Brant's October 2014 Playlist

It seems like there've been a lot of Autumn haters on Facebook.  People who love the summer and hate to see it go.  People who hate the Winter and hate to see it coming.  Personally, I love the change of seasons.  Usually around the time I'm getting tired of whatever season we currently have, the weather starts to turn.  And Fall has all the comfortable cool temperatures without all of the pollen we get in Spring.  So cheers to the Fall!  And to new music.  We've got a couple of spooky tunes for Halloween, some mega-star duets, and other good stuff!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  I Put a Spell on You (Annie Lennox) - It wouldn't be Halloween without some witchcraft, and who better to serve as Supreme Witch than Annie Lennox?  Her new album is a collection of standards, and her singing is anything but standard.  A great performance.

2.  Dearly Departed (Shakey Graves featuring Esme Patterson) - We'll keep the Halloween theme going, this time with a haunted house.  Raw acoustic rock from Austin, Texas singer and sometime "Friday Night Lights" actor.

3.  Still Crazy After All These Years (Robert Ellis) - The Americana vibe is working for me.  Next is a heartfelt Paul Simon cover by Nashville-based Robert Ellis.

4.  Nature's Call (Shaun Escoffery) - Toe-tappin' soul from British stage and studio performer.  Reminds me of Earth Wind and Fire at their best.

5.  i (Kendrick Lamar) - The latest from hip-hop star who got snubbed at last year's Grammy Awards.  Even winners Macklemore felt like Lamar should have received more recognition!  I have a feeling he'll have his day soon.  Groovy Isley Brothers sample over a self-affirming rap.

6.  Computer Games (Mi-Sex) - It's been a while since I posted a used record store find, but this one is fun!  Australian New Wave from 1979!

7.  Beggin' for Thread (Banks) - Smooth chill sounds from California singer-songwriter.

8.  Repeat Pleasure (How to Dress Well) - Glossy R&B that would make Babyface proud!

9.  Super Love (Charli XCX) - Just caught her live last night with Elyse, Gary and some friends!!!  She puts on a great show, so catch her if you can!  This isn't off her latest album, which comes out later in October - but IMHO it best captured the energy of her stage performance.  Looking forward to more from this lady!

10.  I Won't Dance (Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga) - I have to admit, I was a tad worried when I heard Gaga was doing a jazz album.  I stand corrected.  Gaga and Tony Bennett sound like they were made to sing together!  I think Mama Monster is going to be getting some Grammys for this album.

11.  Sonsick (San Fermin) - Anthony turned me on to this one.  Quirky baroque pop with impressive vocals.

12.  Still Can't Forget You (Jane Ellen Bryant) - Did somebody say impressive vocals???  JEB has them in spades.  Great country/blues performance that brings to mind a young Bonnie Raitt.

13.  We Were Young (Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert) - The second mega-star duet!  Two country legends make beautiful music together.

14.  I Can't Stand Mirrors and I'm Scared of Heights (Suzi Chunk) - Retro-rock vibes from artist who was also featured on last month's playlist.

15.  Long Live (Devan DuBois) - Funky psychedelic rock flavors, this time from Louisiana native.

16.  Lay Me Down (Avicii featuring Adam Lambert) - Straight up disco, complete with Chic legend Nile Rodgers on guitar.   Perfect for getting your Halloween party guests out on the dance floor.

17.  Lil' Red Riding Hood (Laura Gibson) - Why not throw one more Halloween tune into the mix?  This one is a cover of the Sam the Sham and the Pharaohs classic by folk singer Laura Gibson.  You may remember it from a Volvo commercial.

So that's October! I guess I'm off to get to work on my Halloween costume.  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see ya in November.

Brant's September 2014 Playlist

IT'S BIRTHDAY MONTH!!!  September is the month I usually give myself a little more leeway to be self-indulgent.  Instead of focusing on new music, I'll create a themed playlist (60s girl groups, 80s club music) or just pepper the list with some personal faves.  I pride myself on paying pretty close attention to the music that is out there, but every now and then I realize something has escaped my notice.  This month I've included a few of these tunes that somehow I missed the first time around.  I figure if I overlooked them, maybe you did too!  Here goes!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Long Hot Summer (Keith Urban) - Not gonna lie.  I didn't really pay much attention to Keith.  I wrote him off as the pretty boy singer who married Nicole Kidman.  After seeing him in concert with Julie and Gary, I must say he's pretty good.  The man knows his way around a guitar and a catchy melody.  He landed in the Country Music genre but I think he could have easily been a rocker.

2.  The Joker (Ace Frehley) - Speaking of rockers, a 1970s rock legend pays tribute to another 1970s rock legend here.  I imagine some of the purists will hate this glam rock treatment of Steve Miller's signature song, but I'm kinda diggin' it!

3.  Born Under a Good Sign (the Suburbs) - I wondered if this was the same punk band from the 80s, and it is!  The guys are back with an awesome album of new jams.  This one kind of spoke to me since (as you remember, no doubt) September is birthday month.  And Virgo is a very good sign.

4.  Uptight Downtown (La Roux) - Still loving their new album!  This one has some David Bowie flavors mixed in with Elly Jackson's delicious vocals.

5.  Step Back in Time /Original 12" Mix/ (Kylie Minogue) - My friend Jeff texted me in ecstasy over the new Kylie Minogue song, which is a throwback to the sounds of the great 1990s club music.  Upon further examination, we realized that the song actually WAS from the 1990s.  We both had just missed it and were hearing it for the first time.  It's still a fun song, so I'm including it.  Not on Spotify but the video is HERE.

6.  #ThisCouldBeUs (Doug Locke) - Saw the video for this floating around on social media and liked it.  It's a heartbreaking depiction of lost love and what might have been.  Pop/R&B from Houston actor/singer.

7.  Oh Babe, What Would You Say (Cass Elliot) - I'd heard the Hurricane Smith version of this song, but had NO idea Mama Cass (who recorded under her Mama Cass name as well as her given name) sang this!  Gotta say the arrangement suits her well.  A great talent that was taken from us too soon. 

8.  Beat of the Music (Brett Eldredge) - This guy opened for Keith Urban at the concert we attended!  I think we all were swooning when he serenaded us with his deep baritone.  He's definitely one to watch.

9.  Get On Home (U.S. Royalty) - Indie band from Washington, DC delivers some stunning folk-rock.

10.  Right Now (SR-71) - Another one that I missed the first time around.  Heard this on the internet radio and immediately went to download it.  This was originally released in 2000.

11.  Make Me Smile (Duran Duran) - Janique turned me on to this!  I had never heard it, but a consummate Duran Duran fan like Janique was more than happy to school me.  A tasty cover of the Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel classic from 1975 (which I HAD heard, and have on my iPod!). 

12.  There She Goes (Michelle Phillips) - We couldn't have one Mama without the other!  After Mamas and Papas split up, Mama Cass immediately went solo.  Michelle dabbled in acting and then eventually came back to the recording studio.  Her first recordings were with Papa John Phillips (her ex-husband), but she scrapped those and started over with producer Jack Nitsche.  Happily a new CD has been released that houses ALL of her recordings.  Personally I like the stuff she did with Papa John better, but maybe that's just me.  Not on Spotify (or YouTube) either, unfortunately. 

13.  Tripwire (Suzi Chunk) - Missed this one the first time around too (it's from 2012), but luckily Spotify recommended her to me.  Very 1960s garage band style, which of course I totally love!

14.  Endless Summer (the Jezabels) - I had them on my May 2014 playlist, but also went through their back catalogue and found some other tunes, such as this one, that I enjoyed.  Hope we continue to hear more from them!

15.  Ghost (Ella Henderson) - British "X-Factor" singer debuts here in the US of A!  It seems like the U.K. is overflowing with great female vocalists, while the Americans are just shaking their butts.  Hmmmmm...

16.  I Can't Describe (Jennifer Hudson feat. T.I.) - Okay, here is one exception to the previous statement.  Sultry soul that would make Evelyn "Champagne" King proud!

17.  Romeo's Tune (Keith Urban) - I figured I'd close with another great song from Keith.  File this under songs I NEVER thought anyone would cover, but I'm glad they did!

So that's September!  Hope everyone has a great Labor Day weekend and month.  I'll see you for more spook-tacular tunes in October!

Brant's August 2014 Playlist

Well, it's pouring rain as I write this - but I still approached August with Summer and sunny days in mind.  This month is loaded up with lots of islandy beats and driving-with-the-windows-open-and-the-stereo-blasting selections.   Hopefully the weather will catch up with the music.  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Mr. Tembo (Damon Albarn) - In my head, this is the love-child of Paul Simon's "Graceland" album and Arrested Development's "Mr. Wendall".  From the latest solo outing of Blur/Gorillaz' lead singer.

2.  My Diamond (Timothy Bloom) - Songwriter for Ne-You and Chris Brown strikes out on his own with all-new material.  Sounds like Lenny Kravitz jamming with Santana!

3.  Budapest (George Ezra) - British songwriter has a folksy 1970s vibe.

4.  Call (Francesco Yates) - Plucked from my friend Robert's Facebook wall.  Young Canadian looks like Leo Sayer and sounds like Chris Isaak!   And Pharrell is a fan!

5.  Sexotheque (La Roux) - Elly Jackson is baaaaaack!!!  5 years after La Roux's debut, new material is finally here - and worth the wait.  So are "Sexotheques" a thing, and why haven't I heard of them before now?  SPOILER ALERT:  Expect more La Roux on future playlists!

6.  Lovers on the Run (Echo and the Bunnymen) - Another unexpected comeback!  Ian McCullough's voice sounds EXACTLY the same!!!  So true to their original sound that I had to double-check to make sure this wasn't unreleased material from the 1980s.

7.  Loves Me Not (Cris Cab) - Speaking of double-checking, I was sure this was Sting or the Police when I heard it on the internet radio.  Turns out it's Miami native Cris Cab!

8.  Skinny Love (Birdy) - This was a no-brainer.  With a combination of Birdy's angelic vocals, and a song by Bon Iver - how could it not be fantastic???  J'adore it.

9.  Stay High /Hippie Sabotage Remix/ (Tove Lo) - One of our chillin'-on-the-porch jams that my neighbor Dave turned me on to.

10.  Killer on the Streets (the Raveonettes) - Jangly guitars and tons of feedback make for a dancing-in-my-chair tune about loving the wrong person (and savoring every minute of it).

11.  Rather Be (Clean Bandit feat. Jess Glynne) - This has been around for a few months, but I still love its feel-good vibe and great vocal performance.

12.  Rainy Day Woman (Kat Edmonson) - Okay, this song suits today's rainy weather!  Great mix of old school jazz (does anyone else hear Billie Holiday?) and 1960s soul.

13.  Can't Say Goodbye (Cary Ann Hearst) - Jill had this on her last playlist and I loved it.  Sassy country that would make Wanda Jackson proud.

14.  High (Young Rising Sons) - Are these the new Jersey Boys???  Great falsetto vocals and catchy chorus, and they're actually from New Jersey!

15.  Let Your Hair Down (Magic!) - Josh sent me this and I immediately downloaded it.  Easy reggae that makes me think of sunsets by the sea and sipping Red Stripe beer.

16.  After All This (Jay Brannan) - Confessional songwriting in the style of Ani DiFranco or Jewel.  Going to see his show later this month - can't wait!  (And he "liked" when I responded that I was attending his show on Facebook - that's class.)

17.  Call Me (St. Paul and the Broken Bones) - Fantastic soul from Alabama band!

18.  True Love /Soledrifter Remix/ (Corduroy Mavericks feat. EmTre) - Groovy poolside beats prove that there's more than just bluegrass coming out of Kentucky.

So that's August!  Next month is birthday month - so not exactly sure what I'm going to put together.  I always allow myself a little more creative license as a birthday indulgence.  See you then!  Enjoy the rest of your summer!!!

Brant's July 2014 Playlist

I'm not gonna lie - there's a lot going on in Brantworld right about now.  World Cup, 4th of July, "Devious Maids", "Orange Is the New Black", and other distractions.  But that's no reason not to share some great new music.  I'm a day late, so let's get started!  To listen on Spotify click HERE.

1.  Rollercoaster (Bleachers) -  Side project of Jack Antonoff, who is currently in the group Fun ("Some Nights").  Every bit as fun (pun intended!) as his original band!

2.  Fancy (Iggy Azalea vs. Reba McEntire) - Chambaland's delicious mash-up of Australian hip-hop star's recent hit with Reba's classic of the same name.  Free download at his blog.

3.  Paper Girl (July Talk) - Ever wonder who will be the new millennium's Wolfman Jack?  I think this band could be the answer!

4.  No Angel (Birdy) - The latest amazeball talent to come out of England, following Adele and Sam Smith.  America, you got some catching up to do!

5.  Chocolate Strawberries (Cherub) - Tasty mid-tempo electronica from Nashville.

6.  Living In a Box (Bobby Womack) - The R&B legend passed away last month, so I began digging through his songbook.  This song is certainly not representative of his best work, but it was a surprise to find him covering the 1980s band of the same name.  Sometimes it's just fun to see what an artist is into!

7.  What I Am I Am (Pete Molinari) - I already was in love with this singer/songwriter, but I'd swear he is channeling George Harrison on this folk spiritual!

8.  Angel of Small Death and the Codeine Scene (Hozier) - More rock spirituals, from Irish musician's aptly titled "Take Me to Church" EP.

9.  Dark Sunglasses (Chrissie Hynde) - This was an unexpected find!!!  Longtime lead singer of the Pretenders goes solo and sounds as great as ever!

10.  Hey Sailor (the Detroit Cobras) - The first of two songs I discovered through television!  This one was on the soundtrack of "Angel".  Fantastic adrenaline-charged garage rock.

11.  All of Me /Tiesto's Birthday Treatment Mix/ (John Legend) - R&B crooner is dragged onto the dancefloor courtesy of Dutch DJ Tiesto!

12.  Feel It (Bright Light Bright Light) - Jeff turned me on to this guy.  He's got a new album coming out, but I love the 90s retro sounds of this tune from his 2012 album "Make Me Believe in Hope".

13.  Apples and Cigarettes (Kitten) - Speaking of the 90s, this one reminds me of early Sinead O'Connor!  Crazy-strong vocals from lead singer Chloe Chaidez.

14.  Zigzagging Toward the Light (Conor Oberst) - We had Conor on last month's playlist, but there was way too much choice material on his latest album not to include him again.

15.  Crazy Eyes for You (Bobby Hamilton) - Lost 1950's tune gets a revival courtesy of "Orange Is the New Black", which features a delightfully wacky character named Crazy Eyes.

16.  My Silver Lining (First Aid Kit) - Grand cowgirl country that would make Kitty Wells smile!

17.  Hey Boy (Goapele) - Easy poolside lounging music from Oakland, California soul singer.

18.  Pink Houses (John Cougar Mellencamp) - Not specifically a 4th of July song, but I wanted to include something patriotic.  This is one of my personal faves from the 1980s - a love song to Middle America.

So that's July!  Everyone stay safe and happy.  See you in August!

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!