer for this glittery ditty! 

7.  Children /What Time It Is/ (Billy Porter feat. Lady Blackbird) - Whoa.  Two powerhouse vocalists get together for some uplifting gospel!  Brings to mind great diva collaborations like "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)" by Barbra Streisand & Donna Summer.  

8.  CooCool (Róisín Murphy) - Quirky Irish singer serves up some newfangled soul.  Imagine if an AI program tried to re-create Dusty Springfield and you get the idea! 

9.  Thought U Knew (Leela James) - The latest from R&B powerhouse.  I will follow Leela anywhere.  

10.  Tonight (Superlover) - Upbeat jazz funk from Berlin-based DJ.

11.  Attendance Record (Sadie Leigh) - Slinky vocals over jazzy beats that bring Macy Gray to mind.  

12.  Going to Town (Rufus Wainwright feat. Anohni) - Another delicious collaboration from Rufus's great "Folkocracy" album! 

13.  Sound and Fury (Margo Cilker) - This was on NPR's "Best of 2023" list, and I immediately downloaded it!  Great traditional folk performance from up-and-coming Californian.  

 14.  Spit You Out (Isla June) - Powerful rock anthem from L.A. Indie artist.  

15.  Bloom (Aidan Bissett) - Pop rock with soaring vocals that would make Tal Bachman proud!  

16.  Sex and Money (Lydia Loveless) - Ambitious alt-country from Ohio singer/songwriter.  

17.  Bougainvillea (Nymphlord) - Nymphlord is the stage name of Tia Rabinovitz.  I wasn't able to find out too much about her, but I love her retro-90s garage band vibe!  

18.  She's On My Mind (Romy) - Former lead singer of the XX ("Crystallized") goes solo, and leans into the effervescent 1970s disco sound with glorious results!  

19.  Danger (the Star Sisters) - This song is from 1985 but I only discovered it recently.  It should've been a bigger hit, IMHO, but I guess they got lost in the shuffle between Exposé and Taylor Dayne and every other 1980s dance-pop female act.  I'll be adding them to my 80s playlists moving forward - better late than never!  

20.  Crashland (Maris) - Speaking of 1980s dance-pop, Maris is definitely channeling that energy and I'm here for it!  

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

Brant's December 2023 Playlist

Anyone else got dem ol' "Been Hearing Xmas Music Since November 1st" blues?

Y'know - people occasionally talk about a War on Christmas. I personally can take or leave it, but when these same people people start playing music specific to that holiday THE DAY AFTER HALLOWEEN it kinda feels like a North Korean propaganda campaign!  But anyway, for those looking for some alternatives - here's December's playlist and (aside from one quick mention in the first tune) it has been scrubbed of all holiday references!  The music skews a little towards the Alt Rock and Dance numbers, but hopefully has enough variety to serve as an aural stocking stuffed with goodies!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Stick Season (Noah Kahan) - So as not to be accused of being anti-Christmas, let the record show that the holiday IS mentioned in this song!

2.  Eye on the Bat (Palehound) - Toe-tappin' folk rock from American band. 

3.  Too Sad to Dance (Jung Kook) - Former BTS singer goes solo, and serves up some melancholy pop.

4.  Daisy Chain (Pixey & Tayo Sound) - Admittedly, the Andrea True sample is low-hanging fruit, but Pixey sure knows how to craft a peppy pop song!  

5.  Attention (the Aces) - Some 80s style rock that would make Chrissie Hynde smile! 

6.  What Love? (I Don't Know How But They Found Me) - Percolating Indie Pop perfect for your holiday party!  This guy's vocal range would give Prince a run for his money!

7.  Right Back in It (Leela James feat. Kevin Ross) - Leela never disappoints, and what a treat to see her collaborating with another R&B heavy-hitter! 

8.  Packin' /Mozambo Disco Remix/ (FHAT feat. Aaron Pfeiffer & Sedric Perry) - We had Sedric on October's playlist, so I decided to see what else he had done.  This is from 2019 but I'm digging the Jackson vibe! 

9.  edamame /Diplo Remix/ (bbno$ feat. Rich Brian) - This is from "Fall of the House of Usher" and sounds like EVERY after hours dance club I've ever been to (in all the best ways)! Just make sure you skip out before the sprinkler system turns on!  ;-)

10.  Talk Too Much (Reneé Rapp) - I always like to see a Carolina native make it big!  Reneé has been killing it on "Sex Lives of College Girls", and now I learn she can apparently sing too?!?  Andy Griffith better watch his back!

11.  MF Bassline (Will Joseph Cook) - Young Englishman serves up some silky soul!

12.  Coyote (Dylan LeBlanc) - We had Dylan on our December 2015 playlist, and now he's back with some easygoing Americana! 

13.  Telephone Line (Juliana Hatfield) - I will simply paraphrase what one of the other online reviewers said about this project:  It's the ELO tribute album I never knew I needed from Juliana Hatfield (until now!).  

14.  Impressively Average (Brigitte Calls Me Baby) - I'm getting Roy Orbison vibes from this, if Orbison had sung with an awesome Indie rock band! 

15.  Harvest (Rufus Wainwright feat. Andrew Bird & Chris Stills) - Rufus has covered Judy Garland, so I guess (?) Neil Young was the next logical step???  Either way, he's great at doing both!  

16.  Slap (Caroline & Claude) - The kind of catchy dance pop that draws me in like a moth to a flame...

17.  Escape & Retreat (Holiday Sidewinder) - Australian artist keeps the dance pop vibes going!

18.  Freak Me Now (Jessie Ware & Róisín Murphy) - Two dance divas team up for some frenetic, loungey beats! 

19.  Sex (the Dare) - From the lounge to the bedroom, probably with a quick stop to visit the medicine cabinet!  Sleazy electro-funk from NYC artist.

20.  Paint the Town Red /Sped Up/ (Doja Cat) - I liked the original (hello, Dionne Warwick sample!), but then the "Sped Up" version reminded me of the Chipmunks, and since it's the holidays...   

21.  Disco Ball Soul (Rebounder) - This feels like a nice song to wind us down.  Something you'd listen to after getting back from the club or whichever holiday party you'd attended.

So that's December, and our last playlist of 2023!  I guess I'll see everyone in the New Year!  Happy Holidays!!! 

Brant's November 2023 Playlist

It occurs to me that Thanksgiving is probably Halloween for Poultry.  
Hopefully some new tunes will mellow them out.

Welp - Halloween is behind us and cold weather is ahead.  After the festive vibes of September and October, I found myself ready to slow things down for November.  This month steers away from the dance-pop-party tunes and leans into some rock, jazz, and country.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Miami Baby (Dope Lemon) - Australian band sets the pace with some languid psych-rock.  I'm definitely getting Foxygen vibes! 

2.  All My Exes Live in LA (Lola Kirke with First Aid Kit) - British artist teams up with established Swedish folk-rockers for this country ditty!  

3.  Forgiving Ties (Deer Tick) - Rhode Island band sounds like one of those great 80s bands I always liked but couldn't quite remember their name (Madness?  World Party??)!  

4.  Little Bit o' Soul (the Linda Lindas) - This was on the soundtrack for "Totally Killer" and I immediately downloaded it!  Youthful cover of the 60s classic. 

5.  Come Thru (Juno) - Sunny pop from Indie band.

6.  Junk! (BØRNS) - Jazzy offering from troubled artist, who is returning after a 5-year hiatus.  

7.  Moonglow (Luis Giraldo with Bria Skonberg) - Some old-school jazz from an International duo.  

8.  The Returner (Allison Russell) - I actually had this on September & October's playlists, but kept bumping it because it didn't mesh with the festive vibes.  But it wasn't because I didn't love it!  And Russell's warm, rich vocals fit perfectly into the November/Thanksgiving mode.  

9.  Weird Goodbyes (the National feat. Bon Iver) - The latest pensive offering from frequent Brantworld listees.  

10.  Still Believe in Love (Mary J. Blige feat. Vado) - An R&B goddess returns and reminds us why she reigns supreme.  

11.  STFU (TTRRUUCES) - Celebratory rock from an up-and-coming English band.  

12.  Sinner (the Last Dinner Party) - This is kinda punk, kinda weird, and 100% awesome.  I can't wait to see what else this all-girl band delivers!  

13.  New Romantics /Taylor's Version/ (Taylor Swift) - This was a bonus track on the original "1989" album, which is probably why I missed it the first time around!  But Taylor is determined to leave no track behind as she re-records her material and reclaims (rightfully) ownership of her music.  Pretty punk behavior for a pop star.  

14.  You I'm Waiting On (Jeremie Albino) - Bluesy rock from Canadian artist.  

15.  Disco Dangerous (Little Dragon) - Another personal fave band returns with more trippy electronica and delicious vocals from Yukimi Nagano.

16.  A Night to Remember (beabadoobee with Laufey) - Unexpected (and welcome!) bossa nova from another International duo!  

17.  Hot One (Alex Winston) - Dreamy psychedelica from Indie artist.  

18.  Hey Driver (Zach Bryan feat. the War and Treaty) - Two great acts collaborate for some heartfelt Americana. 

19.  Psycho Killer (Duran Duran feat. Victoria De Angelis) - Whoa!  I never expected Duran Duran to cover Talking Heads, but they do a great job with this!  BTW - "Stop Making Sense", the 1984 Talking Heads concert film, has been restored and re-released in 2023, so don't miss it!  

20.  Malibu (Margo Price feat. Jonathan Wilson & Buck Meek) - Price said she wanted to channel Bobbie Gentry for this particular track, and she absolutely nailed it!  A great way to close us out. 

So that's November's playlist!  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see you in December.  

Brant's October 2023 Playlist

The kids found this in a smoking crater out in the fields. 
I'm not sure if it's safe to listen to, but at least there's no commercials.  

Phew!  Not gonna lie - September was a tough month for me, personally.  Hence this playlist is a few days late.  With Halloween on the horizon, though, I hated to go without some seasonal tunes.  So here we are!  We've got some peppy R&B, some Indie Rock, and of course a few Halloween favorites thrown in to salute the holiday season!  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1. Tux /Your Body Fills Me, Boo/ (U.S. Girls) - If Pebbles were still putting out music, this would be it!  Looks like she's traded in her Mercedes for a tux!  

2.  It Girl (Sedric Perry) - More pop-leaning R&B from this German-American singer to keep the party going! 

3.  Forevermore (Roosevelt) - The latest from personal fave Roosevelt!  

4.  Black Magic /Cahill Remix/ (Little Mix) - Our first Halloween song is this hands-in-the-air dance ditty from English girl group.

5.  Beat Drop (Jarv Dee & Bad Colours) - Electro-funk from Seattle artist.

6.  Lovely Day/Good As Hell (Pomplamoose) - This is a brilliant mashup of Bill Withers and Lizzo, from a husband/wife duo!

7.  It's Not Just Me, It's Everybody (Weyes Blood) - I recently caught Weyes Blood in concert and lemme tell ya - Natalie Mering's voice is just as amazing in person as it is in the studio!  

8.  Sometime After This (Brian Dunne) - Expansive folk-rock from NYC singer/songwriter.

9.  Damage Gets Done (Hozier & Brandi Carlile) - Two greats come together with (unsurprisingly) great results!

10.  Out of My League (LANY) - This is a tad more Indie Rock sounding than their typical dream pop, but I'm here for it!  Can't wait to give the rest of the album a listen.  

11.  Lose You (Bully & Soccer Mommy) - Female-led alt rock to keep the vibes going.

12.  Scream & Scream Again (Mumps) - Maybe it's because Return of the Living Dead is one of my favorite horror movies, but punk rock and Halloween just seem to go together!  Case in point - this tune. 

13.  Crystal Closet Queen (Pixies) - If I had to choose a band to cover Leon Russell's barnstormer "Crystal Closet Queen", I don't think I could've come up with anyone better than the Pixies.  Turn up the volume! 

14.  3D Feelings (Alfie Templeman) - This is from last year, but I heard it on the "Heartstopper" soundtrack and couldn't get enough! 

15.  I'm Making Believe (Orville Peck & King Princess) - Quirky Indie singers cover a Benny Goodman classic from 1944!  

16.  To Be Yours (Odesza feat. Claud) - Clearly, I'm still on a Claud kick.  What a treat to see them team up with Odesza! 

17.  Ex-Files (the Bamboos) - This gives me flashes of Blondie, Sister Sledge, and Earth Wind & Fire!  Truly a Boogie Wonderland.  

18.  Meant for Me (Angélique Kidjo feat. Shungudzo) - Another artist I was lucky enough to catch in person!  Angélique put on a powerful and joyful show last week so I had to have her close out this month's playlist.  Catch her if she comes to your town.

So that's October's playlist!  Guess I'm off to find a Halloween costume.  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see you in November.  

Brant's September 2023 Playlist

I appreciate that this gadget will keep my head alive indefinitely,
but I was kinda hoping for something with Bose speakers...

September is birthday month!  I'm not quite ready to start shopping cryogenic laboratories, but the time is definitely getting nearer.  Anyway, to keep the festive vibes I steered towards more upbeat tunes. That was harder than expected - there's a lot of mid- to slow-tempo stuff out there these days.  I also threw in some random stuff that I've been enjoying, just for kicks.  Anyway, it's all done, so enjoy! To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Give a Little Love (Queen Jasira) - Some feelgood R&B to kick us off, from up and coming West African artist. 

2.  Lil Boo Thang (Paul Russell) - As much as I resented paying $1.29 for a 2 minute song - I've gotta admit it's catchy.  And that Emotions sample couldn't have been cheap!  

3.  Praising You (Rita Ora feat. Fatboy Slim) - Another yummy sample and collaboration, from the fantabulous Rita Ora and Fatboy Slim! 

4.  6 Pack and Cigarettes (Alexsucks) - LA skate/rock/punk band seems to be having a rough day, but nothing a little trip to the convenience store can't fix! 

5.  Engine 999 (the Hooters) - This was an unexpected comeback!  Philly band offers up a reboot of their 1987 song, with more of a ska vibe.  Me likey! 

6.  Not Too Soon (Throwing Muses) - This is a little birthday indulgence, but I've been relistening to Throwing Muses and find myself really digging them - so here they are.  They sound as fresh and invigorating today as they did 30 years ago! 

7.  Suddenly (BØRNS) - Another welcome comeback, from someone else who's had it rough.  Without knowing too much about the details of his getting "cancelled" - I'll just say that I enjoy his music, and he put on a great show when I saw him a few years ago.  Glad to hear something new.

8.  God in Oklahoma (Thunder Jackson) - Alter ego of Kyle Bradley serves up some soulful country.

9.  Dial Drunk (Noah Kahan feat. Post Malone) - Finally a Post Malone song that doesn't make me reach for the "skip" button! 

10.  Overcome (Nothing But Thieves) - One of those songs that makes you want to hop in the car, pop the top, step on the pedal and blast the music!  

11.  I Want You (Icona Pop & Galantis) - Two great dance artists come together with fantabulous results! 

12.  Luca /Protopapa Remix/ (Raffaela Carrá) - I just stumbled across this but loved it.  Wacky remix of a 1970s Italian language hit. 

13.  Dance the Night (Dua Lipa) - Some disco from the Barbie soundtrack.

14.  10 Out of 10 (Oliver Heldens feat. Kylie Minogue) - I heard this on a Pride soundtrack and should've immediately known it was Kylie!  Can't wait for her new album.   

15.  Paradise (Idina Menzel feat. Nile Rodgers) - Ever wonder what it would've sounded like to have Elphaba the Witch as the lead singer of Chic???  Look no further!  And it's as "Wicked"-ly delicious as you expected it to be! 

16.  Loving You (Cannons) - Mellow alt rock from US Indie band.

17.  Every F#cking Time (Claud) - We've had her on two previous playlists (Oct 2022 and August 2023), but this Chicago artist keeps putting out great music!  Here's her latest.  

18.  Dense Water Deeper Down (Sinead O'Connor) - I'm still moving through Sinead's catalogue and wondering why I stopped listening to her.  Her later stuff is just as engaging as what she released in the late 1980s/early 1990s.  Case in point: this country flavored ditty from her 2014 album "I'm Not Bossy.  I'm the Boss".   

19.  My Cricket (Rumer) - With the upcoming Leon Russell tribute album, I found myself listening to other covers of his songs.  What a treat to find Rumer doing this one, from his Carney album. 

So that's September!  Labor Day weekend is about to begin, and then the birthday after that.  Hope everyone has a great month!  

Brant's August 2023 Playlist

When you're trying to navigate the Holocene Extinction
but also want to participate in pop culture...

Phew!  August is here and the world just had its hottest July on record.  Scientists have designated this the Holocene Extinction, as human activity causes the Earth to grow warmer and kill off life on our planet.  Funny how all the climate change deniers aren't picking up on this (or maybe they are and they're just too hot to apologize).  Either way, I'm chugging along and have put together another playlist to enjoy!  It's a little bit of everything, with two welcome comebacks from 1980s artists!  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Every Chance I Get (Dan Auerbach) - Black Keys guitarist/vocalist starts us off with some glorious glam rock! I absolutely love the one-two punch of the Dusty Springfield/Norman Greenbaum samples!!!

2.  A Good Thing (Claud) - Tyler and Zach recommended this Indie/Alt artist, and I love their youthful energy!  

3.  Stranger in a Strange Land (Margo Price) - Leon Russell has been a fave of mine for a while, so I'm SUPER EXCITED for this upcoming tribute album.  Margo Price does a splendid cover of one of Leon's signature songs.  

4.  Silver Platter (Khalid) - I had to have something from the Barbie movie.  I still haven't seen it, but this bedroom jam stood out for me on the soundtrack.  

5.  Paralyzed (Roosevelt) - I've loved everything so far from the new Roosevelt album!  This is the latest.

6.  Time /Kinky Roland Remix/ (Culture Club) - Our first 1980s comeback.  Normally, I would steer an artist away from tinkering with one of their biggest hits - but this remake/remix of CC's 1982 hit might just change my mind.  Something about Boy George's weathered vocals really adds to the melancholy vibe here.  Well done! 

7.  Here We Go Again (Muylike) - Sunny Indie pop from Dutch artist.

8.  It Must Change (Anohni & the Johnsons) - Anohni is back, with some contemplative blue-eyed soul perfectly suited for her gorgeous vocals.

9.  Grim Generation (Portugal. The Man) - This singalong melody is too fun to be grim!  Life is complex.

10.  Cupid /Twin Version/ (Fifty Fifty) - Oh, how I adore some K-pop!  This tune from up-and-coming girl group just went viral, so hopefully we'll be hearing more from them in the future!

11.  Cosmos (Zinadelphia) - Slinky R&B that brings Macy Gray to mind. 

12.  In Your Love (Tyler Childers) - Frequent Brantworld listee is back with some endearing country love.  The video is fantabulous, and a nice alternative to some of the other more (shall we say) hateful rhetoric we're seeing in the country music world currently.  

13.  Digging Deeper Now (Alison Goldfrapp) - I love it when someone I haven't heard from in a while shoots me a message with a music recommendation!  My friend Josh from the West Coast did exactly that recently.  This is another tune from Alison Goldfrapp's awesome solo album.  Thanks, Josh!  

14.  When I'm With You (Nimmo & St. Panther) - Maybe I'm just missing it, but it seems like we don't get balls-to-the-wall dance ditties like this anymore!  Eric recommended this group to me and I can't get enough.  

15.  What I Want (Joe Hertler & the Rainbow Seekers) - Funk-rock from Michigan band that vagueley reminds me of Foster the People.  It definitely keeps the party going! 

16.  I Get High (iskwē feat. Nina Hagen) - Our 2nd 1980s comeback.  I loved Nina back in the day, with "Universal Radio" still being on frequent rotation today!  What a treat to hear her in this new dancehall/reggae jam from this Canadian artist.  

17.  Design (Tender) - This is from 2016 but I recently heard it on an episode of "Never Have I Ever" and loved it.  

18.  Don't Let Me Down (Gus Dapperton & BENEE) - Easygoing synth-pop from American singer/songwriter.  

19.  Prism (Jenny O.) - The latest from West Coast singer/songwriter.  

20.  Meet the Master (Greta Van Fleet) - Good lord this boy can sing!  Greta Van Fleet continues to put out music that pays tribute to classic rock but updates the sound. 

BONUS TRACK:  I Want Your Hands on Me - 12" mix (Sinead O'Connor feat. MC Lyte) - What a drag to lose Sinead last month.  I was #obsessed with her back in the day and profoundly felt her loss when I heard the news.  This version of one of her first hits was only available on the 12" vinyl, and I haven't found it anywhere to purchase/stream today.  But you can listen to it HERE.  It was one of the first times I remember a white artist collaborating with a rapper.  Sinead was so ahead of her time.  RIP.  

Brant's July 2023 Playlist

Amateur fireworks are best enjoyed from a distance...

Welp - summer is definitely here.  You can see the heat radiating off the city streets, and forest fires up north are filling the skies with haze, which just makes it even more uncomfortable to be outside.  Fortunately, you can listen to this month's playlist indoors - even if a few tunes are geared towards the summer season.   After a month of Pride playlists, I found myself gravitating towards music that was more, shall we say, organic:  lots of Americana and Indie Rock.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  

1.  Dance with Everybody (Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors with National Parks) - This seemed like a nice upbeat way to get us started!  Wholesome feel-good vibes from Tennesee natives. 

2.  Talkin' to Myself (Sarah Shook & the Disarmers) - I'm still digging this NC band!  Here's hoping they come through Charlotte sometime.  

3.  Not Strong Enough (boygenius) - The latest from Indie supergroup.  

4.  Summertime (Amanda Shires with Bobbie Nelson & Willie Nelson) - How did I not know Willie Nelson had a musical sister?  Fortunately Amanda Shires recorded a new album with pianist Bobbie Nelson.  It's beautiful and bittersweet, given that Bobbie passed away just months after they finished the record.  On this particular song, brother Willie joins the festivities.  

5.  Heatwave in the Cold North (Reverend & the Makers) - This was a comeback I never expected.  Back in 2007, "Heavyweight Champion of the World" was my jam!  What a treat to hear this new song from the English rock band.  

6.  Red Wine Supernova (Chappell Roan) - Chappell Roan seems to be stepping into the space vacated by Katy Perry, and I'm here for it!  

7.  Luna (Roosevelt) - One year ago I drove solo down to Atlanta to see Roosevelt perform, and it was absolutely worth it!  His musicianship and songwriting are top notch.  I'm looking forward to the new album, and in the meantime I'll be enjoying the strumming & strutting on display here!  

8.  Popular (the Weeknd, Playboi Carti, and Madonna) - Sadly Madonna had to postpone her new tour due to health concerns.  Here's hoping she rallies!  

9.  Gold (Little Dragon) - Another welcome comeback! Yukimi Nagano and the gang doing what they do best! 

10.  Look My Way (Kevin Ross) - Silky slow jam from Washington DC singer/songwriter.

11.  Energy (Bondax feat. Andreya Triana) - Disco never died in Europe, and with great offerings like this one still coming out - I think it's here (there?) to stay!

12.  Shy Boy (Carly Rae Jepsen) - Oh, CRJ!  How I adore thee!  And the Midnight Star shoutout is on point!  Welcome back! 

13.  Can I Call You Tonight? (Dayglow) - I actually heard this playing at a microbrewery last month and Shazammed it.  Easygoing alt-rock from 2018.  

14.  Kid (the Revivalists) - We had them exactly 7 years ago on my July 2016 playlist!  Hand-clapping Americana from New Orleans band.  

15.  Breakfast in Birmingham (Tanya Tucker with Brandi Carlile) - Brandi continues to revitalize a living legend!  Some people's voices convey their lived experience, and Tanya Tucker is definitely one of them. 

16.  I Feel You (NoSo) - The slow-building tension from this American non-binary artist reminds me of early Sinead O'Connor.  Can't wait to see what they do next! 

17.  Energetic Fields (Kimchii) - Once the smoke clears up, I'm assuming there will be some pool parties.  This sunny house track is perfect for poolside cocktails.  

18.  Plastic Ferrari (Gregory Dillon) - Matty & Eric passed this my way.  It's like Sam Harris and Rick Astley had a child together!  An embarrassment of 1980s deliciousness.  

19.  In Electric Blue (Alison Goldfrapp) - One final comeback to close us out!  Alison Goldfrapp seems to follow her muse, so I'm so glad that muse led her back onto the dancefloor!  Pulsing electronica and breathy vocals to get you moving!  

So that's July's playlist!  Watch out for stray fireworks, and I'll see ya next month! 

Brant's June 2023 Playlist

Happy Pride Month!  This month we have a lot of divas (natch), a few new faces, plus some welcome returns.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  Enjoy! 

1.  Hits Different (Taylor Swift) - Taylor is going to have more editions of "Midnights" than there are Sports Illustrated swimsuit issues!  This is from the 'Til Dawn Edition' and this particular song was originally only sold at Target.  But it's a peppy was to get us started.  

2.  Ordinary Love (Roosevelt) - New Roosevelt!!!  

3.  Bet My Dollar (Tiësto feat. Freya Ridings) - We had Freya and Tiësto on last month's playlist, so how exciting to hear them team up for this month! 

4.  Trouble with This Bed (Beach Weather) - Another repeat artist from previous lists.  This has an appealing Hall & Oates vibe that immediately drew me in. 

5.  Photographs (Wild Child) - Enjoyable folk-rock from Austin, TX band. 

6.  When the Heartache Is Over (Tina Turner) - The death of Tina Turner last month hit me really hard.  There are SO many songs I could pick from her catalog, but I finally decided on this melancholy offering from 1999, courtesy of the same team that brought us Cher's "Believe".  RIP and thanks for providing the soundtrack of my life! 

7.  Farana (Tiken Jah Fakoly) - Some African reggae to ring in the summer! 

8.  Picking Up After You (Tom Waits with Crystal Gayle) - Apple Music suggested this to me, and at first I thought I had misread the artists.  I never would've put these two together but it's a magical pairing from 1982! 

9.  True Blue (boygenius) - This band was already on my radar, but Tyler brought this particular tune to my attention.  Great collaboration from Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and Lucy Dacus. 

10.  Angel (First Aid Kit) - Swedish folk duo is back with this airy anthem.

11.  Heart Is the Hero (the Wood Brothers) - Another repeat from last month!  Uplifting Americana from one of my favorite new bands. 

12.  Like a Woman Should (Hayley Mary) - Zach sent me this and I immediately loved it.  The soaring vocals remind me of Mary Margaret O'Hara from back in the day.  

13.  Hello (Grouplove) - Another frequent Brantworld listee bestows new music upon us.  

14.  Only Love Can Save Us Now (Kesha) - Embattled pop star is venting on her new album (lord knows she has every right to!) but still as engaging as ever!

15.  la type (Kimbra) - Funky pop/R&B from New Zealander.

16.  Drummer (Son Little) - The latest from West Coast Indie rocker. 

17.  I Don't Think We Should Wait (Sir Was) - Is Yacht Rock making a comeback?  If songs like this are any indication, I'm on board!  

18.  You Know What I Need (PNAU with Troye Sivan) - Australian trio partners with fellow Aussie for this dance pop confection. 

19.  Padam Padam (Kylie Minogue) - It wouldn't be Pride Month without some Kylie, and as always she does NOT disappoint!  

So that's June!  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll hopefully see you in July!

Brant's May 2023 Playlist

I KNEW signing up for this SpaceX trip was a mistake...

Let's see - what's been going on during the last month?  A SpaceX rocket exploded, or per their own statement on the matter, experienced a "rapid unscheduled disassembly".  Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon were fired from their respective jobs.  And I am STILL taking Zyrtec daily because pollen season decided to run extra long this year.  I do have a new mix of songs, though!  Enjoy!  And to listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Beautiful People (Jessie Ware) - Jessie has blessed us with a new album of danceable confections, so I figured this was a great place to start us off!

2.  10:35 (Tiësto feat. Tate McRae) - More club-ready beats from Dutch DJ

3.  Happiness (the 1975) - Upbeat pop that's perfect for anyone's summer playlist!

4.  All Night Long /Amerigo Gazaway Remix/ (Patric Pleasure) - Funky R&B via Switzerland.

5.  Smoke (Victoria Monét feat. Lucky Daye) - It's always fun to see artists you enjoy team up, even if the topic is illegal in many states!

6.  Hearts Aglow (Weyes Blood) - Warm, slightly retro vibes from West Coast singer/songwriter.

7.  Oas (Dina Ögen) - First time I heard this, I thought Joni Mitchell had learned Swedish!  As warm and delicious as any Swedish meatball, but much less fattening.  

8.  Pilgrim (the Wood Brothers) - Bluesy, countrified Americana from NYC band. 

9.  Cherry Red Boots (the Nude Party) - I'm totally digging the 1950s stylings from this NC band!

10.  Call Me What You Like (Lovejoy) - Muscular Indie Rock from English band.

11.  Bad at Letting Go (Leland feat. MUNA) - Tasty pop collaboration with frequent Brantworld listees MUNA!  

12.  All I Really Wanna Do (Devon Gilfillian) - The latest from up-and-coming Nashville soul singer/songwriter.  

13.  Lavender Haze /Snakehips Remix/ (Taylor Swift) - British duo gives TSwizzle's latest hit a house music upgrade!

14.  Dancing in a Hurricane (Freya Ridings) - Hurricane Season isn't quite here yet, but I salute her joyous defiance!  

15.  Motive (Blossom Club) - Easygoing electronica from Parisian duo.

16.  This Isn't Helping (the National feat. Phoebe Bridgers) - Phoebe Bridgers has got to be one of the busiest artists working today.  Not only is she a member of the trio Boygenius, she's also giving assists to artists like The National! 

17.  Time (Nico Paulo) - Sumptuous soft rock from Portuguese/Canadian artist.

18.  Eat Your Young (Hozier) - This feels like a change of style for Hozier, but I'm digging it!  Curious to hear the new album! 

19.  Still Here (Rissi Palmer with Miko Marks) - Another NC artist to close us out, with some bluesy rock to get everyone in the mood for summer concert season! 

So that's May's playlist!  Hope everyone has a safe month, and we'll see you in June!

Brant's April 2023 Playlist

These are noise-canceling headphones.  Why do I hear screaming?
Is this an April Fool's joke?

Welp, it's April 1st - what's happening in the world?  Donald Trump continues to break records - this time by being the first president to be indicted.  Gwyneth Paltrow had to go to trial over a skiing accident (which is surprising because I was sure when she went to court it'd be over something she sold on her website!).  And I'm hoping we are through the worst of tax & pollen season.  We've also got a new playlist.  I really leaned into the retro vibes this month.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Exactly What I Needed (Michael Rault) - This easygoing Beatles-esque song seemed like a nice way to get us started! 

2.  Chain Reaction (Joy Downer & Beck) - More 1960's pop stylings, this time from West Coast singer Joy Downer (best name ever!!!) and the always engaging Beck.  

3.  The Way You Look at Me (Kay Young) - Break out your go-go boots and hit the dance floor!  Up and coming artist is serving energetic retro-club jams that would make Austin Powers proud.  

4.  Pineapple Sunrise (Beach Weather) - I'm getting Weezer vibes from this American pop trio.

5.  Words with You (Chromeo) - Funkmasters are back and seemingly channeling Stevie Wonder on their latest offering.

6.  Free Yourself (Jessie Ware) - We had Jessie on last month's playlist, and I cannot get enough of her.  Can't wait for the new album!  

7.  Menergy /Purple Disco Machine Remix/ (Patrick Cowley feat. Sylvester) - I love seeing artists highlighting those who've gone before!  Here - Purple Disco Machine remixes an 80s club classic featuring San Francisco's Patrick Cowley and the legendary Sylvester!  

8.  Hooked on Aesthetics (Tupperwave) - This definitely keeps the retro vibes going!  Australian artist seems to have sampled some 80s exercise videos and dubbed them over a groovy disco beat.  More, please!!!

9.  Super Size (the Knocks feat. Peacemode) - The latest from this dependably fun duo!

10.  Did It Again (Pony) - I think Pony may be my favorite new rock band!  I had them on my playlist last month, and it certainly looks like I...(wait for it)...did it again! 

11.  Go Down River (the Heavy Heavy) - Easygoing pop-rock with a 60s/70s vibe.  

12.  Loving You Is Easy (Dylan Chambers) - West Coast soul and pop singer who has worked with everyone from Three Dog Night to "Dancing with the Stars" delivers some feel-good R&B.

13.  My Babe (Spoon) - Unexpected and welcome return from the longtime alt-rockers. 

14.  Only Wanna Dance (Almost Monday) - Another callback from last month!  I adore their youthful energy! 

15.  Alegría /Franc Moody Remix/ (Relatin) - I honestly can't remember where I heard this, but the disco grooves immediately made me Shazam to see who it was! 

16.  You're Gonna Make Me Love Somebody Else (Michael Gray feat. Kelli Sae) - This is another new artist giving a shout-out to earlier greats.  British DJ gives The Jones Girls' 1979 classic a reboot!  

17.  Take Me to Your Body (Moon Boots feat. Nic Hanson) - Play that funky music, white boy!  Brookly DJ teams up with Philly singer for this sexy ditty! 

18.  Entangle (Paco Versailles) - Jazzy soul that's perfect for sipping wine at sunset...after taking your Zyrtec, of course! 

19.  When Someone Loves You (Emeli Sandé feat. Nile Rodgers) - I am SO thrilled to see Nile Rodgers still out there kicking butt and doing his thing after all these years!  Here, he teams up with Emeli Sandé for an uplifting dance-pop anthem.  

20.  Summer Season (Leisure & Muroki) - We had New Zealand band Leisure on our February 2019 playlist, and now they're back with some mellow soft rock in anticipation of the warmer weather.  

So that's April's playlist!  Hope everyone get those taxes done and has a fun month!  See ya in May! 

Brant's March 2023 Playlist

The googly eyes remind me of "Everything Everywhere All at Once". 
The video screen reminds me that it's time for another out-of-this-world playlist!

Okay, I'm a day late - but since Spring is apparently coming early this year (despite the Groundhog's prediction) I guess it evens out.  This month I seemed to be steering away from the pop and gravitating towards alt-rock and some club tunes.  But as always, there's a little bit of everything.   To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  I'm in Love with You (the 1975) - Feel-good pop/rock from English band gets us started! 

2.  A Little More Time (Role Model) - This randomly showed up on my Instagram feed (okay, maybe not so randomly - I see you, algorithm!), and I immediately saved it for March's playlist!  Easygoing West Coast rock.  

3.  Creek Will Rise (Conner Smith) - Young country singer is just getting started, but he certainly knows how to serve up some energetic country rock.

4.  Peach (Pony) - This was giving me Juliana Hatfield vibes in all the best ways!  

5.  The Captain of Her Heart (Le Flex) - Groovy bossa nova reboot of the Double 1985 classic.

6.  Moonlight (Kali Uchis) - We had Kali on some earlier playlists, and I'm so excited she's back!  Slinky and seductive R&B. 

7.  Let Me In (Two Another) - Do I have Spring fever, or are all these songs sexy?  Handsome Indie duo keeps the seductive vibes going!

8.  Woke Up in Love /Alok Remix/ (Kygo) - I liked the Kygo original, but this bangin' remix really got me moving!

9.  Crave /Tracy Young Remix/ (Madonna) - I just bought Madonna's remix box set ("Finally Enough Love") and went down the Madge rabbit hole.  I have to say - some of these remixes really worked magic.  Songs I never particularly cared for (such as this one) found a new enjoyability in their remixed versions!  

10.  Pearls (Jessie Ware) - Another welcome return!  J'adore Jessie, but I could also see Cheryl Lynn doing a fantabulous job with this disco bop. 

11.  Woman (Lady Blackbird) - Frequent Brantworld listee continues to prove nobody today can belt out a soul song like she can.  

12.  Gone Baby, Don't Be Long (José James) - Jazzy version of the Erykah Badu classic.

13.  Younger & Dumber (Indigo De Souza) - Asheville singer/songwriter serves up some hindsight-is-twenty-twenty heartache 

14.  Sophie (CVC) - Groovy, Pink Floyd-influenced classic rock 

15.  Back to You (Benjamin Dakota Rogers) - Heartfelt folk from contemporary Americana singer/songwriter.  

16.  Sun Keeps on Shining (almost monday) - Okay, it's hard not to dance to this upbeat, youthful pop!

17.  Too Much Music (Jake Shears) - Did somebody say "dance"???  I do believe that is in former Scissor Sisters singer Jake Shears' wheelhouse!   

18.  Afraid to Feel (LF System) - Mitch turned me on to this!  I immediately loved the Silk sample, but the lounge beats take this to the next level!  

So that's March's playlist!  See you in April.  

Brant's February 2023 Playlist

People say there's no love in my relationship with Mildred.  That's simply not true!  I love her car, I love the candy she bought me, and I love listening to this month's playlist on her home stereo! 

Another month, another playlist!  It's a little of everything as always.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Blood on the Tracks (Marcus King) - Grammy-nominated blues rocker kicks things off nicely.  It's not the Bob Dylan song I was expecting, but still love it.

2.  The Thrill Is Gone (RAYE) - Another song title that could be considered a bait-n-switch if I didn't like it so much!  Not BB King, still rocks.

3.  Strawberry Letter 23 (Neal Francis) - Okay, this one is DEFINITELY the Shuggie Otis tune.  And I can't think of anyone in today's market better suited to cover it than Neal Francis!  

4.  New Day (Sunny War) - West Coast folk/punk rocker seems to be leaning more "folk" on this easygoing ditty.  

5.  I'm a Mess (Avril Lavigne with Yungblud) - I would never have thought to have put these two together, but they make beautiful pop together! 

6.  Hold the Girl (Rina Sawayama) - We recently had her on our March 2022 playlist singing with Charli XCX, and she's back solo this month but keeping the dance vibes going!  

7.  Leave Me Behind (Raquel Rodriguez with DUX) - Mid-tempo soul from up and coming Mexican-American artist. 

8.  Love Song from the Attic (Gunhild Carling with Billy Stritch) - If you've been following these playlists for a while, you know I love me some Gunhild.  I figured this was a nice Valentines Day ballad.  

9.  Helplessly Hoping (Crosby, Stills and Nash) - Le sigh.  We lost David Crosby last month so I had to include one of my fave CS&N tunes.  RIP

10.  Hysteria (Indigo Sparke) - Tyler recommended her to me, and I'm so glad he did!  Produced by Aaron Dessner of the National!

11.  So Far So Good (Great Good Fine OK) - One of those dance-pop songs that always make me happy!

12.  Candyfloss (Alfie Templeman) - Another frequent Brantworld listee who never fails to make me smile!

13.  Insomnia (the moss) - I'll admit it was the title of the song that grabbed my attention (is there ANYONE out there who isn't having trouble sleeping these days?), but it was the Indie Rock that inspired repeat listens!  If I have to lose sleep, at least I've got good music! 

14.  Rock My Kiss (Miles Gaston Villanueva) - Okay, if you're not watching "The Boys" who even are you???  I know this song is a parody of the early 2000's boy bands, but it's so spot on it's addictive! 

15.  Melody /from Me to You/ (Pixey) - Upbeat, slightly retro pop from English singer/songwriter/producer.

16.  Pomeranian Spinster (Alvvays) - Frenetic alt rock that's almost as hyper as a real pomeranian!

17.  Git Along (Butcher Brown) - Jazzy rap from from Richmond, VA band.

18.  Holding Pattern (Harvey Sutherland) - This is giving me definite Steely Dan vibes!  Sutherland, aka Mike Katz, is an Australian artist and this is off his debut album.  

19.  Frames (Julietta with Raphael Futura) - Mellow electronica from NY-based Indie artist.

20.  Join Me In a Dream (Rachael & Vilray) - I figured why not have one more romantic, old school ditty to close us out?  R&V have definitely been listening to classic June Christy records and learned from them well!

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