Weekly Playlist 11/8 (extra late)
Every Friday, I share the highlights of what I’ve been listening to over the course of the week, from old favorites to new discoveries. Playlist best enjoyed in order.
This one’s really, really late, but still, good music is good music.
This week, we start heavy and get lighter and lighter, opening with “Radio” by German band Rammstein and late-’80s punk from The Cramps with “Bop Pills,” which leans more rockabilly than straight punk. The rock continues with some fuzzy guitars on “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” by R.E.M.; piano-laden “Alone in My Home” by Jack White, one of the best and lightest tracks from Lazarett; .the more fun, upbeat “Wide Awake” from Parquet Courts, with a little bit of a Talking Heads feel; and light, airy acoustic guitar on “Mood for a Day” by Yes.
Then we delve into the more alternative side of things with Joywave’s new one, “Blank Slate,” “Fingers Never Bleed” by Yeasayer, and “The Test” by The Chemical Brothers.
David Bowie is still missed very much, and “‘Tis a Pity She Was a Whore” is among the standouts of his late work — and it’s a shame we never got more, but while we’re at it, be sure to check out this great piece from Spin on his impact and artistry. The same goes for Leonard Cohen and the haunting, aptly titled “You Want It Darker.”
We take a more modern, upbeat turn with Lorde’s “Team,” followed by “Just Can’t Get Enough,” one of Depeche Mode’s poppier takes, and Ben Folds’ fun “Hiroshima (B B B Benny Hit His Head).”
The piano continues with “To Go Home” by M. Ward, and then we start to wind down with the lovely “Once in My Life” by The Decemberists.
Finally, things really slow down with Kris Kristofferson’s original “Me and Bobby McGhee,” a far cry from the spin Janis Joplin eventually put on it that we all know and love with a delivery that’s slower and a little sad. We close with Alison Krauss’ beautiful voice on “Down to the River to Pray,” a lovely hymn that adds layers of vocals until it builds to then end.
