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.
Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars – “Uptown Funk”
Mark Ronson teams up with Bruno Mars for an old school funk rave up. Somewhere Morris Day and The Time are doing a double take. Undeniable fun.
Run The Jewels – “Run The Jewels”
I foster a deep appreciation for the art of swearing. These guys take it a new level. A friend of mine called out “their exquisite use of profanity.” The biggest buzz in hip hop goes from making mixed tapes to releasing a blistering, visceral full length collection of vital hip hop. Did I mention their proclivity for cussing? Jack White has tagged these guys to open for him at Madison Square Garden.
Bahamas – “All The Time”
Bahamas is Afie Jurvanen, a Canadian musician who has released several albums on Jack Johnson’s Brushfire Records label. Most people are hearing about this track because it is in a TV commercial. Yes, it’s a commercial with James Franco. Don’t get distracted. There is a fantastic groove going on here and it’s easy to kick back and just enjoy it all.
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – “Little Boys With Shiny Toys”
I’m not sure what the weather is like where you live, but for some of us, this couldn’t come at a better time. Fully recovered from her cancer diagnosis, Sharon Jones sounds beyond resilient on this teaser for her next album. This is audio sunshine. The horn charts carry a great deal of the melody when Sharon isn’t singing, and when she is, it’s just one terrific combination.
Modest Mouse – “Lampshades On Fire”
Totally worth the wait. Isaac Brock has taken his sweet time getting new music to his exceptionally patient fan base. In this ADD world we live in, eight years is a lifetime in between projects. Having said that, I doubt many of them are holding a grudge having this gem to spend time with while awaiting their upcoming full length Strangers To Ourselves (due in March). This is classic Modest Mouse.
PPL MVR’s “People Mover”
Ok first of all, I had to find out about these guys from NPR? Really? I don’t know what they call what they do, but I am digging this deeply. I have a pal who is convinced this has something to do with Brand New (headed to Coachella in April). I don’t guess I care. More of this for my gym playlist, please.
Belle & Sebastian – “Nobody’s Empire”
Scotland’s iconic indie-pop stalwarts have released a few tracks in advance of their 9th LP Girls In Peace Time Want To Dance. The band looks to be taking a more rhythmic approach on this album (based on this first track released from the project). But this preview track finds the band on familiar ground. And that means we get some carefully accessorized piano-based folk pop, Stuart Murdoch’s delicate vocals and a melody that wanders around before connecting for a knock out punch in the chorus delivered with the help of a big wave of backup singers. It’s lovely.
Childish Gambino – “Sober”
Whereupon we find our hero singing his latest paean to a girl. Frank Ocean is scratching at his neck and Drake is looking over his shoulder. The change up half way through provides a chance to introduce some new instrumentation before coming together at the end. Nice dance moves Mister Glover.
Brandi Carlile – “Wherever Is Your Heart”
Brandi Carlile is one of the most electric performers I have ever seen. She and The Twins can channel John and June Carter Cash in one moment and turn you on your head the next. Her voice borders on the supernatural. And this is the first new original music we’ve had from her in far too long. Welcome back Brandi!
Marilyn Manson – “Cupid Carries A Gun”
The God Of %!&# is back. And everything I’ve heard from his new album The Pale Emperor has been pretty good. Yes, I am a little surprised. And yes, I’m looking forward to hearing the rest.
Ásgeir – Torrent
This 22 year old Icelandic singer-songwriter piles on the atmosphere in this terrific song from his debut album. Originally released as Dýrð í dauðaþögn, the English language version (In The Silence) is a Bon Iver-esque collection of chamber folk, with power chords.
FROM THE VAULTS: Oasis – “Cigarettes & Alcohol” (Live at Wembley 2000)
There was a reason they conquered the world. While they beat the crap out of each other behind the scenes, the Brothers Gallagher were responsible for some monster rock and roll once upon a time. This is a great example of the Oasis recipe: great riff, killer lyrics and a healthy tip of the hat to those who came before (be it The Beatles or T Rex). You can catch the entire concert video right here. And if you want to know what Noel Gallagher is up to these days, this is relevant to your interests.
QUICK HITS: I don’t know what I was expecting in new music from a reunited Culture Club, but this probably wasn’t it. And this is not necessarily unwelcome. Here’s something you don’t see everyday: Courtney Love is getting good marks. And will we get the much anticipated 25 anytime soon?
Click here to find this playlist on Spotify.
For previous editions of The Playlist, see the growing archive here.