My Five Song Playlist

 

 1.

"A Teenager In Love" - The Pains of Being Pure At Heart (The Pains of Being Pure At Heart)

I think we've all been in love with someone who is either in love with someone or something else, or they don't notice your affection at all. The fashion in which 'A Teenager In Love' comes across is that of a straight forward love song, but upon closer inspection it's really about unrequited feelings and that person you love who is self-destructive and emotionally distant. I like this song because on the surface it seems to be something else and it takes a keener look to elucidate truer meanings.

2.

"To Die In LA" - Lower Dens (Escape From Evil)

Another track about dangerous love. Lower Dens is slowly becoming one of my favorite bands at the moment. That would explain why they've made my playlist twice. This song has a fun tempo and I can't stress how much I love the vocals provided by Jana Hunter. The lyrics talk about being in love with someone who's definitely not relationship materiel and probably emotional abusive. The words are simple but there's just enough information to conjure up a sad narrative. In a lot of ways the song is hopeful as the person in the song learns to wise up and move on. Or as Dan Savage says, "Dump the motherfucker".

3.

"Cool Slut" - Chastity Belt (Time To Go Home)

And the fun songs continue. This time in the form of Washington State band, Chastity Belt. 'Cool Slut' is the anti-Slut Shaming anthem. We live in a society here in the United States where it's okay for men to be open and verbal about their sexual conquests but when women do it they are looked down upon and shamed. I'd like to think we are moving into a more progressive state but the reality is that it's still a very steep, uphill battle. I'm a staunch advocate for equality of any kind. Especially if that equality comes in the form of an awesome song. "It's okay to be slutty", and I agree.

4.

"Le Slow" - Granville (Les Voiles)

'Le Slow' is another feminist themed song. The lyrics talk of a woman who doesn't want to slow dance with a guy and that's she's not like other girls. She says that she's not like famous women either, in that she is not an object for a man to project his expectations or fantasies onto. This song has a great retro feel to it and the guitars are a perfect match for lead singer Melissa Dubourg's amazing voice. It comes off as cute, but it's really about female empowerment.

5.

"I Hope Time Doesn't Change Him" - The Drums (Encyclopedia)

Aside from the Emo undertones, The Drums have some great tunes. This song is slow and the lyrics are fairly minimalistic which I like. It's about falling for someone, perhaps in a platonic sense, and hoping (as the title states) that time doesn't change them. There are times when a person comes into someone's life and the relationship shifts as time progresses. I think most people can relate to not wanting things to change and hoping that a friendship stays exactly as it did at its apex. 'I Hope Time Doesn't Change Him' is a simple yet effective song that is all the while complex and visceral.

My Five Song Playlist: Hip-hop Edition

1.

"Juicy" - Notorious BIG (Ready To Die)

 

You can't have a Hip hop playlist without Biggie. With an amazing flow and beats produced by Sean "Puffy" Combs, BIG was the epitome of East Coast Rap. He was larger than life. The thing I love about 'Juicy' is it plays like an origin story. It opens with a dedication to his doubters and then goes into the the beginnings of his dreams reading magazines. 'Juicy' then goes onto his life of drugs and crime. "The Hustle" was definitely real for this young black man growing up poor in Brooklyn. The song concludes with the fame and riches he amassed through his struggles. What I love the most about this track is the message in the chorus about never giving up on what you want and following through with your dreams.

Sample Shout Out: "Fruity Instrumental" - Mtume

2.

"Dead President II" - Jay-Z (Reasonable Doubt)

With an estimated net worth of $520 Million dollars, Jay-Z knows a thing or two about "dead presidents". This track is somewhat typical of the genre, in that it's content is mostly boasting about wealth and street cred. I'd probably get a lot of hate for saying this, but I don't think it's the greatest written hip hop track ever. That being said, it's a testament to Jay-Z's abilities as a rapper to create a flow around clunky lyrics. Aside from Jay-Z's skills as a rapper, the thing I enjoy the most about this track is the production value behind the melody and beat. Produced by Ski Beatz, you can really tell his handle on the craft by listening to him talk about the process of creating it (which you can see here.)

Side note: The chorus features vocals from rapper Nas off his 'The World Is Yours' hit and sparked a long standing feud between the two that lasted up until 2005.

Sample Shout Out: "A Garden Of Peace" - Lonnie Liston Smith

3.

"Lovin' It (feat. Joe Scudda) - Little Brother (The Minstrel Show)

 Another great track with a great beat. 'Lovin' It' is off 'The Minstrel Show' by rap trio Little Brother, which I consider to be one of the best hip hop albums in the last fifteen years. The lyrics are coherent, albeit, a bit more boastful than I care to enjoy, but they're clever and the rhyme scheme is nearly flawless. The album 'The Minstrel Show' is a concept album that satirizes television programs and stereotypes of modern Hip hop culture and the music industry. Comparing current trends in the demographic as being similar to that of the minstrel shows of the past. It's a smart album and indicative of the underground nature of the group. Little Brother is truly an underrated group and maybe that's for the best.

Sample Shout Out: "One Night Affair" - The Stylistics

4.

"Heaven & Hell" - Raekwon (Only Built For Cuban Linx...)

Featuring fellow Wu Tang Clan member Ghost Face Killer, 'Heaven & Hell' is a philosophical journey into the psyche of those who grew up in poverty and saw violence as a means of protection and survival. The lyrics are pretty straight forward and there's hardly any wordplay to suggest any other meaning. The tempo is slow, the groove is somber and the rapping is cold and almost nonchalant. It's hard for most to understand why violence occurs in impoverished, Black communities and I could go on about the socioeconomic ramifications of historical trauma, but as my friend Julian always says, "that's not for here". Easily one of the greatest hip hop tracks of all-time, 'Heaven & Hell' is a hip hop classic for many reasons.

Sample Shout Out: "Could I Be Falling In Love" - Sly Johnson

5.

"Do For Love" - 2Pac (R U Still Down [Remember Me])

 Infidelity, love, trust and strong emotions are staples of 2Pac's songs and those themes are all featured in 'Do For Love'. Posthumously released after the tragic death of Tupac Shakur and with the artist's mother's blessing, the track features Eric Williams of Blackstreet off the 'R U Still Down (Remember Me)' album. This song and its music video always reminds me of the television channel The Box, which used to feature popular music of the time that viewers could request via telephone. It has a simple yet affective bassline and sampled vocals from Bobby Caldwell's "What You Won't Do For Love". Pac was a master lyricist and talented rapper, his rhyme scheme was impeccable and every track he laid down was of superior quality.

Sample Shout Out: "What You Won't Do For Love" - Bobby Caldwell

My Five Song Playlist

1.

"Ojai Valley" - Teeel (Amulet)

Sounding a bit like Com Truise with vocals, Teeel came about at the tail-end of the "Chillwave" scene. New Jersey native, singer & producer Jim Smith has a good handle on synth music and he has a great voice. To me 'Ojai Valley' has a slight 'Eyes Without A Face' feel to it and that makes it that much more enjoyable.

2.

"Daydream" - Youth Lagoon (The Year of Hibernation)

Another music act I've had the pleasure of seeing live, Youth Lagoon (aka Trevor Powers) sounds just as good, if not better, live. 'Daydream' is a multifaceted musical experience accentuated by Powers' "worbly", youthful voice and his use of electronic equipment. Just when you think this track is taking you somewhere it goes into another direction all the while keeping you feeling like you're on the same journey.

3.

"Pink Stones" - Memory Tapes (Seek Magic)

One of the more ambient tracks off 'Seek Magic', 'Pink Stones' has a cool arpeggiated sound, with a trance-like beat that slips into a more textural feel. Like 'Daydream', 'Pink Stones' is also a miniature musical journey. It's a fun instrumental that leaves you fairly satisfied with it's four minute run time.

4.

"Over the Ice" - The Field (From Here We Go Sublime)

'From Here We Go Sublime' is probably one of the best electronica albums to come out in the past ten years. Swedish artist Axel Willner has this amazing ability of taking micro-samples from songs, adding minimal beats and creating some of the most emotionally impactful music. There's a lot to like about 'Over The Ice' in my opinion, but for me the best part is the vocal samples. There's something so cool yet grounding about The Field that makes you want to listen to more.

5.

"Dreary Moon" - Big Black Delta (Big Black Delta)

 'Dreary Moon' sounds like something from a David Lynch movie. It's beautiful and in some ways eerie and strange. The simple bassline and percussion matched with electronic strings build to amass a dreamy love song. The album 'Big Black Delta' by Big Black Delta has a lot of great tracks and this is one of my favorites.

My Five Song Playlist

1.

“Quo Vadis” - Lower Dens (Escape From Evil)

 I love Jana Hunter's voice and her lyrical melodies. There's a visceral quality to Lower Dens that sends you to another time. 'Quo Vadis' translates as 'where are you going?' and you can hear that sentiment in the lyrics and the yearning of the song. 'Escape From Evil' as a whole is a great album and totally worth a listen.

2.

“Off You” - The Breeders (Title TK)

 Released in 2002, 'Title Tk' is The Breeders third studio album. 'Off You' encapsulates the intimate and somber feel that is portrayed in much of 'Title Tk'. All you get is Deal's voice, guitars and bass. It's this rawness that showcases the minimal beauty of The Breeders and it's definitely may favorite off the album.

3.

“The Manx” - The Donkeys (Ride The Black Wave)

 Sounding like a lost track from "Endless Summer', 'The Manx' is lush surfy, guitar goodness. The Donkeys are a great kickback band and I love playing them when I'm sketching or writing. Their sound hearkens back to The Ventures-era surf rock and reminiscent of the cool breeze off the Pacific Ocean.

4.

“I Wish For You” - LAKE (The World Is Real)

I'm for sure a sucker for sweet songs and they don't get much sweeter than 'I Wish For You' by LAKE. At this point in my life, LAKE is an indelible musical aspect of my daily routine. So much so that I'm pretty sure my ears are full of cavities and they'll soon be coming to take a foot from diabetes. If you're ever feeling a'funk, play this song and it'll either get you to the root of the issue to take you away to sunnier pastures.

5.

“Meridian” - Bye Bye Bicycle (Compass)

Bye Bye Bicycle is one of the bands I discovered thanks to Pandora. They're a Swedish band who have a great ensemble sound that ranges from a slight disco feel to a more traditional indie sound. 'Meridian' is superb instrument and a great way to end the playlist. The guitars are perfect, the percussion on point and the saxophone is not overbearing. The band is awesome and their music is very eclectic. You can check out the bands website here for more.

My Five Song Playlist

1.

"Twentytwofourteen" - The Album Leaf (In A Safe Place)

Starting off the playlist is "Twentytwofourteen" by The Album Leaf. Much like the band Tortoise, I feel like a lot of Indie acts today owe much to this band. Especially those in the Indietronica genre. Formed in 1998 by Jimmy LaValle, The Album Leaf are one of those acts that know their sound so well that they seem to only put out immaculate and concise albums. They have such a sweet atmosphere that blends electronic elements with traditional rock sensibilities all the while punctuated by LaValle's heavy use of the Rhodes Piano. "Twentytwofourteen" is a quiet journey that builds, swells then softly fades away.

2.

"Fatima" - Thieves Like Us (Bleed Bleed Bleed)

Named after a New Order song, Thieves Like Us carry on the same vein of moody, synth-heavy music of their namesake. 'Fatima' is blend of vintage rock & roll embellished by synthesizers and drum machines. I used to love listening to this track walking to work in the pre-twilight hours when I lived in San Francisco. The textural quality to the repetitive baseline provide by a synthesizer seemed to fit the grungy urban setting and the reverb heavy guitars suited the emptiness of the streets. It's hard to say which track I like the most off of Bleed Bleed Bleed, but gun to my head, I'd have to say 'Fatima'.

3.

"Just What I Needed" - The Cars (The Cars)

I grew up on The Cars. Both my parents were big fans of the band and thanks to them I was able to acquire an eclectic taste in music."Just What I Needed" is a great love song. I always like when songs about love dance around the admittance of feelings. Probably because that's how I often feel about romantic urges. The line, "I don't mind you coming here and wasting all my time", seems like a weird way to say you like someone, but it's fully realized when he admits "I guess you're just what I needed". The song is great for many reason, the guitars, the lyrics and, for me, the synthesizer work by Greg Hawkes.

4.

"That Was Just A Dream / Zap Zap" - Cut Copy (Bright Like Neon Love)

Cut Copy always reminds me of my "file sharing days" back in the early 2000's. This was before they were big internationally and I couldn't find their music on iTunes let alone at a record store. I don't exactly remember where I heard this Australian band, but I knew I had to hear more. They're a lot of fun and you can definitely hear their roots in club music and EDM. Much like Queen's "We Will Rock You" and "We are the Champions", "That Was Just A Dream" and "Zap Zap" go together as a single composition. So, I guess it's kind of a cheat to include them as one song, but it's my blog I do what I want. ;)

5.

"Colony Glenn" - Gardens & Villa (Dunes)

 I've seen Gardens & Villa perform live twice and they're of the seemingly rare variety of popular music acts that sound perfect live. 'Colony Glenn' was the second single off of Dunes and after hearing it I couldn't wait to hear the whole album. I mean, what's not to love about that opening synth-line? While I enjoyed their more slower songs like 'Chemtrails', 'Black Hills' & 'Orange Blossoms', 'Colony Glenn' is so dance-worthy it's hard not to like it.

My Five Song Playlist

(Songs randomly assembled by Spotify or iTunes.)

1.

"Ode to Viceroy" - Mac Demarco (2)

 With strung out guitars and lazy-eyed vocals, 'Ode To Viceroy' is Mac Demarco's love proclamation to Viceroy brand cigarettes. The guitars are what I like the most about this track. They're in an off-kilter Indie Pop style that Demarco has deemed "Jizz Jazz", which is altogether fitting with its grungy yet melodic sound. Demarco is like that greasy guy who you discredit as just being another hipster junky until he picks up a guitar and starts singing. There's a nonchalance about him that betrays the thoughtfulness and sensitivity of his music.

 2.

"Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow" - Strawberry Alarm Clock (Incense & Peppermints)

This track definitely hails from my hardcore stoner days(daze). Every Strawberry Alarm Clock song is like a drug trip that skips the scary shit and cuts to the mellow, cool experiences. With lyrics featuring lines about "mushroom dreams" and "distorted dreams", It's pretty obvious what this song is about. I don't really have to say much about 'Rainy Day Mushroom Pillow', it pretty much speaks for itself. 

Smoke 'em, if you got 'em.

3.

"Sneakin' Out the Hospital" - Beastie Boys (Hello Nasty)

Hello Nasty always reminds me of cruising with my older brother in his Mitsubishi Gallant looking for trouble. Three years separated my twin brother and I from my older brother, so in a lot of ways we looked to him for "guidance", and above all, music. The dark, mellow and trippy feel of this song did well to punctuate nights aimlessly driving around looking for a new skate spot. Mix Master Mike definitely knew how to assemble a mighty beat that could easily stand on its own.

4.

"Saturnine" - Polaris (Music from the Adventure of Pete & Pete)

The Adventures of Pete & Pete is easily my favorite Nickelodeon program. Everything about the show was quirky and very much of the 90's era. Aside from the bizarre storylines and strange characters, I always remember the music. The creators of the show had a way of imbuing each episode with an odd sense of nostalgia and the sound of the "fake band" Polaris was a perfect match. The nuances of each song are impeccable and the lyrics were far more mature than you'd expect from a kids show. I love that this song opens with the line, "There's only roses in here" and then goes on to talk about being a relationship with someone who just isn't on the same level as you emotionally. I was happy when this album was released back in 1999 and it's been on every playlist I've created since.

5.

"Madagascar" - LAKE (Let's Build A Roof)

I honestly have no idea what this song is about, but it's hella mellow and I'm pretty much sold on that all by itself. I think it's about making music or getting fucked up or both, but it's a groovy track with a great melody and laidback vocals. Everything about this song is in the right place and that's pretty much true about all of LAKE's music. If you're looking for kick-back music, this is your band.

My Five Song Playlist

“Gnossienne No. 4: 4ieme Gnossienne. Lent” - Erik Satie

The Gnossienne compositions represent Satie's experimental style Free Time, which he invented. The pieces float like a spring shower on top of a flowery field. Next to the Gymnopaedia, for which he is mostly known for, the Gnossienne are my favorite of Satie's work. The name 'Gnossienne' is also of Satie's own creation and is widely believed to be derived from the Greek word 'gnosis' or knowledge. This piece in particular calls to mind tiny raindrops falling on the still surface of a lake or the gentle movements of a forest awakening from winter.

“Wise Up” - Aimee Mann (Magnolia Original Film Soundtrack)

I was a kid when Magnolia came out and I was fortunate enough to have seen it early on. Paul Thomas Anderson's work has been an inspiration for me and my creative endeavors. 'Wise Up' was originally on the Jerry Maguire soundtrack, however it is better known for it's selection in the Magnolia OST. The lyrics to this song tell of someone who had high expectations out of life and is ultimately let down. They then try to drown their sorrows in alcohol but find no solace. Ultimately, the song concludes that the best philosophy is that of acceptance. I personally have had my own issues with expectations & acceptance and the lyrics hold virtually true with my own experiences. Having grown older and learned to “wise up”, I find that the last line “give up” is only a secession to letting go of one's ego.

“Mien” - Millionyoung (Amancer)

Minimalistic in approach, 'Mien' is indicative of Mike Diaz's Indietronica style. Each song is well crafted and evocative of some kind of yearning and existential longing. The title of this track refers to a person's look or manner in regards to mood and upon listening it's clear that this is a mood of sadness. Based on the lyrics, I feel that this song is about a long lost love and the emotions tied to the feelings of loss. I'm a huge fan of Diaz and his work as Millionyoung. His other tracks are just as emotional in spite of his use of the electronic medium.

“See Emily Play” - Pink Floyd (See Emily Play)

From the Syd Barrett days of Pink Floyd, 'See Emily Play' showcases the once colorful and psychedelic sound of the band's beginnings. The nonsensical lyrics tell of a young girl named Emily which may or may not have been inspired by a drug trip. It would not be surprising if that were the truth (although, this was later refuted by Barrett as publicity). The song is from the pre-Gilmour era of the band before Barrett's mental breakdown and, for me, is a little sad to listen to. This song and “Jugband Blues” all show the brilliance of Syd Barrett and highlight the sadness associated with his departure from the band. Although I like his solo work, I feel like Barrett was best suited with Pink Floyd. Then again, without him leaving the band it's not probable that they would have created their most prolific work in his absense.

“In This World” - Moby (18)

Moby was one of my first experiences into EDM. I received 'Play' as a gift from my twin brother who had lifted it from places unknown during his “delinquent years”. As an introverted youth, Moby's use of soulful piano samples and spiritually charged vocals spoke to a lot of the emotions I was going through. 'In This World' is a Spiritual that begs for God to not leave the singer alone “in this world”. As someone who has many times felt alone in the world, this track has always found a way to remind me that there is another presence to this life that is beyond human understanding. The blending of seemingly archaic musical styles with modern electronica exemplifies the artistry of Moby and his work.

My Five Song Playlist

(Five random songs generated by Spotify or iTunes.)

1.

“Drain You (Live At Paramount Theatre B-Side)” - Nirvana (Nevermind: Deluxe Edition)

8^th track off the groundbreaking album Nevermind, “Drain You” is a great example Kurt Cobain's lyrical prowess and Nirvana's trademark sound. With an opening line like, “One baby to another says I'm lucky to have met you..”, the song's lyrics allude to so many things about life and Cobain's abilities of introspection and observation. Although, it's been stated by Kurt that the lyrics are mostly meaningless.

I grew up in the 90's and anyone worth their weight in Gak remembers the reign of Grunge Music. Products of Generation X and implements of sardonic culture, Nirvana were everything in the early to mid-90's. I still remember seeing Kurt Loder emotionally break during his announcement on MTV News just after the tragic suicide of Kurt Cobain in his home in Seattle, Washington. Recently, The documentary “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck” has been released highlighting Cobain's life and the events that lead to his death. I truly am glad to have witnessed the rise and fall of such an amazing epoch.

2.

“New Star In The Sky” - Air (Moon Safari)

I first heard Air on MTV2 back when that channel still played music (which was also hilariously said by my generation and the preceding generations about the original MTV). Like all songs by the band, “New Star in the Sky” calls back to the dreamy sounds of the 60's and 70's. Hailing from France, multi-instrumentalists Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoit Dunckel use electronic & traditional instruments to weave sonic tales of mystery and nostalgia. The downtempo and psychedelic feel of this track sends you on a journey through the complex emotions of love and melancholy. Whenever I need a quiet moment, Air is definitely one of my go-to artists.

3.

“After This Moment” - Craft Spells (Idle Labor)

Craft Spells' sound is definitely a throwback to 80's Post-Punk and New Wave and this song could easily be on the soundtrack to a John Hugh's film. And who doesn't love a good love song? “After This Moment” certainly does a great job at painting a picture of young romance and that indelible feeling of love. Its atmosphere of both elation and affection are highlighted by simplistic guitar riffs and reverberant vocals.

4.

“St8” - The Embassy (Life In The Trenches)

“St8” is just one of those songs that makes you feel happy. The acoustic guitar, electronic beat and love imbued lyrics combine to form a simple yet effective love song. The Embassy is a Swedish band who I fell in love with instantly upon first hearing. Their music is fun and impeccably produced. With the lyrics “The beat of your drum is wasted and the song that you sing is the same”, it's difficult to peg the nature of this track but that for me makes it all the more intriguing.

5.

“Be A Body” - Grimes (Visions)

I'll admit it, I avoided the “Grimes movement” like the plague when it first hit the scene. Firstly, I hate when niche musical genre are created for a handful of bands and Witch House is on the top of that list. Secondly, I despise over-hyped music and at the time Grimes was all the “cool kids” were talking about. But, after seeing Boucher perform live and actually listened to the music, I gained a new respect for her and Grimes. I can't say I liked all the songs off Visions, but there are standout tracks like “Be A Body”. Plus, I'm a sucker for dance-able, electronic music.

My Five Song Playlist:

Chillwave was (is?) a music genre made popular in the late-aughts. It combined retro sound styles of the 80's and early 90's with a focus on instrumentation instead of vocalization and played a huge part of my mid-20's. I recently started rediscovering my love of the genre thanks to rediscovering this blog which I created around that time. So, this is My Five Song Playlist: Chillwave Edition.

1. 

Washed Out – Hold Out (Life Of Leisure)

Sounding like the soundtrack off a Miami Vice episode, Washed Out's “Hold Out” sends the listener into an urban setting of artificial lights and night time beach scenes. Mostly known for the hipster hit “Feel It All Around”, Washed Out alongside Toro Y Moi are credited as two of the progenitors of the genre Chillwave. Mixing vintage sounds, minimalism and lo-fi vocals; Washed Out's “Life Of Leisure” was definitely one of the my favorite albums during the summer of 2009. My buddy had just bought a sailboat and many weekends were spent sailing to Catalina Island and kicking back to good tunes and watching the sun set over the Pacific. I even got a chance to see Greene perform live at a small venue in LA before many people had heard of him (hipster cred definitely not in question). Life of Leisure holds a special place for me as it always brings me back to a time when the living was easy and fucks were barely given.

2.

Toro Y Moi – Blessa (Causers Of This)

“Blessa” was the absolute first track I heard of in what would later come to be know as Chillwave. “Blessa”, like “Feel It All Around”, is in essence what I think of when I recall the golden age of the genre. Blending nostalgia eliciting sounds, repetitive motifs and Chazwick Dradley Bundick's laid-back vocals. “Blessa” sends you into a trance-like state that could only be described as “Chillwave”. The year '09 was a weird time for me, I was struggling with growing up and figuring out what I wanted to do. I had a rocky start to my 20's and it was around the time Chillwave became a thing that things started to simmer down and I felt like I was on track to my goals. Music has an interesting way of bringing you back to those moments of youthful naivety. (side note: Toro Y Moi has a new album “What For?” dropping April 7th and it is amazing. You should check it and his other albums out.)

3.

Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms (Psychic Chasms)

Utilizing psychedelic sounds and funky synths, Neon Indian aka Alan Paloma was an artisan of intricate and unique music. Psychic Chasms, off the album of the same name, has a delicate yet hard, synthesizer driven quality to it that exemplifies the retro Chillwave sound. Paloma's hallucinogenic lyrical imagery is perfectly balanced by a simple drum beat and layers of glorious synthesizers. Polama definitely has a voice that just made you feel cool by proxy of listening. I wasn't a hardcore fan of Neon Indian like I was of the aforementioned acts and I couldn't say I liked all the tracks put out, but I still recall many a good time hearing the songs I did like. (Side note: Paloma also was the lead for the dance oriented, indietronica act VEGA, also worth looking into or rediscovering.)

4.

Com Truise – Brokendate (Galactic Melt)

Com Truise is like the best parts of 80's Synthesizer Music rolled into a minimalistic trip-hop package. You couldn't help but feel like you were cruising in one of Syd Mead's TRON cityscapes or a Vangelis-esque music video. The beat builds with a staccato synth bassline and slowly more layers of electronic awesomeness join to form the Voltron of Chillwave songs. I've seen Com Truise live three times and every show was perfection. As these things often go, the crowds got bigger and I got older. Shows in your late-20's really aren't the same as they were in your early-20's.

5.

Tycho – “Ascension” (Dive)

I was kinda late to the Tycho scene. I remember people talking about them just after I graduated high school, but I was still hung up on French Touch and Disco House to pay notice. On top of that, I already was a fan of The Album Leaf, whom I felt was similar yet superior in sound. When I finally did give them a chance, the album Dive had just come out and I was gearing up to move to San Francisco. I am so glad I did give them a listen though. Tycho was the perfect soundtrack to my first year in SF. I lived two streets away from Ocean Beach in the Outer Sunset District. Most of my days were spent fighting off depression from the perennial fog and visiting the Pacific Ocean. Ascension, like its title infers, elevates you to higher plane of relaxation and benign escapism. It has all the hallmarks of a Tycho jam: synthesizers, ambient instrumentation, layers of trip-hop sampling and just the right amount of traditional rock.

And there you have it, the Chillwave edition of and very first My Five Song Playlist. I plan on doing a series of these posts. The next playlist will be of songs randomly chosen by either iTunes or Spotify. I hope you enjoyed it and maybe, your inner-hipster was reminded of days past and memories still cherished.

Thanks for reading and follow, subscribe, share or whatever it is people do with blogs.

 Later days,
- Todd B.