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| 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!
