Happy Monday, and a warm welcome to everyone that joined us over the weekend. It’s great to have you here! Below is a little bit of what I’ve been spinning over the last week.
What’s everyone else been listening to? Got something we should all be checking out? A record you’re hoping Santa will bring? Find something new on a "Best Of” list? Share it below!
P.S. Looking for some Christmas music to liven up your holiday party? I’ve got you covered! Click here
Kelton over at Shangrilogs mentioned that she wrote her latest post to the Out of Africa soundtrack, which reminded me how much I love soundtracks! So I’ve listened to that one and the soundtrack from St. Vincent (and the original score). I’ll probably listen to a couple of my favorites--The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and 50 First Dates--as I finish cleaning/prep for Christmas weekend guests. Would love to hear some of your fave soundtracks.
Out Of Africa by John Barry? Great stuff! Even better is Dances With Wolves, so gorgeous...and I never saw the film as I didn't want to "ruin" the experience of the music.
Yes--John Barry! Thanks, Jeremy--I’ve seen the movie but never thought about listening to the soundtrack. And I have no plans to rewatch the film...I think the soundtrack will give me a better experience!😬
I had the VHS of Out of Africa at home as a kid and never watched it. 😭
American Beauty by Thomas Newman (who is a genius) is a long time fave, but I occasionally like some Ennio Morricone (Once Upon a Time in the West, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly {“Ecstasy of Gold” is triumphant}). For Christmas, The Little Women (1995) is an excellent soundtrack.
I love Loreena McKennitt's music but her holiday albums are especially beautiful. I tend to listen to mostly older music (from my teenage years LOL) and an eclectic mix at that.
When I worked in a record store, we had one of her releases on mandatory in store play. this was in 93-94(ish), so I'd have to look to see which one. I'm not sure I've ever heard any of her holiday records, but I'm on the hunt for some new ones this year, so I'll have to give them a listen!
Most of the weekend was spent listening to a massive playlist of every song on the 30 albums I was trying to whittle down to my top 25. It's hard because I love them all so I'm listening for that one song that falls a little flat. The process definitely worked, however, as I am ready to write up the top 25, which will be followed by genre-specific lists, which means nothing will ultimately fall by the wayside. To that end, I'm catching up with a few things that will be included on those, such as the first posthumous release by Prodigy, The Hegelian Dialectic 2: The Book Of Heroine. Good to hear his voice again, even if it's not quite at his peak.
Like most music lovers I have my own Christmas playlist that only has the songs/versions I truly love and some more modern ones as well. "We're The Lucky Ones" by The Marias is a favorite as well as "Lights On" by Tyler The Creator featuring Ryan Beatty and Santigold.
One that caught me off guard and now I have to listen to it at least 7 times per day: “Sandwich Sharer” by the Illuminati Hotties. Give it a go and thank me later! https://youtu.be/-0Hxn0jcVqo
I’m a bit dried out right now. Maybe it’s too much work and being sick, but I haven’t listened to much lately. I’m going with the sound of rain when I’m writing or when I’m winding down in the evenings. I want some “hot cocoa” music, a balm to my fatigue.
I'm glad you mentioned this! I just looked up the soundtrack and it looks fantastic. Now to see if I can find it to stream.
Still blasting Gang of Four over here. This week it's their second album, Solid Gold. Here's a sample: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHVAahhreSQ&list=PLjYhpGCfoYYoxxEJMJM6T3NSed5_Uky8D&index=3
Can't go wrong with More Gang Of Four!
Kelton over at Shangrilogs mentioned that she wrote her latest post to the Out of Africa soundtrack, which reminded me how much I love soundtracks! So I’ve listened to that one and the soundtrack from St. Vincent (and the original score). I’ll probably listen to a couple of my favorites--The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and 50 First Dates--as I finish cleaning/prep for Christmas weekend guests. Would love to hear some of your fave soundtracks.
Oh, good question! A few off the top of my head:
-24 Hour Party People
-Singles
-Go!
-To Live And Die In LA
-Pretty much any John Hughes movie (And look for 1 to make an appearance later this week!)
-Streets of Fire
Gonna have to dig a couple these out today after work!
It’s nachos and Shiner Cheer night--now to choose a soundtrack...🤔 Thanks for the recs!
Out Of Africa by John Barry? Great stuff! Even better is Dances With Wolves, so gorgeous...and I never saw the film as I didn't want to "ruin" the experience of the music.
Yes--John Barry! Thanks, Jeremy--I’ve seen the movie but never thought about listening to the soundtrack. And I have no plans to rewatch the film...I think the soundtrack will give me a better experience!😬
I had the VHS of Out of Africa at home as a kid and never watched it. 😭
American Beauty by Thomas Newman (who is a genius) is a long time fave, but I occasionally like some Ennio Morricone (Once Upon a Time in the West, The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly {“Ecstasy of Gold” is triumphant}). For Christmas, The Little Women (1995) is an excellent soundtrack.
Huge +1 to Ennio Morricone!
I love Loreena McKennitt's music but her holiday albums are especially beautiful. I tend to listen to mostly older music (from my teenage years LOL) and an eclectic mix at that.
When I worked in a record store, we had one of her releases on mandatory in store play. this was in 93-94(ish), so I'd have to look to see which one. I'm not sure I've ever heard any of her holiday records, but I'm on the hunt for some new ones this year, so I'll have to give them a listen!
Kevin Morby: https://open.spotify.com/track/1hj8os1Xxiuo95atpJzfCp?si=EPmapiS9T_SRvhC0Llt-VQ
Love this song, and I'm fascinated by the backstory. If you're interested, Morby was on the Song exploder podcast to talk about it.
https://songexploder.net/kevin-morby
Oh, cool, thanks for the link!
omg i love song exploder and you’re the only person I know who’s ever heard of it!
One of my faves! This might be old news, but he also did a few episodes for Netflix.
Kevin, Song Exploder is EXCELLENT!
I’ve been on a Smashing Pumpkins kick lately. Going back and listening to Siamese Dream and Mellon Collie again.
Nice! Killer new logo, BTW.
Thanks, man! I’m glad you like it! 🤘🏻😃
The soundtrack of my teenage years. Incredible albums.
Most of the weekend was spent listening to a massive playlist of every song on the 30 albums I was trying to whittle down to my top 25. It's hard because I love them all so I'm listening for that one song that falls a little flat. The process definitely worked, however, as I am ready to write up the top 25, which will be followed by genre-specific lists, which means nothing will ultimately fall by the wayside. To that end, I'm catching up with a few things that will be included on those, such as the first posthumous release by Prodigy, The Hegelian Dialectic 2: The Book Of Heroine. Good to hear his voice again, even if it's not quite at his peak.
Paring everything down to a manageable number is fun, but man, it can be hard! How many genre-specific lists are you writing up?
Along with that, thanks for mentioning Prodigy! I didn't realize they'd put anything out recently.
Beyond the top 25, I do lists for:
Classical
Electronic
Hip Hop, R&B & Reggae
Jazz, Latin & Global
Rock, Folk, Etc.
Out Of The Past (Reissues, etc.)
It is a lot of work, but it helps spread the word about great music - and becomes an invaluable resource when I look back on a particular year!
I love it! Are these all on your blog or Substack as well?
Cheers! All on the blog over at www.AnEarful.blogspot.com. I can't seem to find the bandwidth to try another platform...should I crosspost?
Up to you, but I'd love to at least link to 'em here once they're live.
Like most music lovers I have my own Christmas playlist that only has the songs/versions I truly love and some more modern ones as well. "We're The Lucky Ones" by The Marias is a favorite as well as "Lights On" by Tyler The Creator featuring Ryan Beatty and Santigold.
I can relate to making a list of one's own Christmas tracks. I gotta check out "Lights On!"
One that caught me off guard and now I have to listen to it at least 7 times per day: “Sandwich Sharer” by the Illuminati Hotties. Give it a go and thank me later! https://youtu.be/-0Hxn0jcVqo
This was great! I saw them on quite a few "best of" lists last year (maybe 2020?), and passed 'em by. My mistake.
yes to that new paramore!
I’m a bit dried out right now. Maybe it’s too much work and being sick, but I haven’t listened to much lately. I’m going with the sound of rain when I’m writing or when I’m winding down in the evenings. I want some “hot cocoa” music, a balm to my fatigue.
Time for a reboot.
First, I hope you feel better ASAP! These short days get to me /fast/.
For me, that reboot usually comes with the Solstice as the days only get longer from here.
More house music from me
Whisper Echo by Jürgen Paape
https://open.spotify.com/track/6l6XozoXLzwRCcWnwBz9fc?si=0FFrvvIjTd6OO8snqz7SoA