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THE DRUMS – LET’S GO SURFING

It may not feel like summer anymore, but it’s always summer in my mind when this song is on. This Brooklyn band has been around since the late 2000’s, and the first time I heard this song I knew it would be in my rotation for the rest of my life. Such a fun, energetic song that transports me to a pristine beach, where I know how to surf. A great way to start the weekend off. 

AARON TAOS – CONTROL

Staying with the summer beachy vibes, “Control” by Aaron Taos hit me out of nowhere. Like a lot of the music I find, this one came across a random Youtube playlist. Singer/Songwriter Taos, is a New York native with who definitely has some Strokes vibes. Thumping baseline, distorted reverb’d, off-beat guitar riffs, make this song so easy to listen to. So easy to listen to I think i’ve listened to it 100 times in the past week. Check out the music video for this one too. 

MUSIC VIDEO: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AqG0EGTqjVI&list=RDAqG0EGTqjVI&index=1

PAPOOZ – ANN WANTS TO DANCE

Parisian Band Papooz has a super unique sound. The two lead singers complement each other so nicely. The first time I heard them I actually thought Zoe Deschennel was in the band. She is not. LOL. This song is from their 2015 Album Green Juice. I recommend checking it out, along with their 2019 release Night Sketches. Both albums feel completely different, but they are albums that you can put on and play through the whole thing. That’s not something that’s easy to do nowadays. I have a feeling you’ll be getting more Papooz on future playlists.

24KGOLDN – MOOD

Changing up the “mood” in the playlist, this “hip-pop” song took a few listens before I was completely sold. I have to give a shout out to my 15 year old step-son for turning me on to this song. I’m not typically a fan of songs that are this “pop-y” but it’s grown on me and I like it. The guitar loop reminds me of 90’s Red Hot Chili Peppers or something, and the hard hitting 808 bass line is pretty typical of the current state of hip hop. Give it a try, you might like it too. 

MYD – THE SUN

My daily Spotify mix has been playing a lot of this French artist. I think it’s pronounced “mid”. His songs are all up tempo, fun, and he’s a weird, quirky guy, which I love. Some of his music videos are just so goofy and off the wall, which makes me like him even more. He composes, records and mixes all his own music. Triple threat. Nothing better in my opinion. He’s in another group called Club Cheval, which I have not checked out yet, but you know I’m about to. 

TAME IMPALA – IS IT TRUE

So I really can’t say enough about Tame Impala. When I first started listening in 2012 (via the now defunct XM Radio’s XMU channel) I thought Tame Impala was a “band”. Just recently did I discover that it’s just one guy, Australian, Kevin Parker. This guy is incredible and has renewed my interest in the band. He composes, records, and mixes all of Tame Impala’s music by himself. This track is from the 2020 release The Slow Rush. Highly highly highly recommend it. Did I mention that Tame Impala is the shit? They are. You’ll be hearing more from them in future playlists. Check out this live performance from NPR’s Tiny Desk Series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C24hUt18RWY

SEBASTIEN TELLIER – ROCHE

French, multi-instrumentalist, Sebastien Tellier is another artist that keeps coming up on my Daily Spotify playlists. Last week when this song came on I got a gut feeling that Daft Punk had something to do with this. I was right (as always). This whole album, Sexuality, was produced by Daft Punk member Guy-Manuel de Homem-Christo. Light some candles, get out that good chocolate, and pull your significant other close, cuz this album sets a mood. 

PARCELS – LIGHTENUP

Australian 5 piece band Parcels won me over from the first note of this song that I heard on their live appearance on the Youtube channel COLORS. This band is so tight. Every note they play has a purpose, and every note makes me want to move! If this song doesn’t get you hooked on Parcels, then something must be wrong with your ears.I have yet to hear a Parcels song I don’t like.

COLORS performance here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJl-avjRgzU

UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA – MULTI-LOVE

Unknown Mortal Orchestra is one of my all time favorite bands. And I use the word “band” lightly. Just like Kevin Parker from Tame Impala, lead man Ruban Nielson, from Portland care of New Zealand, composes, records and mixes everything UMO. “Multi-Love” is opening track from 2015’s album of the same name. I just love everything about this song. From the classical sounding piano riff, the unique vocal harmonies, the funky as hell bass lines, to the very distinct drum sound. The Multi-Love album is a must listen from front to back. Put your headphones on and get the full UMO experience. 

LA PRIEST – WHAT MOVES

So… I guess there is a pattern to this week’s playlist. Lots of multi-instrumentalists that can compose, record and mix. La Priest is another one. He takes composing to another level though. On 2020’s GENE album, he literally created every single sound on the album from scratch. He didn’t use pre-programmed synthesizers or drum sounds. He created his own synth/sequencer (which he calls GENE) and created everything you are hearing from NOTHING!!! I discovered La Priest earlier this year when I became obsessed with his side project, Soft Hair, with New Zealand musician Connan Mockain. You will hear both in future playlists. 

Let me know what you think about this week’s playlist. I want to hear from you!!!