Play this one in order if you can — or else you'll really be in random world. After a number of requests from friends for "new music," here's twenty songs that helped ease the disconnection and isolation of Covid times. All over the map. Buckle up.
All in Original
D.A.T Funk
Sometimes danceable, always moody, some deep cuts from alternative night archives past and present
Look at My Laces
A tidy little playlist of new and old shoegaze that mostly lies outside of the regular canon you’re used to seeing associated with the subgenre.
Sunny Day Soul
An hour of sun-drenched optimistic soul, reggae, rare groove and more.
Revenge of the Nerds
Late 70s and Early 80s power pop, nerdcore, soundtrack pop and related ephemera. Influential whether you like it or not. Lots of studio wonkery and likely a decent amount of cocaine produced these sparkling rippers.
Eno (ugh) is Eno (ugh)
18 or so songs from various LPs that Eno has produced (and a few personal favorite collabs) over the last 40-odd years.
Artists of Color #1
A monthly curated compilation featuring artists of color across generations and genres.
The Soundtrack to a John Hughes Film That Was Never Made
An imagined soundtrack to a never made John Hughes film — all of the emotion of an 80s masterpiece without all of the problematic narrative racism and misogyny.
When It Rains in the Mountains
Mellow, ambient textures to accompany a day indoors.
A Playlist Your Older Brother-in-Law Will Think is Just Okay
Something your 50ish brother-in-law can "rock out" to. You know, feels good man.
An Afternoon Mix For A Home Office
Almost 4 hours of old school funk, R&B and soul peppered with some new school nuggets designed to appease even the most snobbish of colleagues.
Ladies First
Two hours of old school, undeniable and influential punk, post-punk and new wave from female-fronted or female bands from the 70s and 80s.
Aussie Rulez
A nice little playlist from down under of scuzzy, surfy, epically joyful punk and indie rock. Twenty songs, and almost a perfect hour of high-adrenaline, sun-drenched tunes.
Chale! Africa
Just a short playlist of recent discoveries from African artists new and old in styles both classic and contemporary. I’ve been on a long journey over decades to improve my knowledge of African music .
Post-Punk For A New America
20 newish bands making an old sound feel fresh and relevant during this garbage fire trainwreck that never seems to end.
The Long Island Sound
The definitive playlist from Long Island- born rappers and (some producers). And don't try to tell me LL Cool J and ATCQ are from Long Island. They are not.
Songs for Sedentary Humans
10 songs designed for you to enjoy while seated because who truly prefers standing anyways?
Old School Punk Instrumentals
30 instrumentals from bands generally not known for instrumentals. What’s punk rock without incendiary, politically charged vocals? Still pretty fucking punk rock imo.