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.
ED SHEERAN – “SING”
Ed has come a long, long way since he was strumming an acoustic guitar by his lonesome and singing about lost girls. Why yes, Pharrell Williams had a hand in this. As for grandiose pop songs, you can’t really beat this at the moment.
BOB MOULD – “I DON’T KNOW YOU ANYMORE”
A super Husker Du-friendly slab of old school college rock from one of the guys who helped define it. This hints at the possibilities for his upcoming release.
CHET FAKER – “1998”
Another James Murphy, this one Nicholas, going by one of the best band pun names ever. This Aussie’s new album is worth the attention it is receiving. “We used to be friends, We used to be inner circle.”
STURGILL SIMPSON – “TURTLES ALL THE WAY DOWN”
At first you’re thinking it’s a country song. And in a way, circa 1974, it is. But then you catch some of the lyrics. And you realize it’s a psychedelic mind #^%$ and before you know it you’ve hit repeat.
ZZ WARD – “LIL DARLIN'”
When you grow up singing the blues with your dad’s band, you learn things. And this woman has learned a great deal in her young life. Not only does she have a great voice, she can play the harp and she designs her own hats.
BIG DATA FEATURING JOYWAVE – “THE STROKE OF RETURN”
My current obsession. Someplace where Erasure + Cut Copy + Delibes.
ECHO & THE BUNNYMEN – “LOVERS ON THE RUN”
It would be easy for Ian McCulloch and Will Sergeant to jut go out and play the hits and the fan favorites. Instead, Ian is still chasing his faith, asking questions, and with Sergeant, crafting larger than life rock and roll that, in this instance, honors their past and stakes a claim that they are not ready to rest on their laurels.
FIRST AID KIT – “MY SILVER LINING”
These Swedish sisters, who are all over Conor Oberst’s new solo record, delve in Americana once again. Lovely.
BENJAMIN BOOKER – “VIOLENT SHIVER”
He’ll be opening for Jack White this summer. I’m intrigued by this New Orleans kid. There’s an honesty here, and an energy that perfectly matches it.
DAPPERED CLASSIC: CANDI STANTON – “HE CALLED ME BABY”
You may be familiar with this tip of the hat from a few years back.
For previous editions of The Playlist, see the growing archive here.