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!
