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 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 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 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 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 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 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
Get More: Daily Show Full Episodes,Indecision Political Humor,The Colbert Report on Facebook

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 165 :: Nick Cannon "Looking For A Dream"

Music Monday 165 :: Nick Cannon "Looking for a Dream"

This song is, well, interesting comes to mind. At any rate, I'm more focused on the video, which I sort of like - conceptually. And with a little bit of a remix, there's some hope for the song as well.

Your thoughts?

Music Monday 163 :: Okayplayer's Mixtape Monday

Music Monday 163 :: Okayplayer's Mixtape Monday

Today we praise the righteous people at Okayplayer for being the champions of all things related to good music.

Their Mixtape Monday for today is a throwback to the classics and you will enjoy it.

Okayplayer's Mixtape Monday

Music Monday 162 :: Floetry "Yessss" Remix

Music Monday 162 :: Floetry "Yessss" Remix

Nice and mellow for the start of the work week.

Music Monday 161 :: Alice Smith's "New Religion: (Live)

Music Monday 161 :: Alice Smith's "New Religion" (LIVE)

After my recent purchase of an iPad Mini, my music library did not transfer smoothly to the new device. It's a bit cumbersome to add your own non-iTunes music to Apple devices - one of my biggest pet peeves about the company.

I say all that to say, one track that somehow weathered the storm is Alice Smith's "New Religion." Her rich and nuanced voice is ultimately relaxing. It's hard to believe that it's been, what, six years since this track was first released.

Check her out on Instagram too.

Here's a live version of "New Religion."  Or check out the original version. Enjoy.

Music Monday 158 :: Sara Bareilles "Brave"

Music Monday 158 :: Sara Bareilles "Brave"

Musically, this song is just okay. I do, however, like Sara Bareilles' voice. I also like the theme of the track. But what I like more than anything are the dancers in the video. Awesome.

Music Monday 156 :: Ylvis "The Fox" or "What Does the Fox Say?"

Music Monday 156 :: Ylvis "What Does the Fox Say?"

This viral vid is fun and energetic. Not to mention the content is hilarious. Waiting for the zoo keepers to chime in and tell us exactly 'what does the fox say?'

 Oh, and there's a funny story behind the song too. I'll be using this for my Spinning class.

Music Monday 155 :: Macklemore & Ryan Lewis "Thrift Shop" f/Wanz

Music Monday 155 :: Mackelmore & Ryan Lewis "Thrift Shop"

Why am I just hearing this song and seeing this video? B/c I'm somewhat off my game. Smh. It's true. I can tell you honestly that I listen to Lenny Kravitz's "It Ain't Over 'til It's Over" (1991) several times a week; Public Enemy's "Fight the Power" (1989) is also in heavy rotation. The theme here is that I'm not listening to a lot of new music. But for no good reason. I'm not that person who thinks today's music is crap. I'm just ... doing other things.

Meanwhile, nearly a year after this song's release, I'm enjoying it like it's new. Word.

Watch out ... there's a good dose of profanity in there, but that beat is banging!

Music Monday 154 :: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing : NPR

Music Monday 154 :: Heavy Rotation: 10 Songs Public Radio Can't Stop Playing

Aaah, it's been a long time. Too long in fact.

But here's a little something to bring you up to speed - a list of 10 songs. You're bound to like, say, 4 or 5, if not all 10.

Enjoy.

Music Monday 149 :: Charles Bradley

Music Monday 149 :: Charles Bradley

I can't believe that I haven't blogged about Charles Bradley before now.

I originally heard this piece when I was using the NPR app on my iPad; that was more than a year ago.

The other day in my Audio Production class, I played this Charles Bradley on NPR's Weekend Edition piece for them. It's a good example of production techniques, good writing and storytelling and most importantly a solid character with a solid story.

Enjoy.