Oh no! I'm late again this month. First rule of random playlist making: there are no rules. So here we have it and I think it's worth the wait because I love this batch of songs together. To any potential new listeners out there, thank you taking a break from your algorithmically manufactured playlists (Pandora etc) and trying out my handcrafted old school mix tape style for a change o' pace. Music matters!
1. Givin Em What They Love - Janelle Monay (feat. Prince)
Thanks NPR for giving props to Janelle Monay's fresh take on music. Prince approves, and lends funky support to this track that snuck up on me, then really got me grooving.
2. Why Is Love Such A Sacrifice - Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
Blue-eyed soul at it's finest. Same raw gritty energy as the brand new track from Ms. Monay - only a little stripped down to the basics. It's all about the giving.
3. Early To Bed, Early To Rise - Daddy
Buffett-esque southern rocker 'tude, just suited my back-to-school to mood. "The real world's comin'" sad, but true. Gotta get up early and get to school on time...
4. You R Loved - Victoria Williams
Classic classic rock. "Lines of Poetry Revealing Mysteries, Still Some Can't Swim". I am always amazed at how a gifted songwriter express the message about what giving really means. Plus I like the "R" for "are" -- reminds me of Prince. Did he get that from VW or vice versa?
5. Walk On - Neil Young
Indulging in more of my old favorites. Still relavent today, don't listen to what others are saying about you, sooner or later it all gets real, just walk on!
6. Two-Step Mamou - Wayne Toups & Zydecajun
Total mood lightener, happy cajun dance tunes! Let loose and let the bon ton roulet!
7. Never Forget You - Noisettes
Girl group retro sound. Just fun.
8. Art School Girl - Stone Temple Pilots
Okay, okay, just throwing in cool songs with "school" in the title. Nice grunge from STP, with a rousing chorus intermittently moshing around.
9. Maybe I'm Amazed - Carleen Anderson
Stunning cover. Great vocals and nice crossover to R&B. Thank you, SIr Paul for writing this tune, and for whomever and whatever inspired Carleen to cover it.
10. Don't Ask Why - The Moondoggies
Pretty guitars, then full on rich Grateful Deadish layers of sound. Diggin' on the organ infusion.
11. I Need To Know - Delbert McLinton & The Dick50
Totally riff off' of Howlin' Wolf''s Smokestack Lightning, but you know, that's rock n' roll. Cut & Paste from the legends, use the good stuff to make more good stuff.
12. Death Cab For Cutie - Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band
Accidental find through Spotify ADD -- the song title caught my eye - having heard the band by the same name and always wondering where that came from - now I know! Funky oldie, good to know for trivia.
13. Teacher Teacher - Rockpile
More cliche back to school inclusion for the September list, but also an old favorite.
14. Wake Me Up When September Ends - Green Day
Wow, am I laying it on thick with the September references? Nah, it's just a nice Green Day ballad to round out this month's playlist.
Listen on Spotify:
Listen on Spotify:
