The Playlist – December 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.

 

Animal Collective – “FloriDaDa”

Hard to believe, but Animal Collective is about to release their tenth full length. And they just keep on keeping things weird and fun. This one is quite the ride. Experimental pop and perfect harmonies are just part of what distinguishes AC from their peers.

 

Disclosure – “Magnets” featuring Lorde

Well this certainly works. Disclosure’s latest single features everyone’s favorite New Zealand goth princess. Lorde’s particular phrasing compliments the woozy nature of the synths and production here. The groove is mesmerizing and Lorde’s lyrics are perfectly suited to the atmosphere. Then there’s this: “Pretty girls don’t know the things that I know.”

 

David Bowie – “Blackstar”

The great rock and roll chameleon continues to show that he has no fear when it comes to making music. With a new album landing on his next birthday (January 8), the once Thin White Duke dropped a nearly 10 minute single on the world in November (it would have been longer but for iTune’s policy on single lengths). This is something special. While familiar Bowie motifs come up throughout this mesmerizing song, he continues to push boundaries. Reportedly, Bowie was inspired by Kendrick Lamar while working on his new album. The video sees him continuing a long history working dance and theater into his live performances. Stellar.

 

The Struts – “Kiss This”

Because who doesn’t want a dose of revved up Glam rock for a new generation? This is just all sorts of fun.

 

Foo Fighters – “Saint Cecilia” EP

Whereupon Dave and Co. serve up a free EP for their fans. Because that’s how they roll. These songs were recorded in October in Austin Texas in a matter of days. Dave talks about them here.

 

Nevermen – “Mr. Mistake”

I’m not sure what I was expecting from this collaboration with Mike Patton (Faith No More, et al), rapper Doseone and TV On The Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe but this doesn’t disappoint. There is a multi-culti pastiche to the production, with layered vocals, topical lyrics and a never-ending series of interesting background elements. Looking forward to hearing more from these guys. Not on sale just yet.

 

Miike Snow – “Genghis Kahn”

Welcome back! “Genghis Khan” is the first single from Miike Snow’s upcoming 3rd release. American lead singer Andrew Wyatt and the Swedish production team of Bloodshy & Avant continue to release smart, catchy, melodic pop rock. And as someone who has a testy relationship with people, the line “I get a little bit Genghis Khan when…” is a winner for me in any contest.

 

Kamasi Washington: “Theme from Color Guard”

Kamasi Washington is one to keep an eye on. Or rather, an ear on. He fuses together some really choice styles (jazz, free form bop, P-Funk party vibes and more) into a wholly satisfying menage. This is, according to Stereogum, outro music for a short film put together by a sunglasses company. But it’s a fantastic soundtrack for a fall evening. Not on sale at post time.

 

M. Ward – “The Girl From Conejo Valley”

I could go on about M. Ward’s diverse projects. I could point out the slow build on the arrangement. I might even mention the big names riding along on this story song. But instead I’ll just say this: comfy.

 

Suede – “Like Kids”

Founding guitarist Bernard Butler may have left Britpop faves Suede some years past (that would be 21), but singer Brett Anderson continues to bring the world a stylized version of New Romantic Glam that sweeps and swoons, with his Bowie-esque vocals floating atop chiming guitars and a thick bottom end.  Having returned in the last few years with a well received comeback album, this new single from the band finds them in familiar territory and that is a very good thing. There is an unmistakeable and unapologetic tendency to reach high and they do it so well. Currently on repeat, despite not being up for purchase yet here in the states. This is another recent release from the band which showcases their darker side.

 

THE CLASSIC: Velvet Revolver – “Big Machine”

It is just never good when you lose someone early. Rock and Roll is built upon artists that moved on too soon. And even when you expect it, it’s a bummer. Such was the case hearing the news about Scott Weiland this week. Going back and re-hearing old Stone Temple Pilots and solo Scott Weiland records reminded me just how much game Weiland brought to music. As my favorite editor pointed out, Velvet Revolver had “such a good combination of sounds. Such straightforward, gritty rock (with) fantastic melodies and hooks.” And they had Scott Weiland, for a while anyway. RIP Scott.

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

Click here for the Spotify playlist.