Brant's Best Pics of 2016

Overall, 2016 was NOT a great year - for me or any of us.  So more than ever, it was important to remind myself that there were good times too.  Below is this year's Best Pics video.  I can only hope 2017 is kinder to us than 2016 was.  But even if it's not, I feel lucky to be surrounded by some great people in my life!

Brant's Christmas 2016 Playlist

2016 has kicked my butt so far, but I'mma get through these holidays if it kills me!  

Y'know, last year I didn't do a Christmas playlist.  I wasn't exactly in the holiday spirit for whatever reason.  This year, I think I'm actually looking forward to the holidays.  2016 has been a bear of a year, so I'm ready for the fun, goodwill, and fellowship that I'm hoping will come with the holidays.  And now that Thanksgiving has been given its due - I see no reason not to jump right in!  So here's a smooth mix of old faves, new releases, and a couple of lost gems.  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Please Come Home for Christmas (Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings) - This year has been one devastating loss after another (Prince, David Bowie, etc), and the loss of Sharon Jones is no exception.  She did a great job with this holiday standard.  RIP.

2.  Someday at Christmas (Andra Day and Stevie Wonder) - I love seeing new artists pay tribute to the legends.  Here, Grammy nominated Andra Day teams up with Stevie Wonder for a re-recording of his 1967 holiday classic.

3.  It Must Have Been the Mistletoe (Barbara Mandrell) - Growing up in the 70s/80s, I was no stranger to variety shows, and the holidays were always chock full of them.  I remember Barbara and her sisters doing a variety show back in the day, and this tune seems like a great example of the kinda sappy, kinda catchy stuff you'd hear.  Isn't it time for Barbara to make a comeback???

4.  I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Cecile McLorin Salvant with the Jean-Francois Bonnel Paris Quintet) - A modern take on the holiday jazz standard.  Not on Spotify, but you can hear it on YouTube.

5.  Winter Wonderland (the Andrews Sisters) - I've always loved these ladies, ever since the days when I was little and my grandparents would listen to them.  Hearing them always brings back great memories for me.

6.  Christmas Island (the Brian Setzer Orchestra) - This was another Andrews Sisters tune, and Brian Setzer does a jolly good job covering it!

7.  2000 Miles (Train) - One of my fave Christmas songs, as sung by one of my fave bands!  It's currently an Amazon exclusive, but hopefully will be more widely available as we move into the holidays.  You can hear it on YouTube.

8.  Chilly Winds Don't Blow (Maxine Weldon) - A bluesy rendition of Nina Simone's winter classic.

9.  What Do the Lonely Do at Christmas? (the Emotions) - I had to triple check this, because I couldn't believe I hadn't used it on previous playlists!  This one is still in heavy rotation on the airwaves almost 50 years after its 1973 release.

10.  My Favorite Things (Leslie Odom Jr) - Meanwhile, in NEW releases - this is from the Hamilton singer's brand spankin' new Christmas album.

11.  Baby It's Cold Outside (Blossom Dearie with Bob Dorough) - I was researching holiday albums by old jazz/cabaret singers, and wondered if one of my personal favorites had ever done one.  Turns out, she did a few seasonal recordings - but everything's out of print!  You can hear this duet on YouTube, however.

12.  The Christmas Waltz (Frank Sinatra) - Ol' Blue Eyes imbues this Christmas standard with his characteristic croon.

13.  What the World Needs Now Is Love (Rumer) - I've put this on a few of my holiday playlists, mainly because it seems to embody the spirit of the Christmas season.  What a treat to hear Rumer sing it on her new album!

14.  White Christmas (the Drifters) - Another song that is still in heavy rotation decades after its release, for good reason!

15.  Christmas Blues (Dean Martin) - You can almost envision Dino drowning his sorrows in a chilled martini glass as he sings this!

16.  Glad Tidings (Merry Clayton) - Is this a Christmas song???  They mention Christmas.  The woman singing it is named Merry.  I say, why not?!  Great, soulful version of one of Van Morrison's signature tunes.

17.  Christmas Time Is Here (Nancy Wilson) - Icy and cool delivery from the jazz legend.

18.  Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (the Carpenters) - Karen Carpenter's voice is still as warm and inviting as fresh-baked gingerbread.  Gone but not forgotten.

19.  What Are You Doing New Year's Eve?  (Rufus Wainwright) - Closing out the holiday playlist with an eye towards the New Year.  Here's hoping 2017 is better than 2016.

So that's it.  Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.  I'm off to my first holiday party of the season.  I'll see ya in the New Year!

Brant's November 2016 Playlist

The Funnel of Luft wasn't as romantic as the Tunnel of Love, but at least your insurance covered it.

11 days late.  That's got to be a record.  I'll spare you the details, but let's just say November has been a rough month so far - and not just because of the election craziness.  The tunes this month skew towards the mellow and soothing side, which is probably by design.  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Anything for You (the Wind and the Wave) - I love this band!!!  Patricia Lynn's voice takes me to my happy place.  What a great surprise to see they had a new album out.

2.  Anywhere (Passenger) - I had his duet with Birdy on last month's playlist, but this toe-tappin' tune was too good not to include for November's list.

3.  Be Thankful for What You Got (Rumer) - Another female vocalist that instantly soothes me.  She's working on a new album of Bacharach songs, but until that comes out - here's her tasty cover of William DeVaughn's 1974 soul standard.

4.  Indian Summer (Jai Wolf) - New York artist serves up some otherworldly beats and trippy vocals that sound like a Yodeler from outer space.

5.  In Too Deep (Dead or Alive) - Lead singer Pete Burns died last month, so I wanted to include something of his.  Dead or Alive was seriously one of the bands that provided the soundtrack to my teen years.  RIP.

6.  Midnight Serenade /Kungs Remix/ (Omi feat. Erik Hassle) - I was a little shocked to learn this was Swedish singer Erik Hassle providing the vocals on this dance track!  I would have sworn it was a reggae singer.

7.  I Love You Always Forever /Viceroy Remix/ (Betty Who) - Delicious cover of Donna Lewis' 1996 hit.

8.  Say You Won't Let Go (James Arthur) - British singer/songwriter begs a loved one to hang in there.  After some of the controversies he's been through, that may be a tough request!

9.  How Deep Is the Ocean?  (Miss Toni Fisher) - Mitch turned me on to this 1959 tune.  Bold female vocals that are slightly reminiscent of Judy Garland.

10.  Talkin' All That Jazz /Dim's Radio Edit/ (Stetsasonic) - This one popped up on my iPod, and I forgot how much I liked it.  Dimitri from Paris takes Stetsasonic's 1988 hip hop banger and turbocharges it with a disco backbeat.

11.  Sweet Addiction (Yuksek feat. H.E.R.) - Funky French electronica

12.  Million Reasons (Lady Gaga) - When I heard she was doing a country-influenced album, I was concerned - but gotta say Mama Monster makes it work!

13.  The World's Smiling Now (Jim James) - My Morning Jacket vocalist/guitarist goes solo with this 1960s-styled contemplative ballad.

14.  Daddy Lessons (Beyonce' with the Dixie Chicks) - Is everybody going country???  Taken from Beyonce's "Lemonade" album, Bey honors her Houston roots with fellow Texan band at the 2016 CMAs.  Not on Spotify, but you can hear it on Soundcloud.

15. A Little Uncanny (Conor Oberst) - There are solo albums and there are SOLO albums.  Prolific singer/songwriter recorded his new album over a 48 hour period during a winter in Nebraska - just him with a guitar, piano, and harmonica.  But with great songwriting, you don't need bells and whistles.

16.  Move (Saint Motel) - Sexy swagger from Los Angeles band that I've featured on other playlists.

17.  Up & Up (Coldplay) - I've always appreciated Coldplay, but gotta say this new album of theirs is really resonating with me.  Here they partner with Noel Gallagher for this gorgeous hymn.  Seemed like a great way to end the playlist and gear us up (and up!) for the holidays.

So that's November's list.  Sorry it was late.  Hopefully I can get December's music posted on schedule.  Happy Holidays!!!

Brant's October 2016 Playlist

Decisions, decisions, decisions...

The election is one month away, and everywhere I turn I'm bombarded with people spouting their opinions about the candidates.  Donald is a loose cannon.  Hillary is not trustworthy.  Gary is stoned.  And pretty much everyone in the North Carolina government needs to be flushed.   Thank goodness we have a new crop of songs to take our minds off it all for a while.  I may not be running for office, but I definitely approve this playlist.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Vices (BoyBoy) - Easy-going electronica to start us off!

2.  Happy (NAO) - Eric turned me on to her.  Sounds like Deniece Williams if she was a member of TLC.

3.  Closer (Josef Salvat) - Sumptuous pop from Australian artist.

4.  Call You Home (Kelvin Jones) - English/Zimbabwean became a sensation when this song was posted on Reddit!  Soothing folk-pop about finding that person that feels like family.

5.  Casanova (Foy Vance) - You know you're doing well when Ed Sheeran signs you to his label and Elton John wants to tour with you!  Admittedly he reminds me of fellow Irishman Van Morrison, but I think as Vance continues to put out new music and evolve he'll have no trouble distinguishing himself as a musical force of his own.

6.  They Call That Religion (Fly By Night Rounders) - I just caught these guys at the Tosco Music Party, and they were AWESOME live.  Abby the Spoon Lady is hypnotic to watch as she performs!  Not on Spotify, but you can hear this Carolina band at BandCamp.

7.  Walls (Kings of Leon) - A mega-popular band that doesn't need my help to sell records, but I'm totally digging their new music.

8.  I Was Terrible (How to Dress Well) - The latest from singer/songwriter Tom Krell has a nervous, frenetic energy that reminds me of Joe Jackson's "Stepping Out".

9.  Set Me Free (Herizen Guardiola) - We had Christina Aguilera's contribution ('Telepathy') to "the Get Down" soundtrack last month, but there were too many great songs not to add another.  This one is central to the story of the lead female in the series (which is great - check it out on Netflix if you haven't already).  Nile Rodgers had a hand in both songs, which is probably why I love them!

10.  Give It Up (Nathan Sykes) - Coincidentally, Nathan was on last October's playlist!  Now he's back with more R&B flavored pop.

11.  Beautiful Birds (Passenger with Birdy) - Two of my favorite British acts team up for this gorgeous acoustic ballad.

12.  Blue Turning Grey Over You (Catherine Russell) - I'm embarrassed to admit I'm just now discovering Ms. Russell, but what I'm hearing so far has me definitely counted among her fans.  Her latest album is a collection of songs from the Golden Age of Harlem, and this one I found myself especially gravitating towards.

13.  Junior Spirit (Jaala) - Prog-Rock with a distinct jazz influence, and delicious female vocals.

14.  Silver /Androma Remix/ (Fakear feat. Rae Morris) - French electronica that vaguely reminds me of Röyksopp with its plaintive vocals over an icy beat.

15.  Where Do We Go (Lion Babe) - Fierce dance pop from NYC duo.

16.  Punks in a Disco Bar (Beach Slang) - I put their dope cover of the Plimsouls on my June 2016 playlist, but here they are doing some of their own stuff.  Adrenaline-fueled punk rock from Philly band.

17.  Bad Decision (Two Door Cinema Club) - The pulsating beats and falsetto vocals could make this a Scissor Sisters' song, but this British band seems to just be expanding their sound.  The rest of the new album is chock full of more usual Indie rock.

18.  Ghostbusters (Ray Parker Jr) - I always like to have a Halloween song on my October playlists, and with the Ghostbusters film franchise being revived this year - this seemed like an obvious choice.  It's always a good way to get your Halloween party out onto the dance floor.

So that's October.  Hope everyone is registered to vote, and exercises their right to do so next month.  No bullying or pressure as to which candidates you should support!  Just get out there.  America needs you!  

Brant's September 2016 Playlist

I could totally rock this look for my birthday

The beginning of September is always crazy for me, with Labor Day and my birthday coming back-to-back, so I wanted to go ahead and get this month's playlist posted.  Last month had a predominantly blues/rock feel, so this month I highlighted more electronic and dance tunes.  Hope you enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Telepathy (Christina Aguilera feat. Nile Rodgers) - Nile Rodgers has said that one of his biggest regrets is that he never got to work with Donna Summer.  I think he and Xtina managed to conjure the Queen of Disco in this delicious number from the "Get Down" soundtrack!  Hopefully Spotify will have this soon.  You can catch it here.

2.  Colours (Roosevelt) - The mirror ball keeps spinning with this groovy selection from German singer/songwriter/producer!

3.  Halcyon Birds (Broken Back) - So it turns out, the guy from Broken Back really had a broken back!  He seems to have recovered, but used his period of incapacitation to make music.  This lighthearted electro-folk tune is from his first EP - aptly titled "Dear Misfortune, Mother of Joy".

4.  Lost on You (LP) - Songwriter Laura Pergolizzi, who has written for Cher, Rihanna, and Xtina and been featured on "Orange Is the New Black",  recorded this under her stage name (LP).   I thought it might be Gwen Stefani when I heard it.

5.  It Was Always So Easy to Find an Unhappy Woman (Moe Bandy) - I put Peter Wolf's cover of this tune on last month's playlist, but after hearing the original I HAD to include it this month!  Classic country at its best.

6.  Drive (Myzica feat. Ezra Carey) - Speaking of covers, my friend Gary turned me on to this nicely done cover of the Cars' 1984 ballad.

7.  Lake Arrowhead (Nora En Pure) - Whatever happened to instrumentals???  They were never super popular but they were around:  fun tracks like "Axel F" by Harold Faltermeyer and "The Hustle" by Van McCoy.  I say it's time to bring instrumentals back, and this tune is my recommendation for the cause. Breezy, beautiful piano-driven tune from Swiss artist.

8.  Land Ho! (Lovebugs) - More good stuff from Switzerland!  Upbeat, nautical themed alt-pop to launch your party!

9.  Vaporize (Amos Lee) - Bluesy folk from former schoolteacher!

10.  The Falls (Whitney) - Illinois band is serving early-70s Seals and Crofts/Chicago vibes, and I'm absolutely digging it!

11.  Heaven (Lydia Loveless) - The latest from Columbus, OH artist reminds me of Maria McKee's old band, Lone Justice.  Great indie country!

12.  My Toy (Breakbot) - Their song "Baby I'm Yours" (which Bruno Mars has been accused of plagiarizing for his hit "Treasure") is one of my all-time faves.  Now the French act is back with more delicious disco!

13.  Guilty (Lady Wray) - Some old-school soul from Virginia-born singer/songwriter.

14.  Would You Love Me (Raging Fyah) - I've been renewing my taste in reggae lately, and this Jamaican band is one I've been enjoying during these last days of summer.

15.  Brother, What Happened?  (Muddy Magnolias) - Toe tappin' rock from Nashville duo.

16.  Never Enough (the Hunna) - Indie band from England brings the intensity on this selection from their debut album.

17.  80s Mercedes (Maren Morris) - Singalong country from Nashville chanteuse.  I wonder if this is the same 80s Mercedes that Pebbles was singing about?

18.  Higher (Carly Rae Jepsen) - I'm terrified CRJ will be remembered as a one-hit wonder for "Call Me Maybe", which is a real shame because she's been consistently putting out some great music!  This is from her newest B-Side album, and it's still better than a lot of A-sides by other artists that are getting airplay.  I'll be civil and not name names, but let's see some #JusticeForCarly  

So that's September!  I've got a birthday and 3-day weekend to prepare for, so just gonna say "Ciao" and I'll see ya next month!  

Brant's August 2016 Playlist

This is the closest I've come to Tweeting in months (and he lets me use more than 140 characters)!

Another month, another playlist.  I don't think there's a real theme to this month's list - maybe Repeat Offenders?  I think most of the artists on this month's list have made appearances on previous playlists throughout the years (and we also have quite a few covers).  But good music is good music, and it's nice that these artists have kept the quality tunes comin'.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Go! (M83 feat. Mai Lan) - Cinematic electronica with a rock edge, from French band.

2.  Thinking of U (Abra) - Angelic vocals lead us into a slinky R&B jam with a slightly Asian vibe.  It kinda reminds me of "Sukiyaki" by Taste of Honey.   Wonder if she knows there is a Pokémon with the same name?

3.  Trouble (Cage the Elephant) - The latest from this American rock group is produced by the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach (as if you couldn't tell - his stamp is ALL over this).

4.  Cod'ine (Janis Joplin) - I just discovered this tune!!!  It's from a 1965 audition tape Janis made when she was trying out for Big Brother and the Holding Company.  Janis' take on a Buffy Sainte Marie tune.

5.  Midnight Rider (Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings) - Another great cover by another great lady!  Sharon tackles the Allmans, and infuses them with a heavy dose of Memphis soul.

6.  Don't You Know (Kungs feat. Jamie N Commons) - Very much in the spirit of Avicii's "Wake Me Up", French producer Kungs teams up with British singer Jamie N Commons for some bluesy dance fusion.

7.  Operator /DJ Koze's Disco Edit/ (Lapsley) - German DJ adds more cowbell to Lapsley's melancholy vocals and Manhattan Transfer samples, and the results are simply magnificent.

 8.  Don't You Give Up on Me (Lissie) - Toe-tappin' pop that is slightly reminiscent of Paula Cole during her prime.

9.  Dreaming (Imelda May) - Why don't more artists use ukuleles?   A delightful cover of Blondie's hit.

10.  Brazil /Aquarela Do Brasil/ (Leslie Odom Jr) - "Hamilton" guy and Tony Award winner takes us from colonial US to the faraway shores of Brazil!

11.  It Was Always So Easy to Find an Unhappy Woman (Peter Wolf) - Former J. Geils lead singer indulges his country side with this cover of Moe Bandy's 1975 classic.

12.  Love Is a Burden (Jamestown Revival) - Bluesy rock from Texas duo.

13. Give Me Your Love (Sigala feat. Nile Rodgers and John Newman) - I think I've had each of these guys on various playlists, so what a treat to find them collaborating on this delicious booty-shaker!

14.  Intention (Kiiara) - Icy vocals over trippy electronic beats.

15.  Red Flag (The Moth and the Flame) - Percussion heavy New Wave tune from West Coast band.

16.  Who's Gonna Take the Garbage Out (John Prine and Iris DeMent) - The duo who gave us the classic "In Spite of Ourselves" returns and it appears the honeymoon is over!

17.  More and More (Fleur East) - Peppy pop from the UK that leans heavily on an 80's R&B vibe.  Not on Spotify, unfortunately, but you can hear it on YouTube.

So that's August!  I guess I'm off to enjoy what's left of the summer!  Hope everyone is doing well, and I'll see ya next month.

Brant's July 2016 Playlist

How is it July already???  People are making Independence Day plans and I haven't even broken in my new jorts.  At least this month's playlist is ready for liftoff.  We've got several artists that have appeared on previous playlists, and lots of folk-rock and mid-tempo tunes to go with the summer breezes.  Enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  East Coast Girl (Butch Walker) - Rock veteran channels Bruce Springsteen in his latest offering.

2.  Mama, I Don't Believe (the Avett Brothers) - Carolina band may have trouble believing, but they certainly have no trouble putting together a great song.

3.  Do I Ever Cross Your Mind (Trio - Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Linda Ronstadt) - First release from the upcoming 'Trio' box set, which will include both Trio albums and 20 previously unreleased songs (like this one!).   Divine.  Talk about your Holy Trinity!!!

4.  I Need You Tonight (James Morrison) - Motown-flavored soul from across the pond.

5.  Middle (DJ Snake feat. Bipolar Sunshine) - I NEVER would have guessed that this laid-back EDM tune was by the "Turn Down for What" guy!  Live and learn.

6.  Get Up (R3hab and Ciara) - Dutch DJ teams up with American singer for some feel good club beats.

7.  Another Go (Drowners) - Jangly guitars and melancholy vocals that are vaguely reminiscent of 80s alt rock.

8.  Stone Cold (Demi Lovato) - Another musical surprise for my ears!  I was sure this was Joss Stone when I first heard it on the radio.  Powerful blues performance from former child star and current activist.

9.  Make Up My Mind (First Com) - Okay, maybe "Music I Thought Was Someone Else" should have been the theme for this month's playlist.  This song closed out the Season Two finale of 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' and I would have bet the farm that it was Patsy Cline.  Wrong again.  But it was created to sound like Patsy.  Best I can tell, this is a song produced by a group that does soundtracks for TV and movies.  Not available on Spotify, but you can hear it HERE.

10.  pink skies (LANY) - Warm and soothing electronica with dreamy vocals.

11.  I Want You (After 7) - Vintage R&B act returns with this tasty slow jam!

12.  Taste the Feeling (Avicii feat. Conrad Sewell) - We've had both Avicii and Conrad Sewell on previous playlists, so what a treat to see them team up to do a track together!

13.  Wish I Knew You (the Revivalists) - 70s influenced blues-rock from New Orleans band.

14.  Someday (Colvin and Earle) - Jill turned me on to this!  I'd forgotten about Shawn Colvin until I saw this posted on Facebook.  Colvin had covered this Steve Earle song on her 1994 album Cover Girl, so it only makes sense that on this collaboration album they would perform the song as a duet!

15.  Heaven (Nouvelle Vague) - Another cover song by an artist I'd forgotten.  French band Nouvelle Vague was one of my fave projects when they first started doing bossa nova versions of New Wave songs back in 2004!  They slipped off my radar until I saw this while browsing online - a great Psychedelic Furs tune remade a la Nouvelle Vague.  Look for a Nouvelle Vague anniversary album to come out this year!

16.  Alright (Pony Pony Run Run) - More danceable delights from France, although this tune is arguably more disco than bossa nova!
 
17.  Back in the USA (Linda Ronstadt) - I always like to include a patriotic song for July's playlists, and since we already had Linda Ronstadt on board for the Trio song (#3) it seemed fitting to choose her version of Chuck Berry's "Back in the USA".  The album photo of her on roller skates wearing her satin jacket and short-shorts is probably one of my favorite pics of all time.  #Classic

So that's July!  Hope everyone has a safe and happy 4th of July, and we'll see you in August!