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.
With summer tours and festivals kicking into gear, we’re excited for the return of one of our favorite activities: the post-show hang. This month, the L4LM Monthly Mix is dedicated to the after-party: From late-night ragers of the classic rock era to down n’ dirty funk grooves all the way to dancefloor-shaking remixes and ’00s hip-hop nostalgia, this playlist was designed to keep the vibe alive while you and your crew bask in the afterglow of that amazing show you just witnessed.
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 “cmd + f” search) and find out “what’s good” with the selection—why that music moved us this year. We hope we can help you discover something that moves you, too.
Dive into our “Post-Show Hang” May 2023 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. Happy listening!
Ween – “It’s Gonna Be A Long Night”
What’s Good: Walk back into the hotel room, crank up this Motörhead knock-off, lock up the doors, and settle in for a long night. –Michael Broerman
Black Sabbath – “Paranoid”
What’s Good: This 3 a.m. reset will reunite the few who remain. –Kelsey Mester
Funkadelic – “Hit It And Quit It”
What’s Good: Is there such a thing as too much funk at a late night? Let’s find out. –Kelsey Mester
Billy Preston – “Outa-Space”
What’s Good: It elevates the room. –Kelsey Mester
Darondo, Dave Allison – “Didn’t I” (Dave Allison Rework)
What’s Good: Sit back, relax, and let this smooth remix of a soul classic hit you right in the soul. –Sara Shah
Trio Sutonic – “Sasquatch Sun”
What’s Good: This song would be perfect if it didn’t fade out during the drum solo. –James Sissler
Fatback Band – “Let The Drums Speak”
What’s Good: This one came from the Phish Magnaball drive-in set and became an immediate staple on my late-night playlists. –Sara Shah
Mr. President, Sabba MG – “Teasing Me So Bad”
What’s Good: The perfect dance track for any late-night vibe. –Sara Shah
Tower Of Power – “What Is Hip?”
What’s Good: When you’re back at the spot “smokin’ only the best weed.” –Andrew O’Brien
Kenny Rogers – “The Hoodooin’ Of Miss Fannie Deberry”
What’s Good: Who’d ever think this one would come from Kenny Rogers? Pulls the devil out of ya! –Kelsey Mester
Steely Dan – “Deacon Blues”
What’s Good: A party without Steely Dan is just a meeting. –Michael Broerman
Little Feat – “Fat Man In The Bathtub”
What’s Good: Friends don’t let friends fall asleep in bathtubs. –Kelsey Mester
Widespread Panic – “Lawyers, Guns, And Money (Live)” (Warren Zevon)
What’s Good: The shit has hit the fan. –Michael Broerman
Allen Toussaint – “Night People”
What’s Good: Forever and always the late-night go-to. –Sara Shah
Neal Francis – “This Time”
What’s Good: There’s going to be a moment when partygoers are more into their conversation than focused on the music. This one keeps us in the steadiness of the party, but also doubles as some upbeat fun for the friend feeling socially awkward. –Kesley Mester
William DeVaughn – “Be Thankful For What You’ve Got – David Todd Remix (Radio Edit)”
What’s Good: A funky remix of a classic. –Sara Shah
Tim Maia – “Do Leme Ao Pontal”
What’s Good: An instant vibe pickup. –Sara Shah
The Spinners – “The Rubberband Man”
What’s Good: For when you have the show’s boogie still ringing in your head. –Kelsey Mester
The Meters – “Just Kissed My Baby”
What’s Good: There is never, ever, ever a bad time for The Meters, but they do hit just right late at night. –Andrew O’Brien
James Brown – “Stone To The Bone”
What’s Good: This song was introduced to me as post-show music in the parking lot of Merriweather Post Pavilion back in 2015 and it’s been in my rotation every show since. Always gets a play from me any time I get control of the Bluetooth. –Andrew O’Brien
Eric Krasno, Stanton Moore – “Carried Away” (H.E.R.)
What’s Good: I read that the idea behind the music on this Krasno/Moore Project album was that you could play it in the background in any social scenario. This H.E.R. interpretation might be my favorite of the bunch. –Andrew O’Brien
Dengue Fever – “Mr. Orange”
What’s Good: It’s honestly never a bad time to listen to Dengue Fever’s vaguely-psychedelic Cambodian pop music. –James Sissler
KNOWER – “The Abyss”
What’s Good: This new KNOWER is like old KNOWER in the best way possible. Can’t wait to hear the new album, KNOWER FOREVER. –James Sissler
The Polish Ambassador, Mr. Lif, Ayla Nereo – “Let The Rhythm Just”
What’s Good: Whether you’re winding up or down, this track always works. –Sara Shah
Curtis Mayfield – “Pusherman”
What’s Good: A little Curtis always sets the late-night vibe. –Sara Shah
Khruangbin – “Time (You And I)”
What’s Good: I mean sure, you’ll hear this come on in just about every restaurant/bar/spa at this point, but this popular Khruangbin track still slaps. –Sara Shah
Tom Misch, Poppy Ajudha – “Disco Yes”
What’s Good: Throw this on for an instant serotonin boost. –Sara Shah
Brandon Coleman – “Blast Off”
What’s Good: I feel like I’m making up lost time after just discovering this album from last year. Most of the tracks are short, but they each pack a punch, and there are some heavy hitters featured throughout. –James Sissler
ABBA – “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)”
What’s Good: This one is for the ladies, the gays, and the theys. –Kelsey Mester
The Growlers – “The Daisy Chain”
What’s Good: Beach goth poster children The Growlers always make a downward spiral sound so alluring. –Michael Broerman
David Bowie – “Young Americans”
What’s Good: Aaaaaalright, now it’s time for some Bowie. –Andrew O’Brien
Sly & The Family Stone – “If You Want Me To Stay”
What’s Good: Every late-night playlist needs a little Sly. –Sara Shah
The Brothers Johnson – “Strawberry Letter 23”
What’s Good: Thanks to Phish for putting this back on my radar when they covered it during the Baker’s Dozen. Always a hit. –Sara Shah
Poolside – “Harvest Moon” (Neil Young)
What’s Good: Love this vibey, lo-fi take on a classic. –Sara Shah
Bonobo, Bajka – “Days To Come”
What’s Good: A smooth rainy day groove with some jazz and old-school hip-hop vibes, perfect for when the party needs to simmer down. –James Sissler
Stuff – “Foots”
What’s Good: I love that this always leads to someone asking, “what is this?”, any good playlist should start a conversation and an education. –Kelsey Mester
Bliss Station, Flamingosis, Ehiorobo – “Sweet Chocolate”
What’s Good: The perfect laid-back funky groove for a chill late-night vibe, from Flamingosis and Ehirobo’s new side project. –Sara Shah
Orgone – “Samson”
What’s Good: Samson gets me lifted! –Michael Broerman
Oliver Wood – “Get The Blues”
What’s Good: Feel-good music. –Andrew O’Brien
Widespread Panic – “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (Live)” (Bob Dylan)
What’s Good: And we’re back to society, having journeyed through shakedown, “craw[ling] on six crooked highways”. –Kelsey Mester
Jason Isbell – “Super 8”
What’s Good: Personally I’m a Motel 6 man myself but this rhymes better. –Michael Broerman
Billy Strings, Willie Nelson – “California Sober”
What’s Good: Keep tellin’ yourself that, 3 a.m. Jack. Still, it’s pretty fun to sing this song late at night when you’re not quite practicing what’s being preached. –Andrew O’Brien
Tina Turner – “The Best”
What’s Good: For the “belting early-’90s pop hits” portion of the evening. “The Best” was on the “Post-Show Hang” playlist even before the Queen passed away this week. Play it twice this weekend for this icon. We’ll miss you, Tina. –Andrew O’Brien
Prince – “When You Were Mine”
What’s Good: It’s not ’80s music, it’s Prince. –Kelsey Mester
OutKast – “Ms. Jackson”
What’s Good: I see a lot of jam bands, and jam bands are the last thing I want to listen to after the show. “Ms. Jackson” is the only thing I want to hear when I’m driving off the lot, and I’m sure I will feel like this forever (forever, forever-ever, forever-ever). –Andrew O’Brien
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “One Drop”
What’s Good: Play this one as you see the sun start coming up. –Andrew O’Brien
Devendra Banhart – “Für Hildegard von Bingen”
What’s Good: Chill psych-folk. –James Sissler
FKJ, Masego – “Tadow”
What’s Good: When raging shifts to vibing. –Andrew O’Brien
The Cars – “Moving In Stereo”
What’s Good: Those slick synths are the surefire way to slip into a smooth comedown from the post-show energy. –Michael Broerman
Talking Heads – “Burning Down the House”
What’s Good: Sometimes you just need to belt out the lyrics to “Burning Down The House”. Do you. –Sara Shah
Mac Miller, Anderson .Paak – “Dang!”
What’s Good: Wait! We was just hangin’. –Andrew O’Brien
Parov Stellar – “Catgroove”
What’s Good: One of my college late-night go-to’s. –Andrew O’Brien
Herbie Hancock – “Dis Da Drum”
What’s Good: Give in to the hypnotic power of the drum. –Michael Broerman
Stardust – “Music Sounds Better With You”
What’s Good: Throw is on to get back into party mode. –Sara Shah
Fatboy Slim – “Praise You – Radio Edit”
What’s Good: Guaranteed to instantly lift the energy in the room. –Sara Shah
KOOL A.D., Talib Kweli, Boots Riley – “Hickory”
What’s Good: Set that ambiance. Omg, wtf, omg, it’s all love… –Andrew O’Brien
Funkadelic – “Can You Get To That”
What’s Good: A classic funk tune for just about any late-night mood. –Sara Shah
Primus – “John The Fisherman”
What’s Good: Get weird and thin the herd. –Kelsey Mester
Black Sabbath – “Snowblind”
What’s Good: There’s drug banding, and then there’s “Snowblind” by Black Sabbath. –Michael Broerman
Labbi Siffre – “I Got The…”
What’s Good: Another ’70s soul/funk throwback guaranteed to set the mood for any late-night vibe. –Sara Shah
Cam’ron, Juelz Santana, Freekey Zeekey, Toya – “Hey Ma”
What’s Good: She looked at me laughing like boy your playlist game is tight. –Andrew O’Brien
The Something Experiment – “Girl You The Shit”
What’s Good: When you gotta bring it down for a minute, but you don’t want to stop laughing. –Andrew O’Brien
Mdou Moctar – “Ya Habibti”
What’s Good: Caught these guys at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival with the Live For Live Music crew and it was an unexpected highlight. I love the rhythms, in this case a deceivingly simple three over two polyrhythm. –James Sissler
Creedence Clearwater Revival – “Midnight Special”
What’s Good: This one’s a nod to my dad and his Friday parties. I have some of the fondest memories of watching him and his best friends perform this. And yes…usually around midnight. –Kelsey Mester
Keith Jarrett – “The Rich (And The Poor)”
What’s Good: When it’s time to say goodnight. –Andrew O’Brien
L4LM Monthly Mix – April 2023
Pretty Lights – “My Other Love”
What’s Good: It’s on. –Andrew O’Brien
Temples – “Inner Space”
What’s Good: The new Sean Lennon-produced LP from these British psych-rockers gets under your skin in an instant. –Andrew O’Brien
Allah-Las – “Mulberry Jam”
What’s Good: These guys are really into jams. –Kelsey Mester
The Murlocs – “Undone & Unashamed”
What’s Good: The Murlocs commit to lowering the bar on the latest single from the KGLW offshoot’s country-tinged album, Calm Ya Farm. –Michael Broerman
Sexbruise? – “Ford Taurus”
What’s Good: I’m more of a Mercury Sable guy, but this song is where it’s at. –Andrew O’Brien
Prince – “I Wanna Be Your Lover”
What’s Good: A mood lifter. –Kelsey Mester
Parliament – “Flash Light”
What’s Good: Just watched the Tear the Roof Off documentary on George Clinton and Parliament-Funkadelic. From the way the selected members of P-Funk unanimously tell it, George was a bad man but still an undisputed musical genius. –Michael Broerman
Related: TAUK Plots Guest-Filled ‘Parliament-Funkadelic Vs. Sly & The Family Stone’ Late-Night During Jazz Fest 2023
Brittany.Reneé.Beckett – “DISCO HOT TUB”
What’s Good: Brittany is a creative performer of many talents. Her first official solo single, produced by Adam Deitch (Lettuce, Break Science) and D’Vibes (Watermelon Funk, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram), is a funky, sexy blast of fun that’s perfect for the hot tub, the dance floor, the late-night hang, the early-morning pump-up, and everything in between. –Andrew O’Brien
Eric Krasno, Stanton Moore – “Stay High [Feat. Cory Henry]”
What’s Good: Just caught Krasno Moore Project live and they were predictably righteous. This cover of Brittany Howard‘s “Stay High” featuring Cory Henry is one of my favorites from their recent release paying tribute to women in music, Book of Queens. –James Sissler
Related: The Funk Sessions To Gather Soulive, Galactic, Lettuce Members & More In NOLA During Jazz Fest
Bernard “Pretty” Purdie – “Song For Aretha”
What’s Good: A stunning love letter from Pretty Purdie to Soul Sister Number One. –Andrew O’Brien
Lawrence – “Don’t Lose Sight”
What’s Good: Hoping to see Veronica Stewart-Frommer from Melt jump in with Lawrence on this one at Daze Between New Orleans! Consider this me speaking it into existence. There’s precedent, after all. –Andrew O’Brien
boygenius – “Satanist”
What’s Good: A prime example of the boygenius humor that comes from putting Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus back in a room together. –Michael Broerman
The Beths – “Expert In A Dying Field”
What’s Good: Feel-good pop-rock from New Zealand. Thanks to Kevin for turning me on! –Andrew O’Brien
Woods – “Weekend Wind”
What’s Good: When the horns come in, it reminds me of Herb Alpert. Almost like Herb meets the Allah-Lahs psychedelic surf rock. –Kelsey Mester
The Wood Brothers – “Worst Pain of All”
What’s Good: New Wood Brothers! And it grooves… –James Sissler
Harry Belafonte – “Jump in the Line”
What’s Good: Lots of people I know in our music scene were raised on rock and roll by their parents. My mom raised me on Harry Belafonte. RIP to a legend.–Andrew O’Brien
Kitchen Dwellers – “Paradise Valley”
What’s Good: If you haven’t watched Kitchen Dwellers play “Paradise Valley” in the middle of Paradise Valley on The Montana Sessions yet, do yourself a favor. –Andrew O’Brien
Todd Snider – “You Got Away With It (A Tale Of Two Fraternity Brothers)”
What’s Good: For the inevitable Trump verdict. –Michael Broerman
Frank Zappa, The Mothers – “The Mud Shark – Live At Fillmore East, June 1971”
What’s Good: We have a dream in my house that Phish will one day perform this at a Halloween show. –Kelsey Mester
Brandee Younger – “Dust (feat. Meshell Ndegeocello)”
What’s Good: Jazz harpist Brandee Younger’s Unrest was one of my favorite albums of 2022, and her new album, Brand New Life, is even better. The record features trio instrumentation of harp, drums, and bass and contains a variety of styles, drawing from jazz, hip-hop, R&B, reggae, and more with tasteful effects. Most of the album is instrumental, but this reggae-tinged track featuring vocals by Meshell Ndegeocello is among my favorites. The whole album has been on repeat on my Spotify. –James Sissler
Rhye – “A Whiter Shade Of Pale – Recorded At Spotify Studios NYC” (Procol Harum)
What’s Good: It was difficult to not choose the original on this one. What I love about the original is how quintessential it is to the sounds of the 1960s generation, but similarly, I think one could argue the same for Rhye’s rendition. It might be a hot take to enjoy covers as much as I do, but I love that a cover offers the baseline for adaptation. It’s as if we had multiple artists paint the same scene using the same color palette. –Kelsey Mester
alt-J – “Taro”
What’s Good: Last month the band kicked off their An Awesome Wave 10-year anniversary tour, and since then I have been marinating in nostalgia. 2012–2013 marked the year I met my very best friends, and this album became our soundtrack. –Kelsey Mester
Satya – “Oakland”
What’s Good: The exact vibe I’m always seeking out. –Andrew O’Brien
Allen Stone – “Magic”
What’s Good: No one writes (or sings) a love song like Allen Stone: “My heart it used to beat alone, but now I’ve found my metronome. When you know you know.” –James Sissler
Cory Henry – “Fighting For Peace”
What’s Good: Throw this on first thing in the morning. Feels better than a cup of coffee. –Andrew O’Brien
King Krule – “Seaforth”
What’s Good: I’ve been seeing King Krule’s name for years and finally took a listen to his latest single, “Seaforth”. Still know very little about the man and his style but I likes what I hear. –Michael Broerman
Tarika Blue – “Dreamflower”
What’s Good: Rainy day vibes from ’70s fusion outfit Tarika Blue. This track was famously sampled by Erykah Badu on “Didn’t Cha Know”. It’s instrumental but lyrical and oh-so-smooth and melodic. –James Sissler
Charlie Parker – “Romance Without Finance” (Lloyd Grimes)
What’s Good: You better hope she digs your personality. –Andrew O’Brien
Queens of the Stone Age – “You Think I Ain’t Worth A Dollar, But I Feel Like A Millionaire”
What’s Good: Never hurts to revisit a classic. –Michael Broerman
ECHT! – “Cheesecake”
What’s Good: Belgian Trap Jazz quartet blasts back with a titanic banger! The Brussels-based lads uncorked the third single from forthcoming sophomore LP Sink-Along, due May 5. –B. Getz
Mike Gordon – “Mull”
What’s Good: As someone who seriously struggles to make decisions, “Mull” speaks to my soul on a thematic level, but it’s the funky groove and fresh songwriting that keeps me coming back to this new Mike Gordon original. –James Sissler
Yoofee – “Lost Papers”
What’s Good: Berlin-based producer flips the script for some Dâm-Funk meets Herbie Hancock fusion funk for the modern-day dancefloor. The title track to his latest EP. –B. Getz
Everything But The Girl – “Caution To The Wind”
What’s Good: After 24 years, the dynamic U.K. duo is back! Tracey Thorn and Ben Watt deliver another slate of grown n’ sexy dancefloor ruminations. Oh, how we’ve missed thee! –B. Getz
Prince – “Velvet Kitty Cat”
What’s Good: This song reminds me of the teacup Meret Oppenheim made for Pablo Picasso. Keeping the comment at that, as the story I’ve been told is not PG. –Kelsey Mester
Mikey Pauker, Cas Haley – “Heartbreak In Paradise”
What’s Good: This collaboration nurses an aching heart with vibey reggae from the Big Island. –B. Getz
Ryan Scott – “Spend Some Time With You”
What’s Good: A gift from the algorithm. I know nothing about this dude, but I’m about to find out. –Andrew O’Brien
Goopsteppa, oddwan – “Dudadi Raven”
What’s Good: Alex da Goopsteppa taps oddwan for this deep, dubby, meditative tune, among the best found on Invisibility Cloak, Goop’s first release in several years. –B. Getz
SZA – “Kill Bill (feat. Doja Cat)”
What’s Good: This remix with Doja Cat has been blasting from every car stereo, storefront PA, and taxi radio since it came out earlier this month. I’m all about it. Doja and SZA going for back-to-back collab Grammys with this one. –Andrew O’Brien
El Michels Affair, Black Thought, Son Little – “Protocol”
What’s Good: The Roots’ peerless emcee links with Brooklyn’s throwback sorcerers for a full clip of fantastic. “Protocol” finds Son Little adding the soulful hook to one of the strongest songs on the record. –B. Getz
Blink-182 – “Carousel”
What’s Good: With a surprise set at Coachella under their belt, the classic Blink-182 lineup is back. –Michael Broerman
Kitchen Dwellers – “Mountain”
What’s Good: I’ve never been someone who announces their birthday, but for some reason, turning 30 this month has me feeling nostalgic and homesick. As with you all, there are certain songs that transport you back to a place, time, or group of people. This one holds special, heart-centric points in time that travel me back to a 2016–2018 era. –Kelsey Mester
Railroad Earth – “Long Way To Go”
What’s Good: In case you haven’t listened to it in a while (or ever), as we march towards summer now is as good as ever! –Kelsey Mester
RÜFÜS DU SOL – “Something In The Way” (Nirvana)
What’s Good: I have been obsessed with this cover of the Nirvana classic the Australian electronic trio did for triple j‘s Like A Version back in December, available now across DSPs. –Michael Broerman
Marya Stark – “Keep The Light On”
What’s Good: Celestial, ethereal folk number that finds songstress Stark warming the heart and soothing the soul, as she’s wont to do. –B. Getz
Caroline Rose – “Where Do I Go From Here?”
What’s Good: Caroline Rose turned a breakup and her grandmother’s battle with dementia into one of the most cathartic releases of the year. –Michael Broerman
View April 2023 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – March 2023
Adi Oasis ft. Jamila Woods – “Red To Violet”
What’s Good: Adi Oasis just dropped my favorite new R&B album in ages. It’s the kind of record you can live inside for weeks on end. –Andrew O’Brien
Sound Cipher – “Grid Incursion”
What’s Good: A seriously exciting new project I know nothing about from sax sorcerer Skerik. –Michael Broerman
Break Science, Lily Fangz – “Steady Within”
What’s Good: This wields just about everything there is to love about Break Science: Borahm Lee’s haunting piano chords, thunderous bass tones, cinematic synths, elements ethereal and emotional, plus that patented Adam Deitch electro-thump. Throw in potent, conscious bars from Ms. Fangz and we’ve got a recipe for scintillating success. –B. Getz
J. Laser – “The Gardyn”
What’s Good: Sounds like if Pharell and Michael Jackson made theme music for a dystopian sci-fi thriller. –James Sissler
Crazy P – “Disc Odyssey – Remix”
What’s Good: I believe they’re sampling the “Love & Happiness Remix” by Mashti and Jean von Baden, a song that is usually in the rotation of my yoga class playlists. All of that to say, this takes it to a whole funkier level. –Kelsey Mester
The Gap Band – “Burning Rubber On Me (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)”
What’s Good: The Nth Power is about to turn a whole new generation of fans on to The Gap Band this year, starting with a late-night tribute in New Orleans during Jazz Fest. Don’t miss it. –Andrew O’Brien
Allen Toussaint, Lee Dorsey –”Night People”
What’s Good: It’s almost Jazz Fest! Bringing my son this year, and the Live For Live Music team is rolling deep, can’t wait. –Kunj Shah
Richard “Groove” Holmes – “Red Onion”
What’s Good: The only music I can write to. –Andrew O’Brien
Krasno/Moore Project ft. Cory Henry – “Stay High” (Brittany Howard)
What’s Good: Eric Krasno and Stanton Moore and Cory Henry covering Brittany Howard. What more can you ask for? –Michael Broerman
Arc De Soleil – “Sahara Cowboy”
What’s Good: If you’re a fan of the colorful, psychedelic surf-rock vibes of Khruangbin, you’ll dig this. –Kelsey Mester
Portishead – “Glory Box (Live)”
What’s Good: Seems the whole world is raving about the recent performance of this song by St. Vincent/The Roots on nighttime television. Might as well dig up the magical OG, which still oscillates light years beyond any imitation or interpolation. Portishead with a full-size philharmonic orchestra? Don’t mind if I do. Behold the majesty of Ms. Beth Gibbons. If you dunno, you’d better ask somebody. –B. Getz
Fela Kuti, Afrika 70, Ginger Baker – “Let’s Start (Live)”
What’s Good: Truly, all I need in life is some horns and percussion, so when my partner brought this record home it was a huge hit! We love finding albums to cook to, so if you have the time I suggest listening in a setting as such. –Kelsey Mester
Nigel Hall – “When I Die (Live)”
What’s Good: The latest live track from Lettuce keyboardist/vocalist Nigel Hall, recorded with Butcher Brown backing him up. “When I Die” is an emotionally-resonant 1969 track from obscure band Motherlode, the sample made famous by way of J Dilla’s “Welcome to the Show” on Donuts, then interpolated by D’Angelo & The Testimony during their brief 2012 run. Hall adds his own potent pizzazz to this song’s iconic, historic lineage. –B. Getz
Sly & The Family Stone – “Family Affair”
What’s Good: TAUK‘s Sly & The Family Stone vs. Parliament-Funkadelic show in New Orleans during Jazz Fest will give us everyday people a taste of an abundantly talented family affair. –Andrew O’Brien
Jon Batiste – “Lose Yourself To Dance” (Daft Punk)
What’s Good: Unfortunately this will not be one of the nine additional tracks on the 10th-anniversary reissue of Daft Punk‘s Random Access Memories. –Michael Broerman
Miles Davis – “Nefertiti”
What’s Good: R.I.P. Wayne Shorter. –James Sissler
Steely Dan – “Peg”
What’s Good: Really pumped for the Steely Dan tribute featuring members of Cool Cool Cool, The Nth Power, The Motet, and more in NOLA during Jazz Fest. They’re gonna slay these tunes. –Kunj Shah
The Wood Brothers – “Pilgrim”
What’s Good: Still waiting for The Wood Brothers to put out a song I don’t absolutely love. –Andrew O’Brien
Trey Anastasio – “Sleep Again”
What’s Good: As a new father I’m praying at some point I’ll be able to sleep again. –Kunj Shah
Widespread Panic – “Holden Oversoul”
What’s Good: It’s almost Red Rocks season, meaning this song and Sunny‘s drums will be on repeat every time I drive up to that beautiful venue. –Kelsey Mester
The Brian Jonestown Massacre – “Anenome”
What’s Good: I think this track just materialized in my Liked Songs on Spotify. –Michael Broerman
Roy Haynes Quartet – “Moon Ray”
What’s Good: Jazz drummer Roy Haynes just celebrated his 98th birthday. This album was life-changing for me. Between Roy’s drumming and Rahsaan Roland Kirk‘s crazy two-horn harmonies, it’s an album that never gets old, unlike Roy Haynes. –James Sissler
Pure Colors, Flamingosis – “Bootsy’s New Bass”
What’s Good: This song is funky and sleek in all the right places. –Kunj Shah
ECHT! – “Vault-A”
What’s Good: Loosely translated from Brusseleir as “The Real Thing”, ECHT! is the freaking future. Envelope-pushing has never sounded so ill. New full-length ECHT! album due May 5th, and if “Vault-A” is any indication of what’s to come, folks better buckle up, because these new kids on the block are headed in one direction: skyward. Belgian Trap Jazz: It’s good for your constitution. Get familiar! –B. Getz
Jerry Garcia, LP Giobbi, Le Chev – “Deal – LP Giobbi & Le Chev Remix”
What’s Good: I thought I was the kind of person that would hate this album; turns out I’m the kind of person that loves it. –James Sissler
F.R. David – “Words”
What’s Good: There’s something about the hits of the ’80s that always leaves me interpretive dancing in my living room. –Kelsey Mester
Tame Impala – “Mind Mischief”
What’s Good: As if Kevin Parker didn’t already feel old with the recent 10th anniversary of Tame Impala’s Lonerism, the bandleader recently suffered a fractured hip. But he’s still out there on crutches playing stadiums and Lollapalooza South America. –Michael Broerman
Circles Around The Sun – “Third Sunrise Over Gliese 667”
What’s Good: It is no coincidence that this aggressively psychedelic track from the trip-trance masters Circles Around The Sun dropped on the 50th anniversary of Dark Side of the Moon. –Michael Broerman
Scott Pemberton – “Kindness” (Tony Allen)
What’s Good: Full disclosure, I play drums on this track. It is a cover of one of my favorite songs by one of my favorite drummers, the great Tony Allen, Fela Kuti‘s drummer and Afrobeat originator. Stoked to see Scott Pemberton’s new album finally arrive on Spotify a few years after we recorded this song. –James Sissler
One Time Weekend – “True Nature Contained”
What’s Good: These Connecticut cats released a new album this year, but don’t sleep on that intro if you’re tuning into the whole compilation. There just must be something in that Connecticut water… –Kelsey Mester
John Mayer Trio – “Who Do You Think I Was? (Live)”
What’s Good: Was lucky enough to catch John Mayer Trio’s first appearance in six years this month at Love Rocks NYC, and those 15 minutes were some of the best live music I’ve seen all year. More of this, please. –Andrew O’Brien
Nigel Hall – “Don’t Change For Me (Live)”
What’s Good: I’ve been really diggin the live singles Nigel Hall put out with Butcher Brown. I wish he would release an LP of the recordings, but so far it seems like three songs is all we’re getting. –James Sissler
Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Bruno Mars – “Young, Wild & Free”
What’s Good: Remember 2011? – Andrew O’Brien
De La Soul, Mos Def – “Big Brother Beat”
What’s Good: With the release of the lion’s share of the De La Soul catalog across streaming services, and the tragic passing of Trugoy the Dove, it’s been De La day every day in this house. This deep cut found on the iconic Stakes is High LP was most folks’ introduction to the Mighty Mos Def. This goes out to all area cliques, centralized or way out in the sticks… The Native Tongues have officially been reinstated! –B. Getz
Adam Deitch – “Turn Us Around”
What’s Good: Drummer Adam Deitch’s new producer material is not to be slept on. –Andrew O’Brien
Tommy Tee – “Above Da Law”
What’s Good: “The Godfather of Norwegian hip-hop” links with Brooklyn’s Boot Camp Clik for some absolute heat. I’ve always loved this banger but thought it was just a random mixtape jawn lost to the abyss of the interwebs. Turns out it lives on streaming services, too. A time-machine throwback to the indie underground hip-hop explosion in the early part of this century. This posse cut packs a thorough display of top-flight emceeing, classic boom-bap knock, and an ear-worm brass-band bassline. Tommy Tee call for bosses! –B. Getz
RIZ LA VIE – “Ganni”
What’s Good: Riz La Vie’s debut album combines hip-hop, pop-punk, indie rock, soul, and R&B in interesting ways, but this dance track might be my favorite. –James Sissler
The Soul Snatchers – “Humpin & Bumpin'”
What’s Good: No explanation needed for this one. –James Sissler
Swamp Dogg – “Soul To Blessed Soul”
What’s Good: Greasy and funky and sincere. –Andrew O’Brien
Mongo Santamaria – “Mambomongo”
What’s Good: Great percussion, melodies, rhythm section, and horns on this Latin jazz track—makes me want to move. –James Sissler
Theo Katzman, 10 Good Songs – “That’s The Life”
What’s Good: Loving this new tune from Vulfpeck‘s Theo Katzman. His whole record Be The Wheel is an amazing piece of art. –Kunj Shah
Jason Isbell And The 400 Unit – “Death Wish”
What’s Good: There’s something poetic in Jason Isbell’s new album, Weathervanes, coming out on my 26th birthday (June 9th). –Michael Broerman
Orebolo – “Hungersite” (Goose)
What’s Good: I’m a big fan of what Goose is doing, but I might be a bigger fan of acoustic offshoot Orebolo. I find stripped-down versions of their songs to be strangely beautiful and refreshing. –Kunj Shah
Lyle Divinsky – “Falling By The Wayside”
What’s Good: The first of many tunes in what’s shaping up to be a big year of releases from Lyle Divisnky. Can’t get enough. –Andrew O’Brien
Ween – “The Blarney Stone”
What’s Good: Happy St. Patrick’s Day from celebrated Italian American Mickey Melchiondo. –Michael Broerman
Yonder Mountain String Band – “River (Live)”
What’s Good: I’m still just beginning to scratch the surface of Jeff Austin‘s work. Plus, I gotta love the shoutout to North Carolina. R.I.P. –Michael Broerman
Blaze Foley – “Clay Pigeons”
What’s Good: Thankful for Billy Strings bringing Blaze back in my life. And thankful to be exposed to such poets as Blaze, John Prine, and Townes Van Zandt. –Kelsey Mester
Yusuf/Cat Stevens – “Here Comes The Sun” (George Harrison/The Beatles)
What’s Good: It’s just as blissful as you think it is. –Michael Broerman
Doc Watson – “That Was The Last Thing On My Mind”
What’s Good: Happy 100th birthday, Doc. –Michael Broerman
View March 2023 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – February 2023 – The LoveList
The LoveList – Tracklist
- “In Spite of Ourselves” – John Prine ft. Iris DeMent
- “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)” – Jim Croce
- “First Day of My Life” – Bright Eyes
- “I Try” – Macy Gray
- “Unchained Melody” – The Righteous Brothers
- “All Your’n” – Tyler Childers
- “I’d Rather Be Alone” – The Infamous Stringdusters
- “Sexy Weekend” – Scoundrels
- “Even If You Don’t” – Ween
- “You Sexy Thing” – Hot Chocolate
- “Let’s Get It On – Flight Facilities Remix” – Marvin Gaye, Flight Facilities
- “When I Get My Hands On You” – The New Basement Tapes
- “One More Love Song” – Mac DeMarco
- “Strange” – Celeste
- “If We Were Vampires” – Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
- “Sparkle and Shine” – Steve Earle
- “Labor of Love” – Fruition
- “This Magic Moment” – Lou Reed
- “Blue Sky” – Allman Brothers Band
- “Good Hearted Woman” – Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson
- “Dream Lover” – Bobby Darin
- “The Power of Love” – Huey Lewis & The News
- “Instant Crush” – Daft Punk ft. Julian Casablancas
- “Just Kissed My Baby” – The Meters
- “Let’s Get It On” – Marvin Gaye
- “Strokin” – Clarence Carter
- “I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” – Ramones
- “Pedestrian at Best” – Courtney Barnett
- “You Know I’m No Good” – Amy Winehouse
- “Fly As Me” – Silk Sonic
- “Sweet Talk” – Swatkins, Moorea Masa & the Mood
- “Consider Me” – Allen Stone
- “Feel Like Makin’ Love” – D’Angelo
- “Silly Goose” – More Fatter
- “Summer Wind” – Frank Sinatra
- “Bring It on Home to Me – Live at the Harlem Square Club, 1963” – Sam Cooke
- “Queen Bee” – Taj Mahal
- “Let My Love Open the Door” – Pete Townshend
- “She’s A Rainbow” – The Rolling Stones
- “Here Today” – The Beach Boys
- “Love You For A Long Time” – Maggie Rogers
View February 2023 — The Lovelist L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – January 2023
Cristobal Tapia De Veer – “Renaissance”
What’s Good: Here for all the trendy Instagram reel and TV songs. –Kelsey Mester
Band For Sale – “Is There Anybody?”
What’s Good: Dave Brandwein has kept pretty quiet since Turkuaz disbanded, but he’s now rolling out two different new projects. This track from his dreamy singer-songwriter set, Band For Sale, has the sorts of melodies and turns of phrase that get lodged in your mind for months. –Andrew O’Brien
Widespread Panic – “C. Brown”
What’s Good: Charlie really likes his friends, but in his heart he knows that sometimes a dog is as good as any man. Miss you, buddy. –Andrew O’Brien
Sturgill Simpson – “Life Ain’t Fair and the World is Mean”
What’s Good: Ain’t it the truth? –Michael Broerman
Yonder Mountain String Band – “Sorrow Is A Highway”
What’s Good: It never seems to end. –Michael Broerman
The Wood Brothers – “Up Above My Head”
What’s Good: In December, I found out while in Miami on vacation that The Wood Brothers were playing up the road in Ft. Lauderdale, so I headed there with some friends. On a night full of memorable moments, the single-mic performance of this tune with Rainbow Girls still stole the show. –Andrew O’Brien
SAULT – “Faith”
What’s Good: The mysterious British collective tap Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley for a slice of quiet storm R&B transmitted live and direct from the yard. A colossal collaboration that serenades, soothes, and spiritualizes the soul in equal measure. –B. Getz
Vulfpeck, Antwaun Stanley – “Serve Somebody”
What’s Good: I haven’t fully gotten into this sauna-Vulf season just yet, but this Bob Dylan cover has me ready to dive in. –Andrew O’Brien
The Meters – “Chicken Strut”
What’s Good: Just keep on struttin’. –James Sissler
Earl St. Clair – “Thank My Self”
What’s Good: A song tailor-made for your morning coffee break. Try having a bad day with this in your head. –Andrew O’Brien
Earth, Wind & Fire – “Getaway”
What’s Good: RIP Fred White. –Michael Broerman
Swatkins – “Until I Get Back”
What’s Good: I think I’ve included a track from this album in every monthly playlist since it came out (and I’ll probably continue until I’ve shared them all because they’re all good). I love the groove in this one, and it’s great to hear Swatkins sing his heart out without the talkbox. –James Sissler
Chromeo – “Momma’s Boy”
What’s Good: For Charlie. Forever a momma’s boy. –Andrew O’Brien
Papadosio – “Threes”
What’s Good: I’ve taken a geographically parallel journey from Athens, OH to Asheville, NC as Papadosio, so it was extra sentimental to reconnect with them for New Year’s Eve this year in our adopted hometown. –Michael Broerman
Squeaky Feet – “Chance To Grow”
What’s Good: A prog-jazz journey from this talented group of Berklee College-trained shredders. –Andrew O’Brien
lespecial – “Pentachronic”
What’s Good: I recently attended a Drunken Doja Monkey show which catapulted me back into a rediscovery (or more so reappreciation) for lespecial. “Pentachronic” represents the younger version of me, who just wasn’t ready for how prog the band can get; while this newer version of myself is searching for the dark and dirty. –Kelsey Mester
Tuck Ryan, Aime – “Shine”
What’s Good: Illadelph indie-soul upstart Tuck Ryan’s second single “Shine” weds the seeds of Philadelphia soul with throwback Daptone flavor, landing somewhere between Raphael Saddiq and Durand Jones. Queens-born/Philly-based emcee Aime slides through with some slick bars to keep things more hip-hop than coffeeshop. Shine a light on ’em Tuck! –B. Getz
Subtronics, A Hundred Drums – “Flute Dub – A Hundred Drums Remix”
What’s Good: An intergalactic adventure inside four-and-a-half minutes. “Flute Dub” is nothing short of intoxicating. Ethereal, psychedelic, subtly sexy, patiently flirting with winter wonderland vibes before unspooling into a whirlwind trip through psytrance, dubstep, and beyond. –B. Getz
Kool & The Gang – “Jungle Boogie”
What’s Good: I was lucky enough to ring in 2023 with Phish playing this one at The Garden. It’s always best to start the year with the funk. –Andrew O’Brien
The Du-Rites, Money Mark – “Funk Monk”
What’s Good: NYC-based garage funk-duo tap Beastie Boys‘ secret weapon for a proper meditation in minimalism, complete with involuntary head nods and copious stank face. –B. Getz
David Bowie – “Cat People (Putting Out Fire)”
What’s Good: Safe to assume Bowie is in the rotation at all times. –Kelsey Mester
Yoofee – “Czeck Mystik”
What’s Good: Berlin-based subsonic sorcerer unveils a haunting, pensive, forboding banger that revels in cinematic minimalism. Custom-made for the power-strut down a city sidewalk in a snowstorm. Every superhero needs their theme music, this one’s mine for the wintertime. –B. Getz
Everything But the Girl – “Nothing Left to Lose”
What’s Good: After 24 years of silence, Tracey Thorne and Ben Watt—the iconic UK duo known as Everything But the Girl—make their triumphant return to the scene. Peep the new single that’s sure to set fire to dancefloors around the globe. Welcome back EBTG! There really is NO substitute. –B. Getz
RIZ LA VIE – “Pisces”
What’s Good: I went to high school with RIZ LA VIE and it’s been awesome to see him grow as an artist over the years. I love his more melodic tracks like this one from an EP he put out in 2017. –James Sissler
More Fatter – “Silly Goose”
What’s Good: More Fatter is like Harry Styles for people who aren’t comfortable enough with themselves to admit they like Harry Styles. Do yourself a favor and listen to both. –James Sissler
Nigel Hall – “Don’t Change For Me” (Live)
What’s Good: A particularly lively live rendition of this Nigel favorite with help from the homies in Butcher Brown. –Andrew O’Brien
Cory Wong – “Team Sports”
What’s Good: Cory Wong’s Power Station (West Coast) is the best live album I’ve heard in a long time. I had to include a funk song in addition to Sierra Hull‘s rapid-fire bluegrass track “Long Way”. The album also includes collaborations with powerhouse vocalist Robbie Wulfsohn of Ripe. The whole thing is seriously worth a listen. –James Sissler
Bee Gees, SG Lewis – “More Than A Woman (SG’s Paradise Edit)
What’s Good: Find me a disco mashup and it’s guaranteed to be added to my yoga playlists and classes. –Kelsey Mester
Benny The Butcher, J. Cole – “Johnny P’s Caddy”
What’s Good: J. Cole’s guest verse on this early 2022 track lodged itself in my mind for the whole year. Dude remains on another level. –Andrew O’Brien
Helen Humes – “They Raided The Joint”
What’s Good: On a long-haul drive from NYC to Atlanta last month, my wife and I started in the ’20s and worked our way through “essential” songs and artists through the decades. I didn’t know much about the ’40s but this track—and Helen Humes’ voice—have become new favorites. –Andrew O’Brien
Daryl Hall & John Oats, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks – “Apollo Medley”
What’s Good: I just found this album at the record store, and needless to say, “What a find!” I chose this song because there’s multiple songs in one, though it’s the first song on the album and I highly recommend taking a listen to all seven. –Kelsey Mester
Cory Wong, Sierra Hull – “Long Way” (Live)
What’s Good: Cory Wong shared a video of Sierra Hull ripping through this tune with his band ahead of his Power Station tour, and I’ve been a fan of hers since. I was excited to see the song on the tracklist of his new live album from the tour. The combination of a funk band, especially horns, with bluegrass mandolin is surprisingly awesome. –James Sissler
Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway – “Crooked Tree”
What’s Good: Best New Artist nominee Molly Tuttle delivers the ultimate anthem of staying rooted in yourself in the title track to the Best Bluegrass Album contender. “A river never wonders / Why it flows around the bend / A mountain doesn’t question / How it rose up from the land / So who am I to wish / I wasn’t just the way I am / Who am I?” –Michael Broerman
Your Smith – “The Spot”
What’s Good: A recent gift from the Algorithm. I know nothing about this girl, but I’m about to find out everything I can. –Andrew O’Brien
Caroline Rose – “Miami”
What’s Good: Everything about the lead single from Caroline Rose’s upcoming album The Art of Forgetting is explosively cathartic. –Michael Broerman
Neutral Milk Hotel – “Oh Comely”
What’s Good: I don’t typically get excited about box sets, but Neutral Milk Hotel’s recent announcement of a career-spanning collection reminded me how much I love listening to this band. –James Sissler
David Bowie – “The Stars (Are Out Tonight)”
What’s Good: Getting older is simply moving from one Bowie era to another. –Michael Broerman
The Stooges – “I Wanna Be Your Dog”
What’s Good: Iggy Pop just released a new album and it’s fine, but nothing beats old-school Iggy. I recently heard this song at a restaurant and couldn’t help but rock out to it. This remastered version is my favorite because it sounds more lively than the original mix. –James Sissler
The Cramps – “Goo Goo Muck”
What’s Good: I’ve decided 2023 is my punk era. Thanks for the inspiration, Vivienne Westwood and Wednesday Adams. –Kelsey Mester
The Warlocks – “Shake The Dope Out”
What’s Good: I was at a Halloween party where a dude insulted my taste in psych rock as merely cursory. Well, Stephen, I finally checkout out The Warlocks and they’re pretty solid. –Michael Broerman
House Band – “Charlie”
What’s Good: If you follow PHILM (@phishonphilm, and you should) this is his band’s debut release. Dude knows his audience. –Michael Broerman
Witchfinder – “Marijuana”
What’s Good: This here is exactly wtf you think it is. Methodical, sludgy French doom metal that sounds exponentially better on weed. –B. Getz
View January 2023 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – December 2022 – Best of 2022
Tedeschi Trucks Band – “Soul Sweet Song”
What’s Good: I absolutely loved learning about the namesake of this album’s title this year, the influences behind the songs, and all the musicians involved. But most importantly, I love that it introduced me to the artist St. EOM. Everything was intentional in the creation of this LP, transcending not just the artistic genre of music, but literary works, visual arts, and the art of gathering. –Kelsey Mester
Kendrick Lamar – “The Heart Part 5”
What’s Good: I love the concept of “The Heart” series. They become time stamps not only as a personal biography to Kendrick but as a society; as the collective consciousness changes its awareness of values. Highly suggest reading his interview with W Magazine. –Kelsey Mester
Harry Styles – “Music For a Sushi Restaurant”
What’s Good: 2022 was the year I learned to stop worrying and love Harry Styles. –Andrew O’Brien
Tank and the Bangas – “She’s A Rainbow”
What’s Good: Tank and the Bangas covering the Rolling Stones with some modern NOLA flair for a remake of my favorite show from grade school? Yes, please. –Andrew O’Brien
Cory Wong, Chromeo – “J.A.M. (Just A Minute)”
What’s Good: Cory Wong and Chromeo go together like champagne and OJ. –Andrew O’Brien
Swatkins – “100 Percent”
What’s Good: Swatkins has a way of speaking profound truths in simple terms, and he does it with breathtaking musicality in a funky robot voice. His debut LP is a great, soul-elevating listen from top to bottom—definitely one of my favorite albums of the year. –James Sissler
Lettuce – “Everything’s Gonna Be Alright”
What’s Good: Lettuce’s record Unify is definitely one of the top releases of the year. This song is a reminder that no matter what, everything’s going to be alright. It was really awesome to see them perform this song with Nick Daniels at Daze Between New Orleans, and we can’t wait to catch these guys again at Denver Comes Alive. –Kunj Shah
Jennifer Hartswick – “For You”
What’s Good: Jennifer Hartswick’s Something In The Water is another front-to-back work of musical greatness. Christian McBride‘s production and bass playing give the record a sophisticated character, allowing Jennifer’s voice to shine like never before. Tough to pick just one song, but you can’t go wrong with this one. –James Sissler
Object Heavy – “Feel Right”
What’s Good: The object is heavy, and so is the vibe! Latest discovery under the venerable Color Red umbrella, a throwback blast of soulful R&B and smoked-out rare groove from this dope West Coast crew. Full-length LP Love & Gravity drops in early 2023. Get familiar! –B. Getz
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Magma”
What’s Good: Maybe my favorite song from maybe my favorite concert of 2022. –Andrew O’Brien
SLIFT – “Unseen”
What’s Good: One of the best shows I saw all year was the last song of a SLIFT concert. –Michael Broerman
The Arcs – “Keep On Dreamin'”
What’s Good: Dan Auerbach‘s The Arcs returning to honor their late bandmate Richard Swift is one of the best comeback stories of the year. –Michael Broerman
The Meltdown – “Side by Side”
What’s Good: I only just discovered this band when Spotify had this song follow a Tedeschi Trucks Band song. There is an Alabama Shakes feel that makes me want to discover more. –Kelsey Mester
Bruce Hornsby – “Tag”
What’s Good: I only really knew Bruce Hornsby for his work with the Grateful Dead, so I didn’t know what to expect when I put on his album, ‘Flicted, and it really took me by surprise. This song is relatively straightforward, but the album is very experimental with lots of unexpected collaborations. –James Sissler
Goose – “Hungersite”
What’s Good: A huge year for Goose, and this song has been right at the core of it—from ripping it with Trey Anastasio at Radio City Music Hall to showing it off to national TV audiences on the band’s late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live. –Andrew O’Brien
Toro y Moi – “Postman”
What’s Good: Love this funky groove off their new album. –Sara Shah
Doja Cat – “Vegas”
What’s Good: The Elvis movie was only so-so, but this song is a bonafide banger. –Andrew O’Brien
Gorillaz – “Cracker Island” (ft. Thundercat)
What’s Good: Gorillaz continue to pump out track after track, never faltering on creativity. This one with Thundercat, complete with a wild music video/storyline, is a personal favorite. I had the opportunity to see them live this year and it was one of my favorite shows. –Sara Shah
Vulfmon – “Rutgers”
What’s Good: Between his live klezmer album and Vulfmon EP, Jack Stratton moved forward by returning to his roots in 2022, and it’s great to see. Looking forward to the new Vulfpeck album. –James Sissler
Dopapod – “Black Holes”
What’s Good: I listened to this album more than anything else over the summer. –Andrew O’Brien
ECHT! – “MSMSMSM”
What’s Good: Affable lads outta Brussels, ECHT! is an instrumental quartet adept at reverse engineering hip-hop, wonky-broken-beat, minimalist dubstep, psychedelic bass, juke, and beyond. Nothing short of sonic sorcerers, meticulously crafting Belgian trap jazz with their bare hands. The most exciting band I’ve discovered in as long as I can remember. –B. Getz
Kitchen Dwellers – “Sundown”
What’s Good: This song demonstrates the more intense, sultry pockets the Dwellers tend to travel to during a show, while taking you out into the galaxy. They’ve dominated my 2022 schedule of shows, and I couldn’t be more excited for that to continue in 2023. See you at Denver Comes Alive! –Kelsey Mester
Paul Cauthen – “Country As Fuck”
What’s Good: Paul Cauthen’s swaggering approach to country combines all the best parts of the genre’s classic outlaws with the bravado of modern music. –Michael Broerman
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Kepler-22b”
What’s Good: Another prolific year for King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard. With five albums released this year, this song has stuck with me more than any other. –James Sissler
Brandee Younger – “Unrest II”
What’s Good: I could listen to this uptempo harp jazz on repeat all day. One of my favorite harp-centric releases of the year, though there was a surprising amount of competition in that category including Ramakhandra‘s “Haku – RUMTUM Remix” and Tatyana‘s debut album (which admittedly has less harp than expected from the artist formerly known as Blue Harp Girl). –James Sissler
Anna Moss – “Big Dick Energy”
What’s Good: Breaking out on the solo tip, the Handmade Moments vixen does not even pretend to f—k around. Gimme all the sass, attitude, sardonic wit, and musical mojo that the divine Ms. Anna Moss has to offer. Homegirl is most definitely going places, in fact, some say she’s already there. –B. Getz
DOMi & JD Beck – “SNiFF”
What’s Good: I don’t think I’ve ever anticipated a debut album more than DOMi & JD Beck’s, and it did not disappoint. That said, the young jazz duo had an album called Pulp Fiction that was mostly done before they linked up with Anderson .Paak and his Apeshit label, and I wonder what that album sounded like. They seem to have turned in a different direction for their debut release, inviting a stacked roster of celebrity contributors including Mac DeMarco, Snoop Dogg, and Herbie Hancock. That strategy has worked in their favor and helped make their first tour a smashing success, but I hope they release Pulp Fiction at some point too. –James Sissler
Seun Kuti, Black Thought – “Bad Man Lighter – Remix”
What’s Good: Son of Fela Kuti and son of Philly unite the clans for an absolute scorcher that embraces ancestry, the motherland, and future generations. Your favorite rapper’s favorite rapper uncorks a cannon blast of spirit and swagger. –B. Getz
The Smile – “The Smoke”
What’s Good: The new project from members of Radiohead and Sons of Kemet blends the former’s atmospheric indie-rock with the latter’s jazzy grooves, resulting in a pleasant, smooth, and catchy combination. –Sara Shah
Adrian Quesada, Neal Francis – “The Inquisitor”
What’s Good: This collaboration between the Black Pumas co-founder and Neal Francis from Quesada’s second brilliant album of 2022—Jaguar Sound—highlights the vintage qualities that make both artists’ music so universally enjoyable. –Michael Broerman
Melt – “Fade Into You”
What’s Good: The sky is the limit for these kids. –Andrew O’Brien
Goose – “Tumble”
What’s Good: Was there anything bigger in the jam scene in 2022 than Goose and Trey Anastasio embarking on the legendary “TABoose tour“? Can’t wait to catch them at Daze Between New Orleans. –Kunj Shah
Louis Cole – “Dead Inside Shuffle”
What’s Good: Louis Cole has always impressed me, but his most recent album, Quality Over Opinion, really takes things to a whole new level. My favorite part is all his crazy understated vocal runs. I had the pleasure of seeing him when his big band tour stopped in Portland and it was without a doubt one of the best shows I’ve seen. I dragged my partner along for her first Louis Cole experience and she’s a huge fan now. With this album, he went from one of my favorite drummers to one of my favorite producers/multi-instrumentalists. –James Sissler
EARTHGANG – “STRONG FRIENDS”
What’s Good: A fantastic song by a fantastic group with a fantastic message. Check in on your strong friends. Everyone needs some love. –Andrew O’Brien
pheel., Gaddy – “Seasons.”
What’s Good: A collab from two underground producers on the come-up blessing us with an undeniable banger. A gooey, subterranean earworm that demands you drop everything and dance immediately. From the Front Range to H-Town, pheel. and Gaddy throw down so we can get down. All hail the all:Lo crew! –B. Getz
Jungle – “Good Times”
What’s Good: Jungle has become one of my favorite bands to listen to, fitting for just about any vibe or occasion. Their live show is also a blast with incredible production. –Sara Shah
The Disco Biscuits – “Who’s in Charge”
What’s Good: The Disco Biscuits brought a totally new studio sound decades into their career and I’m totally here for it. Glad to see these guys are still exploring uncharted territory after all these years. –Kunj Shah
Kaytranada, Anderson .Paak – “Twin Flame”
What’s Good: “Twin Flame” came in hot like lava, showing and proving yet again that this pair remains undefeated. Kaytra and Andy share fantastic chemistry and both wield the magic touch—the proof is in the panties strewn all over the dancefloor. Go ahead and brush a shoulder off. –B. Getz
Nas – “Ghetto Reporter”
What’s Good: “They argue KD1, KD2, and Magic, what’s harder when? KD3 go harder than all of them.” King’s Disease III is a strong finish to Nas’s King’s Disease trilogy and easily one of my favorite hip-hop albums of the year. –James Sissler
Purple Disco Machine, Lizzo – “About Damn Time – Purple Disco Machine Remix”
What’s Good: Purple Disco Machine was one of my favorite concerts of 2022, so I’m throwing this Grammy-nominated remix on the list for one of the top tracks of 2022. –Kunj Shah
Harry Styles – “As It Was”
What’s Good: What I like most about a list of “The Year’s Top Songs” is that in ten years, it becomes a memory trigger associated with this specific time. In choosing my picks, I think about what song encapsulates 2022 from a marketing and trend perspective. What song championed TikTok, trended on Instagram reels, or was the backdrop of commercials? What comes to mind is, “About Damn Time” by Lizzo, “Vegas” by Doja Cat, Taylor Swift, and of course, Harry. –Kelsey Mester
Lake Street Dive – “You’re Still The One”
What’s Good: I didn’t know I needed Akie Bermiss singing Shania Twain but I truly, truly did. –Andrew O’Brien
Vulfmon, Jacob Jeffries – “How Much Do You Love Me?”
What’s Good: For whatever reason, my Spotify has fed me this on a daily basis for months. It took a while, but now I can’t get enough. –Andrew O’Brien
Bonny Light Horseman – “California”
What’s Good: I know I’m very late to the Bonny Light Horseman bandwagon, in fact, I just found out about the folk triumvirate of Anaïs Mitchell, Eric D. Johnson (aka Fruit Bats), and Josh Kaufman in mid-December. Luckily it was just in time for this playlist. –Michael Broerman
Billy Strings – “Long Journey Home”
What’s Good: Is there anyone having a better year than Billy Strings? The man has skyrocketed to fame, toured Europe, played arenas, and traded sit-ins with heroes and friends like Trey Anastasio. –Kunj Shah
Janis Joplin, Jorma Kaukonen – “Long Black Train”
What’s Good: I’m not sure if this counts as a best of 2022, but seeing as the full tape was released we’ll call it an honorable mention. –Kelsey Mester
The Ghost of Paul Revere – “Letters From The War of Love and Loss”
What’s Good: Sadly, 2022 was the year that the The Ghost of Paul Revere guys decided to move on to other projects, but not before gifting us with one final album—Goodbye. This is one of many tracks from that album I’ve had on repeat this year. –Sara Shah
Panda Bear, Sonic Boom – “Edge of the Edge”
What’s Good: This satisfying, feel-good track complete with lo-fi synth beats might as well have come straight from the 1960s. –Sara Shah
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Mycelium”
What’s Good: King Gizzard goes full psychedelic Beach Boys on this cut from Ice, Death, Planets, Lungs, Mushrooms and Lava, my personal favorite of the band’s five albums released this year. –Michael Broerman
Jennifer Hartswick – “By The River”
What’s Good: We were blessed with another incredible album by Jen Hartswick this year. Give thanks. –Andrew O’Brien
Lettuce – “Vámanos”
What’s Good: Lettuce’s new album Unify is full of the tasty hip-hop beats and psychedelic exploration that the band is long known for, taken to another dimension on this instantly catchy tune. –Sara Shah
Vieux Farka Touré, Khruangbin – “Tongo Barra”
What’s Good: Khruangbin’s unique brand of psychedelic funk pairs perfectly with Touré’s West African vocals and style to create something totally out there and different. –Sara Shah
Kercha – “Witness”
What’s Good: This Russian low-end alchemist channels his heartbreak and despair into some of the finest electronic music to ever bless these ears. “Witness” is merely the tip of the iceberg but offers an accessible embarkation point to a deep well of Kercha’s maniacal concoctions. Ear goggles and helmet recommended; this is serious subaqueous business. –B. Getz
Polo & Pan, Jacques – “From a World to Another”
What’s Good: One of the most innovative DJ duos right now is Polo & Pan from France. –Kunj Shah
John Scofield – “Junco Partner”
What’s Good: I never really listened to a solo guitar album until John Scofield released one earlier this year. I figured I would like it because he’s one of my favorite instrumentalists, but I never expected it would be one of my favorite albums of his and of the year—an intimate self-portrait of a true virtuoso. –James Sissler
Sadurn – “snake”
What’s Good: All of my sadboi moments of 2022 have led me back to Sadurn. –Michael Broerman
Arlo McKinley – “Stealing Dark From The Night Sky”
What’s Good: With his third album, This Mess We’re In, this hand-picked John Prine disciple—the last he signed to Oh Boy Records before passing in 2020—has cemented himself as a leading voice of the folk/singer-songwriter movement. –Michael Broerman
Isaiah Sharkey – “Stay”
What’s Good: I saw Isaiah play with four or five different bands this year, but his solo show at the Blue Note was easily my favorite. Get this man in the spotlight. –Andrew O’Brien
Tedeschi Trucks Band – “Pasquan”
What’s Good: Strap in. –Andrew O’Brien
Willie Nelson, Lucinda Williams – “Live Forever”
What’s Good: Billy Joe Shaver lives forever with this loving tribute album from many country greats. –Michael Broerman
Yonder Mountain String Band – “Into The Fire”
What’s Good: Been on a bluegrass kick lately, and this song from the Grammy-nominated record by Yonder Mountain hits the spot. Can’t wait to catch them at Denver Comes Alive. –Kunj Shah
Devon Allman, Maggie Rose – “These Days”
What’s Good: Devon Allman and Maggie Rose’s loving tribute to the late Gregg Allman also doubles as a poignant reflection on another year gone by. –Michael Broerman
View December 2022 – Best Of 2022 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – October 2022
Greensky Bluegrass – “Stress Dreams”
What’s Good: The title track off of Greensky’s latest album is a coherent blend of pleasant harmonies and honest, rugged lyrics. –Sara Shah
Arlo McKinley – “City Lights”
What’s Good: Arlo McKinley’s third album, This Mess We’re In, is perfect for staring out the window at a rainstorm. –Michael Broerman
The Ghost of Paul Revere – “In Deep”
What’s Good: R.I.P. to one of the greatest bands of the 21st century, who have left us with a parting gift in the form of one final studio masterpiece. –Sara Shah
The New Mastersounds – “Freckles”
What’s Good: The name always draws me in first. I love the visual of freckles being related to notes and sounds. –Kelsey Mester
J Dilla – “Workinonit”
What’s Good: There’s a new Dilla documentary on the way and with Questlove workinonit, it’s bound to be great. –Andrew O’Brien
The Gap Band – “Outstanding – Original 12″ Mix”
What’s Good: This song never fails to put me in a good mood. –James Sissler
French Horn Rebellion, Cimafunk, Stalking Gia – “Ya Llegué”
What’s Good: Mark my words, Cimafunk is the next big thing. Stage presence and energy like no other. –Kunj Shah
The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown – “Include Me”
What’s Good: Love me anything with horns and electric atmosphere. –Kelsey Mester
Lil Wayne – “Let The Beat Build”
What’s Good: Weezy F. Baby turned 40 years old in September, so I spent a whole week listening to Tha Carter III on repeat and reminiscing about the days when he was the undisputed greatest rapper alive. –Andrew O’Brien
Shira Elias – “HOOK’D”
What’s Good: I’m head over heels for the former Turkuaz vocalist’s new single about the fiery first stages of a crush. –Jimmy
The Mighty Imperials – “Jody’s Walk”
What’s Good: Sorry, Vulfpeck, it doesn’t get funkier than this. –James Sissler
Big Wild, Rationale, NEIL FRANCES – “6’s to 9’s” (NEIL FRANCES Remix)
What’s Good: I like to think the bubbling sound is the sound Tesla batteries make when they charge up. –Kelsey Mester
GRiZ, Wreckno –”Medusa”
What’s Good: Not my usual vibe, but Wreckno has been crushing it and I am here for it. –James Sissler
Femme Deadly Venoms – “Femmenomenon”
What’s Good: NorCal hip-hop priestesses return after half a decade with a sophomore slate of kinetic rap tunes brimming with messages of social equity and female empowerment that wields an overwhelming amount of dopeness with grace and panache. –B. Getz
Genesis Owusu – “No Looking Back”
What’s Good: Ghanaian-Australian R&B singer Genesis Owusu may be only 24 years old, but he sings like an old soul. –Andrew O’Brien
Neal Francis – “Strawberry Letter 23” (Shuggie Otis)
What’s Good: A newer favorite covering an old classic. –Sara Shah
The California Honeydrops – “Tumblin'”
What’s Good: The California Honeydrops have been making a name for themselves for the past few years, and their latest album might be one of their best. This is my favorite tune off the new record, Soft Spot. –Kunj Shah
Eric Krasno – “Lost Myself”
What’s Good: Upbeat soulful bop off of Kraz’s new solo record. –Sara Shah
Circus Mind – “VOTE”
What’s Good: You heard ’em. Vote, vote, vote! –Jimmy
Young the Giant – “Wake Up”
What’s Good: Wake up! –Sarah Shah
The Kount, Kaelin Ellis – “END OF AN ERA”
What’s Good: The opening track from the new collaboration between The Kount and Kaelin Ellis, two of the biggest Insta-famous beat producers. –James Sissler
Donna Summer – “I Feel Love”
What’s Good: Shoutout to the original for all you Queen Bey fans starting to get down to this tune. –Kelsey Mester
Gorillaz – “New Gold” (ft. Tame Impala, Bootie Brown)
What’s Good: The first single off of Gorillaz’s forthcoming album is a fun, synth-y collab with none other than Tame Impala. –Sara Shah
GRiZ – “4 Your Mind”
What’s Good: GRiZ’s Chasing The Golden Hour album series is some of my favorite work from the artist. I imagine myself on the beach somewhere in Southern California watching the sunset when listening to this tune. –Kunj Shah
Danger Mouse, Black Thought – “No Gold Teeth”
What’s Good: The long-awaited collab album between the iconic Roots emcee and multi-faceted producer is chock-full of mind-boggling verses over throwback boom-bap beats. This joint features some of Black General 215’s illest rhymes ever laid on wax. Word to Tony Toca! –B. Getz
Coolio – “Gangsta’s Paradise”
What’s Good: R.I.P. to a real one. –Andrew O’Brien
Kikagaku Moyo – “Monaka”
What’s Good: Kikagaku Moyo just wrapped up the final U.S. dates before their farewell shows in Tokyo. Their shows in Portland blew me away. Such a cool band. I will miss them but look forward to seeing what’s next for the members! –James Sissler
Kitchen Dwellers – “Drowning (…Again)”
What’s Good: A perfect song. –Michael Broerman
Billy Strings, Terry Barber – “Long Journey Home”
What’s Good: Because is there anything more wholesome than Billy Strings releasing new music with his dad? –Kunj Shah
Béla Fleck and the Flecktones – “Big Country”
What’s Good: This song truly helps me see the beauty around me. –Kelsey Mester
Loretta Lynn – “The Pill”
What’s Good: Remembering a time when country was for true rebels like Loretta Lynn who never needed to take guff from anybody. Not her man and not her government. R.I.P. –Michael Broerman
Dr. John, Lukas Nelson and Promise of the Real – “I Walk On Guilded Splinters” (Dr. John)
What’s Good: This version, the original version, Widespread Panic‘s version, Kitchen Dwellers‘ version (from The Ogden)… I’ll take ’em all. –Kelsey Mester
The Wood Brothers – “Alabaster”
What’s Good: I think I’m about to hit my annual “listens to The Wood Brothers all day” phase. –Andrew O’Brien
Medeski Martin & Wood – “Just Like I Pictured It”
What’s Good: This song was one of many highlights from MMW’s reunion at Brooklyn Comes Alive. –James Sissler
Snarky Puppy – “Take It!” (ft. Bernard Wright)
What’s Good: This live studio session with Snarky Puppy was the last thing Bernard Wright recorded before his tragic passing at age 58 earlier this year. –Andrew O’Brien
Lettuce – “Hawk’s Claw”
What’s Good: The dustiest boom-bap soundtrack we’ve maybe ever heard from the future-funk-hop vets. A kaleidoscopic vegetation laced with potent, primordial psychedelia, and a nod to a nocturnal new dimension yet unrevealed. –B. Getz
Jennifer Hartswick – “By The River”
What’s Good: J-Ha takes it down to the Crescent City on this pump-up track from her latest LP, Something in the Water. –Andrew O’Brien
The Arcs – “Keep On Dreamin'”
What’s Good: High school me is ecstatic that Dan Auerbach brought his neo-indie-psych outfit off the shelf. –Michael Broerman
Snarky Puppy – “Pineapple”
What’s Good: Empire Central might be my favorite Snarky Puppy album yet. –James Sissler
Papadosio – “Not Just A Word”
What’s Good: Papadosio’s Anthony Thogmartin shows love is not just a four-letter word. –Michael Broerman
The Mars Volta – “Graveyard Love”
What’s Good: The Mars Volta is back and, while it’s definitely different from what we remember, getting anything new from Omar Rodríguez-López and Cedric Bixler-Zavala is welcome news. –Michael Broerman
Kaytranada, Anderson .Paak – “Twin Flame”
What’s Good: Ever since Kaytra tweeted a snippet of him dropping this heater in the club sometime during the dog days of the pandemic, the world stayed waiting on this one to drop. When it finally officially arrived over the summer, the dynamic duo was dealing intravenous sexy in an erotic, heroic dose. –B. Getz
Steve Lacy – “Bad Habit”
What’s Good: My token monthly pop obsession. –Michael Broerman
Soupy Garbage Juice – “Torlet Ice”
What’s Good: Yes, this is a song about ice in the toilet. –James Sissler
Zion Collective – “Come From”
What’s Good: Nevada City, CA’s very own roots/dub syndicate has finally dropped their debut LP Become. A strong, stoic assembly of players steeped in the traditions of both the yard and the bush, deftly fronted by the ethereal vocalist Simrit Kaur. “Come From” chants down the patriarchy with a hauntingly beautiful hymn bathing in subsonic soundscapes; this is authentic American reggae music that doubles as high art. –B. Getz
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Magma”
What’s Good: King Gizzard still has one more album due out this month so let’s hope I chose wisely. –Michael Broerman
Emma Jean-Thackray – “Our People – Live At The Church Studios”
What’s Good: Emma-Jean Thackray is one of those artists I saw at a festival (Pickathon, to be specific) and immediately loved. –James Sissler
Derrick Freeman and Smokers World – “Whitesplain” (ft. Ms. Erica Falls)
What’s Good: This Crescent City collab sees the Soul Brass Band veteran Derrick Freeman enlist dynamic soul singer Erica Falls for this salient title track to Smoker’s latest full-length LP. A sardonic yet ultimately conscious tune that tells an important tale taboot. –B. Getz
Doom Flamingo – “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Queen)
What’s Good: I love this rendition of “Bohemian Rhapsody”. Kanika Moore is unbelievably talented. –Kunj Shah
Jennifer Hartswick – “Two Way Mirror”
What’s Good: Now that it’s October I can finally say things like, “Jennifer Hartswick’s new album Something in the Water is one of my top picks for best album of the year.” –James Sissler
James Gang – “Funk #49”
What’s Good: James Gang will play their allegedly final concert on November 13th featuring special guest Dave Grohl. Also, there were 49 songs on this list and we needed one more for an even 50. –Michael Broerman
Beck – “Old Man” (Neil Young)
What’s Good: After seeing Neil Young’s seemingly negative reaction to this cover and the NFL commercial it played in, I like to imagine Beck singing this song to Young. –Kunj Shah
Warren Zevon – “Splendid Isolation” (Live)
What’s Good: Here’s to chilly fall days holed up inside alone. –Michael Broerman
Sprig of That – “This Time, Last Week”
What’s Good: A beautiful composition that combines traditions of American folk music with richly textured jazz and classical –Jimmy
Tyler Childers – “Lady May”
What’s Good: Happy leaf-peeping. –Kelsey Mester
Beach Boys – “Forever”
What’s Good: Not the Jessie & The Rippers version. Sorry. –Michael Broerman
Louis Cole – “Let It Happen”
What’s Good: I love everything about this song, but the video is my favorite part. Looking forward to Louis Cole’s new album. –James Sissler
View October 2022 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – June 2022
Jungle – “GOOD TIMES”
What’s Good: The latest release from the U.K. duo will make you want to get up and dance. –Sara Shah
The Spinners – “The Rubberband Man”
What’s Good: It’s on every post-show, party bus playlist in this household. –Kelsey Mester
Daryl Hall & John Oates – “You Make My Dreams (Come True)”
What’s Good: Try not to dance and bop to it…I dare ya. Definitely a 2022 must-see for me. –Kelsey Mester
The Nth Power – “A New Day”
What’s Good: Seeing The Nth Power with Jennifer Hartswick at SweetWater 420 Fest back in April was one of the most fulfilling experiences of the weekend. –Michael Broerman
Lettuce – “Vámonos”
What’s Good: The latest in the LETT lineage of anthemic bass bangers. A jubilant breakdance soundtrack, a lysergic safari through the desert, tunneling towards lost civilizations buried beneath centuries of rubble. –B. Getz
Big Wild – “Feel Good”
What’s Good: Big Wild is here to make you feel good. –Sara Shah
Samba Touré – “Chiri Hari”
What’s Good: Lately I’ve been enjoying music of the world. Lyrics that aren’t in my native language help me feel, not think. –Kelsey Mester
Harry Styles – “Music for a Sushi Restaurant”
What’s Good: I struggled to pick one song from this new Harry Styles album. Then, I struggled with my identity over the fact that I just struggled to pick just one Harry Styles song. What can I say? The pop music is good right now. –Andrew O’Brien
Dopapod – “Grow”
What’s Good: It was hard to pick just one song off of Dopapod’s new album, but this one slaps. –Sara Shah
Lettuce ft. Bootsy Collins – “Keep That Funk Alive”
What’s Good: Lettuce’s new album, Unify, is a masterpiece from start to finish, and this collab with the one and only Bootsy Collins is straight vibes. –Sara Shah
Vulfmon, Jacob Jeffries – “How Much Do You Love Me?”
What’s Good: The ear-worm to end all ear-worms, –Michael Broerman
Lizzo – “About Damn Time” (Purple Disco Machine Remix)
What’s Good: Purple Disco Machine blew my mind at Red Rocks. Nonstop dance party. This Lizzo remix is f*cking awesome. –Kunj Shah
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Kepler-22b”
What’s Good: I feel like this would be the best song to play when cruising between galaxies in your spaceship. –James Sissler
Ween – “Oh My Dear (Falling In Love)”
What’s Good: Ween in Atlantic City for my birthday could not have been any Browner, and figuring what song to pick here couldn’t have been harder. But this is just the one that I’m singing at this moment. –Michael Broerman
Geoffrey Oryema – “Makambo”
What’s Good: Go outside, lie in the grass. Put this song on and look up at the clouds. Pause in your day. –Kelsey Mester
Jonathon Richman – “I Was Dancing in a Lesbian Bar”
What’s Good: Lou Reed meets Talking Heads. Warning: those “ooh”s get catchy. –Kelsey Mester
The Smile – “The Smoke”
What’s Good: The Smile combines Radiohead‘s alternative aesthetic with a funky sense of groove. This song exemplifies that well. –James Sissler
Silver People – “Torn Between the Wizards of My Past and the Demons of My Present”
What’s Good: The first-ever single from a new band I was lucky enough to receive in my inbox. Bonus points for one hell of a title. –Michael Broerman
Gone Gone Beyond – “Riptide”
What’s Good: An intoxicating purge and eye-watering anthem. Gripping, emotionally resonant old-time folk with a contemporary twist. Courtesy of the enchanting Kat Factor and her Gone Gone Beyond bredren. –B. Getz
Harry Styles – “Daylight”
What’s Good: Alright, I lied about only picking one Harry Styles song. Sue me. Here’s another. Don’t worry, it’s also really good. This one kinda sounds like Tame Impala. –Andrew O’Brien
Tank and the Bangas – “Black Folk”
What’s Good: It’s Black Music Month, and this beautiful poem/vamp from the joy supernova known as Tarriona Ball celebrates all the nooks and crannies of what Black means. –Andrew O’Brien
Brandee Young – “Unrest II”
What’s Good: If I get to heaven and this song isn’t playing, I will be disappointed. –James Sissler
Khruangbin, Leon Bridges – “Mariella”
What’s Good: It still captures me. The album cover puts you right into the headspace—purple sky as the summer sun starts to set over the cooling desert, as a few stars begin to twinkle in. It’s gentle. it’s sweet. It’s exactly how I imagine Mariella. –Kelsey Mester
The Mars Volta – “Blacklight Shine”
What’s Good: The Mars Volta is back, which is convenient because I just started getting into them. This is Bright Eyes all over again. –Michael Broerman
Snarky Puppy – “Trinity”
What’s Good: This is the Snarky Puppy I fell in love with. The band seems to have returned to their roots on the new album, and I can’t wait to hear the rest of it! –James Sissler
Beyoncé – “BREAK MY SOUL”
What’s Good: I raced to the Monthly Mix list to add this to my picks before anyone else could, but this would’ve wound up on here regardless. Queen Bey and the Queen Diva of Bounce [Big Freedia] is a monarchy I can get behind. I’ve been saying it, man—the pop music is really good right now. –Andrew O’Brien
Tank and the Bangas – “Oak Tree”
What’s Good: Tank and the Bangas continue to have a (well-deserved) moment, and this song off their recent new album exemplifies their full, resounding sound. –Sara Shah
Big Gigantic ft. Aloe Blacc – “Keep On Rising”
What’s Good: The new Big Gigantic album is awesome but I’m really feeling this uplifting track featuring Aloe Blacc. –Kunj Shah
Doja Cat – “Vegas”
What’s Good: Homegirl is a powerhouse. I can’t look away. Pop music is really good right now. –Andrew O’Brien
Etta James – “A Sunday Kind of Love”
What’s Good: My wife and I had our first dance to this song when we got married (on a Sunday) in April. Sunday will forever be my favorite day of the week. Love you, Meara 😉 –Andrew O’Brien
Kikagaku Moyo – “Cardboard Pile”
What’s Good: I had the good fortune of seeing Kikagaku Moyo on their allegedly final tour. Music like this cannot simply end. –Michael Broerman
Ween – “Shamemaker”
What’s Good: Alright, if Andrew gets two Harry Styles songs I get two Ween songs. A track I never heard until night two in Atlantic City and now I’m obsessed. –Michael Broerman
The Revivalists – “Otherside of Paradise – Made In Muscle Shoals”
What’s Good: Just saw the Revivalists crush Red Rocks and this song was a highlight for me. This version from Muscle Shoals sessions is pretty f*cking sweet. –Kunj Shah
Wilco – “Hints”
What’s Good: It turns out Wilco can actually be even sadder if Jeff Tweedy really wants to. –Michael Broerman
Billy Strings – “Know It All”
What’s Good: I saw Billy Strings for the first time at Mission Ballroom, and like everyone else I was blown away. –Kunj Shah
Arlo McKinley – “To Die For”
What’s Good: Arlo McKinley finds the beauty in a scorched Earth. –Michael Broerman
Phish – “Bug”
What’s Good: Had to include this after Trey recently brought out a 7-year-old girl to sing the song with him. –Kunj Shah
Eggy – “Evergreen”
What’s Good: One of two songs from Eggy’s recent Nashville Tapes release (on actual cassette tapes). Both of the songs capture this certain kind of ambiance that I love, the same encapsulating sensation you get from reading good fiction. –Andrew O’Brien
Paa Kow – “Black and White”
What’s Good: I usually listen to Paa Kow for his groovy instrumentals, but I like how this song shows his softer side. –James Sissler
Goose – “Dripfield”
What’s Good: I’ve seen Goose three times this year, all of the shows have featured “Dripfield”, and it’s been a highlight of the night each time. When the new stuff is the best stuff, you know you’re on the right track. –Andrew O’Brien
Yebba – “Boomerang”
What’s Good: This stand-out track from Yebba’s debut album won me over at first listen, even though it is more poppy than I expected from the powerhouse vocalist. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for her. –James Sissler
DJ Cam – “Gansta Shit”
What’s Good: Quintessential stoney instrumental hip-hop from the mid-’90s, this is music that involuntarily nods the head. The album is called Mad Blunted Jazz. You do the math. –B. Getz
Russian Circles – “Conduit”
What’s Good: Every jam band fan is just a Russian Circles album away from getting into metal. –Michael Broerman
Franc Moody – “I’m in a Funk”
What’s Good: There is no mood that Franc Moody fails to fit. –Sara Shah
Marco Benevento – “Mountain Cougars”
What’s Good: Marco Benevento came out of quarantine with a West African psych record that still has plenty of the his classic industrial pop-jam touch. –Michael Broerman
Durand Jones & The Indications – “Witchoo”
What’s Good: Swaggering fat-back disco-funk with extra sauce from Bloomington, IN’s flyest export. Big collars, bell-bottoms, might as well break out the roller skates too. –B. Getz
DOMi & JD Beck – “SMiLE”
What’s Good: The long-awaited debut single from future jazz power duo DOMi & JD Beck. These kids are going places. –James Sissler
Sons of Kemet – “Pick Up Your Burning Cross”
What’s Good: I can’t believe Sons of Kemet are breaking up. I love their eccentric instrumentation and frantic sense of rhythm. –James Sissler
Surprise Chef – “Velodrome”
What’s Good: Youngsters from down under mine Axelrod and Alchemist in this smoked-out session released between full-length records. –B. Getz
Zero – “Cole’s Law” (Live)
What’s Good: Zero flies again! The seminal Bay Area jam band founded by Steve Kimock and Greg Anton is hitting the road this year. I recently had the honor of interviewing Steve Kimock and I could not be more excited to finally see him with Zero. –James Sissler
ECHT! – “Kiekebiche”
What’s Good: Another crunkalogic slab of Belgian trap jazz from these brilliant lads in Brussels. ECHT! is the real thing. Remember the name. –B. Getz
John Scofield – “Junco Partner”
What’s Good: John Scofield’s self-titled solo guitar record showcases his voice like never before. I thought it might sound hollow without a backing band, but I was wrong. –James Sissler
Steely Dan – “Bodhisattva”
What’s Good: I recently went to see Steely Dan with Snarky Puppy and it said no photos or videos allowed so I definitely did not sneak a video of this song. –James Sissler
Donna Lewis – “I Love You Always Forever”
What’s Good: The 1996 throwback you didn’t think you needed. Hooked back in with the first chord. –Kelsey Mester
The Ghost of Paul Revere – “This Is the End”
What’s Good: One of my favorite bands is breaking up, but not before they got to play a career-defining show at Red Rocks. But all good things need to come to an end sometimes. –Kunj Shah
View June 2022 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – January 2022
DARKSIDE – “Paper Trails”
What’s Good: I absolutely love the darkness and funky undertones that Nicolás Jaar and Dave Harrington provide. –Maddy Murphy
Bonobo, Jordan Rakei – “Shadows”
What’s Good: Bonobo is back with a brand new album. This track features silky smooth guest vocals paired with Simon Green’s typical deeply groovy, synth-heavy beats. –Sara Shah
MonoNeon – “Put On Earth For You”
What’s Good: It’s an exciting day when the funkiest bassist alive releases new music. –Sara Shah
DOPE LEMON – “Howl With Me”
What’s Good: Half of Angus & Julia Stone, DOPE LEMON has an alternative sound that is both chill and funky. Based off my picks, I think this is my type. “Howl With Me” is off his latest album, Rose Pink Cadillac. –Maddy Murphy
Cory Wong – “Let’s Go! (Instrumental)”
What’s Good: Wong’s Cafe has been one of my favorite listens in the early part of this year. –Kel Kawas
Mannie Fresh, Big Freedia, Galactic, Dee-1 – “Act Like You Know”
What’s Good: The forthcoming documentary Take Me To The River: New Orleans plans to do a deep dive into the DNA of one of the richest musical cultures in the world. This is the first single off the movie’s soundtrack. –Sara Shah
Nigel Hall – “I Can’t Stand The Rain” (Ann Peebles)
What’s Good: A classic. Nigel Hall will go down as one of this scene’s greats. –Kunj Shah
Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio – “Don’t Worry ‘Bout What I Do”
What’s Good: It doesn’t get much more smooth than this. If you haven’t heard of DLO3, let’s fix that now. –Kel Kawas
Dance Party Time Machine ft. Eddie Roberts, Lyle Divinsky, Marc Brownstein, Blake Mobley, Jennifer Hartswick, Mike Greenfield, Natalie Cressman, Drew Sayers – “Right Place Wrong Time” (Dr. John)
What’s Good: A revamp of a Dr. John classic recorded across the nation during quarantine featuring an all-star roster including members of The Disco Biscuits, The New Mastersounds, Trey Anastasio Band, Lotus, The Motet, and more. –Sara Shah
Masayoshi Takanaka – “READY TO FLY”
What’s Good: Masayoshi Takanaki’s 1979 album All of Me launched me down a YouTube algorithm-induced rabbit hole of ’70s Japanese funk. –Michael Broerman
Fatboy Slim – “Praise You”
What’s Good: Just saw Fatboy Slim play in Colorado at Cervantes’ for the first time since the ’90s and it was one of the most fun concert experiences I’ve had in a long time. –Kunj Shah
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – “On the Rise”
What’s Good: “On the Rise” served as both a four-year bust-out during the band’s recent two-night run at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia and an apt descriptor for the direction Pigeons is headed. –Kel Kawas
Lilblackkids – “Friday”
What’s Good: Lilblackkids is the brand-new project from the idiosyncratic Georgia Anne Muldrow and collaborator Keith Rice. Lazy-eyed boom-bap and psychedelic trunk-funk, delivered in the Digable spirit of Angela Davis. –B. Getz
Goldfish, Max Vidima – “Going Home”
What’s Good: Just spent the end of 2021 in South Africa so I had to pay homage to these South African legends. –Kunj Shah
Kostars ft. Dean & Gene Ween – “Don’t Know Why”
What’s Good: Had to sneak some Boognish on there. IYKYK. –Michael Broerman
Soccer Mommy – “crawling in my skin – demo”
What’s Good: The simple yet captivating style of her voice and lyrics make me a happy listener. –Maddy Murphy
Weedie Braimah, Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball – “Send For Me”
What’s Good: This whole record deserves a world music GRAMMY. So many guests it was hard to choose just one song, but I went with the one with my girl Tank Ball from Tank and the Bangas because she just inspires me. –Kunj Shah
Neal Francis – “She’s A Winner”
What’s Good: Just love these guys—great humans and great band. –Maddy Murphy
Khruangbin & Leon Bridges – “B-Side”
What’s Good: Always down for more Khruangbhin and Leon Bridges. It’s a match made in musical heaven. –Kunj Shah
Parov Stelar, Vallemarie – “Candy Girl”
What’s Good: This new tune is a classier version of their normal swing-house style, but I dig the vibe hard. –Kunj Shah
Big Gigantic, Party Pupils – “Renegade”
What’s Good: The perfect Friday pump-up song just dropped. –Sara Shah
Eric Krasno – “Lost Myself”
What’s Good: Eric Krasno’s new tune definitely does not disappoint. 2022 is shaping up to be a good year for new music. –Kunj Shah
SADE –”Keep Looking”
What’s Good: Ethereal vibes and intravenous sensuality from the empress of effortless. SADE puts the class in classic, same as it ever was. –B. Getz
Lupe Fiasco – “Kick, Push”
What’s Good: The news that Lupe Fiasco will perform Food & Liquor at The Smoker’s Club Fest has me revisiting some old favorites like this one. This record was way ahead of its time. –Andrew O’Brien
Robert Glasper ft. Killer Mike, BJ the Chicago Kid, Big K.R.I.T. – “Black Superhero”
What’s Good: After 10 long years since the last installment, Black Radio III is coming our way on February 25th. –Michael Broerman
ECHT! – “Champi”
What’s Good: Brussels-based quartet specializing in diabolical reverse-engineering. Hold onto your hats, and behold this bold frontier. Belgian Trap Jazz is my new kink. –B. Getz
Death Kings – “Welcome To Hell”
What’s Good: What happens when members of Umphrey’s McGee, Aqueous, and Turkuaz (RIP) get together to form a punk band? Everything I’ve ever dreamed of. –Sara Shah
Elvis Costello & The Imposters – “The Death of Magic Thinking”
What’s Good: I was a bit late to the Elvis Costello party, but I’m happy I made it nonetheless. –Kel Kawas
Elephant Gym – “Finger”
What’s Good: Courtesy of Karina Rykman’s favorite female bassists BBC playlist. –Michael Broerman
Meat Loaf – “I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That)”
What’s Good: Meat Loaf was the closest thing I had to culture growing up. RIP. –Michael Broerman
The Beatles – “I’ve Got A Feeling”
What’s Good: I’ve always been a “technical studio mastery” Beatles fan, but after watching Get Back, I can’t get enough of the looser jams. All chemistry and energy. Oh yeah… –Andrew O’Brien
Beans – “Slow”
What’s Good: The next Australian sensation. –Michael Broerman
DJ Harrison – “City Lights”
What’s Good: Butcher Brown keyboardist and Richmond, VA production wiz DJ Harrison delivers a sexy, syrupy soul jam that sparks the spliff and lays all the way back in the cut. Stones Throw ain’t neva lied, neither! –B. Getz
The Soul Rebels ft. Nigel Hall – “Groove Train”
What’s Good: The Soul Rebels and Nigel Hall connect on this new Poetry In Motion bonus track, just released in Sony 360 Reality Audio –Andrew O’Brien
Bachelor, Jay Som, Palehound – “Moon”
What’s Good: Jay Som and Palehouse created a band/friendship called Bachelor and I might be their top listener. –Maddy Murphy
Jack White – “Love Is Selfish”
What’s Good: With two albums on the way, there’s going to be a lot of new Jack White music in 2022. –Kel Kawas
Goose – “Borne”
What’s Good: Gotta love when a jam band puts out a studio track that sounds and feels like a studio track, not a reined-in version of a live jam. Looking forward to seeing the next Goose album take shape. –Andrew O’Brien
Wilco – “Passenger Side”
What’s Good: Can you take me to the store, and then the bank? –Michael Broerman
O.T. Genasis –”I Look Good”
What’s Good: I do look good today. Thanks for the reminder. –Andrew O’Brien
Greensky Bluegrass – “Monument”
What’s Good: I’ve always loved Greensky’s songwriting and the new LP, Stress Dreams, comprised of songs conceived by individual members in lockdown and fleshed out with the group, does a good job at highlighting each member’s influence on the material. I’m partial to “Monument”, which features lyrics by dobro player Anders Beck and Nashville songwriter Chris Gelbuda. –Andrew O’Brien
Bob Weir – “West L.A. Fadeaway (Live)”
What’s Good: I got to hear this at Red Rocks and this iteration of the Wolf Bros with strings and horns just (red) rocks. Can’t wait for the whole show to be released. –Kunj Shah
Umphrey’s McGee – “I Don’t Know What I Want”
What’s Good: The new UM single sounds like they’re vying for a spot on the When We Were Young lineup. –Michael Broerman
Liberation Movement – “Chapter One: Revelation”
What’s Good: Long-awaited opening studio salvo from an all-star assembly of global musicians and stewards of the sacred. Passion project headed up by Grant Chambers of Heavyweight Dub Champion. –B. Getz
Todd Snider – “Happy New Year”
What’s Good: Happy New Year, everybody. Happy birthday, Country Joe. –Michael Broerman
View January 2022 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – December 2021 – Best of 2021
Watchhouse – “New Star”
What’s Good: Watchhouse (formerly known as Mandolin Orange) confronting its own evolution, growing artistically alongside its fans. –Michael Broerman
Billy Strings – “This Old World”
What’s Good: One of my favorite songs from one of my favorite albums of 2021. Renewal was among my most-played albums of the year and this song is a big reason why. –Kel Kawas
Oliver Wood – “Roots”
What’s Good: Details like the clever turn of phrase at the core of this tune are a big reason why Oliver Wood’s solo album, Always Smilin‘, had such an impact on me this year. I interviewed him about it here. –Andrew O’Brien
Todd Snider – “Battle Hymn of the Album”
What’s Good: The best Todd Snider is the Todd Snider that sounds nothing like the Todd Snider you thought you knew. –Michael Broerman
Courtney Barnett – “Rae Street”
What’s Good: A goddamn folk Queen. –Maddy Murphy
Neal Francis – “Alameda Apartments”
What’s Good: From a dream Neal once had to the opening track from his fantastic 2021 LP, In Plain Sight… –Andrew O’Brien
Dumpstaphunk – “Where Do We Go From Here”
What’s Good: A friendly reminder that the new Dumpstaphunk album is still fire. –Andrew O’Brien
Silk Sonic – “Skate”
What’s Good: I know we overdid it with four Silk Sonic songs on the November Monthly Mix. We were excited. Still are. It’s not every day an instant classic comes out. But I also can’t in good conscience not add a tune from my favorite album of the year on our best of 2021 mix. So here we are. You smell better than a barbecue. –Andrew O’Brien
The Nth Power – “Tribe”
What’s Good: The Nth Power is good for your soul. –Andrew O’Brien
Khruangbin, Leon Bridges – “B-Side”
What’s Good: One of my favorite collabs of 2020 is coming back for seconds in 2022. What’s not to love about Khruangbin and Leon Bridges? –Kel Kawas
Jon Batiste – “FREEDOM”
What’s Good: This man deserves all eleven of his 2022 Grammy nods. WE ARE is a bright flash of joy in the shadows of a hard couple years. –Andrew O’Brien
Nigel Hall – “People in Search of a Life”
What’s Good: Resident soul man taps Butcher Brown to hold him down and digs deep as the well will run on this captivating rumination. –B.Getz
Little Simz, Obongjayar – “Point & Kill”
What’s Good: Everything about Little Simz makes this world a better place. She is an activist, friend, and therapist all in one song. –Maddy Murphy
Karina Rykman –”No Occasion”
What’s Good: It must be Tuesday. –Andrew O’Brien
Olivia Rodrigo – “good 4 u”
What’s Good: Every single song on this teenager’s debut album hit the Billboard Hot 100’s top 40 this year. Yeah. We were all living in Olivia’s world in 2021. –Andrew O’Brien
TAUK – “Moon Dub”
What’s Good: Take a tour of the solar system with these instrumental storytellers. –Andrew O’Brien
Polo & Pan – “Ani Kuni”
What’s Good: French House, Disco, Electro… say no more. –Maddy Murphy
Jackson Whalan ft. KRS-One – “From the Woods (Remix)”
What’s Good: Underground emcee/producer extracts the urban element, takes the game into the forest, and gets blessed up by The Teacha himself. –B.Getz
Ye (Kanye West) ft. André 3000 – “Life of the Party”
What’s Good: Yeezy probably won’t win that “Album of the Year” Grammy he’s up for, but if we’re talking about the unofficial award for “Rap Verse of the Year,” it’s hard to think of any as moving as André 3000’s turn on Donda (Deluxe) track”Life of the Party”. As Dre 3K speaks to his own late mother through a plea to Kanye’s mom, he spins a vivid lyrical rendering of life and mortality. If that wasn’t enough, the song ends with audio of that viral clip of the late DMX riding an amusement park ride with his young daughter. I still catch something new every time I queue this up. –Andrew O’Brien
Movie Club – “Ghost in the Machine”
What’s Good: A phantasmagorical elixir of psychedelic-electro-sludge from this stylish Venice Beach, CA duo. –B. Getz
Leon III – “Fly Migrator”
What’s Good: One of my best finds of the year was Leon III. –Michael Broerman
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Interior People”
What’s Good: A light year for KG&LW, putting out just two studio albums in 2021. Waiting for a flood in 2022. –Michael Broerman
Crumb – “Trophy”
What’s Good: I recently found this band (thanks, Maddy) and they absolutely crush. This is sure to be one of my most-played tracks on my 2022 Spotify Wrapped. –Kel Kawas
Beach House – “Once Twice Melody”
What’s Good: Beach House melodies are like a bubble bath for the ears. –Maddy Murphy
Dinosaur Jr. – “Take It Back”
What’s Good: If 2021 had a spirit animal, J Mascis would definitely be in the running. –Michael Broerman
Parquet Courts – “Homo Sapien”
What’s Good: Parquet Courts have held my attention since I saw them at Bonnaroo in 2019. –Michael Broerman
Ty Segall – “Pictures”
What’s Good: Let your hair fall down into your eyes as you thrash around to this one. –Michael Broerman
Tank and the Bangas ft. Big Freedia – “BIG”
What’s Good: The future of New Orleans dancefloors is in good hands with Tank and Freedia. Also, this music video gets out of hand in the best possible way. –Andrew O’Brien
Madlib – “The Call”
What’s Good: It’s always hard to pick one great loop off a great beat tape, but this one definitely rises to the top of a beautiful crop of instrumentals from Madlib. –Andrew O’Brien
Eggy – “Second Step (Live)”
What’s Good: Eggy debuted this track on May 8th at The Warehouse at FTC in Fairfield, CT. This version of “Second Step” comes from the band’s packed set at Peach Music Festival back in July, one of Eggy’s most memorable performances of the year. –Kel Kawas
Goose – “Moby”
What’s Good: Find some zen with the low-end. –Kel Kawas
NF – “CLOUDS”
What’s Good: If NF isn’t on your radar then your radar’s broke. –Kel Kawas
Death Kings – “March of the Kings”
What’s Good: Open up the circle pit! –Kel Kawas
Consider the Source – “A Clash of Faces”
What’s Good: On Hybrid Vol. 1: Such As A Mule, Consider the Source seamlessly transitions between elements, making the group’s already layered sound even thicker. –Michael Broerman
Yves Tumor – “Crushed Velvet”
What’s Good: Yves is a whole vibe. –Maddy Murphy
Hiatus Kaiyote – “Chivalry Is Not Dead”
What’s Good: Both dark, smooth and limitless, Hiatus Kaiyote is genre-fluid and I am so about it. –Maddy Murphy
Terrace Martin ft. YG, Malaya – “Evil Eyes”
What’s Good: DRONES, contemporary jazz/hip-hop Renaissance man Terrace Martin’s sprawling 2021 LP, is best consumed all at once—but this is a great place to jump in on the fly. –Andrew O’Brien
Doja Cat ft. SZA – “Kiss Me More”
What’s Good: I picked this song because it was ubiquitous this year, but it’s not even the best song on Doja Cat’s 2021 album. I implore you to throw on Planet Her in full the next time you’re working out or getting down. –Andrew O’Brien
John Mayer – “Last Train Home”
What’s Good: Sob Rock forever. –Andrew O’Brien
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – “Indiglo”
What’s Good: Among Pigeons’ oldest tunes, “Indiglo” finally got the studio treatment it long deserved this year. “We’re on the road again!” –Kel Kawas
Judith Hill – “Baby, I’m Hollywood!”
What’s Good: Judith is a powerhouse and this tune, the title track from her latest LP, is catchy as can be. –Andrew O’Brien
Dee Gees (Foo Fighters) – “You Should Be Dancing” (Bee Gees)
What’s Good: Foo Fighters going disco was one of the silliest, most enjoyable surprises of 2021. –Andrew O’Brien
Maggie Rose – “Help Myself”
What’s Good: It’s been a thrill watching Maggie’s rise over the last couple years. With gems like “Help Myself” all over her 2021 album, Have a Seat, it’s not hard to hear why. –Andrew O’Brien
Charley Crockett – “Lies and Regret”
What’s Good: From Charley’s new middle finger to the Nashville machine, Music City USA. –Michael Broerman
James Blake – “Say What You Will”
What’s Good: James Blake weaves profound messages with the best kind of minimal electronic sounds to create the perfect blend. “I watched through windows, as my young self died.” A song that encompasses so much growth! –Maddy Murphy
Gone Gone Beyond – “Little Moon”
What’s Good: An emotionally-resonant slab of intoxicating future-folk that thumps, snuggles, and channels the divine. –B.Getz
Isaiah Rashad, Smino – “Claymore”
What’s Good: Smino and Isaiah Rashad together? Yup. Let’s continue this energy in 2022, please. –Maddy Murphy
Fred again.. – “Kahan (Last Year)”
What’s Good: Fred again.. was the best thing to happen to me in 2021. –Maddy Murphy
Darkside – “Liberty Bell”
What’s Good: It’s easy to overlook the reunion of Dave Harrington and Nicolás Jaar’s ambient project Darkside among the landslide of reunions over the past year. –Michael Broerman
Noname – “Rainforest”
What’s Good: All feeling, flow, and unfazed attitude. Noname is the truth. –Andrew O’Brien
Adele – “I Drink Wine”
What’s Good: Every time you think “There’s no way Adele has another classic in her,” she quickly disabuses you of that notion. See: “I Drink Wine” from her 2021 album, 30. –Andrew O’Brien
Eric Krasno – “Silence”
What’s Good: Keep an eye on Eric Krasno in 2022. The vibes on his forthcoming album are just right (think Soulquarians) and The Assembly is sounding fantastic onstage.
Rising Appalachia – “Silver”
What’s Good: The siren sisters strip things down to the bone for a gripping, sobering, sensual meditation on one’s own reflection. –B.Getz
View December 2021 – Best Of 2021 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – November 2021
Silk Sonic – “Fly As Me”
What’s Good: The sexiest track off the hottest new album from two of modern pop/hip-hop’s greatest. –Sara Shah
Lettuce, Flamingosis – “Remember The Children” (Flamingosis Remix)
What’s Good: Lettuce announcing Flamingosis as support for their upcoming Miami NYE show reminded me of this killer remix. Flamingosis is definitely one of my favorite producers and Lettuce is one of my favorite bands. –Kunj Shah
Hanni El Khatib – “ALIVE”
What’s Good: Whatever the context, “I can’t believe I survived / It’s all around and upside down / I’m alive!” are some relatable AF lyrics in the year 2021, set to the backdrop of an easy-breezy, synth-heavy pop track. –Sara Shah
Vintage Pistol – “LEVELS”
What’s Good: Levels, Jerry. Levels. –Michael Broerman
Flamingosis – “Daymaker”
What’s Good: The title track off of Flamingosis’s recently released album is a straight banger. –Sara Shah
Gilligan Moss – “GM from GM :)”
What’s Good: Chicago bred, Brooklyn-based electronic duo Gilligan Moss recorded a debut album over the course of three years in a handful of different locations, combining the duo’s love of seventies records and dance music—both modern and early. –Maddy Murphy
Opiuo – “Dusty Bugs”
What’s Good: One of my favorite shows this Red Rocks season was Opiuo with a live 36-piece choir. This man is a master of his craft. –Kunj Shah
Gorillaz – “19-2000”
What’s Good: Gorillaz’s self-titled, debut album turned 20 years old this year! –Kel Kawas
Bonobo – “Rosewood”
What’s Good: Single out from his new album, Fragments, coming out in January. –Maddy Murphy
Khruangbin – “(Time) You And I”
What’s Good: Another one of my favorite shows at Red Rocks this year was Kbin. They did this hip-hop medley that blew my mind. –Kunj Shah
Los Bitchos – “Las Panteras”
What’s Good: Off the long-awaited forthcoming Los Bitchos debut LP. Think Khruangbin, but with a punchier rhythm section. –Michael Broerman
Still Woozy – “Rocky”
What’s Good: Stilly Woozy is legit, do not sleep on him. The whole album is amazing. –Maddy Murphy
Silk Sonic – “Smokin’ Out The Window”
What’s Good: How could she do this to me? –Andrew O’Brien
Scary Pockets (ft. Lawrence) – “deja vu” (Olivia Rodrigo)
What’s Good: This Scary Pockets project is quickly becoming one of my favorite things. Different singers, over creative funk grooves, covering good music? What more could I want. –Kunj Shah
Tank and the Bangas, PJ Morton – “TSA”
What’s Good: Ever since I saw Tank and the Bangas’s Tiny Desk performance, I was sold. New Orleans meets hip hop, meets storytelling, meets funk, etc. Also, I’m writing this from the airport, so the song TSA felt appropriate. –Kunj Shah
Playing For Change – “Iko Iko”
What’s Good: This iteration of the New Orleans classic is a stacked compilation that features one of the last known recordings from Dr. John, along with Bill Kreutzmann, Mickey Hart, Ivan Neville, George Porter Jr., and more. – Sara Shah
Andy Frasco & The U.N. – “Dancin’ Around My Grave”
What’s Good: When I heard my friend Andy was hosting his own funeral in Denver to create a music video for this song, I thought he was crazy—especially after seeing the very beautifully decorated coffin, and a venue marquee highlighting the words “R.I.P. Andy Frasco.” But after seeing the finished product and hearing the accounts from people of the faux funeral that took place, I have to give it to him, it was pretty brilliant. Psychotic, but brilliant. –Kunj Shah
Fugees – “How Many Mics”
What’s Good: How many mics do you rip on the daily? –Andrew O’Brien
The Nth Power ft. Maceo Parker, Ivan Neville, Nick Daniels – “Spirits”
What’s Good: The new Nth album, Reverence, is fantastic top to bottom. This soulful posse jam is perfect for a late-night drive. –Andrew O’Brien
Neal Francis ft. Derek Trucks – “Can’t Stop The Rain”
What’s Good: My boy. –Maddy Murphy
Black Pumas, Hypnotic Brass Ensemble – “Colors”
What’s Good: A revamp of what has become a recent classic. Horns make everything better. –Sara Shah
Atmosphere (ft. Aesop Rock & MF DOOM) – “Barcade”
What’s Good: Just remember ALL CAPS when you spell the man name. –Kel Kawas
Terrace Martin (ft. Kendrick Lamar) – “Drones”
What’s Good: Terrace Martin is a genius. All of the most interesting roads in contemporary jazz/hip-hop go through him. Now, where’s the Kendrick album? –Andrew O’Brien
Ween – “Stacey”
What’s Good: Oh yeah, I got really into Ween while you all were away. –Michael Broerman
Yazmin Lacey – “Morning Sunrise”
What’s Good: This one is a new discovery for me, and I was captivated by Lacey’s smooth, soulful tone. Like butta. –Sara Shah
Ross from Friends – “The Daisy”
What’s Good: Off the British electronic record producer and DJ’s latest album, Tread. –Maddy Murphy
Tycho, Ben Gibbard – “Only Love”
What’s Good: Ben Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie)’s enchanting vocals laced over Tycho’s signature downtempo beats are what dreams are made of. –Sara Shah
Eric Krasno – “Alone Together”
What’s Good: Another song that hit home when being stuck with Covid. Can’t wait to see Krasno with Oteil and CO at Denver Comes Alive. –Kunj Shah
Kikagaku Moyo – “Dripping Sun”
What’s Good: Kikagaku Moyo is already due for another lengthy U.S. tour. –Kel Kawas
Billy Strings – “Heartbeat of America”
What’s Good: You gotta be pretty damn tuff to win the title of best song on Billy’s new album, Renewal. –Michael Broerman
Jimmy Herring, Circles Around The Sun – “Bird With No Name” (Neal Casal)
What’s Good: Jimmy Herring’s guitar playing is some of my favorite out there, mixed with the sonic capabilities of Circles Around the Sun, makes me so glad that this album exists as a tribute to Neal. –Kunj Shah
moe. – “Four”
What’s Good: Get well soon, Satan. – Michael Broerman
Amber Mark, Franc Moody – “Lose My Cool (Franc Moody Remix)”
What’s Good: Digging this blend of Mark’s powerful pipes and Moody’s poppy disco vibe. –Sara Shah
Silk Sonic – “After Last Night”
What’s Good: You know we couldn’t just have one Silk Sonic track on this playlist. –Kel Kawas
Neal Francis – “Prometheus”
What’s Good: Neal Francis’ own rise, fall, and redemption is a character arc straight out of Greek mythology. –Michael Broerman
Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats – “What If I”
What’s Good: Distance made the heart grow fonder as Nathaniel Rateliff reunited with The Night Sweats for The Future. –Michael Broerman
Silk Sonic – “777”
What’s Good: This song oozes funk and this album is the goddamn truth. –Kunj Shah
Dopapod – “Think”
What’s Good: Dopapod’s latest single, which premiered via Live For Live Music in October, encourages you to think for yourself, in a world filled with mixed messages and confusion. –Sara Shah
The Werks – “Liqwid (Live from Legend Valley 2021)”
What’s Good: Welcome back, Chuckie Love. –Michael Broerman
Marco Benevento – “At The End Or The Beginning”
What’s Good: Marco Benevento’s first new music in two years paints the devastating events of the past year-and-a-half in his trademark, industrial pop-jam hue. –Michael Broerman
girl in red – “Seratonin”
What’s Good: This twenty-two-year-old pop songwriter from Norway tugs at the heartstrings and it’s soooo damn good. Off her latest album, if i could make it go quiet. –Maddy Murphy
Polo & Pan – “Magic”
What’s Good: Polo & Pan just exude upbeat, positive energy with every beat, and this remix of a classic really hits the spot. –Sara Shah
Nightmares On Wax – “Imagineering”
What’s Good: From Nightmares On Wax’s new album, Shout Out! To Freedom… This album has been three years in the making. George Evelyn, better known by his stage names, Nightmares On Wax and DJ E.A.S.E., has said that the project was finalized over lockdown and that it is a very personal project to him. –Maddy Murphy
Maribou State, Holly Walker – “Spooky”
What’s Good: A laid-back, funky version of a classic tune. –Sara Shah
Scary Pockets (ft. Judith Hill) – “You Shook Me All Night Long”
What’s Good: Judith Hill is a force to be reckoned with. A major collaborator with Prince and Michael Jackson, if she’s good enough for them, she’s good enough for me. Can’t wait to see her at Denver Comes Alive. –Kunj Shah
Jack White – “Taking Me Back (Gently)”
What’s Good: It’s hard not to include Jack White on my selections, but even harder when he releases fresh music and announces two new albums. “Taking Me Back (Gently)“, the softer, folky version of “Taking Me Back” will arrive as the final track on White’s July 22nd album, Entering Heaven Alive. –Kel Kawas
Maggie Rose (ft. Marcus King) – “What Makes You Tick”
What’s Good: Love me some Maggie Rose, pair her up with the soon-to-be guitar legend Marcus King, and you have yourself a powerful musical combo. –Kunj Shah
Oliver Wood – “Molasses”
What’s Good: Oliver Wood’s solo album was one of my favorite things to come out all year. This song is an emotional rollercoaster in the best possible way. –Andrew O’Brien
Courtney Barnett – “Before You Gotta Go”
What’s Good: Never go to bed angry. –Michael Broerman
Hether – “Morning Bells”
What’s Good: Hether’s Sticky Thumb is a lo-fi triptastic EP to get lost in. –Maddy Murphy
Jenny Lewis – “Puppy and a Truck”
What’s Good: All you need. –Michael Broerman
Aaron Lee Tasjan – “Traveling After Dark” (Neal Casal)
What’s Good: Just dream another dream, and may it take you far. –Michael Broerman
Trey Anastasio – “Lonely Trip”
What’s Good: My new favorite Trey Anastasio ballad hit me differently last week when I had Covid. The loneliness described in the song could be felt by my quarantined self. –Kunj Shah
Grateful Dead – “Ripple”
What’s Good: If he knew the way, Jonah Hill would take you home. –Kunj Shah
Terrace Martin – “Don’t Let Go”
What’s Good: It’s not even really a full “song,” but it captures a feeling better than most songs I know. –Andrew O’Brien
View November 2021 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – June 2021
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
View June 2021 L4LM Monthly Mix & Liner Notes
L4LM Monthly Mix – April 2021
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
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
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
