Playlist October 14 2024

I volunteered to assemble a playlist of the songs I am currently liking for my friend. She will soon travel out of country. The playlist is designed to help her pass the seven plus hour flight. No, it is not seven hours long. Just enough to get her started.

Here is a link to the playlist on Spotify: KnowL Playlist. Please provide comments below. I will provide songs Spotify recommended to add to the list. Just for kicks.

Scream Drive Faster, by Laurel. (2020) Perhaps a little too similar to Cannons, but there is something different about this song, too. Wikipedia lists UK artist Laurel’s genres as chamber pop, indie pop, synthpop, synthwave. The song lyrically captures a sense of urgency, longing, and escapism. The phrase “scream drive faster” conveys the desire to break free from constraints, reflecting themes of wanting to escape and chase freedom, both physically and emotionally. It feels like a sonic journey, painting vivid images of driving fast at night, with a sense of raw emotion, adrenaline, and the desire to outrun personal fears or situations. Can you look up and see the streetlights zooming by as yoiu hit 70 in the convertible?

A Tear in Space, by Glass Animals. (2024) If you get over the repetition of Watt-Ah over and over in the chorus, this is a song with a unique beat and sonic styling.

Greek Tragedy, by The Wombats. (2015) Sounds like a typical indie-rock song, but catchier. The song’s title, “Greek Tragedy,” reflects the dramatic nature of the lyrics, which deal with the fallout of a relationship in ruins. It explores themes of heartbreak, emotional turmoil, and the chaos that can ensue when love goes wrong. The song’s narrative voice seems to be caught in a cycle of self-destruction, paralleling the sense of inevitability and doom often found in actual Greek tragedies. Despite its rather heavy subject matter, the song’s energy and tempo are lively and upbeat, creating a contrast between the melancholic story and the sound.

Compromised, by Tim Atlas. (2018) The word groovy comes to mind when I think of this song. Atlas is known for his fusion of soulful pop and laid-back, groove-driven music. The track showcases Atlas’ distinctive style, blending smooth vocals with catchy, rhythmic production. The song deals with themes of emotional vulnerability, insecurity, and the inner conflict that can arise in relationships. The lyrics speak to the feeling of being stuck in a situation where one’s boundaries and sense of self are compromised, possibly due to dishonesty or emotional manipulation. Atlas uses the idea of being “compromised” to explore the blurred lines between love, trust, and personal sacrifice. The introspective tone of the lyrics reflects a struggle to find clarity and authenticity in relationships, making it relatable to listeners who have experienced similar emotional challenges.

Falling Together, by Jamie xx (with Oona Doherty). (2024) A dance song like you might hear in the clubs. This one features a spoken word performance alongside the trancy beat.

Visitor, by Of Monsters and Men. (2020) The band famous for a decidedly nature-based indie-folk sound instead produces a danceable indie-rocker. I like the folksy stuff, but I love this song from the Icelandic OMAM. Thematically, “Visitor” reflects on change, distance, and the feeling of being disconnected or lost, as well as the uncertainty of human connections. The lyrics convey a sense of alienation and longing, with lines like “I am a visitor here / I am not permanent” hinting at feelings of impermanence and detachment. These ideas could resonate with personal relationships or broader existential concerns, giving the song an introspective and somewhat melancholic tone. Despite these themes, the song also carries a sense of strength and resilience, with a driving rhythm that suggests moving forward despite uncertainty.

Circadian Rhythm, by Silversun Pickups. (2015) This track is particularly notable for its duet vocals between lead singer Brian Aubert and bassist Nikki Monninger, marking one of the rare times Monninger takes a lead role in the band’s vocal arrangements. The song’s title, “Circadian Rhythm,” refers to the natural biological processes that follow a 24-hour cycle, such as sleep and wakefulness. The lyrics explore themes of loss, time, and emotional cycles, reflecting on the inevitability of change and the passage of time. It touches on the feelings of disorientation or grief that can come with such transitions, making the song feel both deeply personal and universal. Lines like “And this is the last time / I’ll whisper your name” suggest a sense of finality, possibly mourning the end of a relationship or a chapter in life. The title “Last Dance” adds to the idea of a final moment shared with someone or something before moving on.

Dandelion, by Cold Cave. (2014) “Dandelion” was well-received by Cold Cave’s fanbase and those who appreciate darkwave and post-punk revival music. The song stands out for its emotional resonance and the way it captures both melancholy and beauty through its minimalistic yet impactful sound. Fans of the project often cite it as an example of Cold Cave’s ability to blend electronic production with emotional lyricism. I guess they are calling it minimalist synth-pop. I notice many of my Liked Songs are like this. Maybe this is my gig?

glow, by Fred again. (2022) Another minimalist synth-pop. “Glow” is a euphoric, uplifting track that emphasizes themes of joy, personal connection, and emotional warmth. Like many of Fred’s tracks, it feels intimate and reflective, mixing his characteristic use of personal audio clips and found vocals with his atmospheric production. The lyrics and sampled vocals reflect a positive, radiant energy, giving the listener a sense of glowing from within, whether it’s due to love, happiness, or a moment of personal clarity. The song’s mood is celebratory but deeply introspective, fitting within the broader emotional landscape of his Actual Life project, where Fred explores both highs and lows of human experience. So, minimalist can still be euphoric. Ok.

Goddess, by Pvris. (2023) PVRIS (pronounced “Paris”) is the American electro-pop/rock band fronted by singer Lynn Gunn. The track was released as part of their 2023 album Evergreen, which represents a new chapter in the band’s sonic evolution, blending their signature dark, moody sound with a more vibrant, experimental, and dynamic approach. “Goddess” is a powerful, defiant track that explores themes of empowerment, confidence, and reclaiming one’s identity. The lyrics reflect a sense of self-realization and strength, with lines that assert control over one’s life and persona. The idea of being a “goddess” evokes themes of divine femininity, strength, and independence, with Lynn Gunn taking on an unapologetically bold persona in the song. The lyrics challenge perceptions and celebrate individuality, making it a kind of anthem for anyone who’s been underestimated or has had their power taken for granted. There’s a sense of both vulnerability and invincibility, as Gunn confidently sings about breaking free from constraints and embracing her own power. I put this one on the list to check into just how hard my friend likes her beats.

Blissful Haze by Summer Fling (2024) Summer Fling is a high-energy funk-rock band hailing from NYC, led by charismatic vocalist Eddie Kam. Its seven members are recently graduated jazz musicians who discovered their unique sound by transitioning from traditional standards to funk and indie-pop vibes. This song and pretty much everything I have heard from Summer Fling evokes an outdoor concert where I can close my eyes and let the musical performance take me away.

Rodeo Clown, by flipturn. (2022) This song delves into themes of self-awareness, emotional conflict, and the struggle for authenticity in the face of societal pressures. The title itself—”Rodeo Clown”—is a metaphor, likening the speaker’s experiences to that of a performer whose role is to entertain and distract, even while hiding inner turmoil or confusion. The lyrics express feelings of being trapped in a facade or playing a role that isn’t truly aligned with one’s authentic self. There’s a push-and-pull between wanting to break free from expectations and the fear of what lies beyond the familiar. The song speaks to the pressures of maintaining appearances, similar to how a rodeo clown distracts from danger in the ring but might mask their own struggles behind the act.

When I Was Young, by AWOLNATION. (2024) Got into AWOLNATION just as they basically announced their split. This song, from what will likely be their last release, has a great chorus.

This Love, by Klangkarussell. (2020) More of my trancy dancebeat music. “This Love” reflects on themes of love, connection, and emotional depth. The song evokes feelings of longing and introspection, centered around the emotional highs and lows that come with relationships. The lyrics and mood of the track suggest a search for deeper meaning and authenticity in love, mixed with a sense of reflection on past experiences. Unlike many straightforward love songs, “This Love” is more atmospheric and subtle in its delivery, allowing the listener to sink into its emotional landscape without being too explicit about the narrative behind the love described.

Queue Jumping, by Plan B. (2018) Plan B is British rapper/singer Ben Drew. This is one of his most pop-ready songs. I love the groove.

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Pablo Cain

Pablo Cain is a writer who shares his thoughts about health, culture and American life.

 

One thought on “Playlist October 14 2024

  1. Here are some of the first songs Spotify recommended. Some of them were already on my Liked Songs list, which likely gives them an edge. So, I will note that…
    jupiter, by almost monday (liked)
    If Our Love is Dead, by Royal Otis
    Vampire Disco, by Friday Pilots Club (liked)
    Still Summer, by Jamie xx (liked)
    It Wasn’t Meant To Be, by Phantgram
    The Best, by AWOLNATION (liked)

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