Dappered

Affordable Men's Style

  • Don’t Miss Anything
  • Start Here
  • Essentials Shop
  • Latest Deals
  • Style Scenarios
  • Reviews
  • Forum

The Playlist – January 2014

January 29, 2014 By Tim Johnstone | Heads up: Buying via our links may result in us getting a commission. Also, we take your privacy rights seriously. Head here to learn more.

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. 

Against Me! “Black Me Out”

This lead single from the band’s new Transgender Dysphoria Blues CD will NOT let go of me. It has everything necessary for a killer rock track. It is by turns meaty, muscular, and memorable. It feels ephemeral and it reaches for the sky. And there is an anything but run-of-the-mill story behind the latest from this heritage band. NSFW due to a few well chosen figures of speech.

 

Beck “Blue Moon”

It’s been way too long since we’ve had a proper new full length from Beck. This first taste of his upcoming Morning Phase project sounds more like his Sea Change album than his earlier, quirkier work. And that’s just fine. It’s largely acoustic, a bit winsome and maybe just a little bit trippy. This is a good thing.

 

Mary Lambert – “She Keeps Me Warm”

What do you do when you’ve written the hook to one of the more influential and most successful hip hop songs of the last year? You write the rest of the song. That’s what Seattle’s Mary Lambert did having provided the warm emotional center to Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Same Love.” This fully fleshed out version is just lovely. Lambert’s full length album comes later this spring on Capitol Records.

 

Future Islands – “Seasons”

This Baltimore band goes big on their new collection due out this spring on the venerable 4AD label. The ghost of Pere Ubu haunts the vocal melody of this huge first single. This is passionate stuff with a layered arrangement that reveals more with each listen. Can’t wait to hear the whole album.

 

Boy & Bear “Southern Sun”

Once upon a time there were bands like America and Poco and Fleetwood Mac who helped create the mellow awesomeness of mid 70’s MOR rock and roll. Bless these guys. They’ve updated the sound and brought it all around again. It’s somehow spacious and intimate at the same time. And the chorus is a pretty huge ear worm.

 

Foster The People – “Coming Of Age”

The LA based band (and former jingle writers) have reportedly expanded their sound for their upcoming Supermodels release. Whatever they are doing, it’s working: their knack for catching the zeitgeist of the moment is apparent on this summer weather beckoning singalong.

 

London Grammar – “Strong”

This is not going to get you moving on the dance floor. This is not going to be played to death on your local hit music station. This is not going to fuel your work out (unless you’re logging sexy times on your favorite fitness app). This UK band specializes in stylish, slow burn mood music. Build a fire. Invite over your current squeeze (or whomever is on your list of hopefuls) and enjoy. This is also a favorite from their debut disc.

 

Secret Machines – “Nowhere Again”

This isn’t new. But it deserves your attention all the same. Secret Machines were a terrific Texas band which fused rock and electronics in a way that brought to mind those who had come before like New Order. I’m sharing it with you guys because Benjamin Curtis of SM (and his later band School of Seven Bells) died recently of cancer and that surprised and saddened me. They should have been a huge band.

 

Elbow – “New York Morning”

The band certainly knows what works for them. They build atmospheric soundscapes. With hooks. Big unforgettable emotional hooks that grow and build and take over. And they’re really good at it. This is our first taste of their long awaited new full length The Take Off And Landing Of Everything.

 

Broken Bells – After The Disco

Getting lots of play all over this tiny corner of the internet as of late. But, it’s an early contender for album of the year. Yes, I’m serious. There may or may not be a full review to follow. For now, just bask in the glory of this partnership.

For previous editions of The Playlist, see the growing archive here. Top Photo Credit.

Filed Under: Etc. Tagged With: the playlist

Continue the Conversation …

Want to share your thoughts on this article? Send us a tweet, join the discussion on Facebook, or start a discussion on Dappered Threads, our forum!

Don’t Miss Anything

Subscribe via email to get articles in your inbox or add Dappered on Flipboard. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Or subscribe to push notifications to get alerts immediately.

New Here?

Well, welcome to Dappered. Here are what we consider the most useful posts on the site if you're looking to put a little more effort into your appearance. Just want to see our favorite menswear products? Shop our essentials here.

Style News: Bonobos suffers data hack

Style News: Bonobos suffers data hack

Time to change those passwords.

The Weekend Reset: Football, Demons, and Cake

The Weekend Reset: Football, Demons, and Cake

Plus: Assassins

Steal Alert: All White Stan Smiths for $38.40 shipped

Steal Alert: All White Stan Smiths for $38.40 shipped

Regular price is $80. Normal sale price can hover around $60. But now under $40?

Follow Dappered on Instagram »

Comments

  1. Christian says

    January 29, 2014 at 3:34 PM

    Thank you! Need some new tunes to listen to.

  2. nicholas.c.franklin@gmail.com says

    January 29, 2014 at 3:44 PM

    Allow me to add Hot Dreams by Timber Timbre to this fine list.

    http://vimeo.com/84341456

  3. Steve says

    January 29, 2014 at 5:25 PM

    my poor ears.

  4. Kevin says

    January 29, 2014 at 6:50 PM

    Que the Macklemore haters.

  5. Zachary Glotfelty says

    January 29, 2014 at 8:56 PM

    So glad to see Elbow on this list.

  6. boomtime says

    January 30, 2014 at 12:47 AM

    I love you Kate Mara.

  7. Rob F. says

    January 30, 2014 at 1:13 AM

    Really enjoying the Future Islands cut. Thanks!

  8. Dan Fiedler says

    January 30, 2014 at 2:03 AM

    Cue*, learn English

  9. Dan Fiedler says

    January 30, 2014 at 2:06 AM

    I respect most of this music… But can it be said that future playlists deserve to be bolder in terms of crossing genres?

  10. Paul Travis Klein says

    January 30, 2014 at 8:02 AM

    I can’t speak highly enough of Transgender Dysphoria Blues. Picked it up on Amazon MP3 for $6.99 last Tuesday and I’ve been spinning it all week. Definitely something to check out!

  11. RJC says

    January 30, 2014 at 8:50 AM

    I love seeing Future Islands get press. They’ve been on constant rotation for me since 2010’s In Evening Air. They are supremely talented and deserve to succeed.

    Anyone looking for more should start there, specifically with “As I Fall” or “Tin Man.”

  12. Matt says

    January 30, 2014 at 9:19 AM

    +1

  13. Sigtweed & Corduroy says

    January 30, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    Future Islands and The Secret Machines??? Wow. I am seriously impressed. For real though, Future Islands is an amazing band, their last two releases are truly wonderful.

  14. Sigtweed & Corduroy says

    January 30, 2014 at 10:21 AM

    Oh man, so true. such a great, great band.

  15. Sigtweed & Corduroy says

    January 30, 2014 at 10:28 AM

    The new Cold War Kids EP Tuxedos is excellent. Their last album came out late in 2013 and it is outstanding as well.

  16. Sigtweed & Corduroy says

    January 30, 2014 at 10:51 AM

    I saw Secret Machines open for Interpol some years back (on the Antics tour I believe), mind blowing.

  17. Larry Burch says

    January 30, 2014 at 2:20 PM

    I’ve been really into 1) St. Vincent…new single is “Birth in Reverse.” 2) Tennis…new single is “Mean Streets.”

  18. Scott says

    January 30, 2014 at 4:13 PM

    I’m sure this is a great list but I can’t stop listening to the first song.

  19. xeren says

    January 30, 2014 at 4:54 PM

    any godspeed fans out there? slightly shorter, and with vocals!
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-6Rf7C8Kd8

  20. THookem says

    January 31, 2014 at 1:57 PM

    That Elbow video is straight up fantastic….nice little love story wrapped up in a unexpected prize.

  21. chaknee says

    February 2, 2014 at 11:01 AM

    Can you make all these songs into a playlist next time?

  22. JohnnyBoy says

    February 4, 2014 at 1:27 PM

    Thank you for the Secret Machines tribute. Ten Silver Drops is to date one of my favorite albums. RIP Benjamin Curtis…

Men’s Fashion or Affordable Style?

Men's Fashion or Affordable Style?

Fashion is temporary and expensive. Style is timeless and affordable. Dappered® helps you work the retail system so that you can be comfortable, look sharp, and save money.

Want to share a great product? Email Us.
Continue the discussion at Dappered Threads.
For a fit perspective, see Joe's measurements.
Make sure to read our affiliate disclosure.

Connect with Dappered

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Most Popular on Dappered

  • Extra 60% off BR’s Solid Sale Section, 45% off the Timex Marlin, & More – The Thurs. Men’s Sales Handful
  • 10 Best Bets for $75 or Less – Shawl Collar Sweaters, Nerd Whimsy Art, & More
  • TUESDAY Men’s Sales Tripod – Bronze Watches, Allen Edmonds Sneakers, & More
  • What I Wore Today Working from Home: Brandon, Trial Attorney
  • Steal Alert: The OG Nike Killshot (Navy Swoosh) is On Sale
  • On Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Popular Topics

  • Best dress shirts to own
  • Best looking watches under $100
  • Best men’s dress shoes under $200
  • Nike Killshot sneaker alternatives
  • How to wear a suit without a tie
  • Suitsupply store review
  • Suitsupply Blue Line review
  • J. Crew Factory Thompson suit review
  • How much does it cost to tailor a suit?
  • Dopp kit essentials
  • Brown shoes with gray pants
  • Men’s style buying guide

RSS Latest on Dappered Threads

  • after 11 years, finally bought those chukkas from the dappered front page :-D
  • Recommendations on American Made Denim (for my Wife)
  • AE Dalton too stiff
  • SuitSupply Linen Tuxedo
  • hiking shoes for AE dress shoe dress boot guy.

Copyright © 2021 Dappered.com | Dappered, LLC | Dappered® is a registered trademark of Dappered, LLC

Hat tip: Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework

Dappered does not collect or sell its users personal information | Disclosures: Privacy and Affiliates, Gilt.com, FTC

WPE

We work with partners that use cookies to understand how visitors use our site. Find out more.