Attempting to find themes for the month of November has always been difficult. Seasonal defective disorder seems to slowly be kicking in, then there’s the election, Thanksgiving and the abrupt change in weather. So for this month we kept both themes very basic. This week’s theme “Upbeat Groove” can simply be quantified as happy fun songs. Next week’s theme “Heartstrings” can be interpreted as the opposite.
Our busy contributors found time to provide up to 5 songs that fit the theme. Here’s a breakdown of my own picks.
1ST PICK: (New) “Rip Cord” – Sweet Valley
DESCRIPTION: Sweet Valley consists of two brothers who originally formed the band Wavves. Luckily, these two’s side project is much more creative and original than their first enterprise. Back in 2012 Sweet Valley toured with Killer Mike and GZA. Their music is sample heavy, innovative, and rhythm forward. “Rip Cord” is the first track on a 15 track 37 minute album. I dare you to try to figure out all the samples they’ve used.
2ND PICK: (New) “Boyz” – Lizzo
DESCRIPTION: Do you have a “go to” song anytime you need to boost your confidence or feel more chipper? I do, and this is my 2018 song of choice. Lizzo creates fun and empowering music that makes you want to shake your booty. Her more recent releases dating back to her 2016 EP Coconut Oil have all been super fun, but there’s something to say for her 2018 single Boyz. She doesn’t need boyz, she just just thinks they all (and I mean all) can make a girl go crazy. So if you’re a dude, and you think 2018 has been rough for you… just remember Lizzo respects and might want your body.
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3RD PICK: (New) Be Your Girl (Kaytranada Edition) – Teedra Moses/Kaytranada
DESCRIPTION: Kaytranada’s 2016 99.9% was one of MC’s favorite albums, and it feels like it came out FOREVER ago. Good news, he’s in the process of releasing a new album that is anticipated to be released in the coming months. Recently Kaytranada headlined Pitchfork’s Music Festival in Paris (full performance below). During his playlist he shared some of his new music including this remix of Teedra’s “Be Your Girl”. Other songs played that are not yet released: a remix of Anderson Paak’s “Bubblin”, a new release featuring Kali Uchis (which was INCREDIBLE), and an amazing remix of Janet Jackson’s “If” which closed out his performance.
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4TH PICK: “Heavy, California” – Jungle
DESCRIPTION: Jungle is a 7 piece band, not a DJ. Let me repeat. This is an actual band as the two original members did not want to play music from their laptops live in concert. They’ve also released some incredible music videos this year . “Heavy, California” is off of their 2018 release For Ever. Video is linked below.
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5TH PICK: “Lover Chanting – Edit” – Little Dragon
DESCRIPTION: This is another Kaytranda plug. Again, on 2016’s 99.9% the song “BULLETS” features Little Dragon. “Lover Chanting” is off their 2018 EP of the same title. This is an upbeat song that one might want to groove to. The video is also ridiculous and is linked below.
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Music Club "A Book Club for Music" 