For years I have adored this song but never has it seemed so fitting. I have sung this song so many times that I don’t think i’ll ever forget the words.
Really, I haven’t much to say. I will let it speak for itself.
Rituals of Mine – Ride or Die
I eagerly awaited this album drop. And for good reason, I’d say. It’s pretty dark and ominous but, I really like it. It’s moody and artsy – very well done. I appreciate the general sound – it reminds me of a horror flick. It should be the soundtrack to Stranger Things or something.
This electronic duo is out of California and I think they are on tour. They will be in Portland on December 12th. Check ‘em out!
Snoh Aalegra – In Your River
This album is definitely in the running for my favorite of the year. I love the old school vibe and silky smooth vocals. It is a very chill album, perfectly executed.
Aalegra describes her sound as ‘cinematic soul’ and I couldn’t agree more.
I am not sure how to find out if she’s on tour or how to catch her but, I’d like to.
Genders – Life is but a Dream
Guest Post from Blake Chancemore!!
If I could take it all back, I would. I am seriously messed up from the encounter. My face hurts. My thoughts are hazy. Nothing matters anymore. I can’t even write this blurb. Everything is stupid now. But there’s no going back. You don’t understand. You weren’t there. I’m different now. We’ve grown apart. I’ll see you around. Maybe this November. At Sunset Tavern, in Ballard. For Genders. For Genders.
– Blake Chancemore
Maluma – El Perdedor
I have not been in a club in a long, long time and last weekend I went out with some girlfriends to a local club that was having a Latin night. Much of the experience reminded me why I don’t hang out at clubs but, nevertheless, we had a great time! It reminded me how much I LOVE Latin music. We have a blast dancing to such wonderful music. And I got to practice my bachata 🙂
So, in honor I of my super fun Latin dance night, I am posting this incredibly fun and incredible popular some by Maluma, a Columbian reggaeton artist.
Also, I think this video is hilarious. It reminds me of early 2000’s boy bands in America.
Pixies – Where is My Mind
In honor of the Pixies’ new release (yes, Pixies just dropped a single), I am putting a classic on the playlist. Now, I know what you are thinking, “why wouldn’t you highlight their new music”? Good question. The new song is super good and I am really excited for what’s coming next. But, this is my playlist and I do what I want. And what I want is to listen to this song. This song takes me back…it would definitely be on a nostalgic playlist of my youth which is strange because it came out before I was born but – oh well.
If you don’t know Pixies, I cannot help you. Go listen to all their shit. It’s amazing. Surfer Rosa for life.
Radio Citizen Ft. Ursula Rucker – Test Me
I’ve been listening to Radio Citizen for a while now, I think I was introduced to him a few years ago by a friend. I love to throw on the Radio Citizen artist radio as background for a party or just hanging around the house.
Somehow, I have JUST discovered this song. Or at least, just discovered it in this light. This song is incredible, it really speaks to me. So much so that I transcribed it and plan to post in on my wall at home.
Check it out.
Xenia Rubinos – Mexican Chef
THIS IS NOT A DRILL. Attention! I have discovered my favorite album of 2016. I know we have 3.5 months left but, I don’t know if this album can be topped. Honestly, I probably haven’t been this excited about an album since I discovered WHOKILL by tUnE-yArDs.
I have not stopped listening to this album all week. It’s truly impressive. It’s everything I want in an album right now; musically on point and socially poignant. So, clearly, it was nearly impossible for me to choose what song to add to the playlist. I chose Mexican Chef, not because it’s my favorite song on the album (how could I pick one), but rather because the message is so strong. So strong and so necessary. I read the lyrics of this song like a poem about 5 times – I really love it and think we could all benefit from a good listen.
You’ll notice that Mexican Chef doesn’t start until 5 minutes in but, HOW could I not post this video? This girl’s energy is infectious.
I am impressed by Rubinos ability to make her art so incredibly striking. It is beautiful, engaging, and shocking all at the same time. This album gracefully prompts difficult conversations and highlights so many aspects of social inequity that we face. And, is that wasn’t enough, its incredible to listen to. I could listen all day.
Xenia Rubinos is playing at Holocene in Portland on September 14th and I am going to try really hard to make it!
Juanes – La Camisa Negra
I go through media consumption phases; I think we all do. By that I mean that sometimes I am all podcasts all the time and other times I am all about Netflix or maybe the news (don’t worry, music always persists). Right now, I am entering a bit of a different media phase – Spanish! I want Spanish everything. Spanish music, TV, news, etc. This happens occasionally, I embrace it. Side note, I highly recommend La Reina Del Sur (on Netflix) if you are into Spanish television.
Fun fact: I LOVE Juanes. I mean…what girl doesn’t? I don’t know. He inspires the fan girl in all of us.
To be honest, today, I had no idea what to post so I thought I’d go with one of my favorites. And here we are, with Juanes. This is one of his more popular songs, with good reason, but the whole album really is solid and I recommend it as a good intro to Juanes.
In case you don’t know, Juanes is one of the most important Latin music artists of the 21st century. He is celebrated highly because he achieved great fame without a crossover. A cross over is when a Spanish (or other non-native-English speaker) begins signing their music in English to reach a more expansive audience. It’s a really fascinating phenomenon. If you’d like to learn more, I recommend listening to Episode 63 of Another Round with Heben and Tracy. I mean, you should be listening to the podcast anyway but…you know.
So here we are, celebrating this Colombian non-crossover in all of his glory. Enjoy!!
Stromae – Moules Frites
You may have recognized by now that electronic dance music is not typically my scene and in rarely makes it into my playlist. Yes, despite the video, this song is recorded as an electronic dance song – check that version on the playlist. Raccine Carrée by Stromae defies my shynesss of EDM to the core. I LOVE this album. It was introduced to me by a trainee when I was working at Google. I was instantly hooked. You know, upon reflection, one of the things I miss about working in a 350-person office is the exposure. I was introduced to a lot of new artists and ideas simply by being around so many people. What I don’t miss about that office: nearly everything else (j/k…mostly…)
This album is bright and dynamic. Pop, hip-hop, and dance all in one. It makes me want to dance for the entire 49 minutes. The big hits, Papautai and Tous Le Mémes have pretty awesome videos too, check them out; I really like his style.
This song is SO fun. The chorus translates to “Paulo likes mussels and chips, without chips and without mayooo”. HAHAH, so fun.
This video is obviously a “barbershop” take on the song. I normally wouldn’t post this because I find the audience to be overwhelmingly irritating, but I couldn’t not because it is SO good. These guys are GREAT. Especially Stromae. I think this Belgian wonder has been busy designing clothes which makes sense – look at those sweaters! As great as his style is, I hope he records more music soooooooon.