Brant's April 2018 Playlist

Does this bonnet make my playlist look big?

If there was ever a comeback story, I guess it has to be Easter.  Coming back from the dead is about as good as it gets!  It's kind of poetic that it falls on April Fool's Day this year.  "Guess what?  I'm not dead!  April Fools!!!"  As I was looking over this month's tunes, I noticed a lot of comebacks.  Chris Collingwood from Fountains of Wayne in the 00s, Lisa Stansfield and Meshell Ndegeocello from the 1990s, Jimmy Somerville from the 1980s, and 1970s rockers Fanny with their newly christened group, Fanny Walked the Earth!  I guess it's never too late to put yourself back in the spotlight.  So without further adieu, let's put this month's playlist in the spotlight!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Alfie's Song /Not So Typical Love Song/ (Bleachers) - Jack Antonoff gets our Easter hoppin' with some festive Indie Pop from the Love, Simon Soundtrack.

2.  Laughing Gas (the Fratellis) - Scottish rockers, whose band is named after the criminal family in "the Goonies" serve up some danceable alt-rock vibes.

3.  Short Court Style (Natalie Prass) - I put her cover of Anita Baker's "Caught Up in the Rapture" on my December 2015 playlist, so what a treat to have Natalie Prass back with more R&B-flavored pop!

4.  Don't Disturb This Groove (Meshell Ndegeocello) - Her latest album, "Ventriloquism", is full of delicious covers so it was hard to choose just one!  In the end, I chose this unexpected interpretation of The System's 1987 hit.

5.  Cookie Jar (Chris Collingwood) - Fountains of Wayne founding member records under his own name for 2009 tribute album "Ciao My Shining Star".

6.  Overload /Extended Version/ (Jimmy Somerville) - Spotify suggested this to me, and I'll be eternally grateful.  I've always loved Jimmy, since his days with Bronski Beat and the Communards.  I had no idea he had released this album in 2015, entitled "Homage", which was recorded in loving tribute to the disco music he adored as a teenager.  The songs are all new, but inspired by and recorded using the lush orchestrations common from that era.  This extended version always gets me going - I'd love for someone to mash it up with Michael Jackson's "Don't Stop Til You Get Enough"!

7.  Everything (Lisa Stansfield) - Funky new new from the glorious Lisa Stansfield!  She sounds as good as ever.

8.  Real Love (Jesse Royal) - Reggae slow-jam from Jamaican star.

9.  Lil' Girl's Name (Charley Crockett) - Former New Orleans street performer brings some rootsy vibes to his country blues music (and yes, he's related to Davy Crockett).

10.  Lured Away (Fanny Walked the Earth) - Back in the day, Fanny was part of the 1970s Los Angeles music scene.  Crazy that they never made it big, but it's great to hear them again!

11.  I Feel Like I'm Drowning (Two Feet) - NYC singer/songwriter Zachary William Dess keeps the blues/rock feels going with his latest single.

12.  Today Is the Day (Eels) - Long-running Indie rock band is going strong with this new single from their 12th studio album.

13.  Bad Bad News (Leon Bridges) - Jazzy retro-funk from Texas artist.

14.  In the Rain (Le Flex) - I just featured another Le Flex tune on my February 2018 playlist, but this London artist is putting out music faster than I can keep up with!  Love his easy synth-pop stylings!

15.  Have You Never Been Mellow? (Juliana Hatfield) - Is there anyone out there who doesn't love Olivia Newton-John?!?  If so - I hope I never meet them.  Juliana Hatfield's latest is chock full of loving tributes to ONJ.  I was psyched to see she included some of Olivia's 1970s hits (like this one!) in addition to the great 1980s songs like "Physical" and "Xanadu".

16.  Little Sister (Trixie Mattel) - RuPaul's Drag Race contestant proves she is a solid songwriter in addition to being a drag superstar!  Shantay, you stay!

17.  Bye Bye Darling (BØRNS) - 1970s style ballad from Michigan glam-rocker.

So that's April's Playlist (no foolin'!).  Hope everyone has a glorious Spring and I'll see you in May!

Brant's October 2025 Playlist

E'er'body in dis crypt gettin' tipsy!

It's the most wonderful time of the year!!!  I still haven't decided on a Halloween costume, but I do have this month's playlist ready to go.  We've got some new stuff, some not-so-new stuff, and lots of Halloween or at least Halloween-adjacent goodies for your seasonal parties!  Enjoy!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  She Got the Moon (Berry Juice feat. Deirdre) - No word on if Berry Juice is related to Beetlejuice, but I dug the spooky, nighttime vibes of this song and figured it was a nice way to start us off! 

2.  Software (Hotel Apache) - Is New Jack Swing making a comeback???  [See also - Sabrina Carpenter's "House Tour"]  I'd be fine with that!  

3.  In Plain Sight (Khalid) - Frequent Brantworld listee is back with some danceable pop.

4.  Little By Little (Nicholas Cangiano) - Canadian singer/songwriter serves up some slinky soul!

5.  Skin of My Teeth (the Strumbellas) - More glorious music from our friends up North!  We've had the Strumbellas on two previous playlists, and I always love their retro 60's garage band stylings!  

6.  1st World Blues (Bright Eyes) - Two things I love (Conor Oberst & ska) come together in one glorious package!  The pointed lyrics are especially relevant these days.  

7.  That Old Black Magic (Keely Smith & Louis Prima) - A mid-century classic that's perfect for Halloween cocktails!  Can't believe I haven't put this on previous playlists! 

8.  Let's Dream in the Moonlight (Laufey) - One of my fave new artists covers Billie Holiday?!?  Yes, please!

9.  Vampire Bat (Glass Animals) - Groovy Indie rock with a Halloween slant!

10.  Chambermaid (Suzanne Vega) - Some songwriters just live within my DNA.  Suzanne Vega is one of them.  Since her debut album in 1985, I have adored this woman.  What a treat to have her drop a new album!  This tribute to Bob Marley was a standout for me.  

11.  Ain't As Pretty a Blue (Fleeland) - More comforting acoustic folk.  I couldn't find out much about this band, but hopefully we'll be hearing more from them.

12.  The Cut That Always Bleeds /Live/ (Conan Gray) - I saw Conan last week!  This live track absolutely captures the vibe - EVERYONE was singing along.  This kid has some serious vocal range, too.  Catch him if he comes to your town!

13.  My Only Angel (Aerosmith & YUNGBLUD) - Aerosmith is NOT afraid to team up with some young 'uns, and the results are always fantabulous!  First Run DMC in the 1980s - now YUNGBLUD.  Great musical synergy by two great artists.    

14.  Space Between Us (Franc Moody) - I'm getting ELO vibes from this UK band in all the best ways.  

15.  The Bellboy /One Last Crush/ (Suki Waterhouse) - Atmospheric rock ballad from UK artist and frequent Brantworld listee.  Back in the day we would've lit our lighters and swayed to the music as she sang this on stage!

16.  Na$ty (Kirby) - Funky R&B with a message!  "Memphis-born, Mississippi-bred" singer/songwriter has penned tunes for everyone from Ariana Grande to Kanye West!  

17.  Ramblin' Jones (Whiskey Myers) - Texas band keeps the Southern funk vibe going!

18.  All Around Cowboy (Charley Crockett) - We had him on last month's playlist, and I'm still enjoying Charley's latest album!  Here's another fave pick.  

19.  Unholy /Disclosure Remix/ (Sam Smith & Kim Petras) - This got overplayed in the clubs when it was released, but it makes a lovely addition to any Halloween party playlist! 

20.  After Dark (Pattie Brooks) - Far be it for me to neglect to add a disco tune to any party playlist!  It's not exactly a Halloween song, but the themes are definitely Halloween-adjacent.  And with a driving beat such as this, do we really care???  

So that's October's playlist!  Hope everyone has a spook-tacular Halloween and I'll see you in November! 

Brant's July 2026 Playlist

 

Upon refection (see what I did there?), perhaps we should
have gone with Nikki Haley or Kamala Harris for President...

America's 250th year, and it seems more like a stint in purgatory.  Nobody's ready to pull the plug on our country but it's fair to say the mood is not exactly celebratory!  This month's list dials back the dance tunes of last month, but hopefully isn't serving funeral dirges.  There are a lot of returning favorites - basically aural comfort food!  Seems like it also skews retro (maybe the 1960s?).  Anyway, to listen on Spotify, click HERE.  Enjoy!

1.  High Hopes 3000 (Role Model) - Our first returning fave!  I'm getting T. Rex vibes here, which is a perfect fit for Role Model's jaunty delivery.

2.  Against the Grain (Julianna Riolino) - Young Canadian singer/songwriter keeps the retro feels coming with this alt country ditty. 

3.  Crumb (Prima Queen) - Indie UK duo delivers some sunny pop vibes perfect for summer.

4.  Rain Dance (Matt Jaffe) - San Francisco artist sounds like a quirky 80s band from your favorite mixtape!

5.  Hoops (Milk & Bone feat. Chromeo) - They had me at Chromeo, but this Canadian band's tantalizing vocals only sweeten the pot! 

6.  I Can Take the Sun Out of the Sky (Brigitte Calls Me Baby) - Another great song from Chicago band's latest release! 

7.  Rain (Dagny) - Dagny has been on multiple Brantworld playlists, but this new album is the closest I can recall to her doing full-on dance music!  Viva Disco Dagny!!!  

8.  Body Talk (Mr. Fantasy) - Gary turned me on to this guy!  Jamiroquai-influenced dance pop from the artist who may or may not be KJ Apa.

9.  Friends Again (Baby Rose & Leon Thomas) - Slinky R&B as hot as the July nights!

10.  America (Charley Crockett) - I was looking for a USA themed song for this month that wasn't too tone-deaf or jingoistic.  Charley to the rescue! 

11.  What Kind of Man Are You (Genya Ravan) - I have been on a Genya Ravan kick lately!  How did I miss her first time around???  Anyway, this is an early song of hers after she left Goldie & the Gingerbreads.  I HIGHLY encourage people to check her out! 

12.  Broke Bitch Boogie (Baby Nova) - Definitely 1960s vibes with a 2020's edge!  

13.  Meet the New Swamp (Jesse Welles) - Upbeat folk-rock from critically acclaimed singer-songwriter.

14.  Back in Your Red Chevy (Holly Humberstone) - Sometimes a stripped-down version of a song really adds to the emotional resonance.  Case in point... 

15.  Audrey Hepburn (Maisie Peters) - We last had this English artist on our February 2024 playlist, and now she's back!  

16.  Freaking Out (Michigander) - Another Brantworld listee returns! 

17.  My Body Isn't Ready (sombr) - At this point, Grammy-nominated sombr needs no introduction, and it's good to hear new music from him! 

18.  Anywhere But On My Mind (lovelytheband) - The latest from West Coast US band! 

19.  The Best (Conan Gray) - A personal fave of mine whose songwriting never fails to resonate.  

20. When That Man Is Dead and Gone (Lizzy & the Triggermen) - This was originally written about Hitler, so it certainly couldn't apply to anyone today!  

So that's July's playlist!  Hope everyone makes the most of the month & I'll see you in August!  

Brant's August 2024 Playlist

Here we are in August 2024!  So what's been going on?  Summer Olympics in Paris.  As all great art should, the imagery (religious undertones referencing Jesus' Last Supper, Dionysus's Feast, etc) has upset some people.  I didn't take it too personally, although there were portraits of famous people submerged up to their eyes in the Seine and I found that a little unnerving. Was this a statement on people overwatering their summer lawns?  Who can say?  Overall, I think France did a good job with the event.   But speaking of feasts - we've got a heaping helpin' of new music to enjoy!  Dig in HERE.   

1.  Pretty Vicious (the Struts) - Frequent Brantworld listees kick us off with this alt offering!  

2.  Goon (Dear Rouge) - Tasty punk rock from Juno Award-winning Canadian duo.  

3.  Toro (Remi Wolf) - I'm thoroughly enjoying Remi Wolf's new album.  If the Powers That Be want to make her our next big pop star, I'm down with that! 

4.  Run Away Girl (Alice Merton) - I heard this on Alt Nation's Top 18 and decided to share it.  Her bio says she is British based and is German/Irish/Canadian, so it sounds like this "runaway girl" has covered a lot of ground.  

5.  Tangerine /Roosevelt Remix/ (Tommy Newport) - It's always fun when two artists you like team up!  Here we have Newport & Roosevelt with a peppy pop collaboration.

6.  Breakthrough (Emmy Meli) - Young American R&B/pop star has an appealing confidence beyond her years.  

7.  Wild Horses (Mondo Cozmo) - Every now and again I like to look up an artist that I enjoyed back in the day.  What a treat to find new stuff from this rocker.  I'm getting lots of Rolling Stones references in the lyrics.  

8.  Levi (Stop Light Observations) - Catchy folk rock from Charleston, SC band.

9.  Ready (Troy Javelona) - Why aren't more people making slinky bedroom jams like this today???

10.  Showman Dan (Madeleine Peyroux) - Oh, Madeleine, how I've missed you!  Another old fave whose return I welcome with open arms!  She's also great in concert if you get a chance to see her. 

11.  It's All Good, Kid (DellaXOZ) - Young British chanteuse has a knack for catchy pop hooks! 

12.  Lift You Up (Jessie Ware with Romy) - Eric turned me on to this.  Two more fantabulous talents who've joined forces to make magic!  Danceable pop to get your pulse racing.  

13.  Substitution (Purple Disco Machine feat. Julian Perretta) - Purple Disco Machine never disappoints.  This dance number also brings to mind great 80s New Wave acts like Talk Talk and Bronksi Beat.  

14.  Good Luck, Babe! (Chappell Roan) - Yaaaaas, queen!  Up and coming Pop Princess continues to serve engaging and catchy numbers.  

15.  3 Sisters (Waxahatchee) - Okay, I'm noticing there are a lot of returning favorite acts on here.  Not that it's a bad thing.  Waxahatchee has a voice that goes straight to your heart.  No autotune needed.  

16.  Loser's Lounge (Charley Crockett) - Classic country vibes to go with your end-of-summer blues.  

17.  Whatever That Is (the Bygones) - This is from the debut album of folk duo Joshua Lee Turner and Allison Young.  Can't wait to hear more from them.  

18.  Favourite (Fontaines DC) - Energetic Alt Rock from Irish band (wait- they're NOT from Washington DC???)

19.  Apple (Charli XCX) - Another frequent Brantworld listee (and now Kamala Harris endorser) leans into her club days with this newest tune.  

20.  BONUS TRACK - Slay Bitch  (Remi Wolf) - I was torn whether to include "Toro" or this song on my August playlist.  Finally I decided NOT to decide - they're both awesome.  

So that's August's playlist!  Hope everyone enjoys the rest of their summer and I'll see you next month!  

Brant's May 2026 Playlist

I like to call this one "Doctor on a Dinosaur". 

May is here, and we've got a new playlist just in time for the weekend!  In anticipation of Pride next month, we've got Lady Gaga (with Doechii!) AND Madonna (with Sabrina Carpenter!).  We've also got new stuff from returning faves, and waterfowl in the singular AND plural!  Hope you enjoy.  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Having You Around (yardsale) - So apparently there are several bands with this name or very similar.  This particular one is a trio of guys.  Anyway, it had an easygoing summer vibe that felt appropriate to kick things off!  

2.  Drunk Dialing (Holly Humberstone) - Another track off Holly's new album!  

3.  Madalena (Goose) - Some of my fraternity brothers turned me on to this band!  Very much a Jackson Browne vibe here that I'm digging.  It's also the first of our singular/plural waterfowl! 

4.  Kentucky Too Long (Charley Crockett) - The latest from frequent Brantworld listee continues his old-school country immersion!  

5.  Let Me Take You Out Tonight (Marc Broussard) - I just caught Marc this week in concert and he was fantastic.  He describes his music as Bayou Soul, which seems pretty accurate.  I'm getting Leon Russell, BB King, and even a dash of Brian Setzer!  Catch him if he comes to your town!

6.  Tiny Raisin (Suki Waterhouse) - English singer-songwriter has a new album coming out, and I can't wait!  Energetic and youthful pop rock to get you on your feet!

7.  Sunshine State (Pixey) - Another frequent listee who never disappoints!  

8.  Runway (Lady Gaga & Doechii) - This is from the new Devil Wears Prada sequel.  I'm a tad apprehensive about the movie, but happily endorse this dance floor strutter!  

9.  Sophie (Haute & Freddy) - My love of this new band continues unabated!  

10.  Save My Love (Kygo feat. Khalid and Gryffin) - Peppy collaboration to get your summer celebrations going! 

11.  Bring Your Love (Madonna & Sabrina Carpenter) - Power Pairing from two gay icons!  Will it give Madge the comeback she's striving for?  TBD...  

12.  Love Ain't Sh*t (Jai'Len Josey) - Bold and blunt R&B from Atlanta artist.

13.  Madwoman (Laufey) - Come for the groovy music, stay for the Hudson Williams video! 

14.  Cobra (Geese) - The second of our goose/geese offerings!  These guys (completely unrelated to Goose) feature singer Cameron Winter and his unique vocal stylings.  Their music veers from quirky to just bizarre, but I did like this one.    

15.  Virginia Slim /from the Garage/ (Laufey) - Acoustic version of the single from her debut album.  

16.  A Little Bit of Your Love (Doris Duke) - This was on a disco box set I recently bought.  I'd never heard this 1975 single, but love the classic soul influences on display here.  

17.  Carol (the Eagles) - Also from 1975, this is from the Deluxe Edition of the "One of These Nights" album.  The Eagles cover Chuck Berry, and do a great job with it!

18.  Door (Conan Gray) - Speaking of Deluxe Editions, Conan just released Wishbone Deluxe.  I can't get enough of this bonus track, written while he was touring last year.  He's also another great artist to catch if he comes to your town!

19.  Sunlight to My Soul (Angelique Kidjo with Soweto Gospel Choir) - Sunny, exotic and happy vibes to close us out for May!  

So that's this month's playlist!  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see you in June! 

Brant's September 2025 Playlist

I'M MAKING PLAYLISTS GREAT AGAIN!!!  EVERYONE SAYS SO.   
PEOPLE CAN'T STOP TALKING ABOUT IT! 

With the holiday weekend already underway, I decided to put September's playlist out early.  I leaned into the rock stuff, but there's a little bit of everything.  Hope everyone has a great holiday weekend!  To listen on Spotify, click HERE.

1.  Paint a Picture (the Hives) - I didn't realize how much I missed these guys until their new album came out.  If there were ever a time we needed rebellious rock-n-roll, I'd say it's now.  As Paste Magazine so eloquently says:  "As the United States' plunge into mouth-breathing Christofascist authoritarianism, both inevitable and ahead of schedule against expectation, caps off a worldwide embrace of strongman leadership buttressed by crony morons and fueled by subcultures whose loudest voices are only in the game to profit from oppression, cruelty, and hatred - a full-throated 'fuck you' is required."

2.  Balcony (Teen Jesus & the Jean Teasers) - And the award for Best Band Name goes to... They also serve up some energizing punk rock!  

3.  I Wish I Knew How to Quit You (Sombr) - Young up and comer, featured in June's playlist, has dropped a full album!  He's definitely one to watch moving forward.  

4.  Take a Sexy Picture of Me (CMAT) - My friend Tyler actually mentioned this song to me weeks ago.  I made a mental note but didn't follow up and actually listen to the song until recently.  Should've known I'd grow to love it!  I'd had CMAT on my April 2022 playlist, but she had slipped off my radar.  The lesson is:  Surround yourself with people who have great taste in music.  They'll keep you on track even when you get distracted! 

5.  Twin Flame (the Aces) - Catchy pop rock from reliable Indie band.  

6.  Supersonic Love Divine (Paavo with Billy Vena) - The best comeback song Justin Timberlake never released!  

7.  Cinnamon Light /Desert Fire Mix/ (Alison Goldfrapp) - Hard to believe it's been 20 years since "Supernature" came out!  Goldfrapp continues to release great EDM to this day.  

8.  Some of My Best Friends Are the Blues (Melissa Morgan) - I recently caught Melissa Morgan in concert.  She opened with this great number, and I knew it would be a fantabulous night.  It's nice to see jazz is still thriving in certain circles.  

9.  The Question (Balu Brigada) - New Zealand Indie rockers are still going strong!  This is from their sophomore album, "Portal".  

10.  Castle in Hollywood (Laufey) - More jazzy vibes from frequent Brantworld listee.  

11.  Cudn't Be Me (Jessie Reyez) - This Canadian singer/songwriter is becoming one of my go-to's for great R&B.  

12.  Old School Love (Easy Freak) - South African duo has definitely studied at the School of Nile Rodgers, and I'm here for it!  Summery R&B disco.  

13.  Lighthouse (Tim Atlas & NoMBe) - Easygoing jazzy house perfect for late-night relaxing and cocktails.  

14.  Waiting to Love You (Ruston Kelly) - Kacey Musgraves' husband is a fantastic singer/songwriter on his own!  Check him out if you haven't already.  

15.  Crucified Son (Charley Crockett) - Worth buying for the album cover alone (I told a fraternity brother he looks like a recurring villain on "Dukes of Hazzard"!) - but the Southern country rock is on point as well!  

16.  Los Angeles (Big Thief) - Warm, acoustic folk that surrounds you like a hug.  

17.  Caramel (Conan Gray) - The latest from American pop singer!  Can't wait to see him in concert this month! 

18.  Blurry Lights (Ax & the Hatchetmen feat. Albert Hammond Jr) - Chicago rockers team up with a member of the Strokes for this headbanging ditty!  

19.  Bloodline (Truman Sinclair) - Old school Bob Dylan-styled folk/rock from young singer/songwriter. 

20.  The Actor (Willow Avalon) - We last had this Georgia singer/songwriter on last March's playlist!  She was recently named one of the Top Artists to Watch 2025 by "The Tennessean".  

21.  Night & Day (DUX feat. Stan Taylor) - I don't know much about this artist, but I love the Micheal Jackson circa "Off the Wall" years vibe!  

So that's September's playlist!  Hope everyone has a great month and I'll see you in October!