The Playlist – July 2015

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. Got a Spotify account? You’ll find a link to this month’s playlist at the end of the post.

 

Beck – “Dreams”

Yes, Morning Phase was a lovely album from Beck. It was full of hushed melodies and exquisite production, and it was, at times, pastoral. But I have to be honest. I was missing the Beck that drops beats and mad rhymes. The Beck that serves up wicked breakdowns and glorious swirls of guitar drenched fun. And here he is. And all is good.

 

The Arcs – “Outta My Mind”

Dan Auerbach is breathing some kind of rarified air these days. Because it seems like everything he is involved with is just on the money. This new project for the Black Keys frontman sees him having some fun. “I just wanted to do my thing and get extra weird,” he said of the album which lands this September. Looking forward to hearing the whole effort. “Good morning children. Welcome to school.”

 

Leon Bridges – “Smooth Sailin'”

Yes. It’s another track from Leon Bridges. Because this guy is the real deal. This time we get our first look at Leon in full color. Everything about this is terrific. The music. The style. The whole package. More on Leon and his debut Coming Home soon on Dappered.

 

Myrkur – “Onde B¸rn”

This is not your grandfather’s Black Metal. Not even close. This is new music from Danish artist Amalie Bruun who goes by the moniker Myrkur. And while it is suitably heavy, it is also dense with multi layered vocals that would sound at home on a Mew or My Bloody Valentine record. It’s a bit mesmerizing.

 

The Weeknd – “Can’t Feel My Face”

Instant smile maker from an artist that seems to be firing on all cylinders. The Michael Jackson vibe is immediate, at least until the verse. With every release the Canadian artist steps up his already impressive game. This is undeniable.

 

Foals – “What Went Down”

This feels dangerous. And I love it. At once menacing and exciting, the energy is just this side of uncontrolled. The band has definitely evolved from their first album. This, the title track from the soon to be released 4th album, finds the band bringing a sound that more closely mirrors their recent live sounds. Works for me.

 

Michael Franti & Spearhead – “Once A Day”

It is a long musical journey from The Beatnigs and the Disposable Heroes Of Hiphoprisy to Franti’s early work with his band Spearhead to where he is these days. The intense social commentary and aggressive industrial and punk rock have given way to a more positive world party. A gentle giant with a heart of gold, Franti’s latest is pure summer fun.

 

Beach House – “Sparks”

Ethereal vocals, shoe gazer super fuzz guitar, and minor key organ washes. If Summer has to be hot and muggy, this at least provides an appropriate soundtrack. It is positively woozy with the season. And that’s a compliment.

 

Craig Finn – “Newmyers Roof”

The Springsteen influence is strong with Finn, who looks like a middle age office worker and fronts the criminally under appreciated The Hold Steady. On his own, there’s not a lot of difference in sound. And that’s fine. This track, inspired by the events of 9-11, provide a fantastic introduction to his brand of story telling. It’s anything but a passive experience.

 

THE CLASSIC: Duran Duran – “Hold Back The Rain” (12 inch Version)

Duran Duran was nearly a victim of their own success. Lost amid the screaming teen fans and the total MTV domination, the band featured a couple truly talented musicians. Bassist John Taylor and keyboard player Nick Rhodes were among the best of the time. And while they were clearly influenced by the likes of Roxy Music and Japan, they served up some of the best dance rock of the decade with what would become a unique sound. This track, remixed from their Rio album, has always been a fan favorite, with it’s arena rock guitar work from Andy Taylor and Rhodes trademark arpeggios. It is unapologetically big and glossy and very much a product of the times.

Click here to find this playlist on Spotify.

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