Brant's April 2025 Playlist

I'm not gonna let a little pollen slow me down!

Here we are in April!  I've only seen one April Fool's post/joke so far - I think people are so stressed and exhausted just from sorting through the day-to-day misinformation that they don't see a need to generate more of it!  Anyway, we do have some new music to peruse.  This list feels more on the mellow side - probably for the same reasons as above.  Hopefully it'll be aural Xanax for a weary listener.  There are a few unexpected cover songs, new music from long-time favorites, and the typical tidbits that caught my attention.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  I Think They Call This Love (Elliot James Reay) - Whoa.  I don't know much about this kid (he's only 23!) but talk about a timeless voice!  He's just starting out, and I'll definitely be paying attention.  On this first song, he's certainly leaning into the mid-century vibe, with fantastic results! Very Elvis/Tab Hunter inspired!

2.  Somebody Else (Role Model) - Frequent listee Role Model covers The 1975!  

3.  Drift Away (the Horn) - Easygoing Indie Britpop perfect for the budding Spring weather.  

4.  But Not For Me (grentperez) - An unexpected Gershwin cover by young Australian singer.  I'd always associated this song with Judy Garland, but found this on a Chet Baker (also awesome, btw) tribute album.  

5.  Wimbledon White (slimdan) - AKA Danny Silberstein, who has previously worked with artists like Diplo, strikes out on his own with thie catchy alt-rock number!  

6.  Foolish Pleasure (the Knocks with Dragonette) - Some 80's styled synth-pop from US dance duo and their frequent collaborators Dragonette.  

7.  All in My Head (the Linda Lindas) - When they first came out with their hit "Racist Sexist Boy", I thought they might be one-hit wonders.  I'm thrilled to be wrong!  

8.  Holiday (Almost Monday) - Another frequent Brantworld listee is back with some summery Indie rock beats in anticipation of future vacations!

9.  When the Love Is Gone (Anna Graves) - I thought this was Clover County when I first heard it!  Either way, it's warm, acoustic strumming and lush vocals surround you like a much-needed, encouraging hug.  

10.  Men in Bars (Japanese Breakfast feat. Jeff Bridges) - I knew Michelle Zauner had a mercurial streak, but I never expected her to move into Classic Country!  This feels right within Tom Waits' wheelhouse, but Jeff Bridges fills in nicely for this whiskey-soaked duet.  

11.  Lovin' You (Ryan Woods) - I would never have thought Minnie Riperton's signature song would get the alt-rock treatment, but here we are!  I'm not mad about it! 

12.  No Right Time (Zaska feat. Melina Malone) - Feel-good jazz from a rotating collective of musicians headed up by Irish singer/songwriter Max Zaska.  

13.  Use My Heart Against Me (Jessica Simpson) - Looks like Japanese Breakfast isn't the only artist trying on new hats!  Early 00's pop princess belts out some roadhouse-ready blues-rock that really suits her powerful pipes! 

14.  Don't Wait (Neal Francis feat. Say She She) - Neal Francis continues to mine the 1970s music canon for inspiration, and rarely disappoints!  Even his exploration of disco, showcased here, is sublime! 

15.  Shadow of a Man (Lady Gaga) - "Abracadabra" felt like low-hanging fruit to pick for a playlist, so I delved into Gaga's latest album for a deep cut that still gets one's booty shaking!  

16.  Pop N Olive (Samara Cyn feat. Sherwyn) - Cheeky R&B from West Coast singer/rapper.  

17.  Summer Simmer (Orang Utan feat. West Rose) - This is from 2023 but I couldn't pass up its dreamy synths and soaring chorus!  

18.  Beware!!! (Sleep State) - Classic rock-styled Indie pop from West Coast duo. 

19.  Call My Name (Phin) - Breezy guitars and falsetto vocals perfect for sipping cocktails on the porch (after taking a Zyrtec, of course!)

20.  Me & Angel (Perfume Genius) - The latest from Michael Alden Hadreas continues in his gorgeous, heartfelt style to close us out on a poignant note.    

So that's April's playlist!  Stock up on decongestants, get those taxes done, and I'll see you in May!  

Brant's March 2025 Playlist

Gettin' my green on for March!  

Phew!  Despite the Groundhog's prediction, Spring is in the air and my sinuses can feel it.  But I shall not let personal congestion interfere with my intentions to get this month's playlist out on time!  I felt myself gravitating towards folk-rock this month but as always, there's a little bit of everything.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Don't Take the Night (The Driver Era, Ross Lynch & Rocky) - Brothers and former R5 members get us started with this pulsating rock tune! 

2.  Dead Weight (Maggie Rose) - Grammy nominee known mostly for her country music proves she can also rock with the best of them!  

3.  Growing Pains (Trousdale) - Country-tinged pop band (pop-tinged Country band?) has a positive energy that will get any juke joint jumpin'! I can hear a Shania influence.   

4.  Sally, When the Wine Runs Out (Role Model) - Frequent Brantworld listee dropped a few Bonus Tracks for his latest album!  This was one of my faves.  

5.  Please, Please, Please (Sabrina Carpenter with Dolly Parton) - Sabrina is living her best life!  I've seen her sing with a few of her idols lately - Xtina, Taylor Swift, and now Dolly! 

6.  Baby Blue (Willow Avalon) - I thought this was the Bob Dylan song when I first saw the title, but it's completely different (and still great!).  I wasn't familiar with the singer, but I will have to start paying attention to her from now on!  

7.  Feel Like Makin' Love (Roberta Flack) - What a loss to the world with Roberta Flack gone.  Her music, particularly "Killing Me Softly with His Song", has become part of the fabric of American music.  RIP.

8.  Bloom (aimei) - Chinese/UK artist has a knack for catchy pop melodies.

9.  Supernova (Supertaste) - I forget where I first heard this, but (of course) I was immediately drawn to the classic disco vibes!  

10.  Poolside (Nao) - It's been a while since we've had her on one of our playlists, but Nao is back with some summery soul!

11.  Love Hangover (Jennie & Dominic Fike) - K-pop star steps out from Blackpink with this slinky bedroom bop (not to be confused with the Diana Ross song!). 

12.  Add Up My Love (Clairo) - Clairo was on our January 2025 playlist, and happily we have this new offering from her latest album!  

13.  Mona Lisa on a Mattress (Bishop Briggs) - Confident alt-rock from UK artist.

14.  One Bullet Left (Yam Haus) - Easygoing folk-rock from American Indie band.

15.  Following the Feeling (Tommy Newport) - I got a 1970s singer/songwriter vibe from this that felt perfect for the pleasant Spring weather! 

16.  Plastic Horses (Colby Acuff) - Energetic Americana from Idaho singer/songwriter.

17.  Where I Belong (Galactic with Irma Thomas) - Holy cow!  Irma Thomas is still going strong and sounding great at 84!  Yaaaaaaas, queen! 

18.  I'll Be Okay (Michigander) - We last had him on our December 2024 playlist!  Optimistic (which Lord knows we all need right now) folk-rock from Kalamazoo band.

19.  Glasgow (Pale Waves) - I love this lead singer's voice!!!  Very Cranberries/90s alt-rock vibes!

20.  Milestones (Gift) - Brooklyn band closes us out with some groovy rock!

So that's March's playlist!  Stock up on decongestants, use that Neti pot, and I'll see you in April!  

Brant's February 2025 Playlist

Beta Testing devices to help me keep my sanity for the next 4 years... 

Welp, we're only a few weeks into the new administration and the news is chock full of catastrophes - philosophical, Constitutional, and actual.  The groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter, which seems like the least of our worries.  I'm a day late, but I did manage to pull together another list of songs.  Last month skewed towards folk and Indie Rock.  This month I found myself gravitating more towards Pop and Dance selections, with a lot of returning favorite artists - perhaps in hopes of improving my mood.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  The Way She Moves (Mia Wray) - Australian pop star kicks us off with a powerfully sung dance floor filler!  

2.  Crying in the Car Wash (ARXX) - I have a good friend who uses car washes as therapy.  I thought it was just her, but now this New Wave ditty by a UK duo has me wondering if it's a "thing"! 

3.  See You in the Afterlife (Foster the People) - Some foot-stompin' funk from American Indie band. 

4.  Slut for Excel (Charlie Houston) - I don't know much about this young singer/songwriter, but this tune had a Talking Heads/Tom Tom Club energy that immediately drew me in.  

5.  MIA (Khalid feat. Chlöe) - Frequent Brantworld listee duets with one half of Chlöe x Halle for some R&B excellence.  

6.  Small Change (Don West) - Every now & again someone brings back the Motown sound.  Here's the latest - I can dig it.  

7.  Done with You (Omar Apollo) - Grammy nomimee serves up some Latin-flavored soul.  

8.  Time (Olivia Dean) - English singer adds a surprising rock-edge to this neo-soul offering. 

9.  Under the Sun (Maggie Rose) - Maryland Americana artist is currently up for a Grammy Award for her latest album, which includes this dreamy ballad. 

10.  Stolen Love (Josiah & the Bonnevilles) - They've been on my last two playlists, so clearly I've gone down the rabbit hole!  But I'm still enjoying these roots rockers.  

11.  My Fun (Suki Waterhouse) - Another returning fave!  This song has a frisky blues tinge to it that I could easily see Mick Jagger singing.  

12.  Arm's Length (Sam Fender) - His new album comes out later this month.  So far I've enjoyed all of the singles released.  

13.  Cursed Romantics (Maude LaTour) - I feel like this tune could've been inspired by Taylor Swift's "New Romantics" - but who knows?  Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!  

14.  Something Beautiful (YUNG & Dagny) - Not to be confused with Yung Kook (from BTS), YUNG is a Swedish duo who have teamed up with Norwegian pop star Dagny for this delicious ditty! 

15.  This Side of the Island (Hamilton Leithauser) - American singer/songwriter and former lead singer of The Walkmen goes solo! 

16.  Crocodile Tears (Lauren Mayberry) - I'm also continuing to enjoy the confident pop debut of former Chvrches lead singer Lauren Mayberry!  Here's another selection from her excellent album.  

17.  Fainted Love (Conan Gray) - 80s style New Wave from this talented American artist. 

18.  Uptight (Home Counties) - Energetic, percussion heavy Indie Dance-Rock from Bristol band. 

19.  Music Is Better (Rüfüs Du Sol) - Sydney, Australia serves as home base for this alt-dance/electronic band. Perfect for speeding through the waves on your favorite watercraft as the wind blows through your hair.  

20.  Remember (Miami Horror & Tim Ayre) - I knew I'd had them on a previous playlist, but I didn't expect it to be 10 years ago!  Anyway, this Melbourne band is back with more disco/dance funk and fellow-Australian vocalist Tim Ayre pitching in!  

So that's February's playlist.  Hope everyone has a good month, and we'll see you in March.