1. Here Comes the Sun /Live from the 1971 Concert for Bangladesh/ (George Harrison) - 40 years after the legendary Concert for Bangladesh, the Soundtrack is now available for download and all sales benefit the George Harrison Fund for UNICEF. A timeless song that still makes me happy.
2. Somehow (Joss Stone) - Upbeat latest from bluesy UK singer
3. Annie You Save Me (Graffiti6) - Hot on the heels of Fitz & the Tantrums, these guys also are reviving that early 1970s AM rock sound. Groovilicious!
4. I Wanna Go Kill Everybody /Basic Physics Mashup/(Britney Spears vs. Skrillex) - America's Pop Princess gets the electric chair. Sort of. This mash-up pairs Brit Brit's vocals with dark electro funk. Probably the closest we'll get to having Crazy Britney for a while. Free download at PumptheBeat.com
5. Love in a Vacuum /1983 demo/ ('Til Tuesday) - My infatuation with Aimee Mann continues. I was reading the iTunes review for Til Tuesday's 1985 "Voices Carry" cd and the author kept talking about how great the demo for "Love in a Vacuum" was (better than the fully produced version that appears on the album). It took me a while to track it down, but I have to say I agree with him. Free download at http://www.studiowner.com/
6. Season of the Witch (Karen Elson) - Jack White's wife covers Donovan for the "True Blood" soundtrack. Great version, but of course I still prefer Courtney Love's. :^)
7. Amy (Mashup-Germany) - We lost Ms. Winehouse last month. I was surprised how touching this mashup was. Free on PumptheBeat.com. RIP Amy.
8. Substitute (Gloria Gaynor) - This was originally recorded by the Righteous Brothers, and Gloria decided to put her own spin on it. The song was soon eclipsed by the B-side single, however - "I Will Survive". Gotta say I like 'em both!
9. Belong (The Pains of Being Pure at Heart) - Perky alt-rock song from another awkwardly named alt-rock band.
10. Don't Play No Game That I Can't Win (Beastie Boys featuring Santigold) - If you had told me back in college that the Beastie Boys would still be around in 2011, I wouldn't have believed you. But here they are with this reggae-tinged single!
11. Dating a Porn Star (the Weepies) - Jill had this band on one of her playlists, and while browsing their catalogue I stumbled across this track. Never would have guessed it would be a tender ballad.
12. Do Nothing 'Til You Hear from Me (Boz Scaggs) - Another act I'm surprised is still recording. This is from a Billie Holliday tribute cd that came out this summer.
13. Wait & See /Richard X remix/ (Holy Ghost!) - This bouncy remix is great for some end of summer poolside chillaxin'.
14. Crystal Clear (the Darling Buds) - Hate to admit I missed this band first time around. Luckily I had Jill to call them to my attention. Better late than never!
15. Get Away (Yuck) - These guys did a Daytrotter session back in April. This wasn't one of the free tunes, but I liked them enough to check out their other music. Something about this reminds me of Smashing Pumpkins. Good stuff.
16. Speck (Deep Dark Robot) - Former 4 Non-Blonde member and hit producer (Pink, Gwen Stefani) Linda Perry returns to the studio with her new band. Great tune, but I still wish she'd gone for the "Big" ending (think: Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" or Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here").
17. School (Aer) - These guys make me smile. The song is about what makes them smile (hint: it's not school).
18. It's My Party (Quincy Jones featuring Amy Winehouse) - I had to have one more Winehouse song! QJ was putting together an album that showcased his work throughout a decades-long career. Who else but Amy to interpret his greatest Lesley Gore hit? Quincy Jones + Lesley Gore + Amy Winehouse = win win win
19. Sidewalk Talk (Jellybean featuring Madonna) - This month's official throwback. Back in the early 1980's, Jellybean and his girlfriend Madonna were the toast of NYC. He was a DJ and had worked on remixing Madonna's first album, which had made her a star. To return the favor, she contributed this song to his 1984 album "Wotupski !?!" Pretty sure the album is out of print, but this single still turns up occasionally. An under-appreciated Madonna track, IMHO.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Brant's July 2011 Playlist
The holiday fast approacheth, so I wanted to get July's playlist out ASAP. This month includes some new favorites along with some unearthed gems. My friend Jill inspired me to go through some of my old mix tapes - and I'm so glad she did. I unearthed several songs that I had held dear at some point in my life, yet had forgotten about over time. Enjoy!
1. California Soul /A. Skillz Remix/ (Marlena Shaw) - Another jazz vocalist gets a delicious millennial facelift. Great companion to the Madison Park vs Lenny B remix of Nina Simone's "Look of Love" and Adam Freeland's remix of Sarah Vaughan's "Fever". Free download on PumptheBeat.com.
2. Bow Chicka Wow Wow (Mike Posner feat. Lil Wayne) - Fun R&B seduction song with a rock vibe.
3. Lost in My Mind (The Head & the Heart) - Holden referenced this on his Facebook wall and I loved the song. Makes me think of the old West, cowboys and the whistle of railroad trains.
4. I Should Forget (Dynamic 4) - This summery jazz song was on an old playlist from 2003. I'm happy to have it back in circulation.
5. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair (Arctic Monkeys) - The Monkeys return with more psychedelic rock.
6. Nasty (Christina Aguilera & Cee Lo Green) - Unreleased track from the "Burlesque" soundtrack, probably leaked in response to their both being on "the Voice". I love the Jimmy 'Bo' Horne sample!
7. The Rhythm of Love (Lushus Daim & the Pretty Vain) - I had her poster in my freshman dorm room back in college (she looks like a female hybrid of Prince & Michael Jackson), but never bothered to buy the album. I stumbled across it on a music blog and I'm happy to report it wasn't bad! It's been out of print for years.
8. Drink Before the War (Sinead O'Connor) - Another lost single. When "The Lion & the Cobra" came out, I was obsessed with Sinead. It still sounds great after all this time.
9. Got to Give It Up (James Taylor Quartet) - Marvin Gaye's seminal soul classic gets retrofitted for a 1960's bachelor pad. Makes me want to put on my crushed velvet smoker's jacket and mix up some Moscow Mules in my stainless steel cocktail shaker...
10. Homesick Blues (Never Shout Never) - For me, summer is all about concerts. This bluesy number makes me think of cold beers and hot shows. Free download on Daytrotter.com.
11. Miss Me (Andy Grammer) - This was a free download on iTunes. Decent pop song in the style of David Gray or Daniel Powter.
12. Freeway (Aimee Mann) - Former lead singer of 'Til Tuesday did this session on Daytrotter back in 2008. She still sounds great.
13. Stay With Me 'Til Dawn (Heather Park) - Sleek, contemporary take on Judie Tzuke's haunting classic.
14. Bright Nights, Bigger City /Shapeshifter's Heavy Disco Remix/ (Cee Lo Green) - Cee Lo's latest gets even bigger & brighter thanks to the Shapeshifters.
15. I Love My Redneck Roots (Canady Thomas & Chris Cook) - This is the theme song to a local film called "Redneck Roots" being produced by some friends of mine! Can't wait to see the movie!!
16. I Can't Make You Love Me (Bon Iver) - Colton turned me on to this. Heartbreaking Bonnie Raitt cover & the B-side to the new "Calgary" single.
17. The Man Who Played God (Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse feat. Suzanne Vega) - The latest Danger Mouse collaboration with unexpected guest vocalist Suzanne Vega!
18. America (Prince & the Revolution) - I wanted to have something patriotic for Independence Day, so this month's throwback is Prince's red white & blue tribute to the US of A! Happy 4th of July e'er'body!
1. California Soul /A. Skillz Remix/ (Marlena Shaw) - Another jazz vocalist gets a delicious millennial facelift. Great companion to the Madison Park vs Lenny B remix of Nina Simone's "Look of Love" and Adam Freeland's remix of Sarah Vaughan's "Fever". Free download on PumptheBeat.com.
2. Bow Chicka Wow Wow (Mike Posner feat. Lil Wayne) - Fun R&B seduction song with a rock vibe.
3. Lost in My Mind (The Head & the Heart) - Holden referenced this on his Facebook wall and I loved the song. Makes me think of the old West, cowboys and the whistle of railroad trains.
4. I Should Forget (Dynamic 4) - This summery jazz song was on an old playlist from 2003. I'm happy to have it back in circulation.
5. Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair (Arctic Monkeys) - The Monkeys return with more psychedelic rock.
6. Nasty (Christina Aguilera & Cee Lo Green) - Unreleased track from the "Burlesque" soundtrack, probably leaked in response to their both being on "the Voice". I love the Jimmy 'Bo' Horne sample!
7. The Rhythm of Love (Lushus Daim & the Pretty Vain) - I had her poster in my freshman dorm room back in college (she looks like a female hybrid of Prince & Michael Jackson), but never bothered to buy the album. I stumbled across it on a music blog and I'm happy to report it wasn't bad! It's been out of print for years.
8. Drink Before the War (Sinead O'Connor) - Another lost single. When "The Lion & the Cobra" came out, I was obsessed with Sinead. It still sounds great after all this time.
9. Got to Give It Up (James Taylor Quartet) - Marvin Gaye's seminal soul classic gets retrofitted for a 1960's bachelor pad. Makes me want to put on my crushed velvet smoker's jacket and mix up some Moscow Mules in my stainless steel cocktail shaker...
10. Homesick Blues (Never Shout Never) - For me, summer is all about concerts. This bluesy number makes me think of cold beers and hot shows. Free download on Daytrotter.com.
11. Miss Me (Andy Grammer) - This was a free download on iTunes. Decent pop song in the style of David Gray or Daniel Powter.
12. Freeway (Aimee Mann) - Former lead singer of 'Til Tuesday did this session on Daytrotter back in 2008. She still sounds great.
13. Stay With Me 'Til Dawn (Heather Park) - Sleek, contemporary take on Judie Tzuke's haunting classic.
14. Bright Nights, Bigger City /Shapeshifter's Heavy Disco Remix/ (Cee Lo Green) - Cee Lo's latest gets even bigger & brighter thanks to the Shapeshifters.
15. I Love My Redneck Roots (Canady Thomas & Chris Cook) - This is the theme song to a local film called "Redneck Roots" being produced by some friends of mine! Can't wait to see the movie!!
16. I Can't Make You Love Me (Bon Iver) - Colton turned me on to this. Heartbreaking Bonnie Raitt cover & the B-side to the new "Calgary" single.
17. The Man Who Played God (Danger Mouse & Sparklehorse feat. Suzanne Vega) - The latest Danger Mouse collaboration with unexpected guest vocalist Suzanne Vega!
18. America (Prince & the Revolution) - I wanted to have something patriotic for Independence Day, so this month's throwback is Prince's red white & blue tribute to the US of A! Happy 4th of July e'er'body!
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Brant's June 2011 Playlist
1. Bright Sunshiny Day (Mashup Germany) - Jimmy Cliff, Kelis and I'm not quite sure who else are thrown into the musical Cuisinart to result in this summery selection.
2. Sad Song (the Cars) - Didn't expect a new release from Ric Ocasek & gang, but gotta say I like it! Thanks to Stacy & Janique for the 'heads up' on this!
3. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You /the Twelves Remix/ (Black Kids) - Glee did this in a "blink & you'll miss it" prom sequence, and it reminded me how much I liked the original.
4. Instant Love (Sylvia Love) - This month's Disco Discharge pick is Sylvia Love's sublime 1979 Euro hit. Sounds like something Georgio Moroder might have done for Donna Summer during the "I Feel Love" years.
5. Restless Moods (Lulu) - Found this on an R&B compilation. Lulu recorded it in 1999, thirty two years after her classic "To Sir With Love" and she still sounds great!
6. L.O.V. (Fitz & the Tantrums) - I'm still digging these guys!!! Free download on Daytrotter. Thanks again to Jill for calling them to my attention.
7. Songbird (Glee Cast feat. Naya Rivera) - I wasn't sure how Fleetwood Mac would work in a Glee episode, but when Naya Rivera as Santana sang this to her love interest, Brittany - I got chills. I've always thought Christine McVie was underrated as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Hopefully the resurgence of this gorgeous ballad will give her some long overdue props.
8. Jupiter Flight No. 9 (Herman's Rocket) - Every now & again I come across a song that was probably meant to be edgy and avant garde but turned out to be ridiculously campy. This sounds like 1970s space porn! It still makes me smile, though.
9. Life (Ministry of Funk feat. Sade) - The Ministry of Funk guys drag Sade out of the bedroom and onto the dance floor! I first heard this poolside in Ft. Lauderdale - so now it immediately makes me crave sunshine and Mojitos.
10. Talking 'Bout a Revolution (Afro Fiesta) - This is from the first Playing for Change cd - which brings musicians from around the world together to raise money to build music schools across the globe. This is a Tracy Chapman cover, but they also do a great version of "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones on their second cd.
11. Two Against One (Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi feat Jack White) - Danger Mouse + Jack White! Yay!
12. Better Than Love /Freemasons Pegasus Club Mix/ (Hurts) - Nine minutes of bliss. Sounds like something New Order might have done.
13. How to Love (Lil Wayne) - I don't love everything he does, but I do love how he always surprises me.
14. Mine Is Yours /Passion Pit Mix/ (Cold War Kids) - The latest from CWK gets an electro boost.
15. Post Break Up Sex (the Vaccines) - Heard this on the Sirius Alt Nation channel, and was thrilled to find it as a free download on Daytrotter. Not bad advice, either!
16. Gold Mine (Breanne Düren) - This was a free download on iTunes. Sounds a little like Jenny Lewis, which isn't a bad thing!
17. The Roller (Beady Eye) - Oasis members pull together this awesome Beatles-esque anthem after Noel Gallagher exits the group.
18. Daydream Believer (the Monkees) - Since a lot of this month's list had a 60s vibe (Lulu, Fitz & the Tantrums, Beady Eye) I decided this month's throwback would be one of my fave 1960s songs. Sheer bubblegum bliss - and I like having that in my world.
2. Sad Song (the Cars) - Didn't expect a new release from Ric Ocasek & gang, but gotta say I like it! Thanks to Stacy & Janique for the 'heads up' on this!
3. I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance with You /the Twelves Remix/ (Black Kids) - Glee did this in a "blink & you'll miss it" prom sequence, and it reminded me how much I liked the original.
4. Instant Love (Sylvia Love) - This month's Disco Discharge pick is Sylvia Love's sublime 1979 Euro hit. Sounds like something Georgio Moroder might have done for Donna Summer during the "I Feel Love" years.
5. Restless Moods (Lulu) - Found this on an R&B compilation. Lulu recorded it in 1999, thirty two years after her classic "To Sir With Love" and she still sounds great!
6. L.O.V. (Fitz & the Tantrums) - I'm still digging these guys!!! Free download on Daytrotter. Thanks again to Jill for calling them to my attention.
7. Songbird (Glee Cast feat. Naya Rivera) - I wasn't sure how Fleetwood Mac would work in a Glee episode, but when Naya Rivera as Santana sang this to her love interest, Brittany - I got chills. I've always thought Christine McVie was underrated as a member of Fleetwood Mac. Hopefully the resurgence of this gorgeous ballad will give her some long overdue props.
8. Jupiter Flight No. 9 (Herman's Rocket) - Every now & again I come across a song that was probably meant to be edgy and avant garde but turned out to be ridiculously campy. This sounds like 1970s space porn! It still makes me smile, though.
9. Life (Ministry of Funk feat. Sade) - The Ministry of Funk guys drag Sade out of the bedroom and onto the dance floor! I first heard this poolside in Ft. Lauderdale - so now it immediately makes me crave sunshine and Mojitos.
10. Talking 'Bout a Revolution (Afro Fiesta) - This is from the first Playing for Change cd - which brings musicians from around the world together to raise money to build music schools across the globe. This is a Tracy Chapman cover, but they also do a great version of "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones on their second cd.
11. Two Against One (Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi feat Jack White) - Danger Mouse + Jack White! Yay!
12. Better Than Love /Freemasons Pegasus Club Mix/ (Hurts) - Nine minutes of bliss. Sounds like something New Order might have done.
13. How to Love (Lil Wayne) - I don't love everything he does, but I do love how he always surprises me.
14. Mine Is Yours /Passion Pit Mix/ (Cold War Kids) - The latest from CWK gets an electro boost.
15. Post Break Up Sex (the Vaccines) - Heard this on the Sirius Alt Nation channel, and was thrilled to find it as a free download on Daytrotter. Not bad advice, either!
16. Gold Mine (Breanne Düren) - This was a free download on iTunes. Sounds a little like Jenny Lewis, which isn't a bad thing!
17. The Roller (Beady Eye) - Oasis members pull together this awesome Beatles-esque anthem after Noel Gallagher exits the group.
18. Daydream Believer (the Monkees) - Since a lot of this month's list had a 60s vibe (Lulu, Fitz & the Tantrums, Beady Eye) I decided this month's throwback would be one of my fave 1960s songs. Sheer bubblegum bliss - and I like having that in my world.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Brant's May 2011 Playlist
1. Good Girls (Cris Cab) - Nice downtempo ballad with an R&B vibe.
2. So In Love (Jill Scott feat. Anthony Hamilton) - Jill is back with this delicious smooth groove.
3. Love at First Night (Kim Hart) - This month's Disco Discharge selection comes from their "Disco Ladies" compilation. Her voice sounds like Beyonce' to me.
4. Kiss You Off (Scissor Sisters) - I just caught them in Atlanta last month with Josh. If you ever get the chance to see them live I highly recommend it.
5. Marie Provost (Nick Lowe) - Based loosely on a true story! Silent film star Marie Prevost lived the lush life then died in obscurity. Unfortunately by the time they found her, her pet Dachsund had been nibbling on her. No reason not to write a fun pop song about it, though!
6. Colt .45 (Turbo Fruits) - Jill had these guys on her April playlist, and they are a hoot. This previously unreleased song is a free download on Daytrotter.
7. Purple Rain (Lucky Peterson) - Somebody had posted this on their Facebook wall, so I gave it a listen. Great bluesy reinterpretation of Prince's signature song.
8. My Society (De-Phazz) - One of those songs that sounds old and new at the same time. It has a slinky loungy feel to it that would suit Eartha Kitt.
9. Best of My Love (Phoebe Snow) - We lost Ms. Snow recently. I know "Poetry Man" is her best known track, but I love her cover of the Emotions disco song. It sounds a little dated today, but there's no denying Phoebe's joy in singing it.
10. Que Veux Tu /Madeon Remix/ (Yelle) - French dance track I found on PumptheBeat.com.
11. I Wrote the Book (Beth Ditto) - Gossip's rowdy lead singer goes solo with this sassy electronic number. This definitely ain't her first time at the rodeo!
12. Rock n Roll People in a Disco World (Sparks) - I'm just now getting into this LA Band. Much as Blondie was able to seamlessly morph between punk and disco and pop - these guys began as glam rockers before embracing disco and later new wave.
13. Stayin' Alive /Teddybears Remix/ (Bee Gees) - Disco people in a dubstep world!
14. Don't Gotta Work It Out (Fitz & the Tantrums) - First Jill, then Jeff told me I HAD to check these guys out! They are a contemporary band that is bringing back the late 60s/early 70s rock sound - think Rare Earth or Ides of March. Definitely worth a listen, and free download on Daytrotter.
15. Can't Find My Way Home (Alison Scott) - I found this while trying to track down Alison Krauss' version, which unfortunately is only available on the Crossing Jordan soundtrack. I went for the 99 cent single rather than getting conned into buying an entire album just to get the one song I wanted. When is the music industry gonna learn that trying to screw people over like that is the reason people illegally download songs???
16. My Girl (Nouvelle Vague feat. Sophie Delila) - French band continues their singular mission to reinterpret 80s songs. This is their reworking of Devo's "Girl U Want". Imagine if Chuck Berry had a sex change and then recorded a Devo tribute!
17. Ocean Drop (PJ Simas) - Mellow pop song with rhymes and sweet female vocals.
18. Rich Girls /Le Castle Vania Remix/ (the Virgins) - Great alt rock song gets a Spring Break remix.
19. Good Girls /Sucka Free CJ Remix/ (Cris Cab) - These were posted together on PumptheBeat so it seemed a shame not to include them both. It's just interesting to hear how a song is recorded by one artist, then reinterpreted by another.
20. Mutiny (the Family) - This month's throwback. After Morris Day left the Time, Prince decided to take the band in a new direction. He installed two new vocalists, added a symphonic orchestra, and changed the band's name to The Family. They only recorded one album, which has been out of print for 20 years, but Prince clearly is fond of this track - he's played it regularly at concerts over the years.
2. So In Love (Jill Scott feat. Anthony Hamilton) - Jill is back with this delicious smooth groove.
3. Love at First Night (Kim Hart) - This month's Disco Discharge selection comes from their "Disco Ladies" compilation. Her voice sounds like Beyonce' to me.
4. Kiss You Off (Scissor Sisters) - I just caught them in Atlanta last month with Josh. If you ever get the chance to see them live I highly recommend it.
5. Marie Provost (Nick Lowe) - Based loosely on a true story! Silent film star Marie Prevost lived the lush life then died in obscurity. Unfortunately by the time they found her, her pet Dachsund had been nibbling on her. No reason not to write a fun pop song about it, though!
6. Colt .45 (Turbo Fruits) - Jill had these guys on her April playlist, and they are a hoot. This previously unreleased song is a free download on Daytrotter.
7. Purple Rain (Lucky Peterson) - Somebody had posted this on their Facebook wall, so I gave it a listen. Great bluesy reinterpretation of Prince's signature song.
8. My Society (De-Phazz) - One of those songs that sounds old and new at the same time. It has a slinky loungy feel to it that would suit Eartha Kitt.
9. Best of My Love (Phoebe Snow) - We lost Ms. Snow recently. I know "Poetry Man" is her best known track, but I love her cover of the Emotions disco song. It sounds a little dated today, but there's no denying Phoebe's joy in singing it.
10. Que Veux Tu /Madeon Remix/ (Yelle) - French dance track I found on PumptheBeat.com.
11. I Wrote the Book (Beth Ditto) - Gossip's rowdy lead singer goes solo with this sassy electronic number. This definitely ain't her first time at the rodeo!
12. Rock n Roll People in a Disco World (Sparks) - I'm just now getting into this LA Band. Much as Blondie was able to seamlessly morph between punk and disco and pop - these guys began as glam rockers before embracing disco and later new wave.
13. Stayin' Alive /Teddybears Remix/ (Bee Gees) - Disco people in a dubstep world!
14. Don't Gotta Work It Out (Fitz & the Tantrums) - First Jill, then Jeff told me I HAD to check these guys out! They are a contemporary band that is bringing back the late 60s/early 70s rock sound - think Rare Earth or Ides of March. Definitely worth a listen, and free download on Daytrotter.
15. Can't Find My Way Home (Alison Scott) - I found this while trying to track down Alison Krauss' version, which unfortunately is only available on the Crossing Jordan soundtrack. I went for the 99 cent single rather than getting conned into buying an entire album just to get the one song I wanted. When is the music industry gonna learn that trying to screw people over like that is the reason people illegally download songs???
16. My Girl (Nouvelle Vague feat. Sophie Delila) - French band continues their singular mission to reinterpret 80s songs. This is their reworking of Devo's "Girl U Want". Imagine if Chuck Berry had a sex change and then recorded a Devo tribute!
17. Ocean Drop (PJ Simas) - Mellow pop song with rhymes and sweet female vocals.
18. Rich Girls /Le Castle Vania Remix/ (the Virgins) - Great alt rock song gets a Spring Break remix.
19. Good Girls /Sucka Free CJ Remix/ (Cris Cab) - These were posted together on PumptheBeat so it seemed a shame not to include them both. It's just interesting to hear how a song is recorded by one artist, then reinterpreted by another.
20. Mutiny (the Family) - This month's throwback. After Morris Day left the Time, Prince decided to take the band in a new direction. He installed two new vocalists, added a symphonic orchestra, and changed the band's name to The Family. They only recorded one album, which has been out of print for 20 years, but Prince clearly is fond of this track - he's played it regularly at concerts over the years.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Brant's April 2011 Playlist
This month's playlist is dedicated to Spring Break and getting myself and anyone else into the spirit. Hopefully the pollen will taper off and there will be nothing standing between us and the warmer weather.
1. Civilization (Justice) - French electro duo return with a rock anthem! Unexpected but still great.
2. Loser Like Me (Glee cast) - Peppy pop to get your toes tappin'. Who cares if Sue Sylvester is throwing sticks at your head???
3. Keep Me Under the Sheets - Mochi Beats Remix (Ellie Goulding feat. Three 6 Mafia) - Get your Spring Break party started with this fabulous mash-up. Free download at http://pumpthebeat.com/?s=keep+me+under+the+sheets
4. Holdin' On (Rooney) - West Coast rock for convertible cruising. Their free downloadable session on Daytrotter includes this too - but Jill had a track from that on her April playlist so didn't want to plagiarize.
5. Dreamin' (Loleatta Holloway) - Miss Loleatta passed away last month, so wanted to have one of her tracks on here. Gone but not forgotten. The gospel breakdown at the end is fab!
6. The Sweetest Thing - Richard Hawley remix (Camera Obscura) - Originally was from their last album, but this remix makes an appearance on an EP they just put out. Hopefully a new album is on the way. I love their 1960s sound!
7. Summertime Girl (Shwayze & Cisco) - Jill turned me on to this! The EP (The W's) is available as a free download on the internet, but you have to search for it. Technically a summer song, but works for Spring break too, I think.
8. The Garden (the Creepshow) - My first foray into "psychobilly", thanks to Jeff. Some of their other stuff is rather disturbing, but this tune has a sweetness to it that appealed to me.
9. Girls With Accents (Fences) - He drops the "F" bomb quite a bit, but like the previous song - there's an endearing sweetness to the melody.
10. Gasoline (Britney Spears) - I'm still convinced the REAL Britney Spears is locked away in a mental institution somewhere, but her look-a-like nails this funky ode to explosives.
11. Filling Up with Heaven - Hardfloor Vocal Radio Mix (the Human League) - Spanky turned me onto this guy who's screen name is "musicoloog" on Sound Cloud. He has some cool remixes of tons of 80s acts (Pet Shop Boys, Human League, Simple Minds). This is one of them, and it's a free download at http://soundcloud.com/ikoens4/the-human-league-filling-up-with-heaven-hardfloor-vocal-radio-mix
12. Wait Up (Tokyo Police Club) - Peppy alt rock complete with "woo hoo hoo" backup vocals. Who needs more? Sure to turn up on a TV or movie soundtrack sometime soon.
13. Drunk Girls - Holy Ghost Remix (LCD Soundsystem) - This was a free download on iTunes. Not sure what made me think of Spring Break...!
14. On and On (Mac Miller) - Another freebie on iTunes. I like the mellow piano accompaniment.
15. M79 (Vampire Weekend) - This was from an older Daytrotter session, but still a goodie! Free download at http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/vampire-weekend-concert/20030173-110924.html
16. Give Me a Break (Vivien Vee) - I just discovered a CD series called "Disco Discharge" that I love! They have more volumes than I can afford at once, but their mission is to publish rare and previously unavailable disco recordings on CD. This is from their Euro Disco compilation. I'm sure more selections will be on future playlists and playing at the Russ Communications office! The video is hilarious. Vivien is working her butt off for three people on a sofa who can barely be bothered to snap their fingers and occasionally clap! Link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3vTmHqXEMo
17. Coco Jamboo (Mr. President) - This month's official throwback. Heard this on satellite radio and definitely put me in the Spring Break spirit. Where's my Mai Tai?
1. Civilization (Justice) - French electro duo return with a rock anthem! Unexpected but still great.
2. Loser Like Me (Glee cast) - Peppy pop to get your toes tappin'. Who cares if Sue Sylvester is throwing sticks at your head???
3. Keep Me Under the Sheets - Mochi Beats Remix (Ellie Goulding feat. Three 6 Mafia) - Get your Spring Break party started with this fabulous mash-up. Free download at http://pumpthebeat.com/?s=keep+me+under+the+sheets
4. Holdin' On (Rooney) - West Coast rock for convertible cruising. Their free downloadable session on Daytrotter includes this too - but Jill had a track from that on her April playlist so didn't want to plagiarize.
5. Dreamin' (Loleatta Holloway) - Miss Loleatta passed away last month, so wanted to have one of her tracks on here. Gone but not forgotten. The gospel breakdown at the end is fab!
6. The Sweetest Thing - Richard Hawley remix (Camera Obscura) - Originally was from their last album, but this remix makes an appearance on an EP they just put out. Hopefully a new album is on the way. I love their 1960s sound!
7. Summertime Girl (Shwayze & Cisco) - Jill turned me on to this! The EP (The W's) is available as a free download on the internet, but you have to search for it. Technically a summer song, but works for Spring break too, I think.
8. The Garden (the Creepshow) - My first foray into "psychobilly", thanks to Jeff. Some of their other stuff is rather disturbing, but this tune has a sweetness to it that appealed to me.
9. Girls With Accents (Fences) - He drops the "F" bomb quite a bit, but like the previous song - there's an endearing sweetness to the melody.
10. Gasoline (Britney Spears) - I'm still convinced the REAL Britney Spears is locked away in a mental institution somewhere, but her look-a-like nails this funky ode to explosives.
11. Filling Up with Heaven - Hardfloor Vocal Radio Mix (the Human League) - Spanky turned me onto this guy who's screen name is "musicoloog" on Sound Cloud. He has some cool remixes of tons of 80s acts (Pet Shop Boys, Human League, Simple Minds). This is one of them, and it's a free download at http://soundcloud.com/ikoens4/the-human-league-filling-up-with-heaven-hardfloor-vocal-radio-mix
12. Wait Up (Tokyo Police Club) - Peppy alt rock complete with "woo hoo hoo" backup vocals. Who needs more? Sure to turn up on a TV or movie soundtrack sometime soon.
13. Drunk Girls - Holy Ghost Remix (LCD Soundsystem) - This was a free download on iTunes. Not sure what made me think of Spring Break...!
14. On and On (Mac Miller) - Another freebie on iTunes. I like the mellow piano accompaniment.
15. M79 (Vampire Weekend) - This was from an older Daytrotter session, but still a goodie! Free download at http://www.daytrotter.com/dt/vampire-weekend-concert/20030173-110924.html
16. Give Me a Break (Vivien Vee) - I just discovered a CD series called "Disco Discharge" that I love! They have more volumes than I can afford at once, but their mission is to publish rare and previously unavailable disco recordings on CD. This is from their Euro Disco compilation. I'm sure more selections will be on future playlists and playing at the Russ Communications office! The video is hilarious. Vivien is working her butt off for three people on a sofa who can barely be bothered to snap their fingers and occasionally clap! Link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3vTmHqXEMo
17. Coco Jamboo (Mr. President) - This month's official throwback. Heard this on satellite radio and definitely put me in the Spring Break spirit. Where's my Mai Tai?
Friday, March 4, 2011
Brant's March 2011 Playlist
Advanced warning - this is a weird one. I think I'm just bored with a lot that is out there, so I was searching ALL over for interesting stuff.
1. Get Some (Lykke Li) - Swedish chanteuse doesn't need a ring on it. She's a prostitute.
2. Helena Beat (Foster the People) - upbeat follow up to their excellent "Pumped Up Kicks". Can't wait for their full length CD to drop.
3. Hold My Hand (Michael Jackson feat. Akon) - As creepy as it is to release songs after people die, I have to admit I like this one. I just wish I could feel confident that the folks who decided to release this record were doing it to share the music and not just reap some final profits.
4. I'll Be Waiting (Adele) - Adele gets her Janis Joplin on for this soulful performance. Love the horns!
5. Cut It Loose (Nic Cowan) - Country tinged stomper that sounds like John Cougar Mellencamp
6. Blue Skies Again (Jessica Lea Mayfield) - this was a free download on iTunes. I didn't like it at first but it's growing on me. Can a song be peppy and gloomy at the same time?
7. Simon Simon (Dale Bozzio) - stumbled across this while looking through some 80s stuff. Dale was lead singer of Missing Persons. After she left the band, she cut this single and a solo album. It seemed like a no brainer that she'd do great as a solo artist, but for whatever reason it never happened for her.
8. Triangle Walks /Rex the Dog remix/ (Fever Ray) - Side project of Karin Andersson from the Knife. The Knife's stuff is really weird and trippy, but this is...well, still weird and trippy - but you can dance to it.
9. Hey Alli (Runner Runner) - catchy boy band pop
10. September (Full Flava feat. Chantay Savage) - mid tempo cover of the Earth Wind & Fire song with Chantay's tasty vocals
11. Sweetest Taboo (the Watson Twins) - Jill had this on her playlist last month. It's a great interpretation of the Sade song. Free on Daytrotter
12. Girlfriendz (Drizabone Soul Family) - 1990s UK act returns with this smooth soul record
13. In the Ashes (Late Night Alumni) - LNA return with a spooky dance track. The Tuned Logic remix is good too, and a free download at http://soundcloud.com/tunedlogic/in-the-ashes-tuned-logic-remix
14. New Touch (Jimmy Edgar) - Funky outer space robot jam!
15. Work That Fat (Prince) - Unreleased Prince track I stumbled across while trolling the music blogs. Not very PC but can't argue with the beat. Prince is still playing with the vocal distortions on this tune - sounds like an out-take from Diamonds & Pearls.
16. One Last D.A.N.C.E. (5 & A Dime) - Ever go out and get blasted and dance your butt off, and the whole evening is a blur? That's what this mash up reminds me of. Your whole evening condensed into 3 minutes & 42 seconds. Free on PumptheBeat.com
17. Leaving It Up to You (Colleen Green) - the alt rock Donny & Marie cover song you never knew you wanted (but now you do!)
18. Bar (Sonia Leigh) - Imagine if Hank Williams Jr's soul got put in a skinny, butch 20 year old girl. She opened for Loretta Lynn and was great live.
19. Calling All Friends (the Low Stars) - A Facebook friend had this on her wall and I loved the song. Sounds like classic Cat Stevens to me.
20. Make Me Lose Control (Eric Carmen) - This month's throwback is a guilty, guilty pleasure that came on the other day while my iPod was on shuffle. Total 80s cheese, but it always makes me smile. I have to admit, when Eric sings "turn the radio up" I usually do.
1. Get Some (Lykke Li) - Swedish chanteuse doesn't need a ring on it. She's a prostitute.
2. Helena Beat (Foster the People) - upbeat follow up to their excellent "Pumped Up Kicks". Can't wait for their full length CD to drop.
3. Hold My Hand (Michael Jackson feat. Akon) - As creepy as it is to release songs after people die, I have to admit I like this one. I just wish I could feel confident that the folks who decided to release this record were doing it to share the music and not just reap some final profits.
4. I'll Be Waiting (Adele) - Adele gets her Janis Joplin on for this soulful performance. Love the horns!
5. Cut It Loose (Nic Cowan) - Country tinged stomper that sounds like John Cougar Mellencamp
6. Blue Skies Again (Jessica Lea Mayfield) - this was a free download on iTunes. I didn't like it at first but it's growing on me. Can a song be peppy and gloomy at the same time?
7. Simon Simon (Dale Bozzio) - stumbled across this while looking through some 80s stuff. Dale was lead singer of Missing Persons. After she left the band, she cut this single and a solo album. It seemed like a no brainer that she'd do great as a solo artist, but for whatever reason it never happened for her.
8. Triangle Walks /Rex the Dog remix/ (Fever Ray) - Side project of Karin Andersson from the Knife. The Knife's stuff is really weird and trippy, but this is...well, still weird and trippy - but you can dance to it.
9. Hey Alli (Runner Runner) - catchy boy band pop
10. September (Full Flava feat. Chantay Savage) - mid tempo cover of the Earth Wind & Fire song with Chantay's tasty vocals
11. Sweetest Taboo (the Watson Twins) - Jill had this on her playlist last month. It's a great interpretation of the Sade song. Free on Daytrotter
12. Girlfriendz (Drizabone Soul Family) - 1990s UK act returns with this smooth soul record
13. In the Ashes (Late Night Alumni) - LNA return with a spooky dance track. The Tuned Logic remix is good too, and a free download at http://soundcloud.com/tunedlogic/in-the-ashes-tuned-logic-remix
14. New Touch (Jimmy Edgar) - Funky outer space robot jam!
15. Work That Fat (Prince) - Unreleased Prince track I stumbled across while trolling the music blogs. Not very PC but can't argue with the beat. Prince is still playing with the vocal distortions on this tune - sounds like an out-take from Diamonds & Pearls.
16. One Last D.A.N.C.E. (5 & A Dime) - Ever go out and get blasted and dance your butt off, and the whole evening is a blur? That's what this mash up reminds me of. Your whole evening condensed into 3 minutes & 42 seconds. Free on PumptheBeat.com
17. Leaving It Up to You (Colleen Green) - the alt rock Donny & Marie cover song you never knew you wanted (but now you do!)
18. Bar (Sonia Leigh) - Imagine if Hank Williams Jr's soul got put in a skinny, butch 20 year old girl. She opened for Loretta Lynn and was great live.
19. Calling All Friends (the Low Stars) - A Facebook friend had this on her wall and I loved the song. Sounds like classic Cat Stevens to me.
20. Make Me Lose Control (Eric Carmen) - This month's throwback is a guilty, guilty pleasure that came on the other day while my iPod was on shuffle. Total 80s cheese, but it always makes me smile. I have to admit, when Eric sings "turn the radio up" I usually do.
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