Happy Friday the 13th y’all!
To celebrate this day of magical mystery, and to balk at all the fear mongers out there, I’m delivering to you a celebratory new playlist. As a reverent lover of Friday the 13th (along with my Golden birthday homegirl T-Swift) I can assure you that only the best things will happen today. So enjoy a detailed breakdown of Fall music highlights below, with a longer catalogue of songs on the Spotify playlist as well. Happy Listening!
Fall New Music Mix (Spotify Playlist Link Here)
After four years of waiting Beirut has showered us with a whole new album of trombone-infused, toe-taping indie hits. I couldn’t be more excited about this predicted debut! Catch their Fall tour if you get the chance, well worth it .
The sexy intro of this tune can make any walk down Valencia street feel like your own personal catwalk. The devilish lyrics from Brooklyn band, Bob Moses, only add to ambiance of their intoxicating beat and snappy tempo. Whether I’m looking for a quick energy boost after work or lofi sound late in the evening I’ve got this record on repeat.
Shakey Graves “Dearly Departed” (ft. Esme Patterson)
Hand-clap anthem of the Fall, well worthy of it’s contagious success. Last month I caught I caught Shakey Graves at the Fillmore and it was g great set by this Austin native. Lead singer, has all the rockstar swagger in person that you’d expect from his recorded sound.
Nicone & Sascha Braemer Feat. Narra – Caje
The brilliance of captivating electronic melodies are the slow build arcs that can tease and tantalize the listener for much longer than the average songwriter. When done well these songs seem to envelope the listener with a drawn out, yet completely satisfying musical journey. Caje is a prime example of this style, and because of it’s slowly unfolding sound it has become one of my favorite workout songs; incredibly satisfying to devour over and over and over again. Hang until minute 3:23 if you can because the simple flamenco beat intersects with mystical Spanish lyrics in a totally mind-blowingly awesome way…
Jaimie XX “I Know There Is Gonna Be (Good Times) ft. Young Thug & Popcaan
A sassy late summer anthem to match a summer full of loving wedding celebrations (thanks Supreme Court!)
The sweet vocals of lead singer Alaina Moore and 50’s era doo-wop beat were my solace during many weeks of post-Burning Man depression. Seeing Tennis perform live at the Fillmore last month made this solace so much sweeter.
I’m a sucker for a good tambourine and whistle solo, and in this arena Sample Answer hits the nail on the head. Nothing like a solid band out of Dublin to reshape the sound of indie folk, cheers to that!
Nathanial Rateliff “S.O.B.” & The Nightsweats
When I saw Nathanial Rateliff perform at the Chapel this Fall I was struck not only by the Missouri-native’s powerful vocals but also his charismatic stage presence; one that has won him fans with big record labels and late night talk show hosts alike this year. Rooted in the standard folk rock traditional Nathanial Rateliff’s sound is both familiar and innovative, standing on par with the likes of Bruce Springsteen, Otis Redding, and Van Morrison. His song “S.O.B.” will prove to be a breakout single from a highly talented artist with many more hits to come.
Matt Simmons “Catch & Release” (Deepend Remix)
Bay Area native Matt Simmons caught on to musical fame as a mini-celebrity in the Netherlands before we had even heard of him. Since his initial European success in 2012 his music has gained recognition state-side and we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate his folk-tinged electronic sound.
With a powerfully distinct voice Arum Rae soothes us into a sultry catatonic haze. The song “Warranted Queen” is her album’s title track and the strumming, anthemic groove wouldn’t be out of place amongst the best of John Mellencamp’s ‘80s singles. Yes please…
Janelle Monae “What is Love?” (Chooky Remix)
This song is my guilty pleasure of the mix – a dance remix of song created for a Disney movie (???), but I can’t say I don’t LOVE this song. The driving bass beat and eurphoic lyrics were a major aid in packing up and moving houses this summer. Sometimes you just need Janelle Monae to sing you through the tough times damn it.
Music On My Mind 