It's been a long since I came around... Been a long time but I'm back in town.
And this time I've got a helluva lotta tunes for you!
Truth is, contrary to popular belief, excluding my two month adventure last summer, I've actually been in Dallas this whole time... Haven't left Texas yet! Just been working away to earn the money to afford to keep this domain, you know. Well, that's not entirely true. I did do some adventuring over winter break, as I'll get into, but regardless! This isn't about me, this is about YOU and THE MUSIC. And boy do I have a lot of it for you!
The past few months have certainly been intense work wise and I apologize to my loyal readers for putting the Känsla updates on the backburner but, the good news is, I've collected so many songs from so many different corners of my universe for you that I can't even share all of them yet. But today, you'll find 50 of the best ones so far and I hope that keeps you pretty occupied for a while! (3 hours and 28 minutes, to be exact)
As you might already know, when sharing these playlists I have an affinity for writing about each track, how it makes me feel, why you might like it, when you should listen to it, etc. Considering the sheer size of this list, I won't be able to write about each individual track, but I've instead divided the tracklist up into sections by mood! Listen to it however you want, but in this way, you can at least sort of interpret when might be a good opportunity to tune into certain songs without feeling too overwhelmed.
Without further ado, let's get to the jams.
I. PEANUT BUTTER VIBES
For when you just wanna feel butterflies in your tummy and a smile on your face. And if you're going to judge my taste in music off the first few tracks, I figured these would be the best to warm you up.
- "Run," by Tiggs Da Author, Lady Leshurr
- "Soul Investigators Theme," Nicole Willis & The Soul Investigators
- "Hey Lover," by Village, INCA (Really lovin' all of Village's music, tbh)
- "While My Guitar Gently Weeps," Regina Spektor
Okay, this is from the Kubo soundtrack, and if y'all haven't seen the film Kubo yet, DO IT! Really phenomenal movie, and this remix will actually blow your mind once you understand the context. - "All In A Day's Work," Pell feat brandUn DeShay
- "Guilty," Lady Wray
- "Free Room," Ravyn Lenae feat. Appleby (inspired by this amazing remix)
- "In Your Eyes," KASSEO
Low key, I'm obsessed with KASSEO right now. Unfortunately this was the only song of 21 year old producer on Spotify, but seriously dive into his Soundcloud feed if you just want to get lost for a while. He's got a signature sound that is heavenly, ethereal, calming, and mesmerizing. - "Zimbabwe (Flume Remix)," New Navy
By Erik Stensland
II. SNOWY MOUNTAINS, WINDY ROADS, BREATHTAKING VIEWS FROM UP ABOVE
This part of the playlist is entirely inspired by a quick roadtrip I took to visit my bestest friend & partner in crime up in Crested Butte, CO. Driving solo from Albuquerque to the Butte in a flurry of snowstorms was a bit scary for me, but also incredibly thrilling and inspiring. Every twist and turn in the road offered views that blew my mind, and having the ultimate soundtrack along the way had me moved to tears, esp as I approached the Butte with blue skies, a setting sun, and a best friend waving me down on arrival. I'm not much of a winter sport person, but the snowy landscape has certainly stolen my heart and I can't wait to get back out there again to explore more!
- "Once Again," MOUNT, Plastic
- "Painted Sky," LCAW & Martin Kelly (Top 5 favorite songs the past 6 months, hands down)
- "Maybe (Nora En Pure Extended Remix)," Sir Felix
- "iPlayYouListen - Live," ODEZSA (Just when you thought it couldn't get any better...)
- "In the Shadows," Foreign Air
- "Kerala," Bonobo (This whole album is gold!)
- "Sink Deep (Nora en Pure Radio Mix)," Kyle Watson, Nora En Pure
III. LEATHER JACKETS & WHISKEY NIGHTS
Well I might say this portion of the playlist is pretty true to the version of myself that exists today. My life these days is saturated with Southern flair and a hunger for the wild west spirit. Think: a black Stetson hat with a glass of Buffalo Trace neat in hand, Lady Gaga's Joanne album, Westworld and The Hateful Eight, ladies' night at the shooting range, gypsy flea markets and harmonica lessons, to name a few motifs. To reflect these themes, here's a combination of blues, rock, folk and sultry vibes that have provided the soundtrack to this gunslingin', cow ropin', darn tootin' version of Zoë.
- "Burn With Me," Whilk & Misky (Wanted to include all of their songs on this list but... here's my top pick)
- "Ramble Tamble," Creedence Clearwater Revival (Top 5 songs from the past 6 months, especially while flying through windy back canyon highways in Arizona at top speed)
- "Victorious," Wolfmother
- "Hammers and Nails," The Bones of J.R. Jones
- "Silver Dagger," Charley Crockett
Just want to say ~ I saw this Charley fella and his whole band live the other night here in Dallas, and found out that all the hype is certainly justified! A great show, a great band, some serious soul on stage, would recommend investing in this Texas native's newest album as he starts to climb his way to fame. - "Right Place Wrong Time," Dr. John
- "The Ginning," Stavroz
IV. SUNNY SATURDAY WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN
Now, you know this is my favorite scenario to jam out to music to. When it's a fresh day outside, you got your hand out the window, cruising with your best friend, ain't got no where to be... That's the life. And when you live in Texas, you can have that amazing 85 degree weather in the winter! Because Climate Change is a very real deal here. Anyways, if you're still in your winter shell, no worries, bookmark these tracks for when spring rolls around and you're ready to warm up. Otherwise, get the engine running and the radio blastin' because these jams are gonna take you on a ride.
- "I'm On My Way (A Patch of Blue)," U.S. 69
- "Catamaran," Allah-Las
- "Guru," Coast Modern (Seriously, try and listen to this song without smiling! Impossible!)
- "something," gnash (The song every person actually wants someone to write about them)
- "All I Really Need," Vindata, Kenzie May
- "Fire," Robby Hunter Band (Now known as the Magic City Hippies, and you BETTER catch them on tour here soon, these guys are top dogs in my book)
- "La Californie," Souleance
- "Forever Heavy," Black Moth Super Rainbow
- "May This Be Love," Jimi Hendrix
- "Sheep," Mt. Joy (S/O to Max Joles for his third song rec on this list! Dude's a magnet for good music, like, this band Mt. Joy is actually a friend of a friend of his... And I love their vibes! And much love to Max for always delivering)
- "Better Days," Graham Nash
V. FOR GETTING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE PUMPIN' AND YOUR BOOGIE SHOES MOVIN'
Sometimes I like to get a little groovy – be it in the car, on the dancefloor, in the grocery store, or in my bedroom while wearing PJS and a facemask. Here are the jams that are like a shot of adrenaline in your body when you've got your dancing pants on and you're not afraid to get a little sweaty.
- "Next to You (Kyle Watson Remix)," L D R U, Savoi
- "Gimme," Mont Blvck
- "Caught in the Act," Nora En Pure (Gotta support bae's new EP, Conquer Yosemite, check it out!)
- "Make You Mine," NVOY (Deep house fans, if you don't already know NVOY, now you know)
- "Nissim," Gaslamp Killer (Because I saw him live at Meow Wolf and it was pretty lit)
- "Keeping Score," L D R U (see also Cut Snake Remix)
- "Hold Tight," GoldFish (Seeing these guys live... was one of the funnest shows I've been to in a looooong time. Definitely go out of your way to see GoldFish whenever possible)
VI. SUNDAYS ARE FOR REGGAE, SOUL, AND SLEEPING IN
Sundays are my favorite day of the week. Listen to these songs, imagine the possibilities, and you'll understand why.
- "It's About Time," Ruby Velle & The Soulphonics
- "Caroline," Aminé
- "Molasses," Hiatus Kaiyote (Shouts to Dragon for this epic recommendation, how have I been sleeping on HK?)
- "7 Come 11," Vincent Neil Emerson (Representing the DFW area!)
- "As Good As You've Been to This World," Janis Joplin (Queen <3)
- "Tame in the Water," Hannah Williams & The Affirmations
- "Rita Mae Young," The Record Company
- "Golddigger," Randy Valentine
- "Running Away (Winta James Mix)," Ady Suleiman
That's all for now, folks. Stay tuned for the next edition on the horizon. May you be happy, free, and role model & defender for others to do the same. Xo