I’ve made this medley’s alliterative title a nod to the landmark decision by the Supreme Court this past Friday. This has been long overdue. Also, this extended medley would be the most metal start to a wedding playlist ever. Just saying.
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Something about the tilt of the earth tells me it’s summer
24 JunSummer songs! Become instantly intoxicated on fumes of fun with this here collection of songs. SPF 30 recommended for maximum enjoyment.
Flyte – Closer Together
“Closer Together” is a romantic take on wishing someone ‘bon voyage’ that turns the typical summer fling on its head. Both the guitar riffs and message contribute to its sweetness. This tune marks the return of Flyte from the confines of their studio, so there is surely more to come.
Find Flyte on: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | tumblr
Lion’s Head – Firecracker
“Firecracker” has the title and attitude of a July tune, at least for me as an American. I would listen to this track on loop rather than those played out anthems during Fourth of July celebrations. Also, Lion’s Head sounds similar to Whilk and Misky, with their combination of acoustic guitar and drum machines that make anyone want to move his or her feet.
Find Lion’s Head on: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Swiss Lips – U Got the Power
Swirling synths open this track up and though they can sometimes overshadow the main vocals, I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. After all, they are the lifeblood of the song and the main force that has me tapping my toes.
Find Swiss Lips on: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Jimmy and the Mirrors – Still I Fall
Those horns! How can you not want to dance in the warm moonlight with those trumpets tooting in the background?! Jimmy’s gruff voice gives this song a very Americana vibe, which is endearing unto itself. Pack a picnic to enjoy under the stars, and let this be your soundtrack.
Find Jimmy and the Mirrors on: website | Facebook | Twitter
Young Buffalo – My Place
A rhythmic song to rock gently to on your porch swing. The falsetto and polite percussion is what really sells “My Place” for me. Allow yourself to enjoy the breeze, you deserve it.
Find Young Buffalo on: website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Body of Songs: the Brain with Goldie
19 Jun
Curated by BBC Radio 1’s Gemma Cairney and composer Llywelyn ap Myrddin, Body of Songs is a project that explores the human body through music. The Music Court will profile each track in the compilation. The final four tracks will be announced this summer, and an album will follow. The concept is described best on their website:
“A collection of 10 songs by some of the UK’s most talented artists, inspired by the body’s organs.
Hidden from view, suctioned together in dark flesh, the organs are the core of our physical functioning, and our emotional and feeling world.
Each artist explores an organ with the help of experts, to find out how it works and unlock its mysteries and myths. Along the way they ask profound questions about their own lives; about illness and disease, and age and suffering.”
More information can be found at bodyofsongs.co.uk.
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I’ll be honest, this was a tough one to write. The brain is all-but incomprehensible, so Goldie’s sonic take on it is just as hard to wrap my mind around. The song starts softly, and grows into a beast that takes on many forms. I have come to terms with the fact that I cannot really describe it. It is true to its name and becomes an abyss of synapses, firing from so many different angles, it is impossible to foresee the end. But of course it does eventually come to a close, meandering as mysteriously as it had at the start. Play it on loop, and it sounds like how reincarnation must feel.
Seen, but also heard: Trails and Ways, Waterstrider, and Harriet Brown
10 Jun
Trails and Ways. Their visuals were synesthetic; that is, the colors danced with the music in real time.
Last Saturday, the Bootleg was host to a twee dream come true. It was a packed house and stacked lineup, with LA’s up-and-coming R&B producer Harriet Brown, and Bay area rising stars Waterstrider and Trails and Ways. Bruises were sustained during the show’s grand finale, though none of the band was injured; it’s never a dull moment in this city of angels. Continue reading
Body of Songs: Blood with Afrikan Boy
1 Jun
Curated by BBC Radio 1’s Gemma Cairney and composer Llywelyn ap Myrddin, Body of Songs is a project that explores the human body through music. The Music Court will profile each track in the compilation. The final four tracks will be announced this summer, and an album will follow. The concept is described best on their website:
“A collection of 10 songs by some of the UK’s most talented artists, inspired by the body’s organs.
Hidden from view, suctioned together in dark flesh, the organs are the core of our physical functioning, and our emotional and feeling world.
Each artist explores an organ with the help of experts, to find out how it works and unlock its mysteries and myths. Along the way they ask profound questions about their own lives; about illness and disease, and age and suffering.”
More information can be found at bodyofsongs.co.uk.
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Afrikan Boy is proudly Nigerian, and the next track from Body of Songs is called “Eje Aiye,” which is Yoruba for “Life Blood.” He even sings large part of the song in his native language, but he makes it work with spatial left-field composition similar to the rest of the songs in the project. This is once again another unique take on an aspect of our biology.
The Music Court 