I write you, my friends, from Newark International Airport during a 5-hour layover on my way to Scotland. I wanted to make sure I got this done before the trip truly begins, and I suppose 5 hours is plenty of time. Welcome to the second installment of Brotherless Radio.
Here’s yer links, as usual:
Brotherless Radio | Episode 2 | Spotify
Brotherless Radio | Episode 2 | Apple Music
I’ve had an emotional few weeks, and this playlist may be reflecting my emotional state, whether this was conscious or not. Of course there will be some upbeat, fun tracks (Ozomatli’s “Cut Chemist Suite” or Jungle Fire’s “Movin’ On”), but otherwise, expect the sound of a raincloud chasing you down. I’m trying to outrun it myself.
Remember the Tom Hanks film That Thing You Do? We’re kicking this one off with the song that plays during the credits: “I Need You (That Thing You Do)” by the fictional band created for the movie, The Wonders. I’ve shed many a tear listening to this song on repeat.
From there, we fly into some funky stuff: You’ll recognize an interpolated Wu-Tang beat, an absolute shredder of a track by The Bamboos, and then we come down with songs by Tennis, Tess Henley, and Latewaves. *Nepotism alert:* Some of my closest friends from my glory days living in Asbury Park, NJ play in the latter band.
I’m showing you a deep cut from the one-hit-wonder Harvey Danger, and a Beatles song that boasts one of the best guitar riffs in their entire discography. We take a trip to South America for the next few tracks before you get hit with two more songs I’ve sobbed my eyes out to many times.
“My Only Hope” by Pretty Lights should be set to 1970’s animation a la Fantastic Planet. A truly terrifying track. Tip of the hat to my best friend, Mike for showing me this one. I love it. I’ll pull you out of it with some funk, hip-hop, and modern new wave after that.
*Nepotism alert:* Heroes from my hometown of Rochester NY, Taking Meds, released one of the best songs I’ve heard this year, “Life Support,” and I needed you to hear it at least once in your life. Yes, Taking Meds made an appearance in the previous episode.
A few more rock songs, and then a trip to the Middle East with “Galgalit” by YUZ, a funky masterpiece utilizing scales we’re not used to here in the states. Basement Jaxx and Peggy Gou round out this danceable block.
You might recognize some Erykah Badu melodies in “Dreamflower” by Tarika Blue. My dad recently reminded me how sick that Chuck Mangione track is, and then we move into our final block.
I sure do hope you pick up the connection between The Misfits classic “Where Eagles Dare” and Owen‘s “Note To Self:”
“Run” by Collective Soul closes us out. This is one of their more slept on singles, and I thought it fitting since my task over the past few weeks has been to outrun from the raincloud that’s been chasing me lately.
I’m working on Episode 3 already. Expect heavier genres this time around, and lordwillin’, maybe even some fun. We can all use some, yes?
Enjoy.
Brotherless | John
Brotherless, underscore, yo. 