Brant's May 2020 Playlist

There's nothing like the Art At Home Challenge to restore your pluck!
Original art by Grant Wood, "The Appraisal", 1931 

Welp, another month has passed and we're all still under stay-at-home orders.  Thanks, Coronavirus.  There's been things to keep me occupied - try new recipes, do the Art At Home Challenge (see above pic), and of course work on another playlist!  We have a little bit of everything this month, including two World Music tracks (the closest I'll get to traveling for a while) and two MIKA songs!  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.   Sunflower (Dizzy) - Award-winning Canadian band gets us going with some sunny alt-rock.

2.   Caution (the Killers) - I never get tired of Brandon Flowers and his Vegas band.  Looking forward to their new album.

3.   Hard Feelings (Brian Fallon) - Former Gaslight Anthem singer continues an impressive solo career with this gorgeous acoustic offering.

4.   Sunlight (Tasha Angela) - More sunny vibes from Canada!  Are they getting more sunlight than we are?

5.   Tomorrow (MIKA) - I almost forgot how much I love MIKA!  He's mellowed since his debut 12 years ago, but I'm still digging his unmistakable sound.

6.   Radar Love (the Centerfold) - This group popped up randomly on Facebook, and the 80s vibes just make me happy.  This is their cover of Golden Earring's 1973 hit, which the Centerfold recorded and released in 1986. 

7.  Willing (Deeper) - Some angsty-80s vibes from Chicago band, who suffered the tragic loss of their bassist last November.  Seems to fall into an early New Order vibe, and I'm here for it!

8.  Lonely (Geowulf) - Australian duo chooses solitude over unrequited love and sounds way more cheerful than I would, but considering the social distancing recommendations - their timing couldn't be better!

9.  Never Tear Us Apart (the National) - Unexpected but welcome cover of INXS's 1987 hit.  Released with funds going to aid Australia as it battles wildfires.

10.  Big Black Train (Lucinda Williams) - Multiple Grammy winner returns with some world weary folk for these trying times.

11.  Who's Gonna Save You Now? (Rina Sawayama) - Up and coming Japanese-British singer confidently struts onto the stage with some bold arena rock!

12.  Paper Cup (Real Estate feat. Sylvan Esso) - 1970s-styled Indie Rock from Brooklyn band.

13.  Youth and Love (Jack Savoretti feat. MIKA) - Our 2nd MIKA tune:  this time a guilty-pleasure disco duet with handsome Englishman Savoretti.

14.  Don't Diss the Disco (International Teachers of Pop) - We had them on last September's playlist, and I happily add them again.  I'm becoming very fond of this "nerd disco" band.

15.  Another Love (Little Dragon) - Another repeat from previous playlists.  An exquisite slow jam from Swedish electronic band.

16.  Nominate (Stonebwoy & Keri Hilson) - Some African beats from Ghanaian singer, with an assist from American Keri Hilson!

17.  All of the Feelings (Kiesza) - Kiesza gets her Carly Rae Jepsen on with some exuberant pop!

18.  It's a Moot Point (Melanie Faye) - If Mariah Carey could shred on the guitar, I think this would be how it'd sound, with a touch of Santana!

19.  Nothing to See Here (Tenille Arts) - Wistful country from Canadian newcomer.  I'm very Canadian-heavy this month! 

20.  Dark Days (Gerry Cinnamon) - Singalong, uplifting Scottish folk from popular UK artist.

So that's May's playlist!  In these uncertain times, who knows what the future holds?  It's going to be tough during summer concert season if we're all still quarantined - but I guess all we can do is try to listen to health experts and hope this pandemic eases up soon.  Stay safe everyone!  Hope to see you next month. 

Brant's April 2020 Playlist

Brunch ain't what it used to be, but at least you can turn the music up when the conversation lags.

Spring is typically a time when I retreat due to the pollen, but this coronavirus has forced me to take it to an all-new level!  I have to admit, I'm getting a little stir crazy.  Luckily there has been plenty of good music to delve into.  This month's list tends towards the chill side, but since all the clubs are closed anyway - perhaps that's for the best.  So pour yourself a refreshing drink, get comfortable, and press 'play'.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.


1.  Boys on Canvas (Diane Birch) - Prince-approved pianist is back to get us started with some jazzy vibes.  Can't wait for her new album!

2.  No No (Scott Hirsch) - Founding member of Hiss Golden Messenger goes solo, and is serving groovy psychedelic folk to go with your social distancing.

3.  Baby Powder (Jenevieve) - West Coast artist cites Aaliyah as an influence, and I can hear it in this slinky R&B groove.

4.  Break My Heart (Dua Lipa) - I guess I need to just save space for a Dua Lipa song in every playlist going forward!  Her new album "Future Nostalgia" is 🔥🔥🔥

5.  Blinding Lights (the Weeknd) - I saw him perform this on SNL and loved the early 80s synths!

6.  Amy, Run for the Hills (courtship.) - Sunny dream-pop from Indie band.

7.  I Love You's (Hailee Steinfeld) - Academy Award nominated actress and singer gives us a reboot of The Lover Speaks' classic!

8.  Sadness Is a Shade of Blue (Låpsley) - Moody electronica from British artist.

9.  Right Down the Line (Sam Evian) - This is one of those songs I've had in the cue for several playlists over the months, and it always got bumped because it didn't quite fit in whatever mix I was compiling.  It's a pretty straightforward reading of Gerry Rafferty's 1978 hit, but the mellow tone fits in perfectly with April's list!

10.  Wildflower (5 Seconds of Summer) - I do love me some boy bands, so here's this month's selection!

11.  Spotlight (Oracle Sisters) - Okay, I had these guys pegged as a jam band from Austin, Texas or something.  What a shock to learn they are French!  This tune could go on any Grateful Dead-inspired playlist.

12.  Can't Do Much (Waxahatchee) - Waxahatchee's Katie Crutchfield is back and paying homage to her Southern country roots, and the results are as tasty as Grandma's corn fritters!

13.  Where You Belong (Little Dragon) - Another welcome return!  I'll pretty much follow Yukimi Nagano anywhere, but I especially love when she dives into 90s R&B.

14.  Moon Rider (Jai Wolf feat. Wrabel) - I sent my friend Bruce a request for music to check out while I'm cooped up at home, and he didn't disappoint.  He pointed me towards Jai Wolf, and this new song is light years away from the trippy "Indian Summer", but with Wrabel's soaring vocals and smooth keyboards it's impossible not to be swept away!

15.  Say So (Doja Cat) - We can't currently pile into a convertible with this song cranked up on the car stereo, but once the stay-at-home orders are lifted...

16.  Shy (Jank Setup) - Easy, breezy jazz from New Orleans band

17.  F#ck with Me (Pokey LaFarge) - How have I not heard of Pokey before now?!?  I'm loving his retro-swamp blues!  This is a rabbit hole I'll happily go down.  Expect more Pokey on future playlists.

18.  The Stranger (Ingrid Andress) - Contemporary country from rising star.

19.  Closer to You (Adam Lambert) - Playing with Queen gave him an outlet for his over-the-top theatrical side, but personally I think Adam Lambert really shines on an Elton John-style ballad like this.

So that's April's list!  Who knows where we'll be in May, but if I'm here I'll do my darnedest to have another playlist for ya.  Until then - stay safe and healthy!

Brant's March 2020 Playlist

The groundhog promised an early Spring, so turn those tummies off (the commercials are all political ads anyway)
 and enjoy some sunshine!  

Welp, the people have spoken and Trump is impeached but not removed, and the Groundhog promises an early Spring.  All I can promise is some new music.  For some reason this month has a lot of Jessies/Jessys!  I'm not sure how that happened but I am not complaining.  They are all fantastic (hope you agree!). To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  10,000 Hours (Dan + Shay feat. Justin Bieber) - The Biebs goes country!  Not sure if that explains the 'stache he was wearing for his SNL appearance, but I'm digging this song!

2.  Far Away (Jessie Reyez) - Another delicious ballad, this time from Canadian singer/songwriter Jessie Reyes (our first Jessie!).

3.  Vocal Honey (Finley Quaye) - Scottish singer serves up some sunny 70s vibes.

4.  Van Horn (Saint Motel) - We've had them on previous playlists, so this is a welcome return for Indie Pop band Saint Motel.

5.  Automatic Driver (La Roux) - La Roux is also a returning favorite, with the mid-tempo electronic grooves that made me love her all those years ago.

6.  I'm Gonna Love You Just a Little More Baby (Summer Walker) - I found this buried on the Birds of Prey soundtrack, and immediately loved this female-led Barry White cover!

7.  Take It (Donnie and Joe Emerson feat. Eldon) - So the story with these guys is that their father encouraged them to make their own music, even building a recording studio for them in the late 1970s.  Turns out, they were pretty good.  Not much happened for the Emersons until 2008, when a record collector found their album at an antique store and began telling people about it. Eventually, a record label re-released their stuff, and they've even had contemporary artists cover their songs!  This one's not a bad song - it sounds like an Indie Country record!  It just goes to show that you never know when fame will come knocking at your door.

8.  Late for the Sky (Jackson Browne) - Last night I saw Lucy Kaplansky at a show, and when she covered this beautiful tune my friend and I were instantly obsessed!  I love Jackson Browne but had never paid attention to this particular song.  I'm so glad to have it on my radar now.

9.  Finally/Beautiful Stranger (Halsey) - Another great song about young love, this time from American singer/songwriter Halsey.

10.  In the Wild (Lola Lennox) - Annie Lennox's daughter is off to a strong start with this powerful anthem.  I can't wait to see what she does next!

11.  A Moment /Helado Negro Remix/ (Jerry Paper) - Quirky electronic beats from American musician.

12.  Everything (Sam Sparro) - Sam is back with some 90s style New Jack Swing and I am here for it!

13.  Meet Me on the Roof (Green Day) - Another welcome comeback by American rock band.

14.  Supply and Demand (Wilder Woods) - Former football player "Bear" Rinehart begins a new solo project, and seems to have been influenced by early 1970s soul bands like The Main Ingredient!

15.  Ode to Artifice (Samia) - Self-published singer/songwriter keeps the happy vibes going.

16.  Clap Your Hands (Jessy Wilson) - Brooklyn artist (and our 2nd Jessy!) delivers some soulful and muscular rock, with an assist from the Black Keys' Patrick Carney.

17.  I'll Take Care of You (Gil-Scott Heron and Makaya McCraven) - Jazz drummer refurbishes/remixes one of the greats!

18.  Spotlight (Jessie Ware) - Our 3rd Jessie takes us from the rock stage of Jessy Wilson to the dance floor!  I'm loving the disco flavahs, complete with a Donna Summer-style slow jam intro!

19.  Physical (Dua Lipa) - We had Dua Lipa on January's playlist, and this is the second single from her upcoming album "Future Nostalgia".

20.  Nasty (the Jack Moves) - Jersey band closes us out with this fun and funky jam!

So that's March's playlist!  Hope everyone has a safe and happy month, and I'll see you in April!

Brant's February 2020 Playlist

This is what I get for saying "I don't know Lev Parnas" three times in the mirror!

The second month of the year 2020 is here!  The impeachment trial is underway (although it's looking like it will be the first impeachment trial in US history without witnesses - so have a seat, Lev!), and the Groundhog is on standby in case they need a tiebreaker vote.  Meanwhile, we've got some new music for ya!  I rediscovered my love for garage bands recently, so there are more of them included this month than usual - but we still have plenty of other genres to enjoy as well.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Good Stuff (Becca Stevens) - Like the song says, Carolina girls are the best in the world!  Let's start this month off with the jazzy stylings of Winston-Salem native Becca Stevens.

2.  Go Crazy (G. Love and Special Sauce feat. Keb' Mo') - Two bluesy legends make beautiful (and danceable) music together!

3.  What You Need (KAYTRANADA feat. Charlotte Day Wilson) - It was hard to pick just one song off Kaytranada's latest album!  Groovy beats to suit any weekend evening.

4.  Alone at Last (Rachael & Vilray) - Sometimes a song can transport you to a different time and place.  This one does that for me.  It reminds me of the minimalistic pop of artists like Julie London back in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

5.  Waiting for a Train (Pete Molinari) - And speaking of the 1960s, Pete Molinari is back with more of his delicious retro-folk!  It's been 6 years since his last album and I forgot how much I love him.

6.  Dangerous (Soraia) - This tune was featured on The Underground Garage last month and I can't get enough of it!  Philly band serves up some gritty rock-n-roll.

7.  Every Feeling (Ezra Furman) - I'm definitely on an Ezra Furman kick!  Shades of "Knocking on Heaven's Door" come through on this song from the "Sex Education" soundtrack.

8.  Distance /acoustic version/ (Emily King) - Lovely acoustic version of a track from her 2015 album "The Switch".

9.  Everyday (Weyes Blood) - I had "Something to Believe" on last month's list, but wanted to include another great song from Weyes Blood's latest album.

10.  Shadows /Midnight Version/ (Roosevelt) - Roosevelt is another fave of mine, and this extended version of a track from 2018's "Young Romance" album takes everything that was great about the song and doubles-down on it!  If Studio 54 were still around, this would be in heavy rotation there.

11.  Barracuda (Kristine W) -  A club diva returns with this muscular cover of the 1977 Heart classic.  I fully expect to hear this at Pride events for the next 11 months!

12.  Baptise Me (Robert Randolph and the Family Band) - Grammy nominees douse us with some robust blues-rock.

13.  Hooker Jon (the Black Lips) - This song makes me smile every time I play it!  Country-tinged garage rock from Georgia band that calls to mind songs like "Punk Rock Girl" by the Dead Milkmen and "Far Away Eyes" by the Rolling Stones.

14.  Sea Gets Hotter (Durand Jones and the Indications) - 1970s soul vibes from Indiana band.

15.  Voodoo (Shay Lia feat. Buddy) - I think Gary turned me on to this.  Frequent Kaytranada (see #3) collaborator demonstrates she is perfectly capable of producing some top-notch R&B on her own!

16.  Thank Me Later (Anna of the North) - Easy-going pop from Norwegian artist.

17.  Hymn for the 81% /demo/ (Daniel Deitrich) - Excoriating assessment of Christian hypocrisy, specifically referencing the 81% of evangelicals who voted for Trump after hearing an audio recording of him bragging about sexually assaulting women.

18.  St. Valentine's Day Massacre (Cocktail Slippers) - One of my favorite all-female garage bands (also from Norway!) doing their salute to Valentine's Day, from 2009.

19.  Brighter (Rüfüs Du Sol) - Grammy nominated Australian dance artists anticipate warmer weather with some sunny, summery beats (we'll see if the Groundhog backs them up on this)!

So, that's February's playlist.  See ya next month!

Brant's January 2020 Playlist

It wouldn't be 2020 without Barbara!  

Whoa!  A new year, a new decade, and a new playlist!  For this month, I tried to find some upbeat and fun stuff to launch us into the new decade.  I also borrowed a few fantabulous R&B tunes from my friend Gary's 11.11 playlist, so thanks for him for those finds.  So, without further adieu - let's get going.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Runaway Train /DJ Marble and Professor Stretch Club Remix/ (Culture Club feat. Gladys Knight) - Talk about Dream Teams!!!  I can't think of a better was to start us off than with this delicious remix featuring Boy George and Gladys Knight.  And I thought she only sang about Midnight Trains!   Thanks Eric for bringing it to my attention.

2.  Oh No (Softee) - Brooklyn-based artist brings us some shimmery 80s vibes to keep the dance party going.

3.  Ready for the Ride (Amber Liu) - Former Korean girl group member serves up a nice slow jam.

4.  Tonight You Might (Synthia feat. Lady Wray) - More soulful R&B that sounds like a classic Betty Wright groove.

5.  Who's Gonna Make My Mistakes (Caroline Spence) - I can't remember where I heard this, but I'm totally digging the humorous country vibes.

6.  Falling (Harry Styles) - I'm still loving Harry's latest album!  This piano-driven ballad really showcases his voice.

7.  Something to Believe (Weyes Blood) - American singer/songwriter has been compared to Joni Mitchell, and deservedly so.  Gorgeous vocals over rich instrumentation that recalls Joni's late-1970s material.

8.  Western World (Lion Babe feat. Raekwon) - Pet Shop Boys-inspired jazzy beats.

9.  Kill or Be Kind (Samantha Fish) - Samantha's bluesy performance at Paste Magazine showed up on my social media feeds, and I was blown away.  Looking forward to following her for years to come.

10.  Good Book (Ezra Furman) - We had her on November's playlist, and what a treat to find Ezra covering one of my personal fave 1960s artists - Melanie!

11.  Bernadette (Reina del Cid) - She's American, but this tune reminds me of some of the French chansons I listened to when I traveled to Paris back in the early 00s.

12.  Die to Live (Volbeat feat. Neil Fallon) - Meanwhile, these guys are European but totally capturing the American hard rock vibes of the 1980s!

13.  Don't Start Now (Dua Lipa) - English singer is giving me shades of Jamiroquai with her latest single, which just hit #1 on the dance charts.

14.  Change (Arin Ray and Kehlani) - X Factor alumnus teams up with Kehlani for this soulful duet.

15.  Speakeasy (Frankie Lee) - Mellow folk from Minnesota native.

16.  Lover (Taylor Swift with Shawn Mendes) - Titular song from Taylor's latest album gets a delectable remix with added vocals from the delectable Shawn Mendes!

17.  Don't Want This to Be Over (Kraak and Smaak) - Musical trio from the Netherlands has been going strong for over a decade, and this latest offering doesn't seem to indicate any loss of momentum!

18.  I'd Rather Spend the Bad Times with You Than Spend the Good Times with Someone New (Thelma Houston) - This was off Thelma's criminally out-of-print 1984 album "Qualifying Heat", and was produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis.  I got my hands on a copy of the album over Christmas and have been playing it non-stop.  Not on Spotify, but you can listen to it HERE.

So that's January's playlist!  Hope everyone had a great holiday season, and that the New Year is good to you.  See ya next month!

Brant's December 2019 Playlist

Elizabeth had her hands full with Prince Andrew, so she agreed to have me announce this month's playlist.  I wonder if she'll let me keep the outfit for the holidays?  

Whoa!  I just realized this was not only the last playlist of the year, it's the last playlist of the decade!  I seem to have ended on a mellow note - but I guess that's okay.  Perfect for sipping cocoa on a brisk, December night.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  side effects (Shura) - At this point, I pretty much love everything Shura does.  And the theme of boldly moving forward is a great way to start this month's playlist as we look towards a New Year.

2.  Die Waiting (Beck feat. Sky Ferreira) - Beck changes his sound with every album.  Here he teams up with Sky Ferreira for some chill, loungy beats.

3.  Watermelon Sugar (Harry Styles) - One Direction singer continues to move away from bubble gum pop and into the rock realm.  I'm hoping to catch him on tour next year with Jenny Lewis (#14)!

4.  You Showed Me (Echo in the Canyon) - Jakob Dylan and Cat Power duet on this cover of the Turtles' classic.

5.  Ain't Together (King Princess) - Quirky Brooklyn diva is signed to Mark Ronson's label and off to a great start!

6.  A World So Full of Love (Shakey Graves) - Another chill cover, this time of Roger Miller's 1970 country hit.

7.  I Think You're Wonderful (Husky Loops) - London Band samples and tweaks Aretha Franklin on this kooky alt rock number!

8.  Nobody (Ariana Grande with Chaka Khan) - Okay, my friend Gary discouraged me from including this song, and Chaka herself has distanced herself from it - but what can I say?  I kinda dig it.  Apologies in advance!

9.  Get to Do It Again (ALO) - Animal Liberation Orchestra serves up some "Shakedown Street" Grateful Dead vibes, and I am here for it!

10.  Stop This World (Chrissie Hynde) - Chrissie continues to move into jazz and easy listening, this time covering Mose Allison.  Why did we stop putting Hammond Organs into our songs???

11.  Buying Time (Lucky Daye) - R&B Grammy nominee drops a surprise single!

12.  Crashing (Illenium feat. Bahari) - Catchy dance pop from American DJ and producer.

13.  Free Fall (Bloom Twins) - Twin sisters Anna and Sofia Kuprienko deliver what they call "dark pop" and I can totally dig its nasty underground vibe!

14.  Red Bull and Hennessy (Jenny Lewis) - This is one I've actually been listening to since it came out last Spring, but I figured why not include it?

15.  If It'll Make You Happy (Prince) - From the expanded, Super Deluxe version of "1999".  I kinda wish Prince had revisited this tune with his New Power Generation band.  Seems like it would've fit well on the "Diamonds and Pearls" album.

16.  Ol' 55 (Shelby Lynne and Allison Moorer) - From the "Come On Up to the House:  Women Sing Waits" album.  Two great ladies cover a great Tom Waits tune.

17.  Snowqueen of Texas (Molly Burch) - I debated about including a seasonal tune on this month's playlist, but this Mamas and Papas cover was just different enough to spark my interest!

So that's December's playlist.  Apologies for the lateness - November was a hectic month.  I guess I'll see everyone in the New Year, and hope the holidays are good to ya!

Brant's November 2019 Playlist

Gain an hour AND a new playlist tonight!

The bad news is, I'm once again late with November's playlist.  The good news is, Daylight Savings Time ends tonight so you've got an extra hour to enjoy this month's music!  This month skewed a tad towards alternative rock, but like a Thanksgiving spread,  there's still a little bit of everything to enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Stay High (Brittany Howard) -  Alabama Shakes vocalist goes solo and gets this month going with a groovy, old school-style R&B ditty.

2.  Falling Down the Stairs of Your Smile (the New Pornographers) - Going strong after more than 20 years, the New Pornographers deliver what is probably my favorite song title of all time!

3.  Gold Past Life (Fruit Bats) - Another band that has been around for a while!  I'm digging the pre-disco Bee Gees vibes.

4.  Here with Me (Marshmello feat. Chvrches) - At this point, I'm pretty much on board for anything Chvrches does.  This new collaboration is no exception.

5.  6's to 9's (Big Wild feat. Rationale) - Slinky soul from one-man band, with an assist from Zimbabwe-born Rationale.

6.  I Feel Love (Sam Smith) - Move over Jimmy Somerville, there's a new falsetto in town.  I'm not exactly sure what prompted Smith to cover this classic Donna Summer tune, but I'm not complaining!

7.  I Like That /Easy Star All-Stars and Michael Goldwasser Reggae Remix/ (Janelle Monáe) - Sometimes a remix works so well that you wonder why it wasn't done like this originally.  I suppose the reggae stylings didn't really work on Janelle Monáe's "Dirty Computer" album, but as a standalone single this remix is awesome!

8.  Summer Candy (Ona) - West Virginia Indie band serves up some 1970s FM radio vibes on this single from their sophomore album.

9.  I Wanna Be Your Girlfriend (Ezra Furman) - Furman describes this tune as "a romantic song of transgender longing".  It sounds like something from the most socially-progressive 1960s garage band EVER.

10.  I Hope I Don't Fall in Love with You (10,000 Maniacs) - I just recently heard this and immediately fell in love.  One of my favorite bands sings Tom Waits, from 1992.

11.  Standards (Leslie Odom Jr.) - Hamilton guy is gearing up to release his first pop album.  I'm super curious to hear the rest of it, but this bluesy number seems to suit his voice.

12.  I Doubt It (Aquakultre) - Socially conscious hip hop from Canadian band.

13.  No Quit (Michael Nau) - Easy breezy pop with a delicious "Crystal Blue Persuasion" sample!

14.  Sister Buddha (Belle and Sebastian) - More 1960s pop stylings, this time from Scottish folk-rockers.

15.  All Your'n (Tyler Childers) - Exactly two years ago, we had Tyler Childers on our monthly playlist!  He's back again with this new country ballad, also produced by Sturgill Simpson.

16.  Hold On You (Valley Queen) - Gorgeous folk-rock from LA Band that has gained comparisons to Fleetwood Mac and Florence Welch.

17.  Faith (Galantis feat. Dolly Parton) - Dolly delivers a dance-floor anthem, and the gays everywhere are rejoicing!  As am I.

18.  Ever Again /Soulwax Remix/ (Robyn) - Belgians remix Robyn's album track and come up with a sound reminiscent of the best 1980s club cuts.


So that's November's list!  Hope everyone has a fantabulous month, and I'll see you in December!