2021 didn’t turn into the 2020 that wasn’t. It just… was. I was lucky to travel a good deal - Scotland, Hawaii…. Cleveland (& more).Just a few live gigs - some classic acts: Spoon, The Flaming Lips, Luna, LCD Soundsystem, The New Pornographers (2x). I’m one grateful dude.
As usual, I’ve put this list together with a linear playback in mind. Considerations of flow and vibe are important to this curator.
That said, do what you will, bounce around, find a new favorite groove.
Let me know what grabs you.
However you enjoy it, THANKS FOR LISTENING!
01. Dying in the Subtlety - CAUTIOUS CLAY
One of my favorite new voices out there. A smooth introduction to another bumpy year.
02. Underwater Boi - TURNSTILE
This group’s album, GLOW ON, was my top-played. Can’t wait to see them live in 2022!
03. Alemania - TWIN SHADOW
George Lewis is back with his best record in years. This jam opens the self-titled affair and brings me back to the long hours of road-tripping to Florida from Brooklyn in February (Hawaii had to wait until September this time around).
04. Many Times - DIJON
Late edition, but whoa. Lots going on here. It all comes together and is quite compelling. Thanks for the tip, Calvin. (Peep his always-evolving playlist - ((CURRENTS)) - it is always fresh.
05. Floatin’ - COOL COMPANY w/ NIC HANSON
Staying on that funky bass groove, Cool Company knows what’s good. “I be floatin' like a bubble made of soap”
06. Wake Up - KOWLOON
Something about laidback strings coupled with a thiccc & bouncy bassline really speaks to me.
07. Moving Men - MYD w/ MAC DEMARCO
I’ve included this one not only to provide you with a nice whistle brainworm, but so that I could introduce you to the associated animated music video. I love it so much.
08. Take You Higher - LEISURE
Do whatever you want, Leisure. I’m here for it.
09. Gemini and Leo - HELADO NEGRO
The perfect soundtrack to a solo or small group adventure into the woods, or into your mind. Smooth groove indeed.
10. The Call - MADLIB
The master producer puts forward a gem of a sonic exploration arranged, edited, and mastered by another all-time favorite, Four Tet!
11. Leave the Door Open - SILK SONIC
Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak had been teasing us all year. The resulting album didn’t quite do it for me (it’s still good, don’t get me wrong), but the single… money.
12. Witchoo - DURAND JONES & THE INDICATIONS
”Come through, bring the crew… I just wanna be witchoo”. More like this, please.
13. Cigarette Packet - SORRY
I can’t quite put my finger on it, but this one sounds like my 20s. Guessing this one won’t age too well. Who cares?
14. Long Legged Larry - AESOP ROCK
This NY-legend crams more words (and fewer choruses) than just about anyone in the hip-hop game. Ace Rock dropped a fairytale-like story as a single in advance of, but not included on, his most excellent new LP w/ producer, Blockhead - Garbology.
15. Woman - LITTLE SIMZ w/ CLEO SOL
At it again, Little Simz combines a fresh flow and that British accent that tickles me.
16. West Hills - THE KILLERS
Hey, I didn’t expect to see The Killers here either. The content of this story song seems particularly relevant in the 2020s. Also, it introduced me to the term “hillbilly heroin” for oxy.
17. I Don’t Live Here Anymore - THE WAR ON DRUGS w/ LUCIUS
The mix’s title comes from this one. Nice jam. At this point, you either dig The War on Drugs or you don’t. Clearly, I do.
18. The Revolution of Super Visions - JANE WEAVER
Walking around NYC with this in the earphones gives the impression that you are living in a video game world. Give it a try.
19. New Light - JOHN MAYER
I never would have thought that one day Mr. Your Body is a Wonderland would wind up on my annual recap, but credit is due. John Mayer does it right with the sounds on this one.
20. Rocky Trail - KINGS OF CONVENIENCE
The duo of chill is back after many moons. So soothing. So nice.