Music is a little like food. Like clothes, these are areas where it’s probably worthwhile for one to explore & expand their tastes. The Playlist is assembled each month by Dappered’s very own music correspondent, Tim Johnstone. Tim is a former Virgin Records Label Rep & current award winning Program Director at KRVB, which was awarded the FMQB AAA station of the year markets 50+. You can also catch his work when he assembles The Weekend Dossier. Top Photo Credit.
Robin Thicke (featuring T.I. & Pharell)
I am gradually coming around to Dappered reader Eric Gauvin’s opinion on this one. It might end up being the jam of the summer. Either way, it’s obvious Pharrell Williams is essential to a guaranteed summer hit. Also, va-va-voom (NSFW). And in case you missed it, this is pretty righteous as well. Then there’s this.
Black Joe Lewis – “Come To My Party”
I’m not sure where the Honeybears went, but this first taste of his upcoming platter Electric Slave kind of moots the point. Dayum but this is all sorts of gritty fun.
Avicii – “Wake Me Up”
This Swedish DJ is one of the world’s most popular EDM stars. He’s the face of Ralph Lauren’s fall campaign. And his Mumford & Son’s flavored techno-hybrid is currently number one in half the world. And in the other half it’s on it’s way there. Also, this isn’t hyperbole.
Pearl Jam – “Mind Your Manners”
Does this sound like anything on Ten? Nope. Are they ever going to make another record like Ten? Doubtful. This is a declaration that while Eddy can make his solo ukelele records and endearing soundtracks, Pearl Jam can still hammer home the aggro rock and roll when they choose. This is them marking territory. Look for the full length Lightning Bolt to arrive October 15th.
Goldfrapp – “Drew”
WARNING: Slightly NSFW. Allison Goldfrapp and Will Gregory preview their upcoming album Tales Of Us with a lush and lovely ballad which seems to come straight off the soundtrack of an early 60’s French or Italian art house flick. This is a compliment. Also, this is prime sexy-time music. The album lands in stores on September 10th.
Bastille – “Pompeii”
Hello 1985! This is unabashedly British (and that’s ok). It is also so completely baffling. That choral arrangement? What the hamburgers? But dang if it doesn’t dig in like an industrial-sized ear worm. And it sticks.
The Lone Bellow – “Bleeding Out”
This three piece out of Brooklyn have built a following with their spirited live shows and hearty Americana-fueled songs. This one is particularly hopeful and it packs a wallop. Also, I’m a sucker for emotionally delivered “bop-la-la’s.”
Kings Of Leon – “Supersoaker”
The Brothers Followill (and their cousin) preview their upcoming Mechanical Bull CD with this typically catchy, harmony packed kicker. Sounds like they survived their near implosion and came out the better for it. Good on ya boys.
Atlas Genius – “If So”
This duo out of Adelaide, Australia deliver an entire album’s worth of solid, hook-filled modern rock. While there is absolutely nothing new or fancy here, the mood is largely uptempo, the songs are memorable and the production is clean.
Kavinsky – Nightcall
OK, so this isn’t technically new. A friend of mine who works at my awesome local independent record store put Kavinsky’s Outrun cd in my hand a couple months ago (it is new) and insisted that I needed to have it. He knows me. And he was right. But it turns out I had heard some of this before. If you saw Drive, then you’ve heard this too. The rest of the disc is just as good.
For previous editions of The Playlist, see the growing archive here.
I like this version of Blurred Lines, but I am a sucker for Fallon over Kimmel.
Great, just added most of these and I’m going to spend some time exploring the albums of each. 🙂
I just don’t like Robin Thicke. Or the Kings of Leon for that matter. But whatever, interesting list.
I’d offer Smallpools – Dreaming. Great summer song.
Agreed 100%. Fallon > Kimmel.
The three albums from 2013 that are getting the heaviest rotation right now for me are ‘Muchado’ by Phosphorescent, ‘Monomania’ by Deerhunter, and ‘Sunbather’ by Deafheaven.
Didn’t know about the Black Joe Lewis track. Thanks!
That song is just nails-on-a-chalkboard to me. I know it’s popular & everywhere. Can’t wait for it to run its course.
Highly recommend Lord Huron – “Lonesome Dreams” album. If you’re a fan of indie folk-type rock, definitely check them out. The entire album is incredible. The standout tracks for me personally are Lonesome Dreams, I Will Be Back One Day, She Lit a Fire, Ends of the Earth (this song was in the Shameless season 3 finale if anyone is a fan of that show like me).
Also, for any of my Midwest friends, the lead singer is from Michigan and I swear the song I Will Be Back One Day is all about Michigan. Mitten love <3.
That is a favorite of mine as well. Nice call.
I was sold at “prime sexy-time music”
Thanks for these, some great finds I haven’t heard before!
Nice picks. If you guys haven’t listened to Alt J and Blood Orange yet, definitely give them a go. Great mellow stuff.
I have been playing Breezeblocks by Alt J on repeat for some time now… Still not tired of it.
‘Nightcall’
Yeah. This is one of those winners…I grabbed my keys instinctively.
Wait a sec. I can’t afford another speeding ticket,
So excited to see The Lone Bellow on this list!
They don’t really “rock” like they used to but dammit if that new KOL isn’t catchy and fun as hell.
If you like Twin Shadow you will really enjoy Blood Orange.
Good list. In addition to those I’d throw in Disclosure’s “Settle” and Kanye’s “Yeezus”. Love him or hate him the dude knows how to make great music.
Big fan of these Playlist posts
I wanted to like that Avicii jam. I really did. I still want to like it. But I just keep hearing shades of “Cotted-Eyed Joe”.
I *want* to like it, because it’s a nice groove. I can’t get into it without thinking about Marvin Gaye’s “Got to Give It Up.” Back in my day, we’d call Thicke/Pharrell out for jackin’ beats.
EDM > everything
One Love!
Both > Leno.
How can anyone not like Blurred Lines? It’s a song telling girls to succumb to their base, primal instincts and have dirty, dirty sex! Suck it up and try to enjoy the track, it’s putting your girl in a good state of mind.
my playlist contains BB King, Albert King, Paul Butterfield, Frigid Pink, Chi-lites, Barry White, and a little Al Green
I think you meant “Muchacho” not Muchado but yes, incredible song. Definitely one of the most uplifting tracks I’ve come across.
Kavinsky is the only one I’ve ever even heard of on this list haha.