Brant's June 2015 Playlist

Sometimes it seems like life gets in the way of the fun stuff!  This is probably a record for lateness - 8 days into the month.  But better late than never, I suppose!  Here's June's music findings!  Last month was pop-heavy so this month I tried to focus on more indie bands and folksy stuff.  The downside of doing this is many of these songs are not on Spotify.  I have provided Soundcloud links when possible.  Hope you like.  My apologies for being late, and I'll try to have July finished on schedule!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  U R (The Young Wild Hearts) - Summer always makes me crave some good ol' rock and roll, and these guys provide it.  Kind of has a punk edge that reminds me of The Clash.

2.  Hunter (Du Blonde) - Sometimes it takes a good breakdown and re-invention to find yourself.  Beth Jeans Houghton (of the Hooves of Destiny) goes solo, with a name change, and the result is this powerful kiss-off anthem.  Viva Du Blonde!

3.  Fond Farewell (Seth Avett and Jessica Lea Mayfield) - A mellower farewell from an Avett brother and Jessica Lea Mayfield, from their album of Elliot Smith songs.

4.  Sunday Candy (Donnie Trumpet and the Social Experiment) - Complex, layered but sunny sounds from a mix of Chicago artists including Nico Segal (Donnie Trumpet), Chance the Rapper, and others.  This was free on iTunes, last I checked, but not posted on Spotify.  You can hear it on Souncloud HERE.

5.  I'll Be Good to You (the Brothers Johnson) - Brother Louis E. Johnson died last month, so I wanted to include one of their songs.  This is from their first album, and a personal fave for me.  Not as funky as their cover of Shuggie Otis' "Strawberry Letter 23", but still a classic.

6.  I Would Die 4 U (CHVRCHES) - Another great cover!  I don't know if this will be on their new CD, but worth sharing.  You can hear it on Soundcloud HERE.  I think Prince would approve.

7.  Text Me In the Morning (Neon Trees) - Neon Trees also has a new album coming out, but until then here is a sexy single from their last album.

8.  Heart Keeps Dancing (James Gruntz) - Jazzy pop from Swiss singer.  Again, not on Spotify but you can hear it on Soundcloud!

9.  Can't Keep Checking My Phone (Unknown Mortal Orchestra) - Kinda organic, kinda disco toe-tappin' vibes from American/New Zealand trio.

10.  The Sunshine of Your Youth (Cheerleader) - Soaring, driving-with-the-car-windows-open indie rock.

11.  Middle of America (Will Hoge) - Country rock in the spirit of John Cougar Mellencamp.  I almost held onto this until July since it was such a celebration of American life!

12.  Summer of Love (Waxahatchee) - Wistful acoustic waltz from singer/songwriter Katie Crutchfield.

13.  Desire (Years and Years) - Retro-90s club sounds from British electronic band.

14.  Do It (Jupiter) - The glittery latest from disco-funk French duo.

15.  Get It Right (Teedra Moses) - Strong and sultry R&B from New Orleans singer/songwriter

16.  No Words (Erik Hassle) - Danceable pop from Swedish artist.

17.  Cold Cold Man (Saint Motel) - We had them on last January's playlist, and now they're back with another exuberant single.

18.  Still Gonna Drive You Home (the Strypes) - Irish band that plays in the style of some of the great 1960s pub rock bands returns, with a producing assist from rock legend Paul Weller.  Can't wait for the new album!

So that's June!  Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start.  See you next month!

Brant's May 2015 Playlist

Is yacht rock making a comeback, or are people just thinking about summer?  I noticed three of this month's songs reference water and/or sailing!  It's still a little chilly here in Charlotte, but at least the pollen seems to be dying down.  Enough about the pollen!  Let's dive into this month's playlist!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Blame It On Me (George Ezra) - We had him on last August's playlist, but this song was too good to ignore.  I still don't know how this rich, deep voice comes out of that skinny white kid!

2.  Bulletproof Picasso (Train) - I swear this band gets better with time!

3.  Heroes Tonight (Dylan Gardner) - He'll be touring with the Walking Dead's Emily Kinney this summer, but this young songwriter doesn't need to ride on anyone's coattails!  Great 70s-influenced pop.

4.  Current Carry (Vetiver) - Another group my friend Mitchell turned me on to!  Warm, breezy tune that's perfect for sipping wine spritzers as you watch the sun set over the waves.

5.  Joan of Arc (Madonna) - Leaked songs may have hurt her record sales, but they haven't hurt Madge's ability to deliver quality music!  This reminds me of some of her best work with William Orbit.

6.  Let Go for Tonight /Fred Falke Remix/ (Foxes) - Resplendent remix of the original by French DJ Fred Falke.  Not on Spotify or iTunes, for some unfathomable reason - but you can hear it on Soundcloud.

7.  Lonely Town (Brandon Flowers) - Killers lead singer strikes out on his own again with this new tune!  I didn't realize it was out already, but Gary (a key member of my new music police) gave me the heads up!

8.  Never Been a Captain (the Barr Brothers) - Montreal folk quartet delivers some gospel-tinged rock.

9.  My Little Love (the Weepies) - Cancer may have kept them from touring, but it didn't stop the married duo from recording.  They recorded a new album in their home while Deb Talan underwent treatment.  Happily, the cancer is now in remission, and we have this wonderfully simple Buddy Holly-esque tune to enjoy.

10.  Up Above My Head (Rhiannon Giddens) - More gospel flavors, this time from amazingly talented Carolina girl Giddens.

11.  Up (Olly Murs with Demi Lovato) - Feel good pop from across the pond!

12.  Loud Places (Jamie xx featuring Romy) - Sometimes somebody samples a song that I thought had been forgotten.  This one samples Idris Muhammad's 1977 disco groove "Could Heaven Ever Be Like This".

13.  Deja Vu (Giorgio Moroder with Sia) - Did somebody say disco?!?!  The king is back!  We've already had his collaboration with Kylie Minogue on February's playlist (and the collaboration with Britney Spears singing Suzanne Vega's "Tom's Diner" has leaked), but here Moroder pairs up with singer/songwriter superstar Sia for a great booty-shaking fiesta.  Could this be this summer's "Get Lucky"?

14.   Emoticons (the Wombats) - Funky indie rock from Liverpool.

15.  Sugar (Sister Sparrow and the Dirty Birds) - Some Philly soul from Brooklyn!  They're constantly on tour, so probably coming soon to a location near you!

16.  Walk (Kwabs) - Epic international soul

17.  Indian Ocean (Frazey Ford) - Founding member of The Be Good Tanyas closes us out with our final song about water.  This gorgeous ballad could easily have come from Neil Young's canon.

So that's May's playlist.  Hope everyone's summer gets off to a great start and I'll see you next month!

Brant's April 2015 Playlist

Cyborg Bunny by crowsrock

Ahhh...Spring.  Not my favorite time of year, but once the pollen dies down I can usually enjoy the warmer weather.  This month's playlist is tailored with that joyous moment in mind - when you can reach for the window instead of the Neti Pot and enjoy a soft breeze in the comfort of your home without finding your furniture is coated in pollen the next day.  Hope you enjoy this upbeat mix of tunes!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Love Like Mine (Miami Horror) - I saw this on my friend Mitch's wall.  Great party funk like the Bar Kays used to put out back in the day!

2.  Get Closer (Life in Film) - More feel-good vibes, this time from UK indie band LiF.

3.  When the Beat Drops Out (Marlon Roudette) - British R&B by an artist who cites Sam Cooke and Massive Attack as influences.

4.  These Walls (Kendrick Lamar) - Hip Hop superstar seems to only get better and better!  This is from his latest album, To Pimp a Butterfly.

5.  Night Changes (One Direction) - Don't judge me!!!  I actually like this song, and was shocked to see it was the boy band, and not a Dawes (or other folk band) tune.

6.  Fool for Love (Lord Huron) - Okay, this is some LEGIT folk.  Perfect for that first campfire of the season.

7.  She's Got You (Rhiannon Giddens) - I'm actually going to see her this week with my friend Crystal, and can't wait!!!  Carolina Chocolate Drops singer goes solo and bravely interprets Patsy Cline.  And nails it.

8.  Infectious (Charlie Wilson and Snoop Dogg) - Whether you pronounce it in-feck-shus or in-feck-shoe-us, this is a sick beat!

9.  O, Chamelon (Artisan Loyalist) - Smooth, chill beats from Canadian artist who describes their genre as "Post-Yoga".  Mmmmkay.

10.  Something I Need (Ben Haenow) - X-Factor winner covering One Republic song!

11.  Slipping Away (Tanlines) - Fun electronic duo is back with new music!  Kind of reminds me of General Public's "Tenderness".

12.  Sound of Change (Dirty Heads) - Title song from California band's album, that includes their hit "My Sweet Summer".

13.  If I Ever Needed Someone (Van Morrison and Mavis Staples) - Two great tastes that taste great together (to use a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup tagline).  As comforting and warm as a visit to your grandparent's house.

14.  Young Blood (the Districts) - Somewhat less comforting and more psychedelic!  But still great rock.  How are these guys this good and under 21 years of age?!?!

15.  Over and Over (Smallpools) - I had "Dreaming" on my July 2013 playlist.  Almost 2 years later, they have released a full album.  Love the opening lines - "It was a company event, with a margarita tent..."  Why has MY employer never had a margarita tent???

16.  ILYSB /Ferdinand Weber Remix/ (LANY) - Spotify doesn't seem to have this remix yet, but Ferdinand Weber gives Los Angeles trio's song a shot of adrenaline...or maybe he just gave them a Neti Pot and they felt better afterwards!  Either way, you can listen to it for now on Soundcloud.

So that's April!  Hope everyone has a glorious Easter and I'll see you in May!

Brant's March 2015 Playlist

D'oh!  I try to have these done by the first day of the month, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.  This time I came REALLY close.  It's literally 11:49pm as I begin writing this post.  C'est la vie.  Anyway, I hope you like this month's selections.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  If You Ever Want to Be In Love (James Bay) - Toe tappin' Fleetwood Mac/Jackson Browne vibes from British singer/songwriter.

2.  California (the Airborne Toxic Event) - The band moves from their usual garage rock to a more electronic vibe, but still delivers great music.  This sounds like a hybrid of Bruce Springsteen and the Killers.

3.  Stranger/Lover (Ibeyi) - French-Cuban twin sisters serve up some groovy world beats.

4.  There Must Be More to Life Than This (Queen featuring Michael Jackson) - I had no idea this song existed!!!  Seems like I heard a story about Freddy Mercury kicking Michael Jackson out of the recording studio because MJ brought his pet llama or something?  Anyway, William Orbit (one of Madonna's producers) was able to finish the track.  In one of those weird psychic coincidences, Jill had Freddy Mercury's solo version on one of her recent playlists!

5.  Did You Tell Her?  (Betty) - Sometimes I hear a song on a TV show and can't get it out of my head.  This is one of those songs - from "Weeds".  Sexy female vocals over frenetic drum and bass beats as she calls out some other woman's man for cheating with her.

6.  Living for What Is Love /Robin Skouteris Mix/ (Madonna vs. Haddaway) - Mashup of Haddaway's 90s club anthem with Madge's new hit.  Free download at Soundcloud.

7.  Dancing to the Radio (Adanowsky) - French Indie rock that is somewhat reminiscent of Joe Jackson.

8.  Gold (Chet Faker) - Australian chill electronica from the same guy who blew up the internet with his cover of Blackstreet's "No Diggity" in 2012.

9.  Walk Out on Me (Courtney Love) - The fabulous Courtney Love is killin' it on FOX's hit "Empire" as troubled singer Elle Dallas.  Not her traditional rock, but the Memphis soul stylings work with Love's emotive vocals.

10.  You Don't Own Me (Lesley Gore) - We lost a pop legend last month - Lesley Gore lost her battle with lung cancer in February of this year.  RIP

11.  The Lady's Letter (Pops Staples) - Speaking of legends, the Staples Singers were gospel and soul legends.  Patriarch Pops Staples died in 2000 while working on new material.  15 years later, the team of Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy paired up to finish her father's final album - aptly titled "Don't Lose This".

12.   Under the Influence (Elle King) - Bluesy rock that reminds me of Duffy and Gin Wigmore.

13.  Queen of Hearts (Darlia) - Re-recorded version of their 2013 song is tidier but maintains the same energy.  Upbeat alt-rock from coastal England.

14.  Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah (the Pogues) - While we're in the UK, we should salute our Irish friends for Saint Patrick's Day.  Not one of the Pogues' biggest hits, but still a fun party song.

15.  The Promise (Sturgill Simpson) - Sometimes an artist can take a song and make it completely their own.  This traditional country interpretation of When In Rome's 1988 hit is completely unexpected but also completely terrific!

16.  Do You Feel the Same? /Purple Disco Machine Remix/ (Hercules and Love Affair) - I was just talking about this band with my friend Jeff the other day!  PDM gives their latest tune a glossy facelift to get you ready poolside lounging and the warmer weather of Spring/Summer.

17.  Old Thing Back (Matoma and the Notorious B.I.G. feat. Ja Rule and Ralph Tresvant) - I wonder if Biggie ever lounged by the pool?  Norwegian producer takes Biggie's unreleased track "Want That Old Thing Back" from his 2007 Greatest Hits compilation and invites it to the pool party with sunny tropical rhythms.

So that's March!  Put on your best green jacket, enjoy your green beer, and watch out for lascivious leprechauns.  It's bedtime, so I'll just catch up with everyone in April!

Brant's February 2015 Playlist

Photo credit - Vintage Winter

February 1, 2015 - The Northeast U.S. got crazy amounts of snow, but North Carolina is still waffling between 60 degree days and 20 degree nights.  And there's some big football game tonight.  But as usual, my mind is on music.  February is Black History Month, so this month's batch is heavy on the R&B and jazz vibes.  I also threw in a couple of love songs in honor of Valentine's Day.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Love Fool (Slakah the Beatchild feat. Tanika Charles) - Drake producer partners with soul diva aka Mz Chawls for some stompin' Motown stylings.

2.  It's a Longer Road to California Than I Thought (the Wind and the Wave) - This band takes me to my happy place!  Crystalline vocals over lighthearted instrumentation.  Hoping these peeps come to Charlotte in 2015!

3.  Postcard #3 (Jens Lekman) - How cool is this?!?!  Sexy Swede sets a goal to write and record a new song each week during 2015.  Amazing that with today's connectivity and technology, a song recorded 2 weeks ago can already be available.  Read more about the project and  download HERE.

4.  Baby Have Pity on Me (Cecile McLorin Salvant) - Eric turned me on to this fantastic vocalist.  Shades of Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Dinah Washington flash through my mind as I listen.

5.  Long Way Down (Robert DeLong) - This sounds like the theme to an as-yet-to-be-made James Bond movie!  Plus, it has the best opening line for a song EVER:  "I've been f*cking around while you've been saving the world..."

6.  Stranger (Chris Malinchak with Mikky Ekko) - Groovy Michael Jackson feels from Brooklyn.

7.  Philomena (the Decemberists) - Kinda sweet, kinda pervy tribute to first love from Grammy nominated Indie band!

8.  Every Breaking Wave (U2) - People can really suck sometimes.  U2 goes and does something nice like making their new album available for free on iTunes, and people bitch about it suddenly showing up in their music libraries uninvited.  Regardless of how you feel about having their music gifted to you, it is to their credit that they have lasted as long as they have and continue to produce great music.  Well done, fellas.

9.  Right Here, Right Now (Georgio Moroder featuring Kylie Minogue) - Speaking of longevity, here's another success story!  Legendary producer, who was responsible for many of Donna Summer's hits, returns with this great new song with Kylie Minogue.  The upcoming album promises further collaborations with divas like Sia, Charli XCX and Britney!!!  Thanks Gary for the heads up on this.

10.  Kissin' on my Tattoos (August Alsina) - BET's 2014 Best New Artist is picky about who can put their lips on his tramp stamp.

11.  Hearts Like Ours (the Naked and Famous) - New Zealand band serves up some expansive synthpop.

12.  Not This Time (The 2 Bears) - Propulsive soul from British duo.

13.  Oh Cecilia (the Vamps featuring Shawn Mendes) - Boy band reworking of the Simon & Garfunkle classic gives the song an update without completely bastardizing the original.

14.  Thinking Out Loud (Ed Sheeran) - Considering this song is #2 on iTunes, it probably wasn't necessary for me to call it to anyone's attention, but it does make a nice Valentine's Day addition.

15.  Say What You Mean (Free Bears) - Not to be confused with The 2 Bears (see #12).  These bears are from Germany but they play some phat Americana.  Not sure where I stumbled across this tune - it's a few years old, but I totally dig it.

16.  Made My Mind Up (Mikal Cronin) - American songwriter channels classic 1990's Matthew Sweet in this newest offering.

17.  My One and Only Love (Johnny Hartman with John Coltrane) - I was trying to pick an 'official' Valentine's song, and this one came to mind!  Coltrane's sax and Hartman's velvety vocals are so rich they've got to be fattening.

18.  Number One (Tuxedo) - Mayer Hawthorne project samples Snoop Dogg!  According to MH himself, "We always wondered what the original sample was for Snoop's 'Ain't No Fun (If the Homies Can't Have None)'.  Since we couldn't figure it out, we decided we would make it."

So that's February!  Keep your fingers crossed for at least one good snow here in Charlotte, NC.  If I have to endure the pollen of Spring, I should at least get a Snow Day beforehand so I can rest up.  See you all in March!

Brant's January 2015 Playlist

Photo credit = ElectroSpark on Flickr

It's the first day of the new year!  I'm happy to report that I started 2015 hangover-free, but somehow still haven't managed to make it out of the bed.  But enough about me. Here's this month's music!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  One Black Sheep (Mat Kearney) - Easy going rock with a vaguely Paul Simon/Graceland vibe.

2.  Mama Said Be Careful Where You Lay Your Head (the Wind and the Wave) - Peppy hand-claps and good advice to start your New Year, from Austin, Texas duo.

3.  When You Were Mine (Night Terrors of 1927 featuring Tegan and Sara) - When I saw this, I thought it might be a cover of the Prince song.  It wasn't, but I still loved its grand, atmospheric feel.  Sounds like something Dream Academy might have done back in the day.

4.  Send Me On My Way (Rusted Root) - I can't remember the context, but this was a song that came up in a conversation with Crystal!  It's from 1996 but sounds as good today as ever!

5.  God I Get It (K. Michelle) - Reality star and confessional singer goes country, and rocks it.

6.  Wrapped Up (Olly Murs featuring Travie McCoy) - The latest from English pop star stays true to his funky disco-influenced style.

7.  Bad Habit (the Kooks) - More Brit-pop, this time with a rock feel and more hand clapping (are hand claps making a comeback?)!

8.  Gun in My Hand (Dorothy) - Holy Moly this woman can sing!!!  I get flashes of Janis Joplin and Grace Slick when I listen to this.

9.  Oh Men /Invisible Conga People Remix/ (Tim Burgess) - Trippy but chill electronica that sounds like the love child of Roxy Music and Visage.

10.  Giant in My Heart (Kiesza) - Groovy 1990s dance club feels from the same album as her hit "Hideaway".

11.  My Type (Saint Motel) - Sexy strutting from LA band

12.  Shelter Song (Temples) - I love me some 1960s garage band stylings, and these guys deliver!

13.  With Love (Janiva Magness with Dave Navarro) - Blues chick pairs up with Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers guy.  Magic ensues.

14.  Time (Ren) - Breezy vocals over a percolating guitar

15.  I Wanna Be Evil (Rene Marie) - Jaye turned me on to this!  Awesome jazz tribute to Eartha Kitt.

16.  Sweet Freeek (the Brand New Heavies) - The band has a new lead singer, same fabulous soul stylings

17.  Top of the Pops 2014 (Mashup Germany) - I always like to end January's playlist with a mashup of the previous year's hits.  Free download at Soundcloud.

So that's January's list.  I hope everyone had a great New Year's Eve.  Best wishes for 2015 and I'll see you in February!

2014 - The Year in Pictures!

It's that time of year again!  Here's the annual Year in Pictures video.  Thanks to everyone who was part of this year's festivities, and I'm looking forward to more good times in 2015!