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SURE SURE – GIANTS

Every time I put this song on it just makes my day that much brighter. Upbeat and positive vibes only here! I first heard the Los Angeles band Sure Sure in 2018, and fell in love with their self-titled album. They fell out of my music rotation and I completely forgot about them. Thank you 2021 Spotify! A song from their new EP popped up in one of my Spotify playlists and I fell in love all over again. “Giants” is the opening track on the self-titled album, and sets you up for a wild ride of different genres, moods, and instrumentations. So it only makes sense that I start Week 2’s playlist off with it. Check out the whole album. It’s great from top to bottom. 

HANNI EL KHATIB – ALIVE

Wobbly synths, horns, 808 drums, heavy bassline, and a catchy hook. That’s a recipe for a successful song in my opinion. This is one of those songs that gets stuck in your head after just listening to it one time. And I’m ok with that. 

BENNY SINGS – BIG BROWN EYES

Benny Sings is unbelievably talented. This piano player and singer/song-writer has a unique sound that draws you in and leaves you wanting more. He reminds me of a modern day Hall and Oates with his memorable 80’s piano sounds and catchy lyrics. “Big Brown Eyes” is off his 2011 Album Art. This song just makes me want to move with it’s bouncy bassline, “snare’s on 2 and 4” drum beat, sing along hook, and beautiful piano riff. He’s also a great performer. Check out his COLORS SHOW on YouTube and you’ll be hooked.

ST. PANTHER – HIGHWAY

Up and coming Los Angeles based St. Panther is quite a talent. Multi-instrumentalist, singer, and producer. That’s my shit right there. She has such a unique sound that mixes hip-hop, R&B, a little bit of 90’s grunge, and break beat. I even get a little bit of a Roots vibe as well. She’s been featured on multiple “best of” and “best new artist” lists, and I can see why. I had this song on repeat for about 3 days straight after I first heard it. I can’t wait to see what’s next for St. Panther. 

KID CUDI – TEQUILA SHOTS

This track give me that “uuuuugghhhh” face. The 808 bassline and rimshot snare goes so hard. It grabs you from the beginning. There’s no shortage of the trademark Kid Cudi “hmmmmmm’s” and “mmmmmm’s” on this track. I just love this track. I think it’s the standout on his most recent album, Man on The Moon III. Put this track on and work on your dance moves. That’s what I do 😉

METRONOMY – RESERVOIR

I could do a whole Metronomy playlist (maybe I will). Lead singer/keyboardist/guitarist/song-writer/producer Joseph Mount carries this band with his unique voice, and love of strange chord progressions and time signatures. His favorite topic is love and heartbreak, so the music is totally relatable to everyone. There’s so much feeling in Metronomy’s music, and I think this song is a great example of that. Check out their most recent album 2019’s Metronomy Forever.

DOMINIC FIKE – 3 NIGHTS 

Yeah, yeah, yeah this is a pop song. So what?! It’s good. Try not to smile and nod your head when you’re listening to this song. There’s something about that muted guitar riff and bassline that just feels familiar. I totally get a palm tree vibe from this song, and that makes sense as Dominic Fike is from Naples, Florida. I haven’t listened to a lot of Dominic Fike but i’m looking forward to checking out his latest release, What Could Possibly Go Wrong. I’ll let you know what I think!

LA ROUX – AUTOMATIC DRIVER

Sticking with the “pop” vibes on this one. La Roux is somewhat of a guilty pleasure for me. I got into a nostalgic mood one day and started listening to some older La Roux tracks that I used to love (“Bulletproof”, “In For The Kill”). Whenever I listen to older music I always make sure to check out if there is new music from the artist. Turns out she released an album in 2020. I listened to it from front to back and loved every second of it. Her singing style is one of a kind. This is definitely the stand out track on the album. Check out the remix Tyler, The Creator made. I almost like it more than the original. 

FRANCIS AND THE LIGHTS – FRIENDS

I’ve been a huge Francis and the Lights fan for ages. He definitely doesn’t get the credit he deserves. You can really tell he loves the creating process, and puts everything he has into his music. I love this quote from him, “There are no ‘members’ of Francis and the Lights. It is me and whomever else is involved. Including you.” You have to check out his music videos. He’s quite a choreographer. You’ve never seen anyone dance like him. 

DANGERDOOM – CROSSHAIRS

Dangerdoom is legendary rapper/producer MF DOOM and Producer Dangermouse. After recently learning of MF Doom’s passing, I had to throw this song on the playlist. This song and album were on heavy rotation on my original iPod mini. “Crosshairs” is from the 2005 concept album The Mouse and The Mask. This album was created in partnership with Cartoon Network and Adult Swim. The songs are filled with Adult Swim cameos and skits. As a 19 year old kid in college this album was heaven for me. Get rid of the novelty of the Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Space Ghost appearances, and this album is filled with wild samples, superstar features, witty lyricism, and Doom/Dangermouse beats.