This Week's Playlist #143 - The Autumn edition
5 songs of of my recent rotation to fight the autumn blues
Hello everyone!
This Week's Playlist - Season 3, Episode 39.
I'm pushing myself to get back to the weekly groove for this music newsletter. A late Sunday edition yet again.
Autumn is here in London, endless greyness, rain, scarves, and mist in the morning when cycling to work.
2024 does not disappoint, with a bleak start, and grim news, in UK, Europe and world wide.
I wanted to share some of my recent rotations, including some of the songs I've been listening to to boost me up for this week.
I hope you enjoy it and see you next week.
There is a YouTube link for each of the songs on the cover, and here are the playlists for each streaming platform:
1. Zeal & Ardor - To My Ilk
I am starting with Zeal & Ardor and ending with the closing track of their brilliant new album.
The raging crossover metal is getting soaked in more pop melodies to make a catchy and unique sound, and I've been returning a lot in the last couple of weeks.
They are also very impressive live, but that's a story for another newsletter.
2. Hania Rani - It Comes in Waves (Live at Studio 1)
I saw Hania Rani last year in the Roundhouse and really enjoyed it. Her ethereal neoclassical / electronic music / piano record is probably one of the ones I listened the most in the last year.
She just released a live album (we love live recordings here) which is a perfect companion for your autumnal commute.
3. Bachar Mar-Khalife - Wolfpack (A Live in Paris)
The genius Lebanese musician released a highly energizing live recording (I wish he would come and play in London), and this piece is purely electrifying.
Mesmerizing piano and dancing beats for a frantic finish.
4. Lovage - Pit Stop - Take Me Home
I rediscovered this gem from the 2000s thanks to the Spotify algorithm (again).
Lovage is a four-head monster ephemeral band formed by Dan the Automator. It features prominent collaborators such as Mike Patton (from Faith No More and Mr. Bungle), singer Jennifer Charles (of Elysian Fields), and Kid Koala on the turntables.
The group recorded only one album (called “Music to Make Love to Your Old Lady By” - a whole programme). It’s a mix of trip-hop, downtempo beats, and sultry vocals, creating a lounge-inspired, almost eerie atmospheric vibe.
This is the opening track of the album.
5. The Smile - Eyes & Mouth
The Radiohead side-project of Radiohead's Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and Sons of Khemet's Tom Skinner is more active than their respective bands.
They just released a 3rd album, probably their most mature to date, with the oh so characteristic sound of Jonny Greenwood on the guitar.
Until the next time, Godspeed!
Thomas
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