Spotify Me Part 15: A Playlist Carol

Spotify Me Part 15: A Playlist Carol

Marks Discover Weekly playlist for 12/7/2015

Winter has been interesting so far. You may remember that in a recent article in this series I talked about a winter storm so big it had a name. Well let me give you an update on what winter has brought to the Chicago area since then: a whole lot of nothing. In fact, it’s been so nice, an ice carving competition that I was looking forward too was cancelled due to the conditions. The ice skating rink was closed! However, we had driven quite a ways, and people wanted to e on the ice. So, in a mini outdoor mall, people gathered in the spirit of cold, and without any skates, braved the ice.

It was kind of magical in a strange way. To see people cautiously walking across the icy surface with smiles on their faces. Kids would often fall, but got back up with joy and determination. Chicago proved that just because winter refused to show up, didn’t mean we would be cheated of the fun it had to offer. I came to the realization that I hadn’t walked on ice since my college curling days, and since I had forgotten my camera, I decided I may as well be a part of it. Then a security guard kicked us all off the ice and we decided to go home and watch Ant Man.

Six Demon Bag
Ace Fu Records

Engwish Bwudd – Man Man

With what seems to be a strange retelling of “Jack and the Bean Stalk”, Engwish Bwudd roars in to this week’s playlist. It is unapologetically obnoxious in the best way possible. The song starts in with western saloon piano, while the singer stars yelling lyrics in an almost unintelligible voice. And once you figure out what the singer is saying, it doesn’t necessarily mean you understand what he’s trying to say, although there do seem to be references to some father issues. This song blasts through your speakers like a drunken roommate falling thought your door. Many people probably find this song rude and annoying. But for me, it’s just fun to listen to.

Contraption Vol 1
Beats Antique Records

Extra Extra – Beats Antique

The band Beats Antique can do some pretty weird stuff from time to time. Maybe some don’t consider it that odd, but for me gas mask burlesque is just a bit much. However, the band can make great music, and for that I will put up with some out of place military gear. Beats Antique specializes in meshing jazz and electronic with a hint of Middle Eastern influence. Extra Extra is a down and dirty party song. Raunchy Sax and brass over heavy bass tones give the song a heavy feeling. The drums are light and fast, but the song is even paced and driven. And this album has other songs that are just as good. They are worth taking a look into. Just know that if you go onto YouTube, you might see odd gas mask dancing, and I will not let you blame that on me.

Soundtrack for the Voices in
my Head Vol 2
FiXT Music

Senorita Bonita – Celldweller 

I actually thought there was something wrong with my radio the first time I heard this song. But then the skips start to seem less random, and the song got really good. The electronic elements are great, but I do with that the Latin guitar elements had a bit more of a presence. There are also rock elements that work well with the electronic sounds. But it also seems like the song ends as soon as it gets going, only lasting a short minute and a half. The song is good, I enjoy listening to it, and I love the idea that the artist is exploring. I just wish they had taken it a bit further.

Travelers in Space and Time
Yep Roc Records

Told You Once – The Apples in Stereo

Even though this song only came out five years ago, it alludes to a style of music that you would expect to come out of the 70’s. The song has a smooth groovy flow that carries thought the entire tune. The tune is also really catchy, and can easily get stuck in your head. The lyrics touch on classic themes: love, jealousy, and misplaced affection. It’s a song you could imagine hearing at a disco. But at the same time, you can tell the song is modern due to the styles of the vocals both natural and electronically augmented portions. There is something to be said for people who are able to create songs in the style of a different era, but there should also be something said for people who are ushering old genres into current day. Its really cool to see what new recording and sound technology can do to the musical styles of history. But even if music history isn’t your top interest, this song still remains a catchy groovy dance tune that any one can enjoy.