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Radiohead – Burn the Witch God Bless the Return of Radiohead. Their strange blackout from social media created a chaotic anticipation, well within me at least. The start of this song is as if their ready for flight. An extreme readiness of senses. And then the chorus opens up like a flower blossoming, much like this albums release. The passion from Thom Yorke’s voice is so present it gives chills. “Burn the Witch” has a hauntingly beautiful sound. A Moon Shaped Pool will come to Spotify in June. James Blake – Choose Me The first time I heard this song, I had thought it was a Prince song, I had to do a double take. James Blake is one of those artists I have a hard time understanding, however this song is so unbelievably beautiful and genius, I find it so powerful. I can’t image what happens when it’s performed live. The Kills – Heart of a Dog I know it’s unusual to put the same artist back to back on my lists, let alone songs from the same album. But I can’t seem to separate myself from this Kills song. It’s strong yet so smooth. Which makes me even more excited for this new album, Ash & Ice is finally out in June. Little Barrie – Why Don’t You Do It Little Barrie does the theme song to Better Call Saul. This song was featured in the season two finale and I immediately loved it. The blues-y tone from the guitar doesn’t seem like it’s from England does it? Nottingham. Little Barrie is not only incredible infectious but they can really jam. Tomorrows Tulips – Flowers on the Wall I don’t know why, but the beginning of this song always makes my heart stop. It’s so sweet and it reminds me of The Velvet Underground. The title is justified. It is a trippy song but it’s also light and bright. And respectively, I’m loving Tomorrows Tulips all having the same haircut. Factory Floor – Lying Factory Floor is a hidden gem that my brother showed me about two years ago. He was getting ready for Pitchfork 2014 and had me listen in. I was blown away by this tiny yet incredibly explosive, postindustrial group. Their build ups are intense and very climatic. “Lying” is another one of their amazing synth anthems. The live drums are the best part in my opinion. They're amazing performers and geniuses in their genre. The Beatles – Till There Was You I’m not new to this song, I assure you. I stumbled across it on a shuffle and I knew I had to have this song around me at all times. Such a beautiful tune and a sweet testament to love.Peggy Lee’s version of this is also so stunning. It’s springtime closing in on summer, sweet things all around. Jehnny Beth & Julian Casablancas – Boy/Girl Quite the headbanger. The Strokes’ frontman teams up with Savages’ Jehnny Beth for this Lydia Lunch and Sort Sol cover. A quite well done cover too, all most to the tee! The music is true euro-punk- rockabilly. The whole concept of the song is a little confusing…but it maybe be because it’s Danish. Either way it’s been in my head all month long. Die Antwoord & GOD – Dazed & Confused Zef. Die Antwoord is back with an awesome, new, and free mixtape – SUCK ON THIS. This song a great mix of classic hip-hop and reggae. However this is produced by GOD like many on the mixtape. I’m very glad Die Antwoord is back, This mixtape can only mean more good things will come in the near future. HONORABLE MENTION: The Orwells – The Righteous Ones Dear Reader, To explain my top picks of this month, I have found that this season has a lot to do with it. It’s May, flowers are sprouting, and summer is peaking its head around the corner. The air is filled with sweeter and brighter things and I can’t wait for summer. So my top music picks really mirror my surroundings. If you have any suggestions for next month or want to discuss any of my May picks, let me know at: [email protected] OR @jessfsamson
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Eric Burdon & War – Spill the Wine In the beginning of April, I had taken a spring break trip with my family and it had seemed that “Spilled the Wine” was the theme song of our trip…well other than Van Morrison’s “Brown Eyed Girl”. But what the one thing that differs in songs is the overall energy. War starts slow, the song ha almost a lazy man’s feel to it. But then it builds and builds on top of each other, creating a tremendous funk jam. It’s a groovy song to just mellow out to that I hadn’t taken into consideration before. War is an extremely underrated funk, electric blues band, especially when they have The Animals original front man, Eric Burdon, with them. The Kills – Doing It To Death “Doing It To Death” is the Kills first single off of their 5th studio album, Ash & Ice, soon to drop June 3rd this year. I’ve been a Kills fan for some time and I’ve always been blown away with their ability to constantly reinvent their particular musical style. This song is gritty and extremely infectious. Doing it to death, The Kills have no plans of dying or stopping. They’ve already started their summer tour for Ash & Ice, stopping in Chicago May 23rd at the Riviera. Television – 1880 or So “1880 or So” starts off Television's 1992 self-titledalbum, which other than one live album, is the last studio Television record. This song reminds me of calmer times. It’s extremely relaxing and I always find solace in Television. Simplistic rock and roll but with passion and huge talent. Maybe it’s because I find Tom Verlaine’s voice so soothing, I’ll listen to anything he creates. But this song has been my go to for when I want to just chill out and forget the day. It’s a song you can just melt into. You can't hear the 15 year gap from their last record, it still has their old trademarks and their distinctive alternative sound. Shamir – On the Regular Ahh Shamir! My favorite new artist. I found him while going over the Pitchfork Music Festival’s line up for this summer and I immediately fell in love with his music. This song begins with a bang as Shamir lets everyone know who he is and it then breaks into a beat that proves his live performance is something not to be missed. Electronic or disco or even house music, Shamir touches on all of it. It’s catchy, funky and what makes this song particularly amazing is how it affects everyone I’ve shown it to (even my dad likes Shamir!). This song has #bossbitch all over it. I have a really good feeling about Shamir and his future, this mega talent is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Sufjan Stevens – Chicago – Demo All Chicagoans have some sort of love for Sufjan Stevens, I know I do! His album Illinoise is almost an anthem if you will. Sufjan will be at this year's Pitchfork Music Festival, so I took some time to see what he’s been up to since the release of Illinoise. 11 years later, Sufjan gives us “Chicago - Demo”. This demo is grittier, more rock and roll., it’s raw and it’s beautiful. It's the bare bones of "Chicago" and I have my fingers crossed tightly that he performs this at the festival. I might even be so bold to say I almost prefer it...almost. Toro Y Moi – Imprint After My brother showed me this song from his collection of most prized synthpop/indie songs and showed me this Toro Y Moi hidden gem. And I must agree that this deserves the highest of praises because Chazwick Bundick is a master at synthpop. It starts with a slow build but when the beat kicks in, it gets you moving.It’s a great song to drive to or to just forget the world to. It’s a great background song for any event or situation - like I said, Chazwick is a master. Wooden Shjips – These Shadows “These Shadows” entered my life as I was in a short music discovery phase. It’s the absolute, most perfect dose of psychedelic rock with hint of jam band. It has a heavy Velvet Underground feel but Wooden Shjips twist the entire sense of psychedelic in their own way. It’s a song that makes you feel as if you’re floating alone in space, a terrific jam of distorted guitars with an extremely innovative way to be rock & roll. Twin Peaks – Making Breakfast Hailing from the native land of Chicago, I was VERY hesitant to listen to Twin Peaks for a number of reasons. But I fell into their spell only a couple of weeks ago and I fell hard. “Making Breakfast” is the perfect mix of alternative, pop and garage punk. Clay Frankel’s deep voice really makes the song for me. I haven’t been able to tear myself from listening to this song whenever it comes on. I noticed a minor Mac Demarco influence but still, Twin Peaks can hold their own just fine. It’s an extremely likable tune and it’s a cute love song. They will also be at Pitchfork, can you see the pattern yet? Courtney Barnett – Lance Jr. I’ve expressed my absolute fascination with Courtney Barnett and I truly believe she will take over the world someday. I recently caught on to this song from watching her performance on KEXP, the Halloween edition. She opened her performance with this song and I was kicking myself for not knowing this amazing and fucking fantastic track. It’s got a Nirvana feel to it which I feel is a main source of inspiration for her. You can hear a Nirvana influence on both of her albums. But all in all, it's a mellow paced rock jam with a catchy vocal tune. If you caught any of her multiple shows in Chicago last weekend and last month, I’m beyond jealous. Circulatory System – Yesterday’s World “Yesterday’s World” kicks off Circulatory System’s first album. The first of the first. I had first heard this song earlier in the year in another music discovery phase, but I didn’t know where to fit it in my picks. I putting this in April's picks because this song has been with me almost every day because of it’s psychedelic and super folky sound. It’s got an excellent drum track with the help of kids’ voices starting the song off right. It’s a great song to jam to because it just builds and builds until it's march like finish completes the track. HONORABLE MENTION: Witch – Home Town In conclusion dear reader, I find the theme of this month to only be discovery. I’m always trying to do more to educate myself. Whether that be from music or books or conversations or even television, I’m always trying to know more. I’ve also tried to prepare myself for my favorite summer music festival so I can double my experience. I guess what you can take away from my April was that it was filled with exploration. I will continue to discover and grow as you should try too! You never know what you will find! Until May! If you have any suggestions for next month or want to discuss any of my April picks, let me know at: [email protected] OR @jessfsamson *** CALLING ALL ARTISTS!! Gamma Prince is a spot on the Internet that would love nothing more but to display your talents!! Music, art, video, poetry, you name it!! Some of my own talented and respected artist friends and family have been featured on the site! It’s open to anyone who has the aspirations to become more! www.gammaprince.com
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Hotel Eden – Golden Sun The happiest of all songs! My brother showed this song to me a little over a month ago and I instantly fell in love with it. "Golden Sun" is super pop-y and very catchy. It leaves ya feeling good and uppity. It’s a great song to listen to while on a walk or feel the need to start dancing. Great witty lyrics with a jumpy bass beat, perfect for Spring. The Shoes Feat. Esser – Made For You Where do I start with this song? Made by my ultimate favorite new age Europeans. Esser himself is a rock star, I have a tattoo of his lyrics in his handwriting. He’s innovative and musically, way beyond his place here in time. His album Braveface left a huge mark on me. Esser is brilliant and I find absolute solace in his music, especially on his latest EP- Enmity (2012). It’s groovy, great beats and rhythms, the world is truly missing a new-age artist here. The Shoes (I found them thru more Esser collaborations), ah wow. French pop-electric group who have guests on their albums much like Mark Ronson does. They produce the greatest beats I’ve ever heard and they have the weirdest/most creative/interesting/strangest music videos, take my favorite one for example or this one! This particular song is off of their latest album Chemicals. It’s a perfect blend of pop, electronic, dance and indie. The beauty of Esser’s voice mixed with the genius of Shoes’ beats is just stunning. The rest of the album is just as fantastic. Madonna – Express Yourself Sometimes inspiration happens at the most unexpected places and at the most unexpected times. This is one of them. I know Madonna, I know her music, my mom is a huge fan and I’ve been listening to Madonna’s classics since I was a kid. But I got into this song from a Pepsi commercial, I hate admitting that out loud, but hey! inspiration happens at the weirdest times. I like to think of it as it entered my life at the most purposeful of times. It’s an empowering song and it’s really helped me get my shit together this month. Madonna has helped me literally express myself, lol! I like that this is a high energy song with a great message. Always good to have a reminder to express yourself! School of Seven Bells – Ablaze When I was a freshman in high school, I used to obsess over SPIN magazine. I would read pages after pages, up and down, sideways and all around. I was obsessed with finding new music. As cringe worthy as that sounds, it’s what helped shape my musical tastes. I first heard of School of Seven Bells as “SPIN’s top acts to hear now” and their song “Chain” off of Alpinisms hooked me into their alternative-dance pop. “Ablaze” is a constant high, an unstoppable force of drums and harmonies. It’s about love and setting someone’s flame when they felt they were drowning. It’s a sweet song with a great fire-y energy. Best Coast – Feeling OK First off, if you were to tell me to listen to Best Coast’s new music about 4 weeks ago, I’d tell you to fucking off. I felt that Best Coast’s music was overly pop-y and too produced especially from their second album, The Only Place. I was a huge fan of their first album, Crazy for You and their EPs before then. I found it was fantastically raw, gritty and pure rock and roll that I had really enjoyed and even called it my favorite. But after The Only Place’s dissatisfaction, I left Best Coast right there in 2012. But as of recently, I decided to take a stroll back into memory lane and see what Best Coast was up to for the past 4 years. “Feeling OK” still proved that it’s a little too produced and clean, but the melodies and the catchy lyrics hooked me. So yes dear reader, I’m sorry about my earlier feelings towards Best Coast because “Feeling OK” is amazing. It’s relatable, very fun to listen to and it makes me feel the sun wherever I go. Neon Indian – Slumlord If you’ve somehow kept track of my picks of the month, you’d know that Neon Indian’s “Slumlord’s Re-Lease” was in my Honorable Mention’s list for January. To be fair, it’s an excellent song from Neon Indian’s newest record, Vega Intl. Night School. But regardless, “Slumlord”, has made March’s list because it’s been on nearly every playlist I’ve made. It’s got a fantastic and smooth build up; once the drums and bass line kicks in, you’re in for a ride. I cannot get the credit of finding this song on my own, my very talented and musical brother is a HUGE fan of Neon Indian and showed this one to me. Like most of what I listen to, I’m influenced by the people around me. It’s fashionable, great energy, great flow and the beats are strong. A fantastic tune to walk to when you’re getting ready in the morning or at night! A perfect song to get moving to. ABBA – Eagle By far from one of the most important, brilliant, beautifully produced albums of all time. “Eagle” kicks off ABBA’s The Album in the most powerful way. It’s a song of great hope and true release of freedom. The music itself is beautifully crafted and simply so harmonious. It’s got a great journey about it. The synths and the guitar strides together like an eagle, so to speak. The sense of freedom of this song makes it the masterpiece that it is. I don’t care what people say about ABBA, you’re either a fan or not. Most people not. But I suggest looking at ABBA in a different light because they’re so much more than those dancing queens. Beach House – Space Song In January’s list, I had mentioned Beach House and my slight disappointment in their album Depression Cherry because I was looking for more pop rather than ambiance. Well, dear reader, I’ve fucked up. “Space Song” is track number three on Cherry, and I’ve found that it’s my calm down song. It’s helped me to feel relaxed and more peaceful. Victoria Legrand can literally do no wrong. Her voice is so soothing on top of the waning of the guitar. If you’re looking for a song to help you get ready for bed or a song to help you cool down from work or a work out, “Space Song” will take you there. Koi Child – Touch ‘Em Need a pick-me up? Looking for something to get you out the door and ready? This is it. Its powerful intro makes you feel on top of the world. In a recent music chat with my fellow blogger friend, Michael; he suggested this song and my god, I’m so glad he did. A whimsical mix of jazz, hip hop, jam and big band, the latest album of Koi Child is not something to be missed or messed with. It’s extremely powerful and Koi Child is a work of art. The drums alone in this song is its own shooting star. High energy, talent and groove. The Who – See Me, Feel Me Oh man where do I start with The Who? Perhaps the fact that they’ve been with me my entire life, it’s hard to know where to begin! Being introduced to this massive musical power at a young age didn’t start well, however I came to my senses in high school and figured out the true masters that are The Who. It’s not hard to see how influential my father’s music tastes are on me, The Who is the glue that holds my family together. I was able to see my first Who concert when they did their Quadrophenia tour in 2012 and twice during their Who Hits 50 tour. “See Me Feel Me” brought a new light onto the band for me, and it was performed perfectly during their stop in Chicago this month. The entire show left me with goosebumps and the biggest smile on my face. Going to see The Who live is always magical because they’re legends and infinite icons. The band may be 50 years old, but they know how to rock out an arena. Honorable Mentions: Prince Rama - So Destroyed (channeling Rage Peace) In conclusion dear reader, I’ve found that this month’s theme is power with more female influence, musically. This month had a lot of new opportunities for me as well as a great spring break vacation. So this a mix of powerful messages and relaxation. I picked songs that helped me get going and songs that helped me unwind. Songs on the ends of each spectrum but hopefully you’re beginning to Spring was as powerful as mine. Can’t wait to see what April has in store! If you have any suggestions for next month or want to discuss any of my February picks, let me know at: [email protected] OR @jessfsamson
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Floating Action – Awake but Horizontal I’ve been in a discovery phase lately. I first heard of Floating Action from My Morning Jacket. In fact, Floating Action is on Yim Yames’ label, Removador. In conversation with my musically inclined friend, Michael, I suggested this band and he suggested this song. From the second it started I knew it was going to be a game changer. The song has a spoken intro done by Jim himself, and it got me right then and there. Its jazzy guitar rhythm so memorable and it’s very mellow and harmonious. Not to mention that bass line! “Fell apart in February when it started the rain.” I mean, how perfect right? It’s an odd song but it’s awfully appealing. The beat really makes this song work in my world. You really can’t help but to nod to the tune! Floating Action just released a new album, Hold Your Fire this month; it’s absolutely fantastic. Lou Reed – She’s My Best Friend During my vinyl shopping spree in December, I had to have Coney Island Baby. I’m almost inclined to call Lou my leader. I know, I sound insane. But to me, he’s the most influential musical person in my life. His music is able to get to me like no one else has, solo or with VU. His heavily crafty tunes and honest lyrics just squeeze every fiber of my being. Anytime a legend passes, it makes a huge impact on the world, but his passing in October of 2013 was absolutely devastating to me.It’s hard to see anyone’s hero go but losing Lou Reed was hard for everyone. This particular song is very soothing as far as rock and roll goes. I listened to this on the drive home from work and it always calmed me, even at the song’s breakdown. Its classic Lou; warming harmonies, his comforting voice and you can feel the sheer rock and roll that just emanates from him. Lou gets me every time. He said it himself, “I think it’s important that people don’t feel alone”, I take that to heart. Peggy Lee – Is That All There Is? Netflix released the last season of Mad Men earlier this month. Luckily I was able to get my dad to watch the show and he immediately felt what I felt when I watched it. I watch a lot of TV, but there is something about Don Draper that reminds me of myself. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a self-hating, misogynistic, destructive New Yorker. I’m talking about his compassionate side. He understood the inside and outs of the human mind which made him so successful. Not saying I am anything like Don, but I understand his prospective on life. That’s what I related to the most about him. This song opened the finale season premiere and it shook me to my core. I’ve always questioned life and what it had to offer and this song managed to wrap up my thoughts entirely. With Peggy’s gorgeous-husky voice and the way she can make you feel as if she understands too, this song is a home run for me. She wasn’t afraid to sing about someone who feels the disappointment in everything, no matter how lucky or grateful they are. Constantly feeling that emptiness in everything they do or find, yet living life feeling that way regardless. And I feel that sums up the month of February. Parquet Courts – Uncast Shadow Of A Southern Myth My first mosh pit was at the Parquet Courts show at Pitchfork 2015, I know... Needless to say, I hate mosh pits so that is why it was my first and last. I remember listening to this song while they performed it and falling in love with it. However, I didn’t find it until now and it’s been on every playlist since. Measured and mellow guitar strokes as Andrew Savage sings about Southern mysteries and histories. This song is particularly timed and slow but don’t be mistaken, these guys can fucking rock. True punks and rock n rollers at heart, but when it comes time to slow down they can keep that hype up and with this song, it goes above and beyond. The last bits of the song make it a hero. Parquet Courts are getting ready to release Human Performance in April and they’ve already released two singles from it and I can say I have a good feeling about this album. Steely Dan – Your Gold Teeth Steely Dan. Steely fucking Dan. My dad is a huge fan, going to nearly every Chicago show since he knew the band. “Your Gold Teeth” is his favorite Steely Dan song. It’s funky, groovy and the lyrics don’t make any sense. Countdown to Ecstasy is a game changer for sure. It really shaped the era and 1973 sure needed it. This song has a second part, “Your Gold Teeth II”, which some find it better than part one. But regardless, I prefer part one because it influenced my father heavily and it’s such an amazing song. It takes keyboard melodies to another place. This nearly 7 minute jam is perfect for dawn or sunset, when you have one doobie in one hand and a cold beer in the other. STRFKR – Never Ever Ahh Starfucker, or that’s how they used to spell it. Man that switch on my iPod was a bitch. This is their latest single which only means more good things to come. At first, I didn’t really care for this track, it lacked musical evolvement. It sounded like they didn’t really progress from their last record, Miracle Mile. They are usually the best at reinventing their musical styles. But the more and more I listened, the more and more it grew on me. It’s likable and it’s definitive STRFKR. This song has an interesting sound while being pop-y and indie at the same time. This is the most underrated American band alive and I can’t wait for their new album. I love this band so much, I got a fake doctor’s note to get out of class to go see them live. Definitely one of the best bands to see live in this lifetime. So new music from them is just one step closer to them coming to a venue near me. The Grates – Holiday Home I keep getting myself in this cycle where I find music at a later time than when it’s released. And it’s extremely aggravating especially when it comes to The Grates. I’m a huge fan of the band since I was 13. I’ve been lucky enough to meet them; get autographs, get pictures and Patience even gave me a kiss! I love this band. Grungy, raw, punk and pure Australian rock. “Holiday Home” is off of their 2014 album, Dream Team. I feel it’s a song that needs to be performed in order to be appreciated and they are one of the best bands live. They put on a fucking great show every time, constant energy, they never slow down. They’re a band that only gets better live as the years go. “Holiday Home” is hard, soft at the right times and overall has great release of rage. I desperately wish they’d come back to their spiritual city. Jay Reatard – It Ain’t Gonna Save Me and Wounded The first ever, two part-er! I couldn’t decide which song belonged on this month’s list because both have such a huge impact on me. I’ve been a Jay Reatard fan since I obsessively listened to everything SPIN magazine told me to listen to when I was a young teen. He was the perfect tone for my teenage rebellion. I loved his music because it was raw and he was so unbelievably creative for his time. Watch Me Fall changed the way I started to listen to music. It began my maturity with indie and rock. Since high school, I’ve had a hard time listening to his music because his passing in 2010 made it hard for me to try. But in the last two weeks I’ve had his name in my head and over 4 years later, Jay’s music has still hit me in all the right places. “Wounded” has always been my favorite out of the two because of its charismatic guitar strums and the way he guides that rhythm, it makes me flutter. Jay Reatard went too early and Deerhunter paid homage to their friend with “He Would Have Laughed”. Another extremely fitting song to his wonderful spirit. Bear Hands – 2 AM I was showed this song three days before this publication and it’s been on repeat since. My friend, Michael, showed me this song in the most recent back and forth. This song is so groovy, new age and very catchy. I just love it. It’s the perfect song to walk down the city streets to at night. It’s seductive with a dark element, just right up my alley. Not to mention it’s called “2 AM” for a reason, nothing good ever happens after 2 AM and we’ve all learned that from Ted Mosby. The cover art for this is just amazing too. I took a listen to their older stuff and it seems that they are going in the right direction after the release of this single. I’m very excited to see what else they have up their sleeves. Honorable mentions: Part Time - Living in Pretend (My Girl Imagination) Dear reader, It seems this month’s theme is like most others, music helps me discover who I am and what I’m feeling. I seem to lack recognition in my emotions but I’m happy to have music out there that helps round me out. It’s a random playlist, I’ll say it. But this month was particularly very random for me. New gigs popping up. New discoveries. February’s musical impacts were drawn from all over the place. I hope your February was as diverse as mine! I have high hopes for March, lots of brand new and great opportunities headed my way. Can’t wait to see what my musical inspirations will take me. My musically inclined friend, Michael, is coming out with a music blog of his own! Blogs take time, so in the meantime check out his playlist for this month here. And look out for Music Uncovered by Michael Inglehearn! If you have any suggestions for next month or want to discuss any of my February picks, let me know at: [email protected] OR @jessfsamson
I believe music is meant to be heard at specific times in our lives for a reason, whether we finally understand it or it just finally resonates. Music makes me who I am today and I’d like to share the ones that shape me.
Please enjoy the Spotify playlist on the bottom as you read! David Bowie – Starman On January 10th of this year, we lost one. We lost a big one. And he was a big one to me. I know that David Bowie’s legacy is will always be here but he's where he’s always belonged - in the stars.. In the wake of his passing, the world celebrated his life and for the life of me, I had never felt the full impact that is “Starman”. While driving in the car, I had the XM channel on that was temporarily calling itself, “David Bowie Radio”. “Starman” made its appearance, and I fell for it instantly. The story and guitar strums and hums as it starts us on the spacy man’s somewhat possible journey to let man listen to true music. It’s then accompanied by sweet violins integrated with glam rock; it makes me visualize the unmistakable rock and roll Bowie was always trying to show us. Bowie is forever the Starman and will forever show us that hazy cosmic jive. The Human League – Love Action (I Believe in Love) I got this particular track to be my number 2 pick for January because of American Horror Story. Yes. Season 5: HOTEL. I’ve been watching AHS since day one and I’ve been utterly inspired and glued to the show. Without spoilers, season 5 was not only marvelous but the soundtrack really surrounded my life as I watched week to week. From Siouxsie to Jesus Mary and Chain to New Order, this soundtrack was my little inner synth-goddess/goth’s paradise. The Human League’s “Seconds” made its presence during a very passionate scene in the show, and did it with total and utter complete glam! I dove back into The Human League and instantly. “Love Action” is a trip. From the first line of lyrics to the synth break with its incredible bass line, it’s fun and it’s true! It’s pop-y and it’s remarkable. It made the snow of January bearable. “When you're in love you know you're in love. No matter what you try to do”, just sold me. Courtney Barnett – Shivers I was extremely lucky enough to see this Aussie treasure perform in the summer of 2015 at Pitchfork Music Festival. She was turned on to me by my brother and since then, I’ve turned her music onto my friends and she’s been a complete success since. She is different, this one. Truly different. She’s anindependent artist and I’ve fallen hard for her rock/indie/punk music. This song in particular is a cover. The original is by Boys Next Door, written by Rowland S. Howard. Released on Courtney’s Boxing Day Blues (Revisited), this song stands out. The way Courtney lays it all out on the table and the rhythm of her three piece on the track sounds so hauntingly beautifully, it makes the listener feel deeply. You can really hear the concentrated emotions out of every instrument and her vocals. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a slow song. But there’s enough passion to make you cry your eyes out! So if you’re feeling stuck in the January gloom, this is the song for you. Also, Courtney is coming to Chicago and if anyone has tickets let me know! "She makes me feel so ill at ease My heart is really on it's knees But I keep a poker face so well That even mother couldn't tell", just brilliant. Beach House – One Thing Beach House delighted fans with two new albums in 2015! In fairness, the first album, Depression Cherry, was heavy ambiance-indie music-that I didn’t really groove to. But when Thank Your Lucky Stars came out a couple months later, I really did thank my lucky stars! “One Thing” got me through a very lonely period in this month. It’s great mesh of old and new Beach House…(I know, I know) I was attracted to this song while I was house-sitting and I felt it was an oddly comforting song. The way Victoria Legrand sings “Hallelujah” really completes it. It’s angelic (pun intended) and it’s truly calming. I’ve been a Beach House fan for a very long time now and it’s always amazing to see how they keep up with their successes right after another. Also, if anyone has an extra ticket to see them in Chicago, please let me know, I’ve never been able to see them live! My Morning Jacket – Sec Walkin What do I say about My Morning Jacket that I haven’t already said? I’ll try to keep it short because I can go on for DAYS about MMJ. I can’t exactly name my favorite band because I have too many…but MMJ is as close to number one as you can get. Jim James is a real personal hero of mine, by far one of the most influential artists in my life. MMJ took over my life completely when they announced the release of The Waterfall back in early March of 2015. I fell back into their spell and I fell hard. Throughout 2015, they pretty much consumed my life, song after song. Christmas came and I was left with cash gifts! So what did I do? I invested in MMJ vinyls. “Sec Walkin” is off of Evil Urges B-side. I found that during my obsession, not hearing all of MMJ’s discography made my love for them continual. This song is catchy and it’s made me fall even more in love with them (as if I couldn’t fall any harder right?). We’re all walking through life, left leg and right leg – one leg at a time. OutKast – B.O.B In my fascination with MMJ, I took to YouTube. Watching all I could: live shows, interviews, appearances on Late Night, any video really, crazy I know. I came across a video, Amoeba Records What’s In My Bag: MMJ. As they shared their favorite picks of the store, low and behold, this one of their picks. I know OutKast and I listen to OutKast, but I fear it’s not as much as I should. This is the greatest “pick-me-up” I can think of. It’s fast, entertaining and it's absolutely electric. The percussion and the beat is the perfect fix for dancing. Needless to say, it’s been on every playlist I made in January. Paul Simon – You Can Call Me Al Paul Simon, man. I don’t feel that I need to explain the beauty of this song. "You Can Call Me Al" first perked up my ears in Portlandia season five but this isn’t particularly where I found its fit in my life. It’s kind of a mystery as to why it took 23 years to find. Its style is otherworldly. I’m almost inclined to call it alien! It’s so specific and so creative, I can’t find another song like this (that isn’t a Simon song). I might be bias because my favorite person on this earth was named Betty. And yes she did call me out, plenty of times. The Modern Lovers – Roadrunner Another awesome find from an Amoeba Records YouTube. This time it was Mac DeMarco’s turn to tell us what was in his bag. He explained how important this song’s guitar style was to his own music and after listening, you can hear the resemblance. Remember, There’s Something About Mary? Remember the guitar guy singing to all of the most emotional scenes of the movie? Well that’s this guy, Jonathan Richman. I’m surprised I haven’t heard this song earlier, I used to seek this kind of song style out in my high school days. It truly is “the most obvious song in the world, and the strangest.” Notably, The Sex Pistols covered this song as well as Joan Jett. If you like this song, you’ll get a kick out of The Velvet Underground’s “Sister Ray”. Suuns – Translate Suuns’s newest single. I first heard Suuns from the second season of Hemlock Grove. Their song “Mirrors” had made the season’s soundtrack and I was hooked. How do I describe Suuns? Dark techno indie from Canada. Personally, I love this band. It’s right up my creepy, techno, goth alley. I love the deep and dark bass beats with it's interesting vocals in this track. Regardless, this is a new one from them which can only mean good things. Yo La Tengo – I’ll Be Around Yo La Tengo brings me back to high school. There was a period in time when I only listened to “Autumn Sweater”. With “I’ll Be Around”, it brings me back to that awkward high school state. It reminds me of feeling alone but not being completely alone, a looming gloomy feeling. The calculated guitar brushes accompanied by the beautiful melody made it real for me about how I was feeling. Sometimes it takes music for me to understand what’s going on. Honorable January mentions: Neon Indian – Slumlord’s Re-Lease If you have any suggestions for next month or you’d like to discuss any of my January picks let me know at: [email protected] OR @jessfsamson |
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April 2018
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