If you’re like us here at Live For Live Music, your listening habits go through cycles. One week, it’s nothing but throwback jams. The next, a strange new single catches your ear. One day, you’re feeling an adventure anthem. The next, a pandemic forces you into quarantine and you need something soothing to help you contemplate your isolation. It’s all about how you’re feeling, what’s happening in your life.
Enter the L4LM Monthly Mix, a serial playlist curated with care by our staff, a small group of dedicated music lovers with unique and varied tastes. Each month, we bring you a new mix of tracks—from the old to the new, the beloved to the obscure, the silly to the sentimental. There’s no particular overarching rhyme or reason to the L4LM Monthly Mix. This is just the music that’s on our minds, the music we’re excited to share with you right now. Next month, we’ll be feeling something different, and we hope you’ll subscribe and continue to listen along with us as that journey unfolds.
This article serves as your listening guide for the L4LM Monthly Mix—your liner notes, your peek inside our brains. Hear a song you like as you listen through? Scroll down (or “cmnd + f” search) and find out “what’s good” with the selection—why that music moved us this month. We hope we can help you discover something that moves you, too.
Dive into the March edition of the L4LM Monthly Mix below and subscribe on Spotify to make sure you don’t miss any new Monthly Mixes.
LINER NOTES
Lawrence – “Do You Wanna Do Nothing With Me?”
What’s good: You know, because quarantine. –Andrew O’Brien
Nile Rogers, CHIC, Mura Masa, Cosha, Franc Moody – “Till The World Falls”
What’s good: The world has gone mad. We might be safer on the dancefloor… as long as we’re six feet apart. –Jimmy
Booker T. Jones – “Rent Party”
What’s good: I really feel like I don’t know enough about Booker T., but every time I hear something from him, I like it. –Michael Broerman
Megan Hamilton, COFRESI – “Patience”
What’s good: This buttery, bass-forward track was debuted live while during Megan Hamilton and COFRESI’s co-headlining tour this past fall, but has now finally been released! Megan’s sultry, soulful lyrics over COFRESI’s upbeat bass beats make this a wavy single to vibe out to. –Mikala Lugen
Big Gigantic – “Free Your Mind”
What’s good: Peppy, instantly catchy new banger from Big Gigantic featuring vocals by the one and only Jennifer Hartswick. –Sara Shah
Maceo Parker – “Elephant’s Foot”
What’s good: The funkiest song ever written about an elephant stepping on someone’s foot. –Kunj Shah
Childish Gambino – “Have Some Love”
What’s good: We got a new Childish Gambino/Donald Glover album on Sunday… for like 12 hours, and then it was removed. I’ll be listening to this track from his last full-length record until Donald Glover Presents (hopefully) resurfaces. –Andrew O’Brien
Childish Gambino — “12.38” [Update 3/23/20]
What’s good: …and just like that, the new Gambino has arrived on streaming platforms! The album, initially released on- and rapidly deleted from www.donaldgloverpresents.com on March 15th, has been officially released as an album titled, appropriately, 3.15.20. This smooth track from new release follows Glover as he courts a wild female—and gets dosed with mushrooms in the process.
Gorillaz, Fatoumata Diawara – “Dèsolè”
What’s good: New Gorillaz is finally here, and it slaps. Worth the wait. –Sara Shah
Alt-J – “Breezeblocks”
What’s good: Been watching too many true crime documentaries during this spooky quarantine, and I can’t help but think of the trio’s chilling 2012 single and music video. Please don’t go, I love you so. –Mikala Lugen
The War On Drugs – “Disappearing”
What’s good: Took Tom Shackleford’s suggestion for the best isolation album during our time of self-quarantine, and indeed, The War On Drugs’ Lost In A Dream is a great listen during these dark hours of solitude. –Mikala Lugen
Sturgill Simpson – “Make Art Not Friends”
What’s good: How to make love in the time of COVID-19: Make art, not friends. –Andrew O’Brien
Whethan ft. Grouplove – “Upside Down”
What’s good: Grouplove is a longtime favorite. They’re always a blast to see live, and always pumping out instant hits—like this synth-heavy, electropop collab with Whethan. –Sara Shah
Circles Around The Sun – “Money’s No Option”
What’s good: The last track on the last album recorded by the late Neal Casal. Get ready to dance, and maybe shed a tear or two for Neal. We miss you, man. –Andrew O’Brien
The Allman Brothers Band – “Blue Sky”
What’s good: I’ve had the Allman Brothers playing in my head since The Brothers 50th-anniversary show at MSG. –Kunj Shah
Derek and the Dominos – “Got To Get Better In A Little While – Live”
What’s good: We need some uplifting music in these dark times. What can be better than Eric Clapton and Duane Allman telling us it’ll get better real soon? –Gideon Plotnicki
Marcus King – “Say You Will”
What’s good: Does any album released in 2020 have as much replay value as El Dorado? I don’t think so. –Kel Kawas
Chinna Smith, Charlie Hunter, Earnest Ranglin – “What I Am”
What’s good: I’ve been digging into all things Charlie Hunter since seeing him tear up the boat on Jam Cruise 18. –Kunj Shah
The Band – “Look Out Cleveland”
What’s good: The new documentary, Once Were Brothers: Robbie Robertson & The Band, shows a band that should’ve taken its own, prescient warning. “Look out Levon, a storm is coming through/And it’s runnin’ right up on you.” –Michael Broerman
Andy Frasco & The U.N. – “Feel It In Our Bones”
What’s good: Another new feel-good track from the guy who used to just sing about cocaine and strippers. (We love you, Andy). –Sara Shah
Emerson, Lake & Palmer – “Lucky Man”
What’s good: It’s already such a beautiful song with such beautiful harmonies. Then, the synth comes in at around the three-minute mark and makes this track truly unique. –Jimmy
Dr. John – “Little Liza Jane”
What’s good: Dr. John’s music gives you the power to teleport. The moment you hit play, you’re somehow in New Orleans. It’s a special kind of magic. –Jimmy
Billy Strings – “Away From The Mire”
What’s good: Billy Strings might be the hottest act to come around the scene in God knows how long, and for good reason. The dude crushes the guitar and writes some fantastic songs, too. –Kunj Shah
The California Honeydrops – “Bubble Gum”
What’s good: Fun, soulful, upbeat. That’s the Honeydrops’ M.O., and that’s what we all need right now. –Jimmy
Neal Francis – “Put It In His Hands”
What’s good: I’ve put a Neal Francis song on this playlist almost every month, and I’m not ashamed about it. The funk comes in waves on “Put It In His Hands”, and they’re all perfect. –Kunj Shah
Cimafunk, The Soul Rebels, Tarriona ‘Tank’ Ball – “Caliente”
What’s good: The Soul Rebels recently went to Cuba to immerse themselves in the culture, spread some musical love, and create. This song, the result of that trip, reminds me that I need to listen to more world music. Also, I love the cameo from Tank (of Tank and the Bangas). –Sara Shah
Monophonics – “Last One Standing”
What’s good: It’s been a minute since we’ve heard anything new from these classicly funky cats. They’re always a good time live. –Sara Shah
The Floozies, Dirt Wire – “I Ain’t Home”
What’s good: Since we can’t go out and rage anytime soon, might as well bump tracks like this, flicker your lights, and pretend you’re in your favorite sweaty basement club. –Sara Shah
Pigeons Playing Ping Pong – “Avalanche”
What’s good: I finally got my first 2020 dose of live Pigeons Playing Ping Pong at their two-night run at Frisco, CO’s 10 Mile Music Hall earlier this month. After their Leap Day performance the first night, the band concluded by sending a massive psychedelic “Avalanche” over the sold-out venue to kick off the second set of the night two. –Mikala Lugen
STS9 – “Strange Games > WDTS Reprise”
What’s good: For this new project, STS9 flipped the script and mashed up various live versions of their songs, resulting in an entirely new and refurbished catalog of Tribe material based on prime segments of their live shows. –Sara Shah
Radiohead – “My Iron Lung”
What’s good: I think you get the picture… –Gideon Plotnicki
ZZ Top – “Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers”
What’s good: After watching the new ZZ Top documentary, I realized there were a lot of late nights in college that I really should have been listening to Tres Hombres. –Michael Broerman
Widespread Panic – “Love Tractor (1/31/12, Puerto Morelos, Mexico)”
What’s good: Since “widespread panic” has been the theme of this month so far—from the five-night Beacon Theatre run at the beginning of the month to, well, you know—here’s some Widespread Panic.
B.B. King – “Chains And Things”
What’s good: The whole world is wrong, it seems… –Andrew O’Brien
Charles Bradley, Menahan Street Band – “Can’t Fight The Feeling”
What’s good: Charles Bradley has always been one of my favorite artists. R.I.P. –Kunj Shah
Pixies – “Where Is My Mind?”
What’s good: Pixies are one of the best (if not the best) alt-rock bands, and they don’t get as much shine as they deserve. –Gideon Plotnicki
Chaka Khan – “Like Sugar”
What’s good: Chaka Khan is a treasure. Forever and always. –Kunj Shah
Tower of Power – “Look in My Eyes”
What’s good: Tower of Power’s new album is out now! We were thrilled to premiere legendary funk band’s first music video in 30+ years for this track from the new record, Step Up. Take to the streets and bust a move! ToP is alive and well. –Andrew O’Brien
Franc Moody – “She’s Too Good For Me”
What’s good: Look out—London, U.K. duo/collective Franc Moody is about to BLOW UP. Their new album is a banger from start to finish. –Sara Shah
Bee Gees – “Stayin Alive”
What’s good: Stay alive out there, people… –Gideon Plotnicki
Big Something – “The Breakers”
What’s good: A much-needed moment of zen in these uncertain times. Check out the calming video for the song that we premiered last week, too. –Andrew O’Brien
Poolside – “Low Season”
What’s good: This song is a straight-up vibe. –Kunj Shah
The Main Squeeze – “A Little Bit”
What’s good: The Main Squeeze has been exhibiting an entirely new side with their recent singles. They’re edgy yet upbeat and accessible and, of course, super funky. –Sara Shah
Bob Marley & The Wailers – “Burnin’ & Lootin’ – Live At The Record Plant/1973”
What’s good: With everything going on right now, I’m waiting for the day I’m driving home and see a brick through a Target window. –Michael Broerman
Jon Cleary – “Big Greasy”
What’s good: The perfect mix of absolute monster musician Jon Cleary’s prodigious swagger and a little island flavor. This ode to New Orleans is a track you can listen to on repeat all month long. –Kunj Shah
Cory Wong – “Rubens”
What’s good: Cory Wong is one of the tightest rhythm players out there, but still manages to push the narrative melodically in unusual ways. Here’s a great one from his Cory Wong and the Green Screen Band. –Kunj Shah
KAYTRANADA – “Puff Lah”
What’s good: KAYTRANADA is a breath of fresh air. Such a vibe. –Kunj Shah
Random Rab – “Servant Of Desire”
What’s good: I enlightened my soul with 9 days in the Costa Rican jungle last month at the 10th annual Envision Festival, and I finally caught my first sunrise set with Random Rab. Seeing the sun gradually rise and wake up the jungle with Random Rab is something I’ll never forget. –Mikala Lugen
The Innocence Mission – “Bright As Yellow”
What’s good: “Bright As Yellow” represents that uplifting feeling you get on that first real day of spring. How could lyrics like “Warm as Yellow” not brighten the mood of this country and global society as we head into one of our darkest hours in recent memory? –Tom Shackleford
Mazzy Star – “Fade Into You”
What’s good: Always the perfect, haunting wintertime ballad, Mazzy Star’s timeless “Fade Into You” was launched back into my universe with the news of co-founding member David Roback‘s death last month. There’s not much I can or should attempt say about this ’90s ballad, so go ahead and hit play and let it speak for itself. –Tom Shackleford
Stealers Wheel – “Stuck In The Middle With You”
What’s good: We’re all gonna be stuck for the time being. Here’s hoping you’re stuck in the middle of some people you love. –Andrew O’Brien
Courtney Barnett, Kurt Vile – “Continental Breakfast”
What’s good: This song always sets a relaxing vibe when I hear it. Kurt Vile and Courtney Barnett showcase their international friendship and take listeners on a ride around the globe while providing a calming folk-rock experience from start to finish. –Tom Shackleford
The Infamous Stringdusters – “Cloud Valley”
What’s good: I’ve been on a bluegrass kick recently, and the Dusters always seem to scratch that itch for me. –Jimmy
Bob Weir – “Cottonwood Lullaby”
What’s good: This is my favorite song from Bob Weir’s 2016 solo album. There are few songs today which represent the end-of-day emotional closure one needs as the sun sets to reveal diamonds across the open sky. The song is just one that Weir has mastered from his time singing the cowboy-inspired tunes around a campfire as a teenage ranchhand. –Tom Shackleford
Arcade Fire – “Rebellion (Lies)”
What’s good: We need Arcade Fire right now, more than ever. I hope they’re back soon with new music! –Gideon Plotnicki
Tedeschi Trucks Band – “When Will I Begin”
What’s good: Susan Tedeschi knows how to speak directly to your soul. –Kunj Shah
Cbdb – “Ground Score”
What’s good: I was supposed to see Cbdb for the first time this week and it was one of my most anticipated shows of the spring. I guess I’ll have to wait just a bit longer… –Kel Kawas
Hachey – “I Don’t Care”
What’s good: Might have listened to Magic Beans more than any other band last month. This month, I’ve had Beans guitarist Scott Hachey‘s debut solo album on repeat. Really digging the vibes on this one. –Kel Kawas
Symbolico – “The Never Ending Game”
What’s good: Along with my spiritual experience at Envision Festival, the nightlife turned into a fire-lit jungle party thanks to some amazing world-renowned producers, including Symbolico. This tune starts off with some echoing drumming and bursting bubbles, then proceeds with some deep psych-dub accompanied by Alan Watts samples. –Mikala Lugen
Fleet Foxes – “White Winter Hymnal”
What’s good: Been obsessed with this tune since Phish opened Powdered Night with it during the Baker’s Dozen. –Kunj Shah
Death Cab For Cutie – “Earth Angel” [The Penguins]
What’s good: There’s something to be said about rock music from the 1950s, when doo-wop ruled the jukeboxes. The enchanting melodies originally performed by The Penguins still ring out thanks to Death Cab For Cutie’s 2005 cover. Classic love ballads with truthful lyrics will always reign supreme in an era in which such sincerity rarely exists anymore. –Tom Shackleford
Blue Öyster Cult – “(Don’t) Fear The Reaper”
What’s good: The seasons don’t fear the Reaper, nor do the wind, the sun, or the rain. You should be like they are. –Mikala Lugen