Minted: March 01, 2025
It's been a minute, but it's good to be back. I've been jamming alongside some new coworkers on a stealth project, so the influence of the past few weeks have bled into the vibes for this week—particularly the "LFG" vibes. I'm a much needed departure from perhaps a bit more of my languid approach to my playlists. My playlist in process usually begins with a larger list that is curated overtime, and it initially began a tad bit angrier, but over the past three weeks, it leveled out into something energetic and playful—a direct reflection of where we're headed, where I'm heading. Where we all should be heading.
Quick Stats
🎧 Featured Genres: Indie Pop, Electronic, Hip Hop, Alternative Rock, Psychedelic Pop, Chillwave
🌟 Mood: Energetic, Melancholic, Reflective, Relaxed
⏱️ Duration: 1 hr 16 min
Listen to This Week's Playlist
Note: This playlist updates weekly. For permanent access to this week's selections, use the individual song links below.
This Week's Selections
"Uno II" – Viagra Boys
From the album "Uno II"
When I first heard the "Welfare Jazz" album back in 2021, it was the post-punk aggression that I was really craving. Discovering that Viagra Boys hail from Sweden was a bit of a shock, considering their music tackles themes of masculinity and social class that feel so quintessentially American. But it just further proves how universal these issues truly are. "Uno II," their recent single, continues the band's tradition of raw, minimalistic production, with the electric guitar, bass, and drums creating a gritty, aggressive atmosphere. It's interesting to note that their vocalist, Sebastian Murphy, brings a distinct gravelly tone to the mix, which became a signature sound for the band. Their ability to deliver serious social commentary with a dash of humor and irony is what sets them apart in the post-punk scene.
"Death Is A Girl" – Mini Mansions
From the album "The Great Pretenders"
"Death Is A Girl" by Mini Mansions is a track that has the power to inspire an 80's neon-clad dance sprint. The song, off their 2015 album "The Great Pretenders", is a polished production that leans into layered sounds and harmonies, creating a modern indie pop, psychedelic vibe. One of the band members, Michael Shuman, who also plays bass for Queens of the Stone Age, adds a touch of rock influence to their sound. The band's unique blend of genres and influences, combined with the energetic yet melancholic mood of this track, creates a captivating sonic experience.
"Windowpane" – Mild High Club
From the album "Timeline"
The track "Windowpane" by Mild High Club carries on the Beatles-esque harmonies of its predecessor, "Death Is A Girl," and further amplifies the theme with even more Beatles-style instrumentation. I mean, seriously, isn't that a harpsichord? The distinct tonal quality of the harpsichord, coupled with the group's psychedelic pop sensibilities, gives this track a nostalgic yet fresh feel. It's worth noting that Mild High Club, the mastermind behind this tune, is a musical project of Alexander Brettin, who has worked with artists like Ariel Pink and Silk Rhodes. "Windowpane," like the rest of the album "Timeline," showcases his ability to blend influences from different eras into a cohesive and compelling sound. It's an intriguing mix of old and new that leaves you wanting to hear more.
"Someday Baby" – R.L. Burnside
From the album "A Bothered Mind"
"Burnside's Mississippi Blues sound, meeting Lyrics Born's lyrical stylings, is absolute magic." The track "Someday Baby" is a compelling blend of Burnside's signature raw electric blues and funk, layered with Lyrics Born's modern hip-hop elements. The song's production is a unique fusion of traditional recording methods and contemporary techniques, resulting in a sound that's both gritty and bold. Burnside, who also played a significant role in the alternative rock scene, had his breakthrough with the critically acclaimed album "A Ass Pocket of Whiskey," and this track continues to showcase his innovative approach. It's a testament to his ability to encapsulate life's struggles, resilience, and the harsh realities of the Mississippi Delta, while still pushing the boundaries of the blues genre.
"Firewater" – Django Django
From the album "Django Django"
"Firewater" by Django Django initially strikes you as a Gary Glitter cover, but within a few bars, it morphs into a bluesy dance track. This British art-rock band, known for their eclectic fusion of indie rock, art pop, and neo-psychedelia, truly showcases their unique style in this song. The track, featured on their self-titled debut album which was nominated for the Mercury Prize, is characterised by its energetic tempo and layered production, with a heavy emphasis on electronic elements. The band's knack for blending diverse influences into their sound is evident here, crafting a track that's both innovative and deeply rooted in various musical traditions.
"Daria" – Toro y Moi
From the album "Daria"
"Daria," a track from Toro y Moi's album "Underneath the Pine," is a sublime blend of synth-pop and chillwave. The song's catchy melodies and groovy bass lines are a testament to the artist's knack for crafting infectious tunes. What's intriguing is that Toro y Moi, also known as Chaz Bear, crafted this unique sound while working as a graphic designer, showing his ability to balance artistic pursuits. The production of the song is quite remarkable too, with its dreamy synths and funky bass providing a lush sonic landscape. As you listen, you might just find yourself swaying to the rhythm, lost in Toro y Moi's mesmerizing sound.
"Animal - Mark Ronson Remix" – Miike Snow
From the album "Animal Remixes"
The commentary on Miike Snow's track, "Animal - Mark Ronson Remix," really hits home with its nostalgic longing for the 2009 vibes. The Swedish indie-pop band, known for their eclectic blend of pop, electronica, and indie, really hit it out of the park with this one. The remix by Mark Ronson adds a distinctive funk element to the track, enhancing the original's wild themes of freedom and transformation. It's interesting to note that the band's debut album, from which this track comes, was certified gold in Australia. The band's knack for creating such genre-blending, energetic tracks surely contributes to their continued popularity today.
"Phantom (Redux)" – Shirt
From the album "Phantom (Redux)"
"Phantom (Redux)" by Shirt is a hip hop track that's got this raw, urban vibe going for it. The track's got a moderate to fast tempo, and the drums, synthesizer, and electric bass all come together to create this gritty sound. Shirt, who hails from Queens, New York, has been making waves in the indie music scene since the late 2000s, and you can really hear the influence of East Coast hip hop in his music - it's all there in the lo-fi production and thoughtful lyrics. "Phantom (Redux)" is a great example of what Shirt does best: blending introspective, honest lyrics with a unique production style that stands out in the world of underground rap.
"Who Laughs Last (feat. Kristen Stewart)" – Lord Huron
From the album "Who Laughs Last"
Seeing Lord Huron perform live at Red Rocks only amplified my affection for their music. Their recent track, "Who Laughs Last," featuring Kristen Stewart, continues their tradition of crafting immersive, cinematic soundscapes. The song's clean production, with a focus on the singer's voice and acoustic elements, creates a haunting and contemplative sonic atmosphere that's so characteristic of their style. Given the band's history, including their platinum status track "The Night We Met", it's exciting to see what cultural impact this new release will have in the indie folk and alternative rock scenes.
"F.U." – Jamie xx
From the album "In Waves (Deluxe)"
Starting to calm things down in the playlist with Jamie xx's track, F.U. The song comes from the album, In Waves (Deluxe), a collection that showcases Jamie's unique knack for creating atmospheric soundscapes. The British producer, who is also a member of The xx, has a distinctive style that shines through in this track. It's a chilled-out tune with a mellow beat and subtle electronic elements, making it perfect for winding down. This song, like much of Jamie's work, is a testament to his ability to blend genres and moods seamlessly.
"Dang! (feat. Anderson .Paak)" – Mac Miller
From the album "The Divine Feminine"
"Dang!" by Mac Miller, featuring Anderson .Paak, is a track that I've seen performed live and it's an unforgettable experience. The song, off Miller's fourth studio album, "The Divine Feminine," is a groovy, upbeat number with prominent synthesizer, drum machine, and trumpet sounds that create a bright and funky sonic atmosphere. The track's clean production and blend of soul and funk elements are a testament to Miller's knack for genre-blending, a talent that was a signature of his career. Interestingly, Miller's album, which explores aspects of femininity and the different forms love can take, marked a departure from his usual hip-hop sound, incorporating more elements of R&B, jazz, and soul. The impact of "Dang!" and its live performance is a testament to the enduring influence of Mac Miller and his unique musical style.
"Manifest" – RUBII
From the album "Manifest"
"Manifest" by RUBII is an electrifying track that makes you want to exclaim, "Motherfucker, I'm... Grateful." The song, off her debut album of the same name, features a lively tempo of around 120-130 BPM, with a heavy use of synthesizers and drum machines, creating a dynamic sonic atmosphere. RUBII, an emerging force in the electronic pop and indie pop scenes, draws influence from artists like Robyn and Grimes, which is evident in her unique blend of synth-heavy production and empowering lyrical themes. The track's message of self-empowerment and manifestation, as well as RUBII's belief in the power of positive thinking, has resonated with many, contributing to her growing popularity. It's a distinctive piece that demonstrates the fresh electronic sound and inspiring themes that critics praised in her debut album.
"Shaking Things Up" – nimino
From the album "Shaking Things Up"
Nimino's track "Shaking Things Up" is a truly innovative piece of music. The artist's unique approach to sound design is evident in the song's intricate layering of electronic elements, creating a sonic landscape that's both captivating and unexpected. An interesting fact about nimino is that he's a self-taught musician, which adds a certain raw, unfiltered energy to his compositions. "Shaking Things Up" is a standout track on the album of the same name, and it definitely lives up to its title by pushing boundaries and redefining expectations.
"The World Is Yours - Extended" – Visioneers
From the album "Marc Mac presents Visioneers - Dirty Old Hip Hop"
"The World Is Yours - Extended" by Visioneers, a project led by Marc Mac of the influential UK electronic duo 4hero, is a unique blend of jazz and hip hop. This track, off the 2006 album "Marc Mac presents Visioneers - Dirty Old Hip Hop", is a reinterpretation of Nas's classic, transformed into an instrumental fusion. The production leans heavily on samples, but also includes live instrumentation, particularly piano and drums, showcasing Mac's signature style. Known for his sample-based production style that often incorporates live instrumentation, Marc Mac created a laid-back, jazzy atmosphere that nods to the golden age of hip hop while maintaining an uplifting, optimistic mood. It's a testament to Marc Mac's skill in crafting intricate, layered sounds and his respect for the genre's roots.
"You Oughta Know" – Das Racist
From the album "Shut Up, Dude"
This track, "You Oughta Know" by Das Racist, truly brings back those trashy good vibes. The song, from their first mixtape "Shut Up, Dude," showcases their unique blend of humor, academic references, and unconventional style of rap with a mix of lo-fi and electronic elements. The group, known for their breakout hit "Combination Pizza Hut and Taco Bell," really shines in this song with their societal observations, humor, and cultural references. It's this kind of track that reminds you of their distinctive contribution to the alternative hip hop scene.
"No Te Perderé" – Monsieur Van Pratt
From the album "No Te Perderé"
When you listen to "No Te Perderé" by Monsieur Van Pratt, it's like being transported straight to a China Town dive bar - it has that real, gritty vibe. The song's deep bass tones and groovy rhythm, combined with the artist's distinctive use of synthesizers, creates an atmosphere that's both unique and immersive. Interestingly, Monsieur Van Pratt, originally from Mexico, is widely known for his ability to blend different cultural influences into his music, which you can clearly hear in this track. So while it might not be your typical dive bar tune, it's definitely a track that makes you feel like you're part of a scene, even if you're just listening from your living room.
"Dreamworld" – Rilo Kiley
From the album "Under The Blacklight (Standard Version)"
Starting to calm things down in the playlist with Rilo Kiley's "Dreamworld." This track, off their final album "Under The Blacklight," sees the band lean into a more polished, pop-oriented sound, while still maintaining their indie rock roots. The bright, clear melodies, underscored by a slightly melancholic undertone, create a dreamy atmosphere that perfectly complements the introspective lyrics. It's a testament to the band's versatility, showcasing their ability to explore dark and complex themes while still delivering catchy, memorable tunes. A thoughtful dip into the indie pop world, it's a reminder of the influential role Rilo Kiley played in the Los Angeles music scene.
"Grateful" – Nick Hustles
From the album "Soul of A Hustler Vol 1. | Motivational 70s Music"
"Grateful" by Nick Hustles, off his debut mixtape "Soul of A Hustler Vol 1. | Motivational 70s Music," is a track that prompts the listener to reflect, "Motherfucker, I'm... Grateful." The song, known for its rhythmic flows and lyrical prowess, fuses 70s soul music with modern hip hop, thanks to medium-paced drums, a bass guitar, synth, and Hustles' own vocals. Born and raised in New York, Hustles' music is a unique blend of hip hop, soul, and R&B, drawing inspiration from artists like Jay-Z, Curtis Mayfield, and Kendrick Lamar. The soulful instrumentals and catchy hooks are a nod to the music of the 70s, but Hustles' production style, which he himself handles, brings a fresh, contemporary feel. Ultimately, "Grateful" is a testament to Hustles' journey, personal growth, and resilience
"Careless Whisper" – Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio
From the album "I Told You So"
When I first heard the Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio's rendition of "Careless Whisper," I couldn't help but chuckle. But as the song progressed, I found myself irresistibly drawn into the groove, bobbing my head, and even playing a bit of air sax. The trio's unique blend of jazz, soul, and funk brings a fresh perspective to this iconic 80s track, with Lamarr’s signature Hammond B3 organ sound driving the melody. The group, known for their spontaneous and lively jam sessions, recorded the album "I Told You So" live in studio, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to their sound. It's impressive how they can take a song that's so well-known and make it feel new and exciting all over again.
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