Spotify Me Part 8: Bartleby the Playlist

Spotify Me Part 8: Bartleby the Playlist

Marks Discover Weekly playlist for 10/19/2015

This week’s playlist review is going to be very short. Unfortunately, with random playlists like this, they can’t all be winners, especially if you allow movie and game soundtracks to run amok with your browser history. Those genres have a way of taking over, and corrupting any kind of suggested music you might get. So instead of following my playlist with the typical enthusiasm, I spent all week listening to other songs to try and “course correct” my Spotify account. In the meantime, lets talk about this week:

Just a Satelite
Mark Aaron James

Aquaman’s Lament – Mark  Aaron James

A common running joke for anyone who follows the Justice League is of course that Aquaman is useless. And, when it comes to fighting crime on land, he mostly is. But even though he can’t run with Batman and Superman on land, he still has quite a bit to offer a woman. Take a moment, and give the guy a chance. In all seriousness, the song is very good. Its sound is in the vein of Bare Naked Ladies with an easy going beat and a cheerful tune. The somewhat bitter lyrics have a humorous undertone that conveys a certain sarcastic attitude. The song is funny, nerdy, and catchy. I think it would make Aquaman proud, if he could listen to it underwater.

Independent Single

Happy Radio Active – The Gregory Brothers

Two covers in two weeks? Mark you’re a madman! Well yes but not for that reason. I got into bluegrass a long time ago watching O Brother Where Art Thou with my dad. That folk sound holds a very special place in my heart. At the same time I’m always a fan of covers that take a song outside of their comfort zone. So when this song came out of my car speakers, I couldn’t help but smile. The song is an almost brutally plain description of what the song actually is, which is a happy version of the original song by Imagine Dragons. This version is upbeat, cheerful, and completely contradictory to the lyrics that are being sung. And I think that’s great.

Mercury
Sneaky Records

Katrinah Josephina - Universal Hall Pass

I have been on the fence about writing about this song, right up to the point where I actually wrote about it.  Its a bizarre song that I have enjoyed listening to, but wasn't sure if I have any thing to say about it. But, Halloween is coming up, and this song fits that theme pretty well. Focusing on Demons and the consequences of seeking them out, the singers so a good job of creating a ghostly air and erie atmosphere. We are told the story of Katrinah, and her own encounter with those that live below. But for me, the best and worst part is that just as we are about to hear the conclusion of the story, we are cut off. And although we may never learn the truth of what happened to Katrinah, we are left with enough clues to infer. But after all, if the singer did tell us, she would no longer be the only one who knows.