False Spring

 It is 68º here in New York City as I type this. Everyone here is in a state of bliss after the rough winter we have had. Sadly, we all know the cruel truth; that this is just “false spring” not the real one because the chilly temperatures will return by the end of the week. We have to enjoy it while we can. 

This took a little longer than expected but I finally put together another playlist for you. This one is a mix of new and new-ish songs that caught my ear alongside some older tracks that found their way back onto my radar through previous made but not released playlists, TV shows and even a dinner out (shout out Strange Delight in Fort Greene). 

Starting things off is the first new music from Arctic Monkeys since 2022's The Car. “Opening Night” was recorded for Help (2) which is a benefit compilation for War Child, an organization dedicated to protecting and education children living through violent conflict. The album features many of my personal favorites including Pulp, Wet Leg, Olivia Rodrigo, Beth Gibbons, Arlo Parks, Fontaines D.C. and Depeche Mode. It is a fantastic record for an even better cause. 

Australian folk-pop artist Way Dynamic is up next with "Miffed It," His music takes inspiration from 60s legends like Brian Wilson but this particular track reminds me a lot of Nick Drake. Speaking of the 60s, the Flamin' Groovies actually formed in the middle of that decade but "You Tore Me Down" was released in 1976 on their brilliant Shake Some Action LP and was later covered by Yo La Tengo on their album Fakebook. 

Dipping back into new releases, British indie-pop band Heavenly released their first album under that name since 1996 a few weeks back. In 2024 I was lucky enough to catch one of their first U.S. shows since 1995 and it was such a treat. I am thrilled that they are back with Highway to Heavenly and their song "Scene Stealing" does not disappoint. 

Up next is Lene Lovich's late 70s new wave classic "Lucky Number." I think it pairs nicely with "It's For You" from the dance-pop band Out Hud from 2005. Primal Scream's "Moving On Up" is the uplifting song that we could all use right about now. 

Shifting gears, we have “Can You Get To That" from Funkadelic’s classic 1971 album, Maggot Brain. The track features Isaac Hayes' backing vocal group, Hot Buttered Soul. 

Wrapping up the playlist are a couple of newer songs. The first is “Amaro”  from Montreal avant-pop duo, Bibi Club, taken from their album of the same name. Finally, while haven’t seen the new Wuthering Heights movie, I can report that Charli XCX's soundtrack is everything. I am currently obsessed with "Chains Of Love." 

There you have it! Give these a listen and let me know which ones are hitting for you or let me know what you are loving lately. Until next time… 

xo, 

Julie 

Arctic Monkeys - Opening Night 

Way Dynamic - Miffed It 

Flamin' Groovies - You Tore Me Down 

Heavenly - Scene Stealing 

Lene Lovich - Lucky Number 

Out Hud - It's For You

Primal Scream - Movin' On Up 

Funkadelic - Can You Get To That 

Bibi Club - Amaro 

Charli XCX- Chains Of Love