Tuesday, April 1, 2025

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!  

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