Brant's November 2024 Playlist

I voted early.  From now on I'm just going to try to not worry about this election,
and focus on my parade float selfies!  

Ugh.  Halloween is behind us and good fear is being replaced with bad fear.  That existential dread you're probably feeling is because there's an election next week.  Considering the last one ended up with a bunch of wackos storming the Capitol, I don't think anyone is excited.  So, in an effort to stay positive and calm - this month's playlist leans towards happy vibes and comforting sounds.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  I Feel Alive (Art d'Ecco) - I'm getting Adam Ant vibes from this in all the right ways! And it seems to capture the leftover high from Halloween.  

2.  Taste (Sabrina Carpenter) - Current pop "it" girl keeps the hits coming!  The video is hilarious as well! 

3.  Am I? (Joy Oladokun) - Arizona singer/songwriter is also feeling some existential dread, but is able to present it in an enjoyable format with this catchy tune!

4.  Fake Nice (Beach Weather) - Duplicity is exhausting, say frequent Brantworld listees!

5.  Wrong Way (Two Friends feat. Alexander Stewart) - LA duo serves us some peppy dance/pop complete with a horns section!  

6.  b2b (Charli XCX feat. Tinashe) - Brat Summer (now Fall?!?) continues with a remix album and Charli collaborating with a galaxy of guest stars!  

7.  Kinky (bby) - Youthful alt-rock from East London, UK! 

8.  Slow Rider (Sherwyn) - Silly but fun offering that samples War's "Low Rider"!  It makes me smile, so here 'tis! 

9.  Ketamine (mehro) - Easygoing folk-rock from Indie singer/songwriter.

10.  Slow Burn (Baby Rose feat. BADBADNOTGOOD) - Psychedelic jazz/soul to soothe your frazzled nerves!  Eric turned me on to this. 

11. Amber (Tom the Lion) - Mellow soft rock from British singer/songwriter.  I guess animal names are popular these days - check out the next artist! 

12.  Moves (Squid the Kid) - Disco-influenced beats that draw you in like tentacles!  From Australian artist. 

13. Tears (John Summit feat. Paige Cavell) - More clubby beats with a darker edge!  

14.  Cool-Doug, at Night (Sammy Rae & the Friends) - I can't remember where I heard this campy, disco number but (like the "Slow Rider" tune) I just thought it was fun!

15.  Television of Memories (Alexsucks) - This one moves us back into brooding territory, but still nicely done! 

16.  Darkest Places (Amos Lee) - It's been a while since we've have Amos Lee on a playlist (March 2019!), but I liked this latest song!  Very 1970s Laurel Canyon vibe to it.  

17.  Dreams (Carol Ades) - Singer from "The Voice" tv show shows off her versatile vocals with this latest offering!  

18.  Searching for My Man (Dot & the Velvelettes) - Another tune from the fantabulous Basement Beehive compilation!  I've been trying to find out if this is the same Velvelettes group that gave us "Needle in a Haystack" but so far no luck!  Seems plausible, though. 

19.  Beaches (beabadoobee) - Sunny vibes from Indie singer/songwriter.

So that's November's playlist!  I guess we'll see if anyone's around in December after these election results come in.  Y'all stay safe out there.

Brant's October 2024 Playlist

"So you guys would rather listen to my playlist than eat my brains?!?
I'm flattered, relieved and insulted at the same time!"

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!  Halloween season is upon us!  In celebration, I've got a few spooky (and spooky-adjacent) tunes thrown into this month's mix.  Also included are some 60's-inspired folk and psych-rock, returning fave artists, and one or two wacky selections just for fun.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE. 

1.  Burial Ground (the Decemberists) - What better way to start us off than a song about cemeteries?!?

2.  Look at That Woman (Role Model) - We had him on my March 2023 playlist, and now Mr. Tucker Harrington Pillsbury is back with some Laurel Canyon/West Coast-style pop rock!   

3.  World on a String (Lady Gaga) - A pop star has to reach a certain level of success before they are allowed to get weird.  Fortunately Gaga is there.  This is off her latest album, inspired by her character Harley Quinn in the new Joker movie.  I doubt I'll see the movie, but I did love this deliciously subversive take on an old Cotton Club classic!  

4.  Before I Let Go (Maze feat. Frankie Beverly) - We lost Frankie Beverly last month.  It was impossible not to feel the joy whenever he sang.  RIP

5.  Jupiter (Almost Monday) - Funky alt-rock from frequent Brantworld listees!  

6.  45 Degrees (Laurel) - British Indie-pop singer/songwriter should have a bright future ahead of her if she continues to serve up catchy tunes such as this!  

7.  Literal Bae (Greg Shilling) - Contemporary yacht rock vibes that would make Hall & Oates smile! 

8.  Devil's Gotten Into My Baby (the Devotions) - This is off the Basement Beehive compilation.  I couldn't find much about the group, but I liked the song and it had "devil" in the title so it worked for Halloween too!  #winning 

9.  Sticks + Stones (Gallant) - Trippy acoustic R&B from Maryland singer/songwriter. 

10.  You Stepped Out of a Dream (Samara Joy) - Rich, velvety jazz offering from young Grammy winner.

11.  Sheesh (Little Monarch) - Danceable jazz/R&B from Venice, California collective.  

12.  Dirty Little Secret (Artemas) - New Wave/alt-rock from English-Cypriot singer/songwriter. 

13.  Something On My Mind (Purple Disco Machine feat. Nothing But Thieves & Duke Dumont) - I never would've expected these three to get together, but should've known the results would be great!  

14.  ¿Para Qué? (Ela Taubert) - I really haven't explored Latin music, but with it being Hispanic Heritage Month I decided to check some things out!  I really enjoyed this tune by up-and-coming Colombian singer Ela Taubert!  Shakira better watch her back! 

15.  Backsliders (Sarah Shook & the Disarmers) - NC artist is back with more tasty alt-country!  They're on tour currently so I may try to catch them.  

16.  Along for the Ride (COIN) - It's been about 2 years since COIN made one of my playlists, so I was very excited to see new music from this Tennessee band! 

17.  Brain Freeze (Everyone Says Hi) - British supergroup contains members from the Kaiser Chiefs, the Kooks, Howling Bells and the Dead 60s!  The full album comes out in January, but I'm digging this first psych-rock single.  

18.  Nine to Five (Josef Scott) - Groovy, chill electronica from Indie artist.  (spoiler alert:  It's not the Dolly Parton song!)

19.  Baddy on the Floor (Jamie XX feat Honey Dijon) - Enigmatic beatmaster teams up with DJ, trans activist and Beyoncé collaborator for this energetic dancefloor filler! 

20.  Midnight Madness (Cerrone/Don Ray) - I'm still on a Cerrone kick from last month, so I immediately knew this Halloween disco masterpiece ("Spooky nights!  Freaky lights!") had to close out our October playlist!  

So that's October's playlist!  Hope everyone has a spook-tacular Halloween month and I'll see you in November!  

Brant's September 2024 Playlist

We can't send the kids back to school with no music! 

September is finally here!  The weather is cooling off, the kids are off to school, and the bugs are going back to hell or wherever they came from!  Maybe it's the Beyoncé Effect, but I found a lot of country-adjacent songs this month.  Since September is birthday month, I also indulged myself by throwing in a few oldies.  Anyway, hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  One on One /Cerrone Remix/ (the Knocks & Sofi Tukker) - What a treat to have Cerrone still out there doing his thing!  I love the disco-edge he brings to this collab.   

2.  Fallin' (Sleepy Tom & DACEY) - Canadian artist serves up some tasty dance pop!  

3.  Strawberry Dream (Dagny) - Dagny should be a bigger star than she is!  She's huge in Norway but with catchy songs like this in her arsenal, I think it's time for a world takeover.  

4.  Breaking By (Jelani Aryeh) - We had him on our March 2024 playlist, and now that a proper album has been released this West Coast artist is back with more youthful alt rock.  

5.  Rainbow Overpass (Bright Eyes & Alex Orange Drink) - Conor Oberst and gang team up with The So So Glos lead singer.  Fave lyric:  

That old familiar sound when my cellphone hits the ground

When that thing just doesn't sing, it's just something I drag around

I know the feeling.

6.  Dum Dum De Dip (Judi & The Affections) - I found this on a digital playlist I'm dying to explore called "Basement Beehive: the Girl Group Underground"!  Anyone who knows me, knows I'm #obsessed with the girl groups of the 1960s!  Can't wait to see what other hidden treasures are on there!

7.  Nice to Know You (lovelytheband) - A welcome return from a band I haven't featured since November 2018!  It's crazy how stuff slips on and off my radar.  

8.  Midnight Ride (Orville Peck with Kylie Minogue & Diplo) - I've actually been listening to this for a month or two, but it never seemed to fit on a playlist until now!  Great, and unexpected, collaboration! 

9.  Small Town Scandal (Zolita) - This is giving me shades of Shania Twain!  Can sassy country be making a comeback???  

10.  Knee Deep Blues (Caleb Caudle) - Traditional folk/country/blues from young NC artist.  

11.  Broke (Teddy Swims feat Thomas Rhett) - Mitch turned me on to this!  Upbeat blues from popular signer/songwriter.  

12.  Please Come On Inside (Madeleine Peyroux) - Peyroux explores many different genres on her latest album, and it was hard to choose just one for this month's playlist.  I finally settled on this mellow number.  The whole album is awesome, though!  

13.  Panoramic View (AWOLNATION) - Atmospheric ballad from Los Angeles rockers.  

14.  Espresso (Sabrina Carpenter) - Gary turned me on to this artist, and I was immediately drawn in by this irresistible ditty.  

15.  Sincerely, Your Girlfriend (Little Green) - Australian singer/songwriter wrote a song a day during the lockdown!  If they're all as good as this one, she's got one heck of an album coming out! 

16.  Whatever U Want (Hard Car Kids) - Funky R&B from Detroit band.  

17.  You Are the One (Cerrone feat. Jocelyn Brown) - The Cerrone remix (see #1) got me digging through the crates where I found this lightning hot 1980 disco number with GOAT session singer Jocelyn Brown!  

18.  Before I Let You Go (Cyril feat. MarcLo) - More country/dance/pop vibes, this time by Australian DJ/producer Cyril Riley. 

19.  Discount Dreamer (Lostboycrow) - I thought this was BØRNS when I first heard it!  Dreamy, psych-pop from Portland, OR artist.  

20.  Slutty (The Scarlet Opera) - Okay, why aren't more bands doing this kind of frisky, glam rock???  I'm totally enamored with this song and video!  Can't wait to see what else this group is up to.  

So that's September's playlist!  Sorry it's a tad late - between work, Labor Day and my birthday, I got a tad behind schedule.  Hopefully I'll be back on October 1st!  Have a great month.  

 

Brant's August 2024 Playlist

Here we are in August 2024!  So what's been going on?  Summer Olympics in Paris.  As all great art should, the imagery (religious undertones referencing Jesus' Last Supper, Dionysus's Feast, etc) has upset some people.  I didn't take it too personally, although there were portraits of famous people submerged up to their eyes in the Seine and I found that a little unnerving. Was this a statement on people overwatering their summer lawns?  Who can say?  Overall, I think France did a good job with the event.   But speaking of feasts - we've got a heaping helpin' of new music to enjoy!  Dig in HERE.   

1.  Pretty Vicious (the Struts) - Frequent Brantworld listees kick us off with this alt offering!  

2.  Goon (Dear Rouge) - Tasty punk rock from Juno Award-winning Canadian duo.  

3.  Toro (Remi Wolf) - I'm thoroughly enjoying Remi Wolf's new album.  If the Powers That Be want to make her our next big pop star, I'm down with that! 

4.  Run Away Girl (Alice Merton) - I heard this on Alt Nation's Top 18 and decided to share it.  Her bio says she is British based and is German/Irish/Canadian, so it sounds like this "runaway girl" has covered a lot of ground.  

5.  Tangerine /Roosevelt Remix/ (Tommy Newport) - It's always fun when two artists you like team up!  Here we have Newport & Roosevelt with a peppy pop collaboration.

6.  Breakthrough (Emmy Meli) - Young American R&B/pop star has an appealing confidence beyond her years.  

7.  Wild Horses (Mondo Cozmo) - Every now and again I like to look up an artist that I enjoyed back in the day.  What a treat to find new stuff from this rocker.  I'm getting lots of Rolling Stones references in the lyrics.  

8.  Levi (Stop Light Observations) - Catchy folk rock from Charleston, SC band.

9.  Ready (Troy Javelona) - Why aren't more people making slinky bedroom jams like this today???

10.  Showman Dan (Madeleine Peyroux) - Oh, Madeleine, how I've missed you!  Another old fave whose return I welcome with open arms!  She's also great in concert if you get a chance to see her. 

11.  It's All Good, Kid (DellaXOZ) - Young British chanteuse has a knack for catchy pop hooks! 

12.  Lift You Up (Jessie Ware with Romy) - Eric turned me on to this.  Two more fantabulous talents who've joined forces to make magic!  Danceable pop to get your pulse racing.  

13.  Substitution (Purple Disco Machine feat. Julian Perretta) - Purple Disco Machine never disappoints.  This dance number also brings to mind great 80s New Wave acts like Talk Talk and Bronksi Beat.  

14.  Good Luck, Babe! (Chappell Roan) - Yaaaaas, queen!  Up and coming Pop Princess continues to serve engaging and catchy numbers.  

15.  3 Sisters (Waxahatchee) - Okay, I'm noticing there are a lot of returning favorite acts on here.  Not that it's a bad thing.  Waxahatchee has a voice that goes straight to your heart.  No autotune needed.  

16.  Loser's Lounge (Charley Crockett) - Classic country vibes to go with your end-of-summer blues.  

17.  Whatever That Is (the Bygones) - This is from the debut album of folk duo Joshua Lee Turner and Allison Young.  Can't wait to hear more from them.  

18.  Favourite (Fontaines DC) - Energetic Alt Rock from Irish band (wait- they're NOT from Washington DC???)

19.  Apple (Charli XCX) - Another frequent Brantworld listee (and now Kamala Harris endorser) leans into her club days with this newest tune.  

20.  BONUS TRACK - Slay Bitch  (Remi Wolf) - I was torn whether to include "Toro" or this song on my August playlist.  Finally I decided NOT to decide - they're both awesome.  

So that's August's playlist!  Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer and I'll see you next month!  

Brant's July 2024 Playlist

Leaning into summer like... 

Summer is in full swing, so there's nothing to do but to lean into it!  This month's playlist is chock full of summery vibes - lots of Indie rock, hot soul, and even a reggae tune to boot!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Sweet Dream (Tommy Newport) - Kansas-based Indie rocker kicks us off with this toe-tapper!

2.  Rainbow (Cage the Elephant) - Funky psych-rock from frequent Brantworld listees. 

3.  I'm the Man (JUNO) - We had them on last November's playlist, and they're back with more sunny pop! 

4.  I Don't Feel Anything (Kate Peytavin) - Social media star/artist serves up some teenage existential numbness!  

5.  Cinderella (Remi Wolf) - California-based former American Idol contestant is always good for some easy-going West Coast pop. 

6.  I'm Not Bitter (Daďi Freyr) - Iceland is about as far from California as you can get, but they both found a home in Brantworld!  

7.  Tonight I Give In (Angela Bofill) - I love me some Angela Bofill, so it was heartbreaking to see she passed away last month.  This was one of her biggest ballads, and it sounds as fresh today as it did when she released it back in 1983.  RIP.  

8.  HERicane (Lucky Daye) - Another American Idol alum (and a Grammy winner!) returns with this breezy R&B number. 

9.  Everything She Wants (Gus Dapperton) - More 80s gold - this time with a cover of Wham!'s 1984 hit! 

10.  Hi Grace (Dominic Fike) - Where does the time go?  We last had Dominic Fike on my February 2019 playlist!  5 years later, he's back with this heavily-mixed ditty.  Kinda sounds like Bob Dylan if he had a hip hop studio!  

11.  Backbone /It's Not Over/ (Morgxn) - LA-based artist vaguely reminds me of the Killers, in all the best ways!

12.  Bells and Whistles (Bright Eyes) - I was torn between this song and "The Living Thing" from the Deluxe Edition Monsters of Folk album.  Either way, we get new Conor Oberst!  Yay!!!  

13.  Bleach (Dexter and the Moonrocks) - These guys describe their sound as "Western Space Grunge" and I can totally hear it!  Can't wait to explore more of their catalog.  

14.  Long to Be Home (Morgan Heritage and Eddy Kenzo) - It wouldn't be summer without some reggae, so here ya go!  I saw the lead singer of this band just died, which is sad.  RIP

15.  Comin' Around Again (Amber Mark) - Amber is giving me early Chaka Khan vibes here! 

16.  Easy to Love (Aaron Frazer) - Peppy disco-funk from Baltimore artist. 

17.  Bring Back the Beat (Pixey) - Pixey has become another artist I turn to when I need some upbeat dance-pop.  She never disappoints! 

18.  Drifting (Jacklen Ro) - Indie pop duo from LA is serving beautiful harmonies over warm beats and I cannot get enough!  

19.  Sea of Heartbreak (Don Gibson) - This was on the soundtrack of a show I was watching recently (perhaps "Hacks"?) and I made a note to download it.  Don Gibson was a Country Music Hall of Fame inductee but I'd never heard of him!  Happy to make the discovery. 

20.  About America (the Wandering Hearts) - I didn't really have a patriotic song to acknowledge Independence Day, so here's a song by a UK band with America in the title!  Gorgeous Americana stylings, I must say!  

So that's July's playlist!  Hope everyone has a safe and fun Independence Day and I'll see you in August! 

Brant's June 2024 Playlist

Big hands, I know you're the one! 

In case you were wondering - this is my first playlist since April.  Mom passed away mid-April and frankly I didn't have it in me to pull together a playlist for May.  To make up for it, this month we've got a super-sized list (25 songs!!!) - and it's early so you can have it for the holiday weekend.  There's some Pride-ready dance tunes, folk-rock, and other stuff to enjoy.  It's good to be back.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Lighter (Galantis feat. 5 Seconds of Summer) - Lemme just say, after an extended period of intense grief - nothing sounded better than something light and fun!

2.  Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl (Chappell Roan) - IMHO, Roan is the New Hope for pop music!  I can't get enough of her positivity and youthful exuberance!  Viva Chappell!

3.  Famous (Parcels) - From Season 3 of "Hacks", but it was Gary who called this to my attention!  Great retro/disco vibes that would make Jamiroquai and Patrick Juvet proud!  

4.  Fkn Around (Phony PPL feat Megan Thee Stallion) - More disco vibes with a tasty assist from current It Girl of rap music.  

5.  Arizona (Carter Vail) - Folksy alt-rock from Nashville artist/producer.

6.  Glass and Gold (Clover County) - If this singer/songwriter (real name = A.G. Schiano) is any indication, there's still some great music coming out of Athens, GA.  She's touring now, so here's hoping she stops through Charlotte!

7.  My Love Is Like a Waterfall (Peacemode) - Another fantabulous folk-rocker I've found - this time hailing from the UK and now in Southern California!

8.  Shake Shake (Jon Muq) - Soothing island vibes from Austin, TX resident/Ugandan native. 

9.  French Exit (Dua Lipa) - TBH I was a tad underwhelmed with Dua Lipa's latest offering, but I did enjoy this particular song from the new album.    

10.  Chemical Sunset (Orville Peck and Allison Russell) - I would never have put these two together, but it absolutely works in this nihilistic duet.  

11.  After the Revolution (Carsie Blanton) - We had her on April's playlist, and I'm happy to put another one of her songs into rotation!  This kinda gives me Lucinda Williams & Juliana Hatfield vibes.  

12.  Why Won't You Pick Up the Phone? (Wes Parker) - Enjoyable acoustic number from Massachusetts artist.

13.  It's a Happening World (Lesley Gore) - I recently acquired Lesley's unreleased album "Magic Colors" from 1969.  This is the opening song, and it's a delight.  I can't believe her label never released the album.  Anyway, it's not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.  

14.  Holster (the Strumbellas) - I had them on my March 2016 playlist, but regrettably this Canadian band slipped off my radar.  What a treat to rediscover them!  Reverb-heavy, singalong chorus perfect for driving with the windows down on a warm summer evening.  

15.  You Spin Me Round (Nouvelle Vague feat. Alonya) - Another band I haven't heard in a while!  This time they are serving a burlesque version of Dead or Alive's 1985 classic, and I am here for it!  Yaaaaas, queen! 

16.  Trashy State of Mind (Kahone Concept) - Mysterious Pittsburgh artist sounds like he'd be a blast at a party!  

17.  Big Time Nothing (St. Vincent) - Yaaaaaay!  We have a new St. Vincent album!  And what a funky lil' number this song is!  Prince would approve.

18.  Every Emotion /John J-C Carr Extended Remix/ (Bright Light Bright Light feat. Ultra Naté) - I feel like if you went to a laboratory and had them concoct a song for Pride 2024, it wouldn't be any better than what we have here!  Fun, danceable beat?  check.  Cameo vocals from a dance music legend?  check.  Extended mix?  check.  Enjoy!  And Happy Pride! 

19.  Bodyguard (Beyoncé) - That's correct.  We're not done with Cowboy Carter just yet!

20.  Cozy (Jeremy Zucker, Lauv, and Alexander 23) - Trio of young artists team up for this sweet prom-ready tune!

21.  Trouble (Laufey) - She teamed up with beabadoobee on November's playlist for a fun bossa nova.  Here she continues to channel old-school jazz vibes with this gorgeous ballad.  

22.  What My Heart Is For (Quiet Houses) - Glittery dream pop from Indie UK duo.

23.  It's All Good (Rachel West & Izzy Harlow) - Fun, summery pop song with some fantastic old-school samples!  

24.  Borrowed Time (Cosmo's Midnight feat. Forest Claudette) - Poolside loungy beats from Australian brothers.

25.  The One Who Knows (Dar Williams) - I just saw Dar a few weeks ago.  She performed this song, and when she explained it was about parents and children I could barely keep it together.  RIP Mom, and thanks Dar for this beautiful song.  

So that's June's playlist.  Hope everyone has a safe and relaxing Memorial Day weekend, and I'll see you in July! 

Brant's April 2024 Playlist

Cowboy Carter is already taken as a stage name.  Is Branson Brant available?

April has arrived - along with a new Beyoncé album, a ton of pollen, and the worst human being in the world selling "God Bless the USA" Bibles!  You really couldn't make this stuff up if you tried (at least that last part).  But anyway, a new playlist is ready.  I found myself leaning towards rock and 1980s vibes this time around, along with some overlooked gems from the past.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Something's Gonna Go Our Way (the 502s) - Some upbeat folk-rock from this Florida band to get us going!

2.  Steady Going Nowhere (Ben Rogers) - This is from "Loudermilk"!  One of those classic American rock tunes that never goes out of style.  

3.  Watching My Friends Fall in Love (Brynn Cartelli) - Another TV offering, although this time it's from a show I never watch ("the Voice").  Anyway, I dig this alt rock/pop tune!  

4.  The Pain (Another Sky) - This London band describes themselves as "progressive rock", which I didn't even know was still a thing!  Having said that, the musicianship is solid and I love as the tension builds through the course of the song.  

5.  Electric Dreams (Velvet Trip) - Groovy dream pop that's perfect for warm Spring days and driving around with the windows open. 

6.  Ya Ya (Beyoncé) - Gotta say, I like Cowboy Carter better than Renaissance!  Beyoncé dives into everything country on her new album.  I especially fell in love with this tune, which sounds like she's channeling Tina Turner!  From Houston to Nutbush, Bey! 

7.  Dirty Dreams (Menna) - This funky lil' tune sounds like it could've come out of Prince's Paisley Park studio (although Menna is from Nashville).  Can't wait to hear more from her.  

8.  Brainwashed (Waterparks) - I had never heard of Waterparks until I went to a comedy show last month and saw this YUUUUUGE line to see a concert.  It was for Waterparks.  I went home and immediately started listening to their stuff - very youthful and catchy.  I see why they have a following!  Not to mention they're from Houston - I wonder if they know Beyoncé?

9.  Ceilings (Sub-Radio) - This is a fun tune I stumbled across.  I completely love the 1980s vibes.  

10.  All Night (Visila) - I would've sworn this was Dua Lipa when I heard it.  I haven't been able to find out much about Visila, but I'll be paying attention from now on!

11. Love On (Selena Gomez) - Selena takes a break from all the murders in her building to resume her singing career!  

12.  Holdup (Ethan Tasch & Claud) - Yes to everything Claud!  And I'm digging this Indie folk artist Ethan Tasch too!

13.  My Good Friends (Carsie Blanton) - Some rootsy Americana from New Jersey-based artist. 

14.  Bad Case of the Blues (Linda Martell) - So, I had never heard this lady's story until she was featured on Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter album!  What a tragedy that racism cut her country music career short.  Let's hope she gets her well-deserved flowers now! 

15.  Sunday Kind of Love (Kenny Rankin) - Another criminally underrated artist!  I first heard him on a compilation CD of 70s singer/songwriters, and decided to go down the Rankin Rabbit Hole.  I'm so glad I did!  Whether it was his own material or (like this tune) a cover, he made them his own with his crystal clear voice and quirky interpretations.  No wonder Johnny Carson and Paul McCartney counted themselves as fans! It's not on Spotify, but you can listen to it here.

16.  Better Side (Elise LeGrow) - Canadian artist get us back on the dance floor with some upbeat soul!

17.  Suzie Chapstick (Green Day) - The latest from Billie Joe Armstrong and the gang!

18.  If the World Was Ending (Let Loose) - Another 1980s style song, this time in ballad mode! 

19.  Make Me Lose Control (Eric Carmen) - How sad to see that Eric Carmen died last month. From his early work with the Raspberries ("Go All the Way") to penning some of Shaun Cassidy's biggest hits ("That's Rock and Roll", "Hey Deanie") and right on through the 80s ("Hungry Eyes" and this tune), it seems like his songs were always playing in my formative years, and are some of the first ones I reach for when compiling a retro playlist today. What a legacy to leave behind! RIP So that's April! Hope to see ya next month!

Brant's March 2024 Playlist

That ghost in the machine looks eerily familiar... 

I forgot this was a Leap Year, so this playlist is actually early.  February was a busy month, but I still had time to seek out some new music.  It feels like this skews a tad towards mid-tempo EDM and British artists, and as Mother Nature awakens after winter perhaps that's just what is needed - mellow but happy vibes.  Anyway, here 'tis!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.    

1.  What's the Time Where You Are? (Troye Sivan) - Frequent Brantworld listee and Grammy nominee kicks us off with this danceably wistful ditty! 

2.  Lucky (Taura Lamb) - English up-and-comer keeps the dance-pop going, but is feeling considerably more optimistic.  

3.  Texas Hold 'em (Beyoncé) - I would be remiss if I didn't drop Beyonce's country song on here somewhere!  But I genuinely like it, and was thrilled to see Carolina girl (and Brantworld listee!) Rhiannon Giddens featured on banjo!  

4.  Never Been Better (Ben Abraham feat. Corook) - Easygoing pop from Australian singer/songwriter who has written for artists such as Kesha and the Chicks.

5.  Push It Down (L Devine) - English songstress moves us from pop into Indie rock territory!  

6.  Sweet Feelings (Almost Monday) - Another band I've come to love and frequently featured here.  

7.  When You Want Me /Noah's Version/ (Speelburg) - Here's a new artist (to me!).  Speelburg, aka Noah Sacré, describes his sound as 'weird pop' and lists his biggest fan as none other than John Lithgow (which is good enough for me!).  Here, he re-boots one of his earlier songs as a psychedelic excursion.  

8.  Lights Out (Nubiyan Twist & Nile Rodgers) - Nile Rodgers lends his considerable guitar skills to this British jazz offering. 

9.  Terminal Woes (Salt Cathedral) - Colombian duo showcases their multicultural approach to music in this gorgeous electronic anthem. 

10.  Hell of a Night (LA Women) - New Zealand trio is ready for a raucous evening!  If this were 2010, I could almost see the world's coolest hamsters jamming to this in their Kia Soul!  

11.  Sepricon (Brittany Davis) - Funky R&B from Seattle-based blind, non-binary, soul survivor. 

12.  I'm in Love (Jelani Aryeh) - Engaging Indie rock from West Coast Filipino/African-American artist. 

13.  Run Back to You (LAY & Lauv) - Chinese rapper Lay Zhang teams up with American singer for this tasty pop offering. 

14.  Crazy Love (BJ the Chicago Kid feat. Andra Day) - Two R&B greats join forces for this instant classic.  

15.  Pink Dress (Humble the Great) - London UK artist lists Anderson .Paak as an influence, and I can totally hear it in this effortless soul ditty.  

16.  Neon Pill (Cage the Elephant) - It's been a while since I've had them on a playlist, but what a welcome return!  

17.  Lil' Tune (Gus Dapperton & Electric Guest) - I'm totally digging the retro-FM radio vibes from this lil' tune!  Minus the "F" bombs, natch... 

18.  I Wanted Summer with You (Couch) - Sunny jazz to get us ready for the warmer weather (predicted to come early, according to the prophet!) 

19.  The Nickel Song (Melanie) - Some songs are just in our DNA.  I've had this song in my collection since it came out in 1971 (Mom bought it for me!) and it's never far away.  I can't count how many times I've played it - college mixtapes, dental school study music, etc etc.  Her giggling towards the end as her "la dee das" go off the rails is forever endearing!  Melanie passed away last month, but I will always hold her and her music close to my heart.  RIP.  

20.  Catfish John (Sam Grisman Project) - Recommended by one of my fraternity brothers.  I love listening to what they've been listening to, and with a reunion scheduled for April I expect to have multiple opportunities!  This is a great cover of a classic Americana song.  

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

Brant's February 2024 Playlist

"Hey,  AI - show me Valentine's Day at Club Discobrant!" 

We're one month into 2024 and pulling together this month's playlist snuck up on me!  I cobbled something together so see what you think.  As always, to listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Call Me Wild (Corey Wong feat. dodie) - I thought this funky R&B jam, that is giving me Tom Tom Club energy, would be a nice way to start us off.  

2.   Standing Next to You (Jung Kook) - Former BTS dude is serving disco-adjacent K-pop! 

3.  yes, and? (Ariana Grande) - TBH, I thought Ariana's comeback song might pack more of a wollop, but this'll do for now.  Curious to hear the rest of the new album.  

4.  Coffee (j.flowers.mp3 feat Ralph Taylor) - Jazzy R&B from London-based artist.  

5.  Running (Lois) - Easygoing Indie pop perfect for sipping coffee in the early Spring chill. 

6.  The Place That Makes Me Happy (the Moss) - We had them exactly one year ago on a February playlist, and they're back with more feel-good alt rock!  

7.  Good Vibrations (Nectar Woode) - Classic soul from Ghanian/English singer-songwriter.  

8.  Why Try to Change Me Now (Fiona Apple) - I heard this on a rerun of "House" recently and immediately had to track it down!  Is there nothing that Fiona can't sing???

9.  Arms (San Fermin) - I thought this was the National when I first heard it, which is absolutely a compliment!  

10.  This Time /live/ (Neal Francis) - Note to self: I need to catch Neal Francis when he comes through NC.  This live number is getting me excited for summer and concert season!  

11.  Harry Styles (DACEY) - Funky R&B from Canadian artist

12.  Fader (Róisín Murphy) - Oh, Róisín!  I already loved you, and then you threw in the Sharon Jones sample!  As they used to say on Wayne's World, "We're not worthy!!!"

13.  Hush (Cocktail Slippers) - Every now and again I like to go back and see what bands I used to play all the time are up to.  What a treat to find Cocktail Slippers covering one of my fave 1960s songs! 

14.  Come Close (Jake Scott) - One of those starry-eyed love songs that would be perfect for your favorite rom-com!  

15.  Igual Que Un Ángel (Kali Uchis feat. Peso Pluma) - My Spanish is WAAAAAY rusty, but delicious tunes like this Kali Uchis duet make me wanna brush up! 

16.  Double Yellow (Ghostryder feat. boy jones) - Sunny West Coast pop to get your toes tappin'!

17.  Waterfall (Zinadelphia) - Philly artist is serving confidence with a heapin' helpin' of soul.  

18.  You're Just a Boy and I'm Kinda the Man (Maisie Peters) - British lass tells it like it is with no apologies.  Never has disappointment sounded like so much fun!  

19.  Hell N Back (Bakar feat. Summer Walker) - Summer Walker lends her appealing vocals to this slightly retro-sounding hit song from last year. 

20.  Train from Kansas City (the Shangri-Las) - What a drag to see that Mary Weiss (lead singer of the Shangri-Las) had passed in January.  It was hard to choose just one song to put on this month's playlist, but I finally landed on this lesser-known ballad that is a personal fave of mine.  RIP Mary.

So that's February!  Hope everyone has a great month.  Stay warm and I'll see ya next month!