So this Playlist was one I created but forgot to send out. I’ll try my best to remember my reasoning for adding each song without adding too much hindsight (though I guess that could be interesting too).
- Shape of You (Remix) by Ed Sheeran, Major Lazer, Nyla & Kranium
Admittedly, I’m not very familiar with Nyla or Kranium’s work beyond this song. But I really enjoy Major Lazer and Ed Sheeran is something of a guilty pleasure of mine. Mr. Sheeran’s first two albums + and x were great in my book. His music only became a guilty pleasure after his third album came out and I felt like all of the rough edges and personality were finally polished off.
So even though Rihanna allegedly said Diplo made “airport reggae”, this remix is head and shoulders above the original in my book.
2. Moving On And Getting Over by John Mayer
I’ve been a John Mayer fan since his first album came out. To me, his music is interesting because you can feel the current of three smaller streams flowing into and through the larger body of work. His melodic pop star sensibilities, confessional singer/songwriter lyrics, and fiery blues-rock guitar sometimes have to take turns at the forefront. But at the best of times, they work seamlessly together. I would say that sweet spot is what makes Continuum such a high watermark in his discography and I think this song gets pretty close to also striking the balance. I think it is also interesting that the album featuring this song, The Search for Everything, came on the heels of a two album foray into folk/americana music (which I also thoroughly enjoyed). Aa a collection, TSFE seemed to lack a cohesive direction like past project but it still contained some great songs.
3. Dog Years by Maggie Rogers
Of all the amazing music that Pharrell has given us over the years, I personally put Maggie Rogers right up at the top among those I’m most thankful. I love folk and I love electronica and her unique blend of the two is impeccable. “Alaska” was one of the most refreshing things I had heard recently when I discovered it and the internet was right to love the organic way that it came to all of us (via viral video of a student critique session if you haven’t seen it). I remember the wait seeming agonizingly long before the official audio was released. People were ripping the audio from the video and cleaning it up the best they could before passing it on. What could possibly be the hold up? we wondered in frustration. Then the EP finally came out featuring “Alaska”, “Dog Years”, and other great songs. And we realized that Maggie Rogers was here to stay a while and wanted us to have plenty to talk about before she unpacked.
4. Love by Lana del Rey
Somehow Lust For Life kind of slipped by me when it first came out but I did eventually circle back to it. “Video Games”, “Born To Die”, and “Blue Jeans” seemed to exist in a sonic world unto themselves when they came out all those years ago. Unfortunately, a lot of Lana’s subsequent music thereafter felt more interested in maintaining a consistent aesthetic rather than exploring new territory. Don’t get me wrong… whenever I am in the mood to listen to a Disney princess in the midst of a major depressive episode croon over lush strings, Lana has always been and probably always will be my go-to. And that happens more often than I care to admit. If anything, this song just drives home the point that doing one thing really, exceptionally well is sometimes just as powerful as having a large variety of tools in the toolbox. I love it.
5. Love and Mercy by Brian Wilson
Directly and indirectly, Brian Wilson probably shaped popular music in the 20th century as much as just about anyone else. I don’t think I’m unique in feeling that way. But because of that, I also don’t feel the need to ramble on ad nauseum about his genius.
I will say this. I think there is power in the words and intentions we put out into the universe. I’ve always loved the idea of using music to try covering listeners with good mojo or protective energies or well wishes or whatever euphemism for good vibes makes you feel the most comfortable. (Maybe this is from my morbid fascination with music biographies that so often end with the hero’s untimely demise traveling from one gig to the next or maybe it’s from this scene from Walk The Line, but I always try to leave my audience with a sincere parting message.) I appreciate when geniuses of our time turn their powers in their craft toward such goals.
6. White Flag by Joseph
I discovered Joseph from their Tiny Desk concert. This song was such an earworm that I often catch myself singing it randomly to myself. Their whole set is great and I recommend checking it out if you like this song.
7. Who Built The Moon by Shinyribs
Shinyribs is one of those hidden treasures that’s just out there waiting for you to find them. They do some really killer covers in all of their various configurations but their originals are just as good. What I like so much about this song is that it’s really digging into the important questions. If we don’t know where we (and the moon) come from, then we can’t possibly know where we’re going.
That’s all I’ve got for now but expect more very, very soon. Until then, keep your hands to yourself and your eyes turned to heaven!
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