I did in fact not post the August playlist in a little bit. This is a bit of a tough hobby to get in the habit of, but we try regardless!
1. Se Queres Saber by Nana Caymmi
The tone of her voice, the drifting horns, the soft crackle in the recording, and the gentle but driving plinking of the piano make this feeling like a soft warm daydream.
2. You've Got a Woman by Lion
Come for the drums, stay for the ooooo's and the guitars.
3. Beautiful Machine (Studio Demo) by SpaceArk
The quickest way to get me to listen to a song is adding "Demo" to the end of the title. This one has it all, lofi recording, super smooth kinda off vocal, guitar solo, vibes, bridge, fade out.
4. Never Gonna Leave You by Evans Pyramid
A disco song that leans a bit more ballad-y. Been saying a lot about this month's playlist, but I really do enjoy a singer with a sorta weird voice. The "No, I'll never leave you." layered vocal at the end is beautiful.
5. Janine by Arthur Russell
I've slowly been working through Arthur Russell's discography. "Love Is Overtaking Me", the project this song is on, was released in 2004, and is more guitar driven compared to 2000s "Calling Out of Context". Though it still contains much of the fun and experimental bits of Russell's production, I think this compilation of work really highlights his ability to write and verbalize feelings and emotions with a sense of earnestness, directness, and humor that I really appreciate, relate to, and hope to evoke in everything that I do. "Calling Out Of Context" is such a powerful body of work because it feels so experimental and forward thinking, "Love Is Overtaking Me" is proof that it's not all novelty and production, the songwriting is absolutely a factor.
6. Rufufus by Remi Wolf
I don't really know what to say about this besides I really enjoy how it was produced. Side chain compression I think.
7. One Wish (ft. Childish Gambino) by Ravyn Lenae
I love Ravyn Lenae, and that guitar riff.
8. Let Your Heart Be Free by Patrice Rushen
In hindsight, I must've really been in a Patrice mood. That baseline and the percussion are killer. It's funny cause it weirdly feels like there's a sense of restraint, like they're just holding back a little tiny bit while performing the song, and I absolutely love it.
9. Slow Fast Hazel by Stereolab
Stereolab makes really good thinking music. Find a window or a nice view and plant yourself in front of it, let this song be your companion.
10. People by Experience Unlimited & E.U.
Writing this in February is funny because I know for a fact this song would be (and likely was) excellent on a walk when it is sunny and 72 degrees. It's been gloomy and in the 50s/60s so I'll just have to enjoy this one in the car and house for now.
11. Tender Game by Swamp Children
I love the electric piano and drums with that ride. This song has a bit of a foreboding feeling, but the way the progression eventually resolves is pretty satisfying.
12. Eviction Scene by Melvin Van Peebles
I watched a screening of Watermelon Man (1970) directed by Melvin Van Peebles at the New Beverly and this song immediately stuck out to me while watching. Imagine being a genius director and still finding a way to make compelling music for your movies. I don't even particularly like the change around 3:08, but I love the first half so much, I'll let it slide.
13. It Never Rains in Southern California by Tony! Toni! Toné!
Must've also been in a Tony! Toni! Toné! mood. Raphael Saadiq is amazing. They were so so good at writing hooks.
14. Tell Me What It's Like by Nia Archives
It feels like in the past couple years, UK artists and genres (DnB, Jungle, Garage, even Drill) have really had a moment and rightfully so. It's really fun to listen to.
