Play/Listed Weekly, Nov 6th, 2020
Well this has certainly been a strange week for everyone - especially those carefully following the U.S. elections, hoping for some sign of hope that more than half the country will show themselves to be against an amoral, antidemocratic white supremacist leader. Though it’s looking like a Biden/Harris win, many of us are having trouble celebrating because of the closeness of the race, as well as the fact that this is a less-worse situation rather than an especially progressive one.
Which is why it’s an important time to listen to our artists and their words of inspiration, or simply their self-expression that sometimes gives us clarity around our own feelings. No? That’s just me? Well, whatever your reason for being here, today is the mark of a new month of new music. I’ve got a playlist of songs and a couple of albums to talk about, so let’s get on with it! (You can still find the earlier highlighted songs on my Spotify page).
Feel Something - Armin van Buuren featuring Duncan Laurence
EDM legend Armin van Buuren is back with this timely reminder that it’s better to feel something than becoming completely apathetic. And it bounces!
Love of Your Life - RAYE
London born and raised RAYE has yet to release a dud, and she’s expected to drop an album on my birthday! I’m taking it personally - this song is a real jam.
Groove Thang - VanJess
Sisters Ivana and Jessica have come through with another relaxed r&b track that is aptly named.
Gone - James Vincent McMorrow
I can’t get enough of this catchy beat from JVM, and the lyrical honesty of the line, “I give less fucks than I used to / Still give a lot of fuck.”Happen to Me - BENEE
BENEE has taken the world by storm with the popular and timely “Supalonely” released at the height of the early coronavirus quarantines. Hailing from New Zealand, her mellow sound is a bit reminiscent of Billie Eilish, and this is my favourite track from her yet!
look up - Joy Oladokun
If you’ve been to these weekly blogs before, chances are high that you’ve seen Joy Oladokun’s name pop up by now. I really dig her chill, queer vibes a lot, and this song is just so what I need right now, reminding us that no matter how bad it gets, there is always beauty somewhere.
BONUS TRACK/VIDEO
Brittany Howard has joined the ranks of artists who’ve covered “You’ll Never Walk Alone” originally from the musical Carousel, and it’s magical. The only thing better than a new Brittany Howard recording is a live video of her performance, and that’s exactly what we’ve been blessed with. Thank you Brittany.
My Album Highlights for the Week
Cannot Be, Whatsoever - Novo Amor
I don’t know much about Novo Amor, but the first track on Cannot Be, Whatsoever, “Opaline” sounded like a lost track from an early Bon Iver album. Although Bon Iver’s music is clearly an influence, the striking similarity is in the Welsh singer’s vocals, which at times sound uncannily like those of Justin Vernon. There are also moments later on in the album like “Statue of a Woman” and “If We’re Being Honest” that sound like there’s a strong Sigur Ros influence as well, and I’m not mad about it.
Initially I was planning on skipping the album highlights this week, because it’s been an odd jumble of releases that I had no motivation to write about. However, the sheer lack of exciting album drops led me to dig a little deeper and find this gem. This album is not sleepy by any means, but it does feel made for cozying up on a rainy day.
Though the first 2 songs are piano-led, “Decimal” stands out as the first of many acoustic guitar driven songs of the album, as well as one of my favourites.
Generally I feel like this record opens and closes really well, while the middle gets a little lost. But I think the whole thing is still worth a listen for anyone needing some reflective background tunes.
2000AND4EVA - Bree Runway
Bree Runway’s 2000And4Eva is technically a mixtape, but it’s the first LP from young London rapper, and I’m feeling it.
The album kicks off with the single “Apeshit” that has been around since the beginning of the summer, and it’s a bop. Two songs later, Bree’s obvious inspirational music hero, Missy Elliott appears on “ATM”. In between those tracks is another single, “Little Nokia,” which showcases Bree’s genre-bending into rock and roll.
“Damn Daniel” features Yung Baby Tate over drums that are straight out of 1989, so I’m a quick fan. But my album highlight comes next, with the swagger-filled “Rolls Royce,” which I’ve added to the playlist.
Things slow down for “4 Nicole Thea and Baby Reign,” a memorial for friends who've passed, before jumping into her second rock track of the album, “No Sir (Freestyle),” and then the final track of the album, a remix of the first rock song, “Little Nokia,” this time with a verse from Rico Nasty.
I highly suggest this record if you’re looking for a quick dance party and a shot of whatever strong drink you have in the house.