Music is a little like food and 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 on Fridays when he assembles the Weekend Dossier.
Lou Reed – “Street Hassle”
This song represents all that I loved about Lou Reed. It’s just like NYC in the early 70’s: it is dirty and dangerous and gritty and unique. And in it’s own way it is beautiful. Just like Lou.
Royal Blood – “Out Of The Black”
Who the hell are these guys?* And does it matter? When something like this comes along, you just have to turn the volume up and let it rip. *(That was rhetorical, by the way – they are a two piece from Brighton, England.)
The 1975 – “Girls”
Like the rest of their songs, I can’t understand most of what he’s singing about but it doesn’t really matter. These Brits have a way with a melody. And, yes, I believe they are, as they say, “taking the piss” in that intro. At least I hope so.
BRMC – “Hate The Taste”
With every release, the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club tweak their sound just a bit. This is just a killer rock song (at a time when there seem to be less and less of them). And this track from the same album is a terrific update of a song by The Call, who’s lead singer, the late-great Michael Been was the father of the bassist.
Eric B & Rakim – “Paid In Full”
Once upon a time, this was hip hop. And it was good. Would you like a seven minute remix? Yes indeed.
Broken Bells – “Holding On for Life”
I know. I know. We’re all thinking the same thing. But there is so much more to this song than the immediately apparent Brothers Gibb homage. January 14th is going to be a very, very good day. And yes, I’m kind of obsessed over this right now.
Soviet Soviet – “1990”
Every few years we get a fresh update of the post-punk genre made famous by Joy Division et al (hello Interpol). These Italian boys have the recipe down pat. Nothing new, but strangely comforting just the same.
Carousel – “Another Day”
There sure are a bunch of two-piece bands out of LA making perfect synth pop at the moment. These Berklee College of Music grads have provided a little antidote for those of you just not ready for the weather to come. This is summer time music this is. Now…about that video. (Also know that you can get a free download of this here)
The Killers – “Just Another Girl”
Another arena-ready sing-along from Brandon Flowers and the guys. This is one of a couple new tracks off their new Direct Hits collection that just landed in stores.
Head here for this month’s playlist, all in one place on Youtube.
For previous editions of The Playlist, see the growing archive here. Top Photo Credit.
Tim, I think you might like Brooklyn-based Moon Hooch. It’s a trio with two saxophones and a drummer. Sounds weird, but results in some funky, jazzy stuff.
http://moonhooch.bandcamp.com/
This is hip-hop. And it is good.
Action Bronson – Steve Wynn
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdaOHmMlAtE
The 1975 – they *look* like they could be cool in a post punk gothy 1985 sort of way. Instead they sound like trite pop in a Roxette 1989 sort of way.
I would recommend Bonobo’s album “The North Borders”. It’s pretty chilled out, but a more mature take on electronic music. Implements some hip hop beats and jazz. The majority of his work is instrumental, but the tracks with a featured singer usually deliver a great performance. Great stuff in my opinion.
No spotify list?
Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bkG9BKgDvNI&list=PL-lBeZspYJATK1hsjmeVALzsFIUElD6s7 Not everyone has spotify.
Have Paid in Full currently in my SUV and just picked up the new Killers today funnily enough. Excellent list.
I couldn’t find 1990 by Soviet Soviet, but all the others are in this Grooveshark Playlist I made–easier for me to listen to on my phone than YouTube:
http://grooveshark.com/playlist/Dappered+November+2013/92429207
Loved this!
The only thing that kept me watching “girls”… Were the girls. The song almost made me barf.
Ive been enjoying Preservation Hall Jazz Band and also Kermit Ruffins lately…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZICaUybMucY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PP21_SQO43k
And check out Sasha Masakowski too. Shes pretty tasty.
That Preservation Hall Jazz Band video made my day, thanks!
You might like Jennifer Keith. Look her up on Youtube. She does 40s style music and can be seen singing in Las Vegas, on the Queen Mary, and sometimes in Downtown LA.
All four of those bands/singers you shared are just fantastic. All I have to offer is a french jazzy singer named Zaz. I don’t know what she’s saying, but I love all of her music. Check out the songs “Le Long de la Route” or “Ni Oui Ni Non;” or just listen to her whole albums. Thanks again!
Very cool. I live 50 miles away from DTLA. Looks like fun, I’ll have to run this by the Mrs.