CDMX

Last month, I visited Mexico City for the first time and it exceeded my expectations. The art, culture, food and drinks were all incredible. I had been hoping for a little playlist inspiration, especially since the current state of the world has dampened my creative impulses. Thankfully, CDMX delivered. Nearly every restaurant and bar we visited had an amazing soundtrack and, thanks to Shazam, I was able to grab a few tracks to help build this playlist.

One of the highlights of the trip was dinner at Choza, which served up our last and favorite meal of the entire visit. Music was integral to the dining experience with a live DJ spinning vinyl alongside some truly outstanding Thai-fusion food. The soundtrack was as global as the menu. This playlist kicks off with a track I heard there: Sroeng Santi’s “Kuen Kuen Lueng Lueng”, a cover version of a song that you will definitely recognize. 

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a big Wet Leg fan, so naturally their new single “Catch These Fists” landed on a playlist the moment I could add it. Their upcoming album, Moisturizer will be released on July 11th and I was lucky enough to catch them at a small club show in late March where they previewed some of their new tracks. I am happy to report that the new songs sound pretty fantastic.

Next up is Silvana Estrada’s “Tenías Que Ser Tú,” a beautiful track from the Mexico-based singer-songwriter. She performed at the Pitchfork Music Festival CDMX Festival earlier this month.  

I am completely hooked on Perfume Genius’ outstanding new  album, Glory. One standout is “No Front Teeth,” which features Aldous Harding.

Back in the early aughts, I was lucky to be part of the publicity team working on Broken Social Scene’s landmark album You Forgot It In People. That record holds a special place in my heart. Later this month, I have tickets for a screening of Stephen Chung’s new documentary, It’s All Gonna Break, about that time in the band’s history. On June 6th, an album of covers, Anthems: A Celebration of Broken Social Scene’s You Forgot It In People, will be released. One of the advance tracks they have released is Toro y Moi’s version of “Stars and Sons.”

Another standout release from this year is Sharp Pins’ Radio DDR. The solo project of Lifeguard’s Kai Slater, “I Can’t Stop” is the perfect blast of power pop energy.

Back to Choza in CDMX for a moment. Another record the DJ played was Moussa Doumbia’s James Brown–inspired Afro-funk track “Keleya,” which was released in 1997 and is definitely a vibe. (If you like what you hear, check out Choza’s Soundcloud)

There has been so much amazing new music this year so I really packed this playlist. One more highlight is Panda Bear’s epic single “Praise,” from his album Sinister Grift which was released in February.

I wish I could remember which CDMX restaurant or bar I discovered Grupo Venezuela’s “Agua Loco.” I think it may have been over an epic meal at Expendio de Maíz? I need to take better notes. 

Closing out the playlist is MJ Lenderman’s cover/collaboration of the brilliant This Is Lorelei track, “Dancing in the Club,” released in late March.

I hope you enjoy this mix of new and old, indie and global songs as much as I enjoyed putting it together.

xo,

Julie

Sroeng Santi - Kuen Kuen Lueng Lueng

Wet Leg - Catch These Fists

Silvana Estrada & Daniel, Me Estás Matando - Tenías Que Ser Tú

Perfume Genius featuring Aldous Harding - No Front Teeth 

Toro y Moi - Starts And Sons 

Sharp Pins - I Can’t Stop

Moussa Doumbia - Keleya 

Panda Bear - Praise

Grupo Venezuela - Agua Loca

This is Lorelei & MJ Lenderman - Dancing in the Club (MJ Lenderman Version)