Music Monday 185 :: NPR Music's 30 Favorite Albums Of 2016 (So Far)

Music Monday 185 :: NPR Music's 30 Favorite Albums Of 2016 (So Far) 

Happy 4th of July Americans!

As summer moves into full gear, you might consider hitting refresh on your music playlist. I love my Backyard Funk BBQ playlist on Amazon Prime, but unbeknownst to me 2016 has seen the release of an avalanche of good music, at least that's what this NPR list promises.

I've only scanned the list, but if all else fails, there are a few on the list that I'm curious about:

• Anderson .Paak
• A-WA
• Corinne Bailey Rae
• Esperanza Spaulding
• Kanye
• Oddisee

Along with a few others. Thanks NPR for curating this list for this lazy listener. Let the beach party commence.

MUSIC MONDAY 184 :: Lukas Graham "7 Years"

Music Monday 184 :: Lukas Graham "7 Years"

I saw this song performed live on the Billboard Music Awards yesterday. Love the lyrics and the way he sings the song. The arrangement is strong creating moments of crescendos and decrescendos that are quite natural.

Music Monday 183 :: The Weeknd f/Ms. Lauryn Hill "In The Night"

Music Monday 183 :: The Weeknd f/Ms. Lauryn Hill  "In The Night"

Last week The Weeknd performed at the Grammy Awards. It was a bit of a yawner performance. What I learned via Twitter that night was that Lauryn Hill was supposed to perform with him. That didn't happen because she was late. Very unfortunate for those of us who were looking for some excitement on that broadcast.

Apparently The Weeknd is a fan of Hill's. And seemingly unwilling to miss an opp to perform w/her. In step's "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon." Wrapping up the show's Grammy Week in Los Angeles, the two amazing voices came together. Definitely worth the wait.

Music Monday 182 :: OK Go's "Upside Down & Inside Out"

Music Monday 182 :: OK Go's "Upside Down & Inside Out"

OK Go has a history of amazing videos. The latest is no different. I was more drawn to the visuals and kinda forgot about the song, which, in my opinion, is just okay.

The video though is all kinds of cool. Find out more about the behind the scenes.

Music Monday 181: X Ambassadors "Unsteady"

Music Monday 181: X Ambassadors "Unsteady"

This song has a slow pulsation. Very cool; at least I think so. You'll listen and let me know.

Music Monday 180: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing

Music Monday 180: Heavy Rotation on NPR: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing

Looking to add some fresh tracks to your playlist? These artists could be just what you're looking for.

I hope that you enjoy.

Music Monday 179: Rachel Platten "Stand By You"

Music Monday 179: Rachel Platten "Stand By You"

Seeking some inspiration? Rachel Platten delivers.

Music Monday 178 :: Saul Williams "Horn Of The Clock-Bike"

Music Monday 178 :: Saul Williams "Horn Of The Clock-Bike"

In my opinion, Saul Williams never disappoints. Even when he goes ... out there, the boundarylessness of his approach to music is enlightening.

And so he does it with both this track and this accompanying video; three and a half minutes of visual, aural and mental stimulation. Enjoy.

Music Monday 177 :: OK Go's "I Won't Let You Down" Video

Music Monday 177 :: OK Go's "I Won't Let You Down" Video

Another example of me not keeping up with the music scene is the fact that this vid was released in the fall of 2014, but I'm just getting around to seeing it.

That does not make it any less impressive though. The song is good, but the choreography is amazing! And whoever shot the video gets bonus points.

Check out OK Go's "I Won't Let You Down" ... and they don't.

Music Monday 176 :: Johnny Kemp's "Just Got Paid"

Music Monday 176 :: Johnny Kemp's "Just Got Paid"


This song will forever be a hit record and a Friday classic! RIP Johnny Kemp.

Music Monday 175 :: Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" Intro Hip-Hop Cello Beatboxing

Music Monday 175 :: Michael Jackson's "Smooth Criminal" Intro Hip-Hop

This is short, but sweet.

Music Monday 174 :: Royal T's DJ Mix via SBTV Beats

Music Monday 174 :: Royal T's DJ Mix via SBTV Beats

Don't ask me how I come across stuff like this, but this is my new favorite mix. I only wish that one of my Spinning classes would use this music. Everyone would be pumped and it would be a beast of a workout!

Music Monday 173 :: SZA "Sobriety"

Music Monday 173 :: SZA "Sobriety"

Looking for something a bit more mellow and not easy to categorize? This is the track for you. A bit melancholy, a little bit of a head nodding. Nice vibe here. Perfect for the start of the work week. So enjoy.

Oh, and here's a little more background on SZA.

 

Music Monday 172 :: Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" Parody "All About That Baste"

Music Monday 172 :: Meghan Trainor's "All About That Bass" Parody "All About That Baste"

You are gonna love this video from the family that brought us "Xmas Jammies." Now get to bastin.

Music Monday 171 :: Rollin Wang Rong’s "Chick Chick" Video

Music Monday 171 :: Rollin Wang Rong’s"Chick Chick" Video

This video is all kinds of crazy and there doesn't seem to be any words ... just sounds. You have to see it for yourself. There's definitely a level of ingenuity.

Music Monday 170 :: FKA Twigs "Two Weeks"

Music Monday 170 :: FKA Twigs Performs "Two Weeks" on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Well, this performance was ... not your ordinary late show performance. Pleasantly refreshing.

Music Monday 169 :: Rock The Vote Presents #TURNOUTFORWHAT

Music Monday 169 :: Rock The Vote presents #TURNOUTFORWHAT

This could rank high on the list of all time best public service announcements (PSAs).

It's a crazy cast of well known actors and actresses, some subtle humor and a strong message:

1. Don't mess around and not vote.
2. There are many reasons why you should vote.

Unfortunately, this vid has not gone viral - yet. Let's do this.

Lil Jon stars in the #TURNOUTFORWHAT Rock The Vote PSA

Music Monday 168 :: Jon Batiste and Stay Human "Express Yourself" on The Colbert Report

Music Monday 168 :: Jon Batiste and Stay Human "Express Yourself" on The Colbert Report

What an exciting and energetic performance from Jon Batiste and Stay Human on The Colbert Report in August 2014. Playing various instruments along with endless dancing and further encouraging the audience's participation = a huge block party.

So much fun. Enjoy.

The Colbert Report
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Music Monday 167 :: Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice" LIVE w/The Roots

Music Monday 167 :: Snoop Dogg "Gin & Juice" LIVE w/The Roots

Just in time for summer ... a live concert performance of what will surely be a classic (a little premature to make that claim; at least in my book).

This is not my favorite song, but I do love a party starter and this is that. And to have this performance backed up by The Roots, who I love unconditionally, is certainly one way to win me over.

Music Monday 166 :: Left Boy "Security Check"

Music Monday 166 :: Left Boy "Security Check"

This video dishes out a little bit of hilarity with an issue all travelers are familiar with: security checks.

Catchy lyrics and a danceable track are paramount with this song and video. Oh, and there's some 'questionable' language.