When Spring Turns to Summer

It’s been awhile. Apologies for the lack of playlists over the past few months. Given how devastating the world is right now, it has been hard to find motivation. I started this playlist in April and finally finished it yesterday. Thus the title, When Spring Turns to Summer. I knew I wanted to kick off the playlist with a new track from Hot Chip because at the beginning of the pandemic, they were the band that I longed to see live probably the most. I am thrilled they are releasing new music and touring again. After many years of waiting, I got to see them play last month and it was pure joy. The other new song on the playlist is from The Linda Linda’s. The LA teen punk band released their excellent debut album in April. Rounding out the playlist are some dance tracks (Chic, Goldfrapp), some new wave favorites (Adam & The Ants, Yaz), a few rockers (Ex Hex, The Remains), R&B/soul (The Triplett Twins) and an indie classic from Smog. My husband posted something about Bo Jackson on Twitter the other day and it reminded me of one of my favorite A Tribe Called Quest tracks, Scenario. You never know where inspiration will strike! I hope you enjoy this one and hopefully it won’t be months before you hear from me again.

Hot Chip - Down

Chic - Everybody Dance

Goldfrapp - Ooh La La

A Tribe Called Quest - Scenario (LP Mix)

Adam & The Ants - Cartrouble (Single Version)

The Linda Linda's - Oh!

Ex Hex - Don't Wanna Lose

The Remains - Mercy, Mercy

The Triplett Twins - Pretty Please

Yaz - Only You

Smog - Held

Happy International Women's Day!

To mark the occasion, I put together a playlist together of badass women in music, Rebel Girls. This playlist was probably the most difficult one for me to put together as there are so many deserving women. I try not to repeat artists on playlists, though I did manage to sneak Beyoncé on here twice (The Chicks, Megan Thee Stallion). I mean, she IS the Queen! Love you, Bey.

As a kid, I was so into music. I listened to American Top 40 on the radio each week and tracked the songs. I adored Dolly and Aretha, cemented by their respective turns in 9 to 5 and the Blues Brothers. But there was something about hearing The Go-Go's for the first time that changed everything for me. I have said many times that I don't think I would have had my career in the music industry if it wasn't for The Go-Go's. They set me on a trajectory that I am not sure I would have been on without them. I ditched the Top 40 and found myself digging deeper to discover new less mainstream music like Siouxsie Sioux and The Slits. Bikini Kill, PJ Harvey, Sleater-Kinney and The Breeders were the feminist soundtrack of my young adult years. Janelle Monáe and Megan Thee Stallion's empowering and sexy songs take it to the next level. Mitski and indie contemporaries like Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Snail Mail, Julien Baker and Japanese Breakfast are crushing it. There is so much great music out there. This might require a second playlist... Drop me a note and let me know what women in music inspire you.

Bikini Kill - Rebel Girl

Nina Simone - Revolution (Pts. 1 and 2)

PJ Harvey - Victory

Beyoncé, The Chicks - Daddy Lessons

Dolly Parton - Dumb Blonde

The Go-Go's - This Town

The Breeders - Hellbound

Sinéad O'Connor - Mandinka

Aretha Franklin - Think

Janelle Monáe - Make Me Feel

The Slits - Typical Girls

Megan Thee Stallion - Savage Remix (featuring Beyoncé)

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts - Bad Reputation

M.I.A. - Bad Girls

Siouxsie and the Banshees - Happy House

Sleater-Kinney - You're No Rock n' Roll Fun

Lesley Gore - You Don't Own Me

Mitski - Your Best American Girl

It's Complicated

How’s everyone holding up? Are you ready for your favorite Hallmark holiday? I thought I would create a Valentine’s Day playlist that is a little more realistic. The good, bad and the ugly when it comes to relationships are all represented here. I would love to hear your favorite love and break up songs so drop ’em in the comments. Regardless, I hope you have an enjoyable day and if anything, think of it as an excuse to treat yourself to some chocolate.

Tegan & Sara - Closer

Beyoncé - Hold Up

The Shangri-Las - Give a Great Big Kiss

The 6ths - Falling Out of Love (With You)

Talking Heads - This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)

Linda Ronstadt - You’re No Good

Yo La Tengo - Here Comes My Baby

Phoebe Bridgers - Motion Sickness

Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover

Stevie Nicks with Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around

The Zombies - This Will Be Our Year