Are you ready to feel the groove?
I'm switching things up a little bit this time around for my monthly playlist, so hope you're ready to pick up what I'm puttin' down. If you read my last music post, you'll know I'm sort of on a heightened 70's kick right now, and while I'm not saying this playlist is all Studio 54 disco jams, I've been inspired to think a little bit more about the past, and not just brand new music you need to hear now. My music acquiring habits lately has revolved around finding, simply put, good music, that doesn't necessarily have to be new. I guess it's always about good music but hey, just figured I'd try and introduce some sort of theme for this. You'll find another pattern in this month's edition, which is bookending tracks from one of my all time favorite artists, Flume, who's on the verge of releasing his new album, Skin. He's so far only released the two songs you'll find included, and I confess I've listened to each at least twice every day since they dropped. Once you hear them you'll realize why.
So, get your speakers ready, and put your boogie shoes, and get ready to rock out.
1. Flume - Smoke & Retribution feat. Vince Staples and Kučka
I don't even know how to do this song justice with a description... At first listen, it's super weird and kind of catches you off guard (in classic Flume fashion), but once you make it past the first chorus and you hear that crazy beat drop in again, you'll never want this song to end. At least, that's how I felt ;)
2. Incredible Bongo Band - Apache
Ah, Apache... one of the most iconic melodies in classic rock and both old school and modern hip hop. This tune makes an appearance just about everywhere, and it's one of those jams that you can't help yourself from bustin' a move to. I recently heard this version by Incredible Bongo Band and it just takes me back to watching breakdancing competitions in warehouses, or alternatively, surfing videos circa The Endless Summer. Can you dig it!
3. Chance The Rapper - Angels feat. Saba
The SECOND you wake up, put on this song. And as soon as you get in the car with your crew on a sunny day, put this song on. Honestly, always have this song on. The vibes are so real, and the lyrics are so uplifting and quotable, it's impossible to have a bad day once you hear this. Composed by Chance, Saba, Lido (!!!), Peter Cottontale, Nate Fox & Donnie Trumpet for The Social Experiment, this was destined to be gold. And it is.
4. Rae Sremmurd - This Could Be Us (Nosleep Remix)
Despite the name of the producer, I think I definitely slept on this one seeing as it came out almost a year ago and I've only recently had the pleasure of bustin' a move to this. This original version always made me feel like a empowered badass, but Nosleep's twist on it makes that sense of authority taste that much sweeter. Now bounce.
5. Justin Jay & Friends - Karma feat. Josh Taylor & Benny Bridges
Summery, yacht vibes intertwine with dark, deep house bass lines in this one, culminating in a tune that I would love to hear at some sort of moonlit, beach side bonfire extravaganza.
6. Whilk and Misky - Babe I'm Yours
Another life motif I've recently been binging on - the Old, Wild West. Inspired by Tarantino's latest, The Hateful 8, and accentuated by striving to embrace the rich, Texan culture I'm surrounded by on a daily basis, I can't get enough of the combination of outlaws, whiskey, fast-paced horse chases and the past anarchy of the untamed West. This song came to me from one of my best friends who is currently lives Colorado, and as soon as I heard it, all I could imagine was the snowy mountains of a rustic ski village, old saloons and aspen trees. Lemme know what you envision :)
7. Mssingno - XE3 (Wheathin Turn)
If you like Flume, or up-tempo future music with a lot of bass, then you need to know Chicago's upcoming producer, Wheathin. He's new to the scene, but he's already garnered a pretty considerable following, and has been releasing a lot of new music (albeit mostly remixes). Keep your eye on him.
8. Goldfish - Heart Shaped Box feat. Julia Church
Goldfish, the electronic veteran duo from South Africa, did an excellent job of flipping a classic Nirvana track into an addicting, house-influenced future jam. Julia Church's vocals are heavenly, and if you're really digging the Goldfish vibe, check out their remix of Rodriguez's "Sugar Man."
9. The Geek x Vrv - I Shouldn't Know
Recommended for fans of Griz and Big Gigantic, this song is pretty much fire. Whoever this collaborative group is, they do a great job of mixing electronic and soul in an updated, innovative way. They keep it fresh.
10. Mazde - Battas feat. LissA
I'm going to describe this song in my own words, and then quote Mazde's own words on what exactly his style is. The song according to me: Sexy, sultry, electronic, good for late nights, chill sessions, initiating romantic vibes (but maybe not for during them), or driving fast with your hand out the window. Now, for Mazde's self-described bio: "Take his dad's obsession with Jack Johnson, mix it with East Europe's obsession with dance music, add some Chrome Sparks, Ta-Ku, Jamie xx, Hayden James and more and bake for 10 minutes, then you have Mazde." As elaborate as it sounds, it pretty much nails it.
11. Janita - In Your Sunshine (NegiumBeats Remix)
I seem to always have one track on these playlists that's just some sort of rhythmic, instrumental melody, like a cute little accessory to all the strong, stand alone songs. "In Your Sunshine" takes the spot this month, for a sparkly melody that makes you want to shake your booty and play in the sun.
12. Just Kiddin' - Thinking About It
As I said, this playlist isn't just about brand new music. This song in particular is likely one everyone who listens to these playlist has heard at least once since it was released, either in a mixtape or in passing somewhere. I've definitely been aware of it for some time. However, I was recently in a yoga class where my teacher played this and I rediscovered the melody in a whole new light, and it was really amazing. I guess the meaning in that is, that music is dimensional, and shouldn't only be listened to once or in a consistent setting. Sometimes, listening to something you've already heard in a new situation will open the door for you to hear, and experience, something new. Kinda something that applies for everything else in life. Try and see (and hear) the world with a fresh slate, every day.
13. Anderson .Paak - The Season / Carry Me
If you follow hip hop, you've probably been seeing .Paak's name popping up more and more as of late. The producer, formerly known (and loved by me) as Breezy Lovejoy, has been making waves in the industry. This song comes from his sophomore album, Venice, which is spreading like fire in the wake of .Paak working with artists such as Dr. Dre, 9th Wonder, The Game, and ScHoolboy Q. Cheers to this dude, killin' the game.
14. Kanye West - Real Friends
I've been v into old Kanye lately. From "It All Falls Down" to "Everything I Am," I've really been thriving on that old school, sensitive with humble beginnings Mr. West. So when I heard this delicate instrumental beginning, paired with that adorable sweater he dons in the album artwork, I knew this was just the Kanye I've been hoping to see again. Now I'm just shaking in my boots for his album to drop.
15. Flight Facilities - Heart Attack feat. Owl Eyes (SNAKEHIPS Remix)
If you know me, you know I *love* Snakehips, and I also really love Owl Eyes. Snakehips is getting a lot of (well-deserved) hype for some of their other most recent releases, so I thru this one on here in case some of you missed it, and also so you can be serenaded by the sweet as honey voice of Owl Eyes.
16. Marcus Marr & Chet Faker - Birthday Card
This song comes from a recent EP collab between Chet Faker and producer Marcus Marr, which is an EP I implore that you download somehow, ASAP in its entirety. As if you needed another reason to like anything Chet Faker does, I love the songs from this collab bc they defy "typical" song structures, clocking in at around 6 - 9 minutes, and build in a progressive way that makes you truly appreciate every element of the song. Great songs for being in transit.
17. Choir of Young Believers - Hollow Talk
This song... means a lot to me. Initially because it's the theme song to my FAVORITE show, "Bron" (which I really urge all of you to watch at some point), and so with that it carries all of the emotions from the show, but also, it captures a really beautiful mood. The piano starts off by telling a story a deep, unresolved sorrow, and as the song grows, the dynamic changes from agony to acceptance to a sort of struggle to overcome, and then circles back in a way that reminds me of the fact that sometimes, life is inevitable suffering (s/o to Buddha, my man). And this song makes it something you can embrace. I hope. Sorry for the over the top poetic rant there, I just have really strong feelings about the power of this song :)
18. Minnie Riperton - Les Fleurs
And on the note of coming full circle, here we come back to our themes of the month. This song hit me while watching "Inherent Vice," a great but somewhat confusing film I might note, but nonetheless carries with it the weight of 70's awesomeness and enlightenment. Now excuse me while I go search for this on vinyl.
19. Flume - Never Be Like You feat. Kai
This was actually the first of Flume's releases from his Skin album, so I'm assuming most of you have already indulged in it but if you haven't prepare for Flume is all his glory. I'm not much for pop music, at all, but the lyrics of this track, in part with the jammin' beat, has got me hooked. Truly can't wait for what the rest of the album holds.
Annnnnd that's it for this month, folks! Remember, if you have any tracks you can't get out of your head, feel free to send them my way so I can include them on my next edition! Hats off for now, happy listening. xo