1. Tame Impala – “Jeremy’s Storm”
Yes, it’s another Tame Impala song. But in all honesty, this song definitely deserves some recognition. One of the quieter ones off of InnerSpeaker, this song takes you places without any lyrics to tell you so. The composition is exquisitely moving through a rage of heavy drums that develop across a smooth guitar tune that guides you along the way. In addition with a heavy on set, it exudes a story of the before and after a raging storm of instrumentals.
2. Father John Misty – “When You’re Smiling And Astride Me”
The backing angelic vocals on this track open up the heavens to a listener of love and fairy dust. Its simple drum and guitar combo complement the soothing lyrics that entice sparks to be felt all throughout. One of my favorites off of I love you, Honeybear and the reason why I so very badly wish pay day came sooner, since Father John Misty will be in town next Sunday night at Foellinger. If you’ve got $30 to spare, help a sista out.
3. Steve Miller Band – “Fly Like An Eagle”
I’m not in my 50’s but hell yeah I dig this track by the Steve Miller Band. Its funky, it’s fun and it’s like riding on a rainbow road of self-actualization. Its spacematic groove and 70’s gamer-type sound effects sets it apart to create an intergalactic sound.
4. Shannon and the Clams – “Rip Van Winkle”
Not sure if this song is in reference to the short story, Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving but this combo of doo-wop and rock definitely makes me time travel to the 50s, making me wanna throw on a big ol’ skirt and shake it to the tambourine. This hand clapping, head shaking piece is definitely a gateway track to this Oakland garage group.
5. Wings – “Goodnight Tonight”
My lovely mother brought me on to this song, a huge Wings fan herself. This song had me at its baseline, and ever since it’s been something I like to listen to whenever I experience a win. Just picture: a disco ball lowering down and some colorful lights in full swing. Not to mention, Paul McCartney is forever king. I mean, SIR Paul McCartney.
6. Penny & the Quarters – “You And Me”
I first heard this song when I watched Blue Valentine, a film starring Ryan Gosling and that’s pretty much all I can say because I couldn’t sit through two hours of a depressing love story. Regardless, this song was said to have been an unreleased demo of the soul group later then brought to light after the film. I love its old rugged feel of innocence and of course, vocals that sound like they’re coming straight out of your grandfather’s radio.
7. The Drifters – “This Magic Moment”
Well now that we’re in this lil’ soul time capsule I had to include the wonderful feel of The Drifters. This song is as rosy as it gets; violins, hums, and acoustic peaks … roses, roses everywhere! Get warm and fuzzy.
8. Frank Ocean – “Thinkin Bout You”
Speaking of violins and fuzz, let’s get back to the R&B now, only to take it a couple years back with Frank Ocean’s channel ORANGE. Ocean gets falsetto with this one, and since this playlist travels all over the place, I leave you with this descending tune. Happy dreaming.
