MONTHLY MUSIC PICKS – MAY 2017

Musically, this past month was exciting for me because someone told me that you can now make folders for your playlists on Spotify. You don’t even know how crazy my playlists were before. I’ve made a playlist every month since 2013, plus I frequently make random “mood” playlists and “Best Of” mixes. It was mayhem. Now they are nicely organized by year, month, and mood. My quality of life has improved by at least 5%.

Anyways, here’s some songs I’ve been digging. I tried to organize these by “energy.” They start chill and then build. Interestingly, by putting them in order of BPM, I’m discovering that some of these sound VERY similar. Check out that Drake/Fleetwood Mac combo.

Kendrick Lamar – Pride

Yeah we all know Kendrick Lamar is awesome and everyone is so into him right now (except for my Lyft driver the other day). This is one of my favorite track’s on DAMN. It sounds quite a bit like Connan Mockasin (for example), which is certainly an interesting influence for a hip hop track.

Night Moves – Colored Emotions

I’ve seen this band open for MGMT and Tame Impala. I remember hearing their music described as “cosmic country” and I feel like that’s pretty accurate.

Young Dreams – Sinner (I’m Sorry)

Norwegian electropop group/one of my favorite new bands of 2013 have come out with another new track. I think Matias Tellez, the band’s singer/songwriter/producer/composer might be some kind of underrated genius. However, on an aesthetic level, I’m not digging this weird sad mouse girl they keep associating with themselves.

Real Estate – Holding Pattern

New Jersey sleepy surf rock band Real Estate brought on new guitarist Julian Lynch for this record, which I think was a great move for a band whose songs definitely run the risk of all sounding the same. I really like Lynch’s guitar sound on this track.

Germans – Cruel

Julia Kamya, the woman behind Germans, describes her music as “Moody Disco” and “Pop Break Up Songs.” From her Facebook page, it looks like she’s going to be coming out with some new music soon…and looks like I just missed her playing in LA. Why does that always happen?!

Calvin Harris & Friends – Heatstroke

Alright alright alright so these music picks are starting to turn up. You can’t have a song of the summer without Pharrell, right?

Bruno Mars – That’s What I Like

I’m not ashamed to tell you that this is my #1 most listened to track of the past few months. Plus, this video is dope. How is this tiny man so talented?

Drake – Passionfruit

Why are albums called “playlists” now? I feel like me not understanding this issue is one of the first descents into being old and uncool.

Fleetwood Mac – You and I, Pt. II

This song is from 1987, but I think it sounds modern. It’s old but it was a new find for me and I think it fits in nicely with these other songs. ALSO, who wants to come see Fleetwood Mac and the Eagles with me at Dodger Stadium this summer?

argonaut&wasp – Paradise

Whenever I play my mom quirky new pop music, she always says, “This sounds like The Talking Heads” even if it 100% does not. Well guess: this band DOES sound like The Talking Heads. They have some pretty awesome songs and sick dance moves though. We should keep an eye on them.

Justice – Civilization

I have been SO into Justice lately. I can’t believe I didn’t listen to them more when I worked at Justice. Missed opportunity, I say. I had a hard time choosing a Justice song for you. They’re all good. Just listen for your own sake, please. I’m trying to save you.

Here’s the complete playlist (all 41 songs – yikes!):

If you like these posts, follow me on Spotify! I make a new playlist every month, and I also make random and specific mixes like “Aggressively Pregaming” (when you’re mad but also need to get ready to go out) and “Standard Party Playlist” (a playlist you can put on at literally any party and it will be lit).