The L4LM Monthly Mix is a serial playlist curated with care by the Live For Live Music staff, a small group of dedicated music lovers with unique and varied tastes.
Each month, we bring you a new mix of tracks—from the old to the new, the beloved to the obscure, the silly to the sentimental.
There’s no particular overarching rhyme or reason to the L4LM Monthly Mix. This is just the music that’s on our minds, the music that we’re excited to share with you right now.
Next month, we’ll be feeling something different, and we hope you’ll subscribe and continue to listen along with us as that journey unfolds.
This article serves as your listening guide for the L4LM Monthly Mix—your liner notes, your peek inside our brains. Hear a song you like as you listen through? Scroll down (or “cmnd + f” search) and find out “what’s good” with the selection—why that music moved us this month. We hope we can help you discover something that moves you, too.
Dive into the June 2021 edition of the L4LM Monthly Mix below and subscribe on Spotify to make sure you don’t miss any new L4LM Monthly Mixes.
You can also scroll down to the bottom of the page to revisit past months’ mixes.
June 2021 – LINER NOTES
Andy Frasco – “Love Hard”
What’s good: Andy played me this track he had just recorded with Dominic Lalli, Jen Hartswick and Maggie Rose in his car after a sushi dinner one night and it was an INSTANT banger. Catchy and fun with a nice message, what can be bad? –Sara Shah
The Suffers – “Take Me to the Good Times”
What’s good: This song has popped into my head at least once a week since I first heard it during Georgia Comes Alive. Feels like a perfect anthem for a summer of stepping out after a year at home. – Andrew O’Brien
Little Simz Ft. Cleo Sol – “Woman”
What’s good: Over the past few years, British rapper Little Simz has only been getting better and better. –Shelby Bretschger
David Shaw – “Something to This Feeling”
What’s good: David Shaw’s new solo record ranges from harder rock to softer melodies, and this one is perfectly equal parts sweet and spicy. Good vibes. –Sara Shah
Scapegoat Wax – “Freeway”
What’s good: Wasn’t on the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater soundtrack but really could have been. –Shelby Bretschger
CARRTOONS Ft. Julia Zivic – “Taurus”
What’s good: Awesome collab between one of my favorite rising NY-area producers, CARRTOONS, and the psych-soul singer-songwriter, Julia Zivic. –Shelby Bretschger
Karina Rykman – “No Occassion”
What’s good: This fun, Chromeo-esque tune hears the Queen of the Jam Scene coming into the forefront and owning her diva side. –Sara Shah
Amy Winehouse – “You Sent Me Flying / Cherry”
What’s good: Excellent Saturday morning vibes with a satisfying build. –Shelby Bretschger
Masego ft. Don Toliver – “Mystery Lady”
What’s good: Straight vibes. –Sara Shah
Miriya Takeuchi – “Plastic Love”
What’s good: The city pop never dies. –Shelby Bretschger
Bruno Mars – “That’s What I Like”
What’s good: Bruno Mars slaps. Don’t @ me. –Shelby Bretschger
Pocket Protection – “Paul P. Shure”
What’s good: George Gekas‘s new project recruits prominent musicians like Alvin Ford Jr. to create the perfect NOLA vibe. –Sara Shah
KAMAUU ft. Adeline– “MANGO”
What’s good: Straight vibes Pt. 2. –Sara Shah
Tedeschi Trucks Band ft. Trey Anastasio– “Why Does Love Got To Be So Sad”
What’s good: Two of the greatest guitarist living right now trading licks… ’nuff said. The whole Layla set from LOCKN’ 2019 is coming soon as a live album: Layla Revisited. –Kunj Shah
Roy Ayers – “Love Will Bring Us Back Together”
What’s good: Five minutes and fifty-five seconds of that FUNK. –Kunj Shah
Sharon Jones, E.L. Fields Gospel Wonders – “Heaven Bound”
What’s good: Daptone Queen Sharon Jones backed by a gospel choir. My lord, enough said. –Sara Shah
Phish – “Free (Live In Brooklyn)”
What’s good: How I feel with a year+ of lockdown behind us and Phish tickets in my pocket for the summer. –Andrew O’Brien
Amy Winehouse – “You Know I’m No Good (Live at the BBC)”
What’s good: Been thinking about Amy since I heard yasiin bey, née Mos Def, talk about his friendship with the troubled artist on his new The Midnight Miracle podcast with Dave Chappelle and Talib Kweli. She was both a generational talent and a deeply tortured soul. –Andrew O’Brien
The New Basement Tapes – “When I Get My Hands On You”
What’s good: Seeing Greensky Bluegrass cover this tune at Westville Music Bowl last month sent me back down the New Basement Tapes rabbit hole. For those not familiar, this supergroup comprised of Jim James, Elvis Costello, Marcus Mumford (Mumford & Sons), Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes), and Rhiannon Giddens wrote a whole album’s worth of music to accompany a cache of newly unearthed Bob Dylan lyrics in 2014. It’s worth a listen for any number of reasons. –Andrew O’Brien
Meshell Ndegeocello – “Atomic Dog 2017″ (George Clinton)
What’s good: A moody, updated reading of an early-’80s George Clinton favorite… –Andrew O’Brien
Parliament – “Wizard of Finance”
What’s good: …and some old school Parliament to bring it back around to the OGs. –Andrew O’Brien
Watermelon Funk – “Watermelon Funk”
What’s good: You may know DeShawn “D’Vibes” Alexander from his stints with the Eric Krasno Band and the Marcus King Band, but his Watermelon Funk project may be his funkiest work yet. Dig it. –Andrew O’Brien
Oliver Wood (King Johnson) – “Fine Line”
What’s good: From Oliver’s debut solo album. An old tune from his King Johnson days reworked as something new and refreshing. The chorus has been stuck in my head for weeks. You can check out my interview with Oliver about the process of making the album here. –Andrew O’Brien
Sky Society ft. Flamingosis – “Laid Back Coolin”
What’s good: Straight top-down convertible, beachside cruisin’ feels. –Sara Shah
Khruangbin – “Right” (David Bowie)
What’s good: This David Bowie cover is just “Right”. –Michael Broerman
Phish – “Everything’s Right”
What’s good: Everything is finally right. Hello, concerts! –Kunj Shah
Billy Joel – “Big Shot”
What’s good: Billy Joel wrote this song about Trey Anastasio in 1978, igniting the feud between Phish and The Piano Man that would last over four decades (and counting). It seemed odd to write a diss about about a 14-year-old kid in Jersey who had never even been to Elaine’s, but hey, that’s showbiz. –Michael Broerman
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real – “Leave ’em Behind”
What’s good: People like Lukas Nelson, who write socially relevant songs with the time-tested twang of country, are bringing respect back to a genre that has become a dirty word. –Michael Broerman
The Black Keys – “Poor Boy a Long Way From Home” (Robert Lee Burnside)
What’s good: On their new album, Delta Kream, The Black Keys give credit to the Mississippi Hill Blues artists who served as the band’s early inspiration, while simultaneously melding their own style with nearly a century of blues traditions. –Michael Broerman
Fashøn – “That Thing About You”
What’s good: When he’s not touring the country with Goose, guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist Peter Anspach has been working on new tunes with his side project, Fashøn, featuring former Great Blue bandmate Ethan Michael.
Magic Beans – “Footprints in the Rain”
What’s good: Magic Beans pulling off some bluegrass twang on their latest album with some help from Torrin Daniels, on loan from Kitchen Dwellers. –Michael Broerman
Celeste – “Strange”
What’s good: Isn’t it strange how a song from a “sad” montage in Ted Lasso can bring you so much joy? –Andrew O’Brien
Wings – “Jet”
What’s good: Been on a big Wings kick lately. Climb on the back and we’ll go for a ride in the sky. –Andrew O’Brien
Sugar Ray – “Someday”
What’s good: Summer nostalgia to a T. –Shelby Bretschger
AFTM – “That’s What I Came For”
What’s good: Saw these local Athens, GA young bois open up for Karina Rykman in Asheville. I’m sure it’s not the last I’ll be seeing of their acronym-loving asses. –Michael Broerman
BareFuzz – “Ride It Out”
What’s good: Keep an eye out for these local Columbus boys as they continue to climb festival lineups this summer. –Michael Broerman
Steely Dan – “Caves Of Altamira”
What’s good: One of the grooviest songs by one of the grooviest bands in history. –Shelby Bretschger
The Disco Biscuits – “Home Again” (Live, 9/15/01)
What’s good: Just came off a three-night run at Red Rocks with The Disco Biscuits. When this band is on, it’s on. –Kunj Shah
L4LM Monthly Mix – April 2021
April 2021 – LINER NOTES
Anderson .Paak – “JEWELZ”
What’s good: Anderson .Paak. Fat, funky bass. What more do you need? –Shelby Bretschger
The Avalanches – “Because I’m Me”
What’s good: A grainy, soulful sampling clinic courtesy of the Australian electronic crew The Avalanches with a strong verse by Camp Lo‘s Sonny Cheeba. –Andrew O’Brien
Stevie Wonder ft. Rapsody, Busta Rhymes, Cordae, Chika – “Can’t Put It In The Hands Of Fate”
What’s good: Powerful, poignant, and timely message about the state of affairs in our country, from none other than Mr. Stevie Wonder himself. –Sara Shah
Goose – “So Ready”
What’s good: The goose has BEEN loose, baby. A great single in anticipation of their second studio release, Shenanigans Nite Club. Check out the animated music video, too. –Shelby Bretschger
EMEFE – “Greed”
What’s good: EMEFE’s feel-good funk track comes complete with Afrobeat influences and a laid-back message. –Sara Shah
Scary Goldings (Scary Pockets x Larry Goldings) – “Equal Parts Timing & Romance”
What’s good: Every time Spotify feeds me something new and funky, it’s Scary Pockets. Scary. Pockets. This whole collaboration album with Larry Goldings is fantastic. –Andrew O’Brien
Dr. John – “Iko Iko”
What’s good: Dr. John is one of the greatest to ever do it and I’ll always throw “Iko Iko” on when I’m missing New Orleans. –Kunj Shah
Lake Street Dive – “Hypotheticals”
What’s good: LSD is back in action with a new album led with this incredibly catchy single. –Shelby Bretschger
The Meters – “Hey Pocky Way”
What’s good: When I think of New Orleans Jazz Fest, I think of The Meters. I also love that Marvel’s The Falcon and the Winter Soldier dropped this track in a NOLA scene in its 5th episode. I hope The Meters were able to cash in on that Disney money. –Kunj Shah
Amy Helm – “Breathing”
What’s good: Amy Helm is much more than the daughter of The Band‘s late drummer Levon Helm—she’s a badass singer/songwriter in her own right. –Andrew O’Brien
Slim Wednesday – “Reptile Show”
What’s good: Never heard of this JoJo Hermann side project until the day before our picks for this month were due. Thank you, Spotify Discover Weekly. –Michael Broerman
Little Feat – “Skin It Back”
What’s good: Southern rock meets the yacht. i.e. Little Feat slaps. –Shelby Bretschger
David Shaw – “Got Me Feeling Good”
What’s good: The latest single from The Revivalists’ David Shaw’s new solo venture is an instantly catchy, upbeat soul-pop anthem that, as the title might imply, has us feeling good. –Sara Shah
Low Cut Connie – “Help Me”
What’s good: Grade-A driving music. –Jimmy
The Revivalists – “Shoot You Down”
What’s good: The world is on fire and there are more and more mass shootings everyday. –Kunj Shah
Flamingosis – “Cosmic Feeling”
What’s good: This Avalanches-inspired track has a great groove, and a just-as-great music video. –Shelby Bretschger
Chromeo, Tropkillaz – “Stay In Bed (And Do Nothing)”
What’s good: Chromeo has come correct with topical, tongue-in-cheek funk jams throughout the pandemic, and their latest tune is no exception. The title says it all. –Sara Shah
Todd Terje – “Delorean Dynamite”
What’s good: Good heavens, you can practically smell the cocaine of the 1980s Miami Beach club scene when listening to this track from Todd Terje’s 2014 album It’s Album Time. –Tom Shackleford
Yurie Kokubu – “Taxi Man”
What’s good: Been going through a huge Japanese City Pop phase and I don’t see this ending any time soon. It’s a perfect blend of disco, funk, and pop just in time for driving in the sunshine. –Shelby Bretschger
Rudy Willingham – “Pool Party”
What’s good: This super fun track samples an adorable viral video to turn it into a high-energy funk banger. –Sara Shah
Elohim, GRiZ – “Bring Me Back”
What’s good: Elohim and GRiZ is a combination I can always get behind. This one is a banger. –Sara Shah
Ghostland Observatory – “Sometimes”
What’s good: Ghostland Observatory returns with a vibed-out, synth\-heavy, melodic new wave track that feels more like Tame Impala than old school Ghostland. –Sara Shah
TEYOMRI – “Patience”
What’s good: This smooth, melodic house track with a sexy, flute-infused beat will transport you to a beach party in Tulum. –Sara Shah
Dinosaur Jr. – “Take It Back”
What’s good: Continuing my delayed descent into ’90s alt-rock by overcompensating and staying up-to-date on all new Dinosaur Jr. releases. –Michael Broerman
Nigel Hall – “Wake Me”
What’s good: I haven’t been this excited for a new album in a long time. Nigel’s new solo record, Spiritual, comes out next month. –Andrew O’Brien
Judith Hill – “You Got the Right Thang”
What’s good: Looking for funky pump-up music? Judith Hill’s got the right thang right here. –Andrew O’Brien
Tune-Yards – “under your lip”
What’s good: From the duo’s new album Sketchy, this “under your lip” almost feels like several distinct musical ideas boiled down into one catchy track. –Jimmy
Garage A Trois – “Shooting Breaks”
What’s good: Celebrating the return of Garage A Trois. –Michael Broerman
Yola – “Diamond Studded Shoes”
What’s good: I’m relatively new to Yola, but if “Diamond Studded Shoes” is any indication, her new Dan Auerbach-produced album Stand For Myself is going to be in heavy rotation for me when it comes out this summer. –Andrew O’Brien
Hope Tala – “Lovestained”
What’s good: Part bossa nova. Part hip hop. All awesome sunny morning vibes. –Shelby Bretschger
Noname – “Rainforest”
What’s good: The flamenco guitar groove and Noname’s easy, conversational flow truly transport you to the rainforest on this new tune. –Andrew O’Brien
Doja Cat ft. SZA – “Kiss Me More”
What’s good: A strong contender for “Song of the Summer”. –Tom Shackleford
Todd Snider – “The Get Together”
What’s good: The Reverend Todd Snider preaching from his pulpit of the First Agnostic Church of Hope and Wonder. –Michael Broerman
Robert Earl Keen – “The Road Goes On Forever”
What’s good: The party never ends. –Michael Broerman
David Allan Coe – “Longhaired Redneck”
What’s good: Just moved to Asheville. This sums it up well. –Michael Broerman
Bruce Springsteen – “My City Of Ruins”
What’s good: Bruce Springsteen playing this song this song at Jazz Fest after Katrina brought me to to my knees. The entire crowd was in tears as they collectively sang along to a song of destruction and hope. –Kunj Shah
Maggie Rose – “What Are We Fighting For”
What’s good: Maggie Rose just crushed two nights at Cervantes Masterpiece Ballroom, busting out soulful tunes like this one. –Shelby Bretschger
Death Cab For Cutie – “Waterfalls” (TLC)
What’s good: Just one of my all time favorite bands covering one of the most classic pop-R&B jams of the 90s. Here for it. –Sara Shah
José González – “Visions”
What’s good: Our first taste of the Swedish singer-songwriter’s first new album in six years. –Tom Shackleford
Moby ft. Jim James – “Porcelain”
What’s good: An emotive, complex piece from a pair of unique talents. –Tom Shackleford
Glorietta – “I Know” (Nathaniel Rateliff)
What’s good: Glorietta was the result of an experiment by Matthew Logan Vasquez: gather a bunch of artists at a house in Glorietta, New Mexico and see what happens. With an assist from Nathaniel Rateliff, this track has gotten under my skin in the best possible way. –Andrew O’Brien
Dumpstaphunk ft. Marcus King – “I Know” (Nathaniel Rateliff)
What’s good: This updated take on the Buddy Miles protest anthem kicks off Dumpstaphunk’s powerful new album ‘Where Do We Go From Here’. –Andrew O’Brien
Souls of Mischief – “Step To My Girl”
What’s good: Souls of Mischief always make me feel nostalgic. Perfect mix of bravado and sensitivity. –Andrew O’Brien
Jackson Whalan ft. KRS-One – “From The Woods (Remix)”
What’s good: The legend KRS-One hopped on the new remix of Jackson Whalan’s blues-hop banger “From The Woods”, and it goes hard. –Andrew O’Brien
Keith Jarrett – “The Rich (And The Poor)”
What’s good: Just some legendary players impressing each other. Simple, delicate, and so damn good. Andrew O’Brien
Sleep – “The Clarity”
What’s good: Though I stopped smoking pot a while back, I’ve only gotten futher into stoner metal. –Michael Broerman
Franki Valli – “Grease” (Bee Gees)
What’s good: It’s the word. –Tom Shackleford
Prince – “Sometimes It Snows in April”
What’s good: Every time we pass the anniversary of Prince’s death, I give a ceremonial spin to this sparse but heart-wrenching song, recorded 31 years to the day before his passing. –Andrew O’Brien
View March 2021 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – March 2021 – Women’s History Month
MARCH 2021 – LINER NOTES
Nina Simone – “Feeling Good”
What’s good: Welcoming a new dawn, and a new day… things are starting to look up in the world of live music! –Kunj Shah
Ms. Lauryn Hill – “Doo Wop (That Thing)”
What’s good: A classic track from a historic record. –Andrew O’Brien
Mavis Staples – “Slippery People – Live” (Talking Heads)
What’s good: The crossover cover I never knew I needed. –Michael Broerman
Janelle Monáe – “Come Alive (War of the Roses)”
What’s good: Is there a triple-threat right now cooler than Janelle Monáe? Pretty wild that I can say I saw her perform on the main stage at Lollapalooza and star in an award-winning film about NASA scientists in the same year. –Sara Shah
Sharon Jones – “Midnight Rider” (Allman Brothers Band)
What’s good: R.I.P. to the QUEEN of soul. –Sara Shah
Khruangbin – “Evan Finds the Third Room”
What’s good: Hello? Is Laura Leezy a queen? YES. –Andrew O’Brien
H.E.R. – “I Can’t Breathe”
What’s good: There’s a reason this track just won “Song of the Year” at the Grammys. If you don’t feel a pit in your stomach when H.E.R. sings this chorus, you weren’t paying attention last summer. –Andrew O’Brien
Tedeschi Trucks Band – “Midnight In Harlem”
What’s good: Mama Susan. Is there anything else to say? –Shelby Bretschger
Drugdealer – “The End Of Comedy”
What’s good: Weyes Blood lets her inner Carole King shine on this minimalist, yet sonically fulfilling track. –Shelby Bretschger
Brittany Howard – “Stay High (Spotify Singles)”
What’s good: There is no one who commands a crowd quite like this absolute powerhouse. This version of the song gives me chills. –Sara Shah
Gorillaz ft. Little Dragon – “Empire Ants”
What’s good: My most played song of the 2010s decade (according to Spotify). –Shelby Bretschger
Billie Holiday – “Strange Fruit”
What’s good: I watched The United States vs. Billie Holiday recently and hadn’t fully understood the importance of this song before then. She was nothing short of a revolutionary, and it should be required viewing for all Americans. –Sara Shah
Judith Hill – “Americana”
What’s good: This up-and-coming badass burst onto the scene recently and stole the show at Georgia Comes Alive with a performance featuring her adorable mom, who plays in her touring band along with her dad. Her new album, Baby, I’m Hollywood!, is a powerful statement on the state of affairs in our country. –Sara Shah
Jennifer Hartswick – “Stay” (Rihanna)
What’s good: If you only know Jen as a member of Trey Anastasio Band, you’re missing out on one of the best vocal jazz albums of the last decade. All of Nexus is worth many listens, but I’m partial to this gorgeous reimagining of the Rihanna smash hit. –Andrew O’Brien
Fruition – “Santa Fe”
What’s good: Mimi Naja’s singing on this song from 2016’s Labor of Love made me an instant fan of Fruition. She also just put out her debut solo single (which you can check out here). –Andrew O’Brien
Fleetwood Mac – “Dreams”
What’s good: This song got an unlikely boost last year from cranberry juice skateboard guy, but it was essential way before that. –Kunj Shah
Karina Rykman – “Dirty South”
What’s good: As Karina Rykman slowly trickles out solo singles (two a year for the past two years) the anticipation grows unbearable for a debut LP. –Michael Broerman
Billie Eilish – “you should see me in a crown”
What’s good: This b*tch is batsh*t crazy and I f*cking love it. –Sara Shah
Yaeji – “Raingurl”
What’s good: With roots in Korea, Atlanta, and Queens, NY, Yaeji synthesizes house and hip-hop into gorgeous textures and dance-heavy beats. –Shelby Bretschger
Remi Wolf – “Photo ID”
What’s good: Eclectic, indie pop-funk delivered with colorful, Gen Z excellence—Remi Wolf is for sure a rising force to be reckoned with. –Shelby Bretschger
Sia – “Hey Boy”
What’s good: Sia is just her own unique brand of a human/alien, and I respect that. Also, her music is a ton of fun. –Sara Shah
Beyoncé, Blue Ivy, WizKid, SAINt JHN – “Brown Skin Girl”
What’s good: The catchiest song of 2020. And yes, I know it came out in 2019. Don’t @ me. –Andrew O’Brien
Megan Thee Stallion ft. DaBaby – “Cash Sh*t”
What’s good: “Savage” may have made Megan Thee Stallion a household name (given the TikTok virality), but “Cash Sh*t” was the first song that really hooked me a few years back. Much love and congrats for her recent Grammy wins! –Shelby Bretschger
Selena – “Always Mine”
What’s good: The late Queen of Tejano music is one of the most celebrated Mexican-American entertainers of the last century, and this track screams “80s dance pop.” –Shelby Bretschger
ROSALÍA – “MALAMENTE”
What’s good: No one else in music right now sounds like Rosalía. She blends flamenco, R&B, and latin pop for a brand propelling her to well-deserved stardom. –Shelby Bretschger
St. Vincent – “Pay Your Way In Pain”
What’s good: Getting some serious Prince vibes from this new St. Vincent. –Andrew O’Brien
Dua Lipa ft. Madonna, Missy Elliott – “Levitating”
What’s good: I mean… Missy Elliott, Madonna and Dua Lipa on the same track? Talk about a trio of GODESSES. This disco funk track is a vibe. –Sara Shah
Hiatus Kaiyote – “Get Sun”
What’s good: Hiatus Kaiyote are back, and in doing so, prove once again that Australia has the best bands on the planet right now. –Tom Shackleford
Southern Avenue – “We’re Gonna Make It”
What’s good: Nope, that’s not an old soul record—it’s a track off Southern Avenue’s latest. I guess you can call it an “old souls” record. This band’s sound is timeless. –Andrew O’Brien
Heart – “Barracuda”
What’s good: Many thanks to the Wilsons for teaching a young Andrew about carnivorous fish… and rock n’ roll. –Andrew O’Brien
Imogen Heap – “Hide and Seek”
What’s good: I first heard this track in high school, and I’ve still never heard anyone manage to muster a sound quite like Imogen Heap’s trademark siren song. –Andrew O’Brien
Grace Potter – “Toothbrush And My Table”
What’s good: Grace turns on a bit of NOLA swagger on this one. Can’t beat it. –Kunj Shah
Etta James – “At Last”
What’s good: This song had been around for nearly two decades before Etta James recorded it in 1960. Now, I can’t imagine anyone else singing it. She owns it. That’s the power of Etta in a nutshell. –Andrew O’Brien
Brittany Howard – “You’ll Never Walk Alone” (Rogers and Hammerstein)
What’s good: Sometimes, you don’t need more than two minutes to make an impact. Damn! –Andrew O’Brien
Laure Mvula – “Church Girl”
What’s good: Laura Mvula first captured my ear’s attention on 2016’s The Dreaming Room. After five years away, she returns with the lively “Church Girl” which pays homage to 80s MTV-era production alongside her trademark vocal layers. –Tom Shackleford
The Highwomen – “Crowded Table”
What’s good: The Highwomen—the supergroup composed of Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires, Maren Morris, and Natalie Hemby—took home a well-deserved Grammy for this timely single. –Michael Broerman
Amanda Shires – “Break Out The Champagne”
What’s good: Exactly what Amanda Shires was thinking when she took home a Grammy with The Highwomen for “Crowded Table”. –Michael Broerman
Dolly Parton – “Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?”
What’s good: Do I? –Michael Broerman
Brandi Carlile – “The Mother”
What’s good: Call your mother. –Michael Broerman
Lizzo – “Stayin’ Alive” (Bee Gees)
What’s good: Lizzo flipping the Bee Gees? Sounds like a strange choice—until you hear it. Then it makes perfect sense. –Kunj Shah
Haim – “Falling”
What’s good: The Haim sisters really know how to get your head bobbing. –Jimmy
Phoebe Bridgers – “I Know The End”
What’s good: “When I get back I’ll lay around / And I’ll get up and lay back down” about sums up the past 23 years for me. –Michael Broerman
View March 2021 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – February 2021
FEB 2021 – LINER NOTES
The Motet ft. Nigel Hall – “And The Beat Goes On” (The Whispers)
What’s good: Nigel’s buttery vocals and The Motet’s poppy brand of funk makes this take on the ’70s classic an instant winner. –Sara Shah
Cory Wong ft. Cody Fry – “Coming Back Around”
What’s good: Cory Wong. So hot right now. (But for real, we’ve really been loving the Cory and The Wongnotes variety show. Check it out!) –Shelby Bretschger
Glass Animals – “Heat Waves”
What’s good: Glass Animals’ latest release, Dreamland, is a VIBE from start to finish, and this track is arguably my favorite. –Sara Shah
Return To Forever – “Medieval Overture”
What’s good: Chick Corea returned to forever this month. One of the greatest, most creative musicians of the last century. –Andrew O’Brien
Vic Mensa, Wyclef Jean, Chance The Rapper – “SHELTER”
What’s good: Wyclef Jean, Chance the Rapper, and Vic Mensa on one track? Say no more. –Sara Shah
Vulfpeck ft. Joey Dosk – “LAX”
What’s good: A clever love song reminiscent of Michael McDonald-era Doobie Brothers. –Shelby Bretschger
Thundercat – “Dragonball Durag”
What’s good: Consistent with Black History Month and Valentine’s Day, Thundercat shows off his loving (and silly) side atop a stank-face-inducing groove. –Shelby Bretschger
Black Pumas, Lucius – “Strangers”
What’s good: Black Pumas are one of my favorite newer acts, and this collab with Lucius displays a more folksy, breezy side of the band. –Sara Shah
Redbone – “Come and Get Your Love”
What’s good: I just think this is a badass song, even if I know it from a Marvel movie. –Kunj Shah
Minnie Riperton – “Baby, This Love I Have”
What’s good: February is both Black History Month and the month of Valentine’s Day. Minnie Riperton both radiates Black excellence and perfectly encapsulates how it feels to love someone while not being the best with words. –Shelby Bretschger
Charles Bradley, Menehan Street Band – “Cumberland Blues” (Grateful Dead)
What’s good: In which Charles Bradley turns the Workingman’s Dead classic into a soul celebration. –Andrew O’Brien
Tash Sultana ft. Jerome Farah – “Willow Tree”
What’s good: Terra Firma is finally here! Been waiting three long years for a new Tash LP since Flow State dropped. Still have to really dig into the full album as the artist intended—”take yourself to a quiet space, turn off the lights, light a candle and light some incense”—but I like what I’m hearing so far. –Andrew O’Brien
Dr. John – “Right Place, Wrong Time”
What’s good: I always seem to be in the right place at the wrong time. –Kunj Shah
Madlib – “The New Normal”
What’s good: Madlib came on my radar as a frequent MF DOOM collaborator, but his latest work makes him stand apart. Behind the scenes, Four Tet played a pivotal role in the project, spending years collecting and piecing together sound bites Madlib would send him and hand-crafting the masterpiece that would become Sound Ancestors. Read more about the fascinating process here. –Sara Shah
Michigander – “OK”
What’s good: “It’s okay to be alone sometimes” could be the new 2021 anthem. –Sara Shah
Polo & Pan – “Coeur d’artichaut”
What’s good: I can’t get enough of these guys, they might be making the best electronic world music out right now. It’s a vibe. –Kunj Shah
The Neville Brothers – “Yellow Moon”
What’s good: It’s Mardi Gras time and I’m thinking about New Orleans. –Kunj Shah
Foo Fighters – “Medicine at Midnight”
What’s good: Wait, is that Dave Grohl or David Bowie? –Andrew O’Brien
Gladys Knight & The Pips – “Midnight Train To Georgia”
What’s good: Georgia on my mind since Georgia Came Alive! –Kunj Shah
Maggie Rose – “Do It”
What’s good: Since she came on my radar in 2019, it seems like every new song from Maggie Rose ends up stuck in my head for weeks. She just did it again with “Do It”, the first offering from her forthcoming album, Have A Seat, recorded at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. –Andrew O’Brien
Cosmo Pyke – “A Piper For Janet”
What’s good: For his first release in nearly four years, English-bred Cosmo Pyke sighs a breath of fresh air into his signature blend of soul and surf rock. He doesn’t disappoint. –Shelby Bretschger
Erykah Badu (Prod. by J Dilla) – “Didn’t Cha Know”
What’s good: In honor of the late, great J Dilla, gone 15 years this month. Lots of casual heads know the name of the iconic producer, and maybe some of his beats, but most don’t know just how prolific this dude was making beats for other artists. For all things J Dilla, check out our recent feature, Yancey Taught Me: Examining the Life, Legacy, & Genius of J Dilla. –Andrew O’Brien
Allen Toussaint – “Night People”
What’s good: This song always gets me up and dancing. –Kunj Shah
Aaron Neville – “Hercules”
What’s good: One of the GOATs to come out of New Orleans. –Kunj Shah
Judith Hill – “Irreplaceable Love”
What’s good: One of many new discoveries from Georgia Comes Alive. Watch out for her new album, Baby, I’m Hollywood!, coming this spring. –Andrew O’Brien
Aqueous – “On The Edge (Live)”
What’s good: Aqueous never fails to deliver that ’90s skateboard-punk energy. –Michael Broerman
Melt – “Hours”
What’s good: Melt first caught our attention with the groovy, soul-pop sweetness of “Sour Candy”. Now, they’ve returned with bass-driven psychedelia and a mellow, pop flair on “Hours”, *melt*ing our hearts just in time for Valentine’s Day. –Shelby Bretschger
DANGERDOOM – “Space Hos”
What’s good: That mask hid a million different identities. Still haven’t fully processed MF DOOM’s passing. –Andrew O’Brien
Justin Townes Earle – “Can’t Hardly Wait”
What’s good: It’s a shame when an artist’s passing serves to introduce you to their tremendous body of work, but that’s what happened with Justin Townes Earle. –Michael Broerman
Lake Street Dive – “Nobody’s Stopping You Now”
What’s good: Lake Street Dive’s first new music in nearly two years comes in the form of an inspiring ode to originality and staying true to one’s self. –Michael Broerman
The War On Drugs – “Eyes to the Wind (Live)”
What’s good: “Eyes to the Wind”, one of the many stand-out songs from The War On Drugs’ 2014 studio masterpiece, Lost in the Dream, stretches out to nine minutes with this sublime live cut on their new concert album, LIVE DRUGS. –Tom Shackleford
John Coltrane, Duke Ellington – “In a Sentimental Mood”
What’s good: This classic recording featuring the incomparable John Coltrane on saxophone and Duke Ellington on piano should be mandatory for any wintertime playlist. Not much else needs to be said for this soothing and timeless jazz standard, so perhaps it’s best to let the music speak for itself. –Tom Shackleford
Holly Bowling – “Weather Report Suite”
What’s good: I wish Holly Bowling would transcribe entire Grateful Dead concerts. Would love to hear the grand piano rendition of “Drums” from the Pyramids with Hamza El Din. –Michael Broerman
Belle & Sebastian – “The Boy with the Arab Strap (Live)”
What’s good: Listeners are treated to a wonderful live version of the dance-friendly, fan-favorite tune from the Belle & Sebastian songbook here. This live cut of “The Boy with the Arab Strap” appears on Belle & Sebastian’s brand new live album, and treats fans to some loose mid-song commentary from singer Stuart Murdoch. –Tom Shackleford
Bay Uno – “Wait For Your Love”
What’s good: I recently rediscovered this charming ballad from indie singer-songwriter Bay Uno. The song’s quirky horn parts matched alongside a borderline drowsy tempo and enchanting melodies make for a romantic and feel-good listen at the end of a long winter’s day. –Tom Shackleford
Sturgill Simpson – “Hobo Cartoon”
What’s good: Off the latest volume of Cuttin’ Grass, Sturgill actually wrote this song with Merle Haggard shortly before his death in 2016 and has now finally released it. Aged like fine wine. –Michael Broerman
Chad Kroeger (ft. Josey Scott) – “Hero”
What’s good: The Cleveland Browns made it to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 1994—three years before I was born—with quarterback Baker Mayfield and head coach Kevin Stefanski emerging as the Hero(s) that can save us. –Michael Broerman
Miles Davis – “Shhh / Peaceful”
What’s good: One of the hardest things for me throughout the pandemic has been finding moments of inner peace. As such, I’ve been gravitating toward relaxing music. I hadn’t gotten into Miles Davis’ In A Silent Way until after Chick Corea died and I learned that the album features three legendary keyboard players—at the same time: Chick, Herbie Hancock, and Joe Zawinul (Weather Report). Now I can’t stop listening. Close your eyes. Breathe deep. You got this. –Andrew O’Brien
View February 2021 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
