Blackalicious- Make You Feel That Way
This has been such a terrible year for Gen X rappers. Rest in Peace Gift of Gab of the Sacramento duo Blackalicious, who passed away today at 50 years old of natural causes.
Make You Feel That Way is from Blackalicious’ 2002 studio album Blazing Arrow, and has been a long time feel good favorite of mine.
Cheval Sombre- Sunlight in My Room
The playlist below is made up of musical selections from bands and musicians who played in Los Angeles in May of 2021, and others who had or were part of concerts online. As always, the selection includes a variety of genres.
The song above was released as a single on May 7th.
This song by Australian band Skegss is off their latest album Rehearsal, released in March of 2021. The video was shot on drummer Jonny Lani’s farm and is a perfect match for the high energy song. For those unfamiliar with Aussie slang, “Bush TV” is a term for a campfire.
This song is on the March 2021 Spotify playlist and is not only catchy, but also very appropriate for these times.
Holiday Ghosts are from Falmouth, in Cornwall, England. This song is from their recently released (May 21st) album North Street Air. Check them out on Bandcamp and Instagram.
Dry Cleaning- Scratchcard Lanyard
The playlist below is made up of musical selections from bands and musicians who would have played in Los Angeles in April of 2021 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, and others who had or were part of concerts online. As always, the selection includes a variety of genres.
The song above is from London band Dry Cleaning‘s 2021 album, New Long Leg.
Hopefully next month will include more bands playing live!
TEKE::TEKE- Yoru Ni
The playlist below is made up of musical selections from bands and musicians who would have played in Los Angeles in March of 2021 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, and others who had or were part of concerts online. Although these playlists usually highlight an artist’s most recent work, this playlist also includes some older songs as well.
Elijah Wolf- Brighter Lighting
The playlist below is made up of musical selections from bands and musicians who would have played in Los Angeles in February of 2021 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, and others who had or were part of concerts online.
shame- Snow Day
The playlist below is made up of musical selections from bands and musicians who would have played in Los Angeles in January of 2021 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, and others who had or were part of concerts online.
2020 was a crazy year, to say the least, and this playlist reflects that. Many songs that made it to this year’s list seem tailor made for the frustrations, anger, and loneliness of 2020; while others are just joyous and fun. A few artists from last year’s “best of” playlist also make a repeat appearance this year.
We lost several excellent artists this year. The last recorded song by John Prine (who passed away due to complications from COVID last April) was released in 2020 and is included in this playlist.
Here’s hoping for a return to live music in 2021 and a better year for us all.
Lido Pimienta- Eso Que Tu Haces
The playlists below are made up of musical selections from bands and musicians who would have played in Los Angeles in December of 2020 if not for the COVID-19 pandemic, and others who had or were part of concerts online.