Brant's June 2014 Playlist

Three people on this playlist are dead.  Maybe this should've been my Memorial Day playlist!  I kind of go where the music takes me, though, and there were a few posthumous albums (Michael Jackson, Donna Summer) released, as well as a blues tune from the 1930s that references "bull dykes"!  How could I not include all that?  Hope you like!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Beautiful People (Curtis Harding) - Wistful soul that sounds like something Sly & the Family Stone would have released back in the day.  

2.  Great River Road (Ryley Walker) - Great musicianship on this one!!!  Listen to this guy pluck the guitar strings.

3.  It Don't Have to Rain  (Blair Crimmins and the Hookers) - Jazzy ragtime.  I just caught these guys in concert and they are great.

4.  Crazy for You (Hedley) - A little Canadian pop with some disco flavors thrown in.  I'd swear this is Nile Rodgers on guitars, but don't see him mentioned anywhere in their publicity material.

5.  Love Is In Control /Chromeo and Oliver Remix/ (Donna Summer) - Chromeo is taking over the music world this summer!!!  Hot on the heels of their hit "Jealous", they remix one of my fave Donna Summer songs on the tribute album "Love to Love You Donna".

6.  Cold Dresses (Al Corley) - This just showed up randomly while I was listening to the 80s radio station.  I thought it was Corey Hart, but turns out it was the guy from "Dynasty" (Steven Carrington) making his bid for music stardom.  Not on Spotify, but to listen on YouTube click HERE.

7.  Never Gonna Love Again (Lykke Li) - I would never have compared Lykke Li to Ronnie Spector (of the Ronettes) before hearing her latest album, but the wistful wall-of-sound vibe is VERY reminiscent of the 1960s girl group sound.  How do you say "Baby, I Love You" in Swedish?

8.  Magnolia (Lee Fields and the Expressions) - In my head, this is the companion song to "Rainy Night in Georgia".  North Carolina singer channels Brook Benton in this ballad.

9.  Love Never Felt So Good (Michael Jackson with Justin Timberlake) - Another great-talent-gone-too-soon is resurrected via technology.  Taken from a 1983 demo and paired with former N-SYNC singer.  If you'd have told me I'd live to see the day Justin Timberlake sang a Paul Anka song, I wouldn't have believed you!

10.  Every Shade of You (Jim Brickman with Luke McMaster) - Easy going pop similar to Plain White T's "Rhythm of Love".

11.  Enola Gay (Conor Oberst) - One of my all-time favorite lyricists is back!!!  At first I thought this was a cover of the 1980s song, but this is an original composition.  "The feelings come quick but they leave as soon, like the music from a passing car..."

12.  B.D. Women's Blues (Lucille Bogan) - Blues from 1935.  Who knew they had bull dykes (B.D. = bull dyke) back then?!

13.  Busy Earnin' (Jungle) - More classic soul vibes, this time sounding like something out of the O'Jays catalogue.

14.  So Good to Be Back Home Again (the Tourists) - I had these folks on last month's playlist.  Annie Lennox's first band.  Most of their stuff was mediocre, but a few of the tunes truly shine (like this one).  It's great to hear some undiscovered Annie Lennox gems.  Again, NOT ON SPOTIFY (WTF?!) but you can hear it on YouTube.

15.  Freakin' Me Out (the Ready Set) - If you know me, you know I love some bubblegum pop.  Indiana singer Jordan Mark Witzigreuter provides this month's dose.  Don't know why he recorded under this stage name and didn't go by his real name!  Witzigreuter is SO easy to pronounce and remember.

16.  Miss Teen Massachusetts (Skaters) - Classic rock vibes from NYC band.

17.  Let Go (RAC featuring MNDR) - That's a lot of letters!  Remix Artist Collective (RAC) join NYC duo for some funky electronica.

18.  Do It Again (Röyksopp featuring Robyn) - Another fruitful collaboration, this time from Scandanavia.  Norwegian act Röyksopp teams up with Swedish pop star Robyn.  Not sure what they're singing about but it's apparently very addictive!

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

Brant's May 2014 Playlist

So, compiling a monthly list of my favorite music is a labor of love - but it's still a labor.  When my laptop crashes and I don't have access to my music library, it feels even worse.  More like a chore.  Or a challenge.  But I faced the challenge and here we are with another batch of strong songs to enjoy!  Let's get to it.  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  FallInLove2Nite (Prince and Zooey Deschanel) - Didn't see this one coming, but love it anyway.  Prince and New Girl Zooey Deschanel team up for a zesty little dance number.  Prince sounds like he's having more fun than he's had in years.

2.  One Night Town (Ingrid Michaelson and Mat Kearney) - Two Indie artists join forces for some singalong pop.

3.  Am I Wrong (Nico & Vinz) - Discovered this on Gary's excellent BamBamBoom playlist.  Cool World Music vibes.

4.  The End (the Jezabels) - Soaring female vocals over hectic guitars that remind me of the Cure.

5.  Friday Fish Fry (Kelis) - "Milkshake" lady is back with more songs about food, but this time with a soulful Blues influence.

6.  Can We Pretend (Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics) - Easy soul music that is perfect for sipping wine on the dock as the sun sets.

7.  Angels and Devils (Graffiti6) - Retro rockers are back with more early-70s flavored jams.

8.  I Only Want to Be with You (the Tourists) - Am I the only one who didn't know Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart had a band prior to the Eurhythmics?!?!  Any way, here they are in their first band.  Wish Spotify had this, but in the meantime you can hear it on YouTube.

9.  I Want You (Tafari feat. Nyla) - Summer always includes some reggae, so here we go!

10.  Avant Gardener (Courtney Barnett) - Trippy stoner chick tells a hilarious but somehow poignant story about discovering one's own limitations.

11.  Make the World Go Round (DJ Cassidy feat. R. Kelly) - So have we forgiven R. Kelly for peeing on people?!  Seems like we have.  Lady Gaga sang with him, and now DJ Cassidy partners with him for some tasty disco.

12.  Rescue (Yuna) - More World Music stylings, this time from perky Malaysian singer/songwriter Yuna.

13.  Good Love (Rihwa & Michelle Branch) - Michelle Branch is baaaaaaack!!!!  Love the Country influence on this duet with Japanese singer Rihwa.

14.  She's So Fine (the Strypes) - Didn't I have these guys on last month's playlist?  YES.  Do I still love them?  YES.  'Nuff said.

15.  I've Got the Music In Me (Bimbo Jones) - In Brantworld, this was a "Can't Miss".  Kiki Dee classic updated by British club music producers.  Personally, I can't play this loud enough.

16.  Last of Our Kinds /Michael Garcon remix/ (Yuksek feat. Oh Land) - A little French disco-lounge ditty to help us cool down after that Bimbo Jones jam.

17.  Ill Wind (Charlie Haden Quartet West feat. Norah Jones) - So once upon a time there was a beautiful vampire named Darla who was brought back from the dead to be united with her love, Angel.  Unfortunately, Angel was the one who had killed her in the first place.  To make matters worse, she was reincarnated as a human and was terminally ill.  Rather than save her by making her a vampire again - Angel chose to let Nature take its course.  So what's a terminally ill prior-vampire to do?  Darla chose to sing this song at a karaoke bar.  I've been obsessed with it ever since.  Julie Benz's version from TV show "Angel" wasn't available, but this Norah Jones version does just fine.

So that's May.  Hope everyone's summer is off to a great start.  Enjoy the tunes, have a fantastic Memorial Day, and I'll see you in June!

Brant's April 2014 Playlist

Well, my Mayor has been arrested and my Governor probably isn't too far behind.  But I am determined not to let my personal governmental tragedy impair my ability to do good playlists - so here's April!  This one is heavy on the Rock Music (Classic and Alternative) but I still left some room for some 80s divas who have put out new material and some other booty-shakin' stuff.  Let's dig in!

To listen on Spotify, click HERE.  Image is DJ Black Rabbit by Jasinski.

1.  Waves (Sleeper Agent) - Upbeat alt-rock from Kentucky band!

2.  I See Stars (La Honda feat. Rumer) - Given the success of Rumer, it's no surprise that someone dug up her earlier recordings with a former band.  Her vocals are recognizable, and I'm digging the 1960s vibes.  Looking forward to hearing more from her!

3.  When You Were My Girl (Matt Cardle) - British X-Factor winner releases the follow-up to his hit "Loving You" (with Melanie C).  Personally I like this song better.  Spotify hasn't picked this one up yet, but you can see the video and hear the song on YouTube.  

4.  Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Hunter Hayes) - As a general rule, I think covering Elton John is a risky proposition, because how could you improve on perfection?  For the 40th anniversary of the album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Hunter Hayes covers the title song.  Gotta say he nailed it.  Very true to the original, but the slightly Country vibe totally works here.  Great job!

5.  You Can't Make Old Friends (Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton) - Two Country legends pair up again and sound as great as ever!  Warm and comforting like hot cider.

6.  It's Only Love (Heather Nova) - Another Buffy song!  Whoever was choosing the music for "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" did a great job.  I've enjoyed reliving that era of music while catching the show on Netflix.  This is from Heather's 2001 album South.

7.  Cardiac Arrest (Bad Suns) - Groovy alt-rock from Southern California band.

8.  Nasty Thang (Sheila E and MC Lyte) - What the what?!?!  Two great 80s ladies pair up for some funky R&B.

9.  Himalayan (Band of Skulls) - I'm not gonna lie - I get Band of Skulls and Band of Horses mixed up sometimes.  This is the British skull band, not the American horse band, serving up some pulsating psychedelic rock.

10.  Me and My Broken Heart (Rixton) - Manchester, UK band sounds a little reggae, a lot like Maroon 5.

11.  Alison (Damon Fowler) - Bluesman that Crystal turned me on to is back and this is his cover of the Elvis Costello ballad!  He also does a great version of "Tightrope", which I featured on my January 2012 playlist.

12.  Good Suit and Tie Time /White Panda Mashup/ (Justin Timberlake vs. Chic) - I posted this on Facebook and NOBODY liked it!!!  So what?  It still makes me shake my groove thang.  Listen and download for free on Soundcloud HERE.

13.  Pass It On (Daley) - More goodness from Manchester!  This guy has to be channeling (dare I say it?) Michael Jackson.  Slick R&B from across the pond.

14.  Supernova (Ray LaMontagne) - I never paid much attention to this guy til Jill started putting him on some of her playlists.  This is his latest - kind of reminds me of George Harrison or some other happy 1960s dude!

15.  Blue Collar Jane (the Strypes) - Totally rad Irish lads with some garage rock that would make the guys from Jet ("Are You Gonna Be My Girl") smile!

16.  California/Cast Iron Soul (Jamestown Revival) - So these guys are from Texas, the EP is called Utah, and the song is called "California"!  No matter what state - it is Southern Rock at its finest!

17.  Stay with Me (Sam Smith) - I kept hearing about this guy on music blogs, etc, so decided to check him out.  British white guys do seem to do Soul Music pretty well!  Curious to hear the whole album once it's released.

18.  Nightlife /Moto Blanco Club Mix/ (Jody Watley) - Another unexpected comeback for an 80s diva!  Jody's voice sounds as strong as ever, and she's still ready to hit the dance floor.  The Moto Blanco team takes this dance tune to the next level with their excellent remix.

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

Put The Shame Where It Belongs

The more I read about Kim Novak, the more ashamed I am of myself for making fun of her at her recent Academy Awards appearance.  At the time, it seemed hugely ironic that someone presenting the award for Best Animated Feature Film had a face that was decidedly not animated due to Botox and I assumed other "cosmetic" procedures.  I did not know that she was an 81 year old breast cancer survivor who had also struggled with a bipolar disorder.

I usually take celebrities as "fair game" to mock, because ultimately they are the ones who have chosen to place themselves squarely in the public eye.  Lately it occurs to me though, that there is another party involved that thus far has stayed out of the line of fire - the plastic surgeons.

As a former health care provider - I can tell you one of the tenets of our profession is to "do no harm".  A health care provider is charged with taking care of his or her patients, sometimes against their wills.  I had many patients who came to me asking for tooth bleaching, crowns and veneers that ultimately were not in their best interest.  Many were opting to ignore gum disease or other issues in order to afford the cosmetic work they wanted.  Others had completely unrealistic ideas of what dentistry could achieve or how they should appear.  It was my job as a dentist to manage expectations, and educate patients about what was truly the best treatment plan for their situation.

I won't tell you I was universally successful in that endeavor.  I had patients leave my practice because I would not do the treatment THEY prescribed for themselves.  I heard the threat, "Well if you won't do it I'll find someone who will!"  I ultimately decided I was fine with that.  Let someone else worry about the deleterious effects they are ultimately having on their patient's health.  Or perhaps they didn't care and were just in it for the money.  Either way - it wasn't my problem any more.  I presented a treatment plan to a patient that I honestly felt was best for them, and did my best to explain my reasons to the patient.

At some point prior to the Academy Awards, Kim Novak saw a plastic surgeon (or multiple surgeons).  This surgeon listened to her and agreed to operate on her.  I am not a plastic surgeon and can't tell you at what point she should have stopped, but the plastic surgeon certainly could have.  At some point, her surgeon should have said, "You have had enough surgery.  If we keep going you will not look natural.  You are a beautiful woman at any age and I think we should feel good about where you are.  If you choose to go elsewhere, that is your decision but I won't perform any further work on you because it is not in your best interest."

If we are going to shame women (and some men) for overdoing it with the cosmetic surgery, shouldn't the doctors who performed this work ALSO shoulder some of the humiliation?  From what I'm reading online, reputable plastic surgeons (and there are many, many competent surgeons out there.  I certainly don't want to universally bash plastic surgeons!) agree that Kim Novak had "too much done".  It is a doctor's job to manage their patients - ESPECIALLY if that patient has a history of mental illness.  Clearly the ball was dropped in this case.

I'm certain it won't be long before another celebrity is called out for looking like "the Catwoman" or a freak.  But isn't shaming the celebrity "blaming the victim" in a way?  I submit that perhaps we should also shame the surgeon.  A patient just knows they want to look "younger".  A doctor is supposed to know better. 

Brant's March 2014 Playlist

Soooo...I had two goals for March.  One was to get this playlist out on time (Done!  Yay, me!).  The second was to put some different stuff on this month's list.  Sometimes I wonder if all of my playlists are starting to sound the same, so this month I put some genres of music towards which I don't usually gravitate - country, trip-hop and even some ragtime!  Hope you like!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.


1.  Sunshine and Whiskey (Frankie Ballard) - It doesn't get more country than this, but still makes me look forward to warm weather!

2.  Ghost (Jeremy Messersmith) - Indie singer/songwriter with an angelic voice and beautiful instrumentation to round it out.

3.  Girl You Look Amazing (Nicole Atkins) - Sassy strong vocals from former Charlottean (my hometown)!

4.  Dreams and Sounds (Chulius and the Filarmonicos) - Lead singer of Grammy-winning Venezuelan band Los Amigos Invisibles releases a side project of funky electronica.

5.  Stayin' Alive in the Wall (Wax Audio) - Genius mashup of the Bee Gees and Pink Floyd!  Listen and download for free HERE.

6.  Luv, Hold Me Down (Drowners) - Wistful alt rock with jangly guitars and relentless drums keeping everything from getting too somber!

7.  Rental Love (Lake Street Dive) - I had them on my August 2013 playlist, and they're already back with another album!  Hope Spotify picks this up soon so everyone can hear it.  Lead singer Rachael Price has an incredible voice!!!

8.  Clouds (Zach Sobiech) - Sad story behind this.  Zach Sobiech was diagnosed with terminal cancer in May 2012, recorded this song, posted the video on YouTube, and died a year later in May 2013.  The song has gone viral, though, and the video has had over 9 million views!

9.  Dying to Start Again (Lovelife) - Up and coming band is working on their first full-length album, but has released this and a few other singles.  Can't wait to hear the whole album!  Mid-tempo alt rock.

10.  Going Out (apl.de.ap featuring Damien Leroy) - One of the OTHER Black Eyed Peas, apparently!  Dance pop to get your weekend started.

11.  Deja Vu (Cibo Matto) - Wacky trip hop that sounds like a 60s movie soundtrack getting scrambled by an outer space broadcast.  Kinda feels like what Deee-lite ("Groove Is In the Heart") might be doing if they were still around.

12.  I Can't Take My Eyes Off You (Melanie Doane) - This is an oldie from 1998, but it was new to me.  I've been watching "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" on Netflix, and this was a song Willow and Tara were slow dancing to at the Bronze!

13.  Popular Song (MIKA with Ariana Grande) - It never takes much arm-twisting to get me to put MIKA on a playlist!  The original version of this song was on his 2012 album "Origin of Love".  For the single, the song was reworked with a faster tempo and new vocals added by "It" girl Ariana Grande (replacing Priscilla Renea).

14.  Hit It (American Authors) - Exuberant pop from Brooklyn band's latest album.

15.  It's All Over Now (Blair Crimmins and the Hookers) - Awesome ragtime music from a great band!  Suzi and I caught them last month, and they're returning to Charlotte in April!

16.  So Many Nights (Biters) - If someone had told me this was Thin Lizzy, I would have believed them!  Great 1970s rock swagger.

17.  I Just Do (the Feeling) - More 1970s vibes, but this is more Elton John or Supertramp than Thin Lizzy.  A lush piano-driven ballad.

18.  Take It Like a Man /Dany Cohiba Remix/ (Cher) - I didn't love Cher's most recent album.  It felt like too many things at once, almost as if she'd used outtakes from every album she ever recorded.  Dany Cohiba wisely strips down the music on this one track, letting Cher's powerful pipes do the work!  Don't know many 67 year olds who can belt out a song like this!


So that's March!  Here's wishing every one a safe and joyous month.  Beware of pervasive pollen and lascivious leprechauns!

Brant's February 2014 Playlist

Wouldn't you know it?!?  The shortest month of the year and I'm late with the playlist.  Sorry folks.  A winter cold had me out of commission, but now I'm lucid enough to get this done.  There's only 24 days left to enjoy, so let's get started!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.


1.  Paint a Smile on Me (Black Yaya) - If there's a God this will become a summer anthem in a few months.  Love its retro 1970s sound.  The best song Stealers Wheel never released!

2.  Forever (Youngblood Hawke) - I had "Say Say" on my June 2013 playlist.  Now the California band is back with this peppy ditty.

3.  Running for Cover (Ivan & Alyosha) - Folk pop from Seattle, WA band

4.  Long Time, Wrong Time (Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings) - The Goddess is baaaaaack!!!  After a bout with cancer, Sharon Jones is back in the driver's seat with her classic soul sounds.

5.  Love Sublime (Tensnake feat. Nile Rodgers and Fiora) - Is it fair to say disco is back?  With releases like "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk (also featuring Chic's Nile Rodgers) and "Take Back the Night" by Justin Timberlake, I think it's a safe statement.  Viva la Disco!!!  This sublime tune by Tensnake sounds like an out-take from a Chic album.

6.  Cheating (John Newman) - Young Englishman belts out some powerful pop!

7.  Wasting My Young Years (London Grammar) - This reminds me of a band called Clannad that I used to listen to with my college roomie!  Younger folks will likely be reminded of the also excellent Florence and the Machine.  Great vocals!!!

8.  Good Red Wine (Stephen Kellogg) - Not sure how I came across this one, but it has really poignant lyrics about relationships, communication, etc.   And wine...he also mentions wine.

9.  All I Have to Do Is Dream (the Everly Brothers) - We lost Phil Everly and Pete Seeger this past month!  This is my In Memoriam tune in their honor.  The Everly's harmonies still hold up well almost 60 years later!

10.  Overstand (Dead Prez) - The latest from the controversial NYC hip hop act.

11.  Digital Witness (St. Vincent) - Wacky musician returns with another quirky hit.  Remember when Prince was going through his experimental phase (circa Lovesexy)?  That's kind of what this reminds me of, but definitely contemporary sounding.

12.  Millionaire (Scouting for Girls) - Easy breezy pop from the group's "Greatest Hits" compilation.

13.  Runaway Daydreamer (Sophie Ellis-Bextor) - "Murder on the Dancefloor" diva is back but she's traded her retro-dance stylings for a more atmospheric 1960s sound.  Move over, Petula Clark!

14.  Riptide (Vance Joy) - Bouncy acoustic folk from Australian singer-songwriter.

15.  Dreaming Without You (Bleached) - Delicious California garage-rock.  Someone on iTunes described this as "The Ramones meet the Ronettes"!

16.  Time for a Change (Elephanz) - Hmmmm...wish I could tell you something about this band, but all their promo stuff is in French.  They're a French band.  And they play great New Wave music!

17.  Elizabeth (the Airborne Toxic Event) - Figured since this was February, I'd end with a love song!  Well, it sounds like a love song.  He's never known love so this is his "best guess".


So that's February!  Hope everyone has a great one and I'll see ya in March!

Brant's American Horror Story: Coven Predictions

 

 

 

Only 2 weeks til the Season Finale of American Horror Story: Coven! Here's my predictions for what will happen:

1. In an special episode starring Melissa Joan Hart, we learn that Sabrina the Teenage Witch may hold the key to who becomes the new leader of the coven.

2. Cordelia is cast out of the coven but finds a lucrative career doing "Scissor Safety" infomercials.

3. Myrtle takes her theremin on the road and finds much success in the Indie music scene with her new band Fertile Myrtle and the Hurdles.

4. Marie Laveau gets her own spinoff show, "Hexter", in which she plays a voodoo witch who only targets other voodoo witches to kill and offer to Papa Legba.

5. Queenie and Madame LaLaurie are forced to spend eternity together working the Super Sweet 16 party circuit. In a macabre scavenger hunt, young socialites search for pieces of Madame LaLaurie and the first debutante to completely re-assemble her gets a Bugatti.

6. Zoe and Kyle marry, but she eventually leaves him for someone who's a little bit more together.

7. Fiona kills the other witches and remains coven leader. Preferring R&B over classic rock, she also kills Stevie Nicks and the final scene shows Fiona at the piano with HER favorite singer. The episode is entitled "Diana Ross and the Supreme".