Retail Therapy (aka Feb New Playlist)

This morning I decided it was time for what I love to call a little "retail therapy". On the coffee table sit a number of little pads on which I am constantly scribbling down artists and titles, often based on the TV show presently on the tube. There are a lot of lists, numerous genres, everything from early 80's classics to "blazin" hip hop and R&B, and much, much more. Today I figured I work hard enough to enjoy a little visit to the iTunes store. My brother talks about the tactile nature of record buying that is lost in this technologically advanced age of ours, and that is surely a valid blog post of it's own, but for today I will admit the ability to purchase a slew of single songs from the comforts of my own couch is pretty killer. For now it is called the "Feb New Playlist".

Coldplay, Parachutes, released 2000

Obviously following the Grammy's and their latest record (see below) Coldplay has been getting a lot of exposure and I'm down with that. I think they are definitely a talented bunch with a magnificent sound. I began the playlist with a few of the popular tunes from (I'm pretty sure) their first full length album, Parachutes. 'Yellow" was the first choice for me, having been stuck in my head for a while now, but the song "Shiver" and a few others are quickly growing on me.

Coldplay, Viva la Vida, released 2008

I am sure the single off of Coldplay's latest album is getting a ridiculously excessive amount of radio play but luckily I don't listen to the radio so I haven't gotten sick of it. Their performance on the Grammy's had me scribbling down "Viva la Vida" in no time. Excellent tune indeed.

Chris Brown, Forever, released 2008

One show that we are definite fans of every year is America's Best Dance Crew. The moves and choreography the different crews from around the country come up with is rarely shy of mindblowing. Whether a dancer, ex-dancer, or none of the above I think you can totally admire the art and passion these kids embrace. Anyhoo, one of the crews recently danced to Chris Brown's hit "Forever", and damn is it catchy! Like not listening to the radio, I am equally not much of a club goer anymore, but I know I will be psyched when this comes up on shuffle in the future. I don't tolerate any sort of domestic abuse and for that reason perhaps I shouldn't have endorsed this dude, but the tune is jammin'. So dancy!

Chamillionaire, The Sound of Revenge, released 2005

You might not know the name Chamillionaire, hell, I didn't until one of those VH1 countdowns a few weeks/months back, but the song "Ridin" I am sure you would recognize. I always thought the song was called "Ridin Dirty" but apparently I was wrong, but that might remind you more of the song I am talking about. Fast rhyming, clever hook, and definitely one for the hip hop shuffles.

Outkast, Speakerboxxx/The Love Below, released 2003

While in the genre I had to revisit the classic "Hey ya!" off of Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below. I already have "The Way You Move" from Rossa and Lara's wedding CD and every time it comes on the iTunes I wish I had "Hey ya!". Well, no more! This tune totally reminds me of when this album first came out and I would hang out over at Rossa and Lara's place atop 54th and Broadway after work and we danced to this song over and over and over again. I guess it was the summer of 2003 you heard that song at every party and you couldn't help but get up to get down.

Bon Iver, Blood Bank (EP), released 2009

People that know me know my musical taste is all over the place so I went in a completely different direction with Bon Iver. My freshman year in college my roommate was a creative and intricate guy from right there in Colorado. Jake has always introduced me to new music, and some times he is so right on I feel so lucky to have him as an artistic buddy. I guess it was a rainy day out in northern California and he was enjoying Bon Iver's latest EP, Blood Bank. I decided to check it out and was pleasantly surprised by the strummy hummy melodies and guitar tracks. Not to mention a little trippy instrumental action never hurt anyone. Thanks JMar.

Bon Iver, For Emma, Forever Ago, released 2008

Bon Iver is actually a gentleman named Justin Vernon. His solo debut was recorded in a cabin deep within the woods of Wisconsin. This album had been on someone's top ten list from 2008 and had made its way to my stack of scrap papers. Again, strummy, hummy, kind of melancholy, but a whole lot of fabulous. Definitely check out "Skinny Love" and "Re:Stacks", my two faves off the album so far.

Squarepusher, Go Plastic, released 2001

I thought I was pretty much done doing damage to my bank account and then Squarepusher came into my head. Again, the extremes of my musical taste might make some scratch their heads. I think I was thinking about China and when I lived there in 1997 and the amazing people I met. One was a guy named Ben from New Jersey who listened to a whole bunch of electronic music I had never heard before. One of his tapes that blew my mind was Squarepusher (aka Tom Jenkinson). I don't often think to check out the drum'n'bass section at the record store but I do love the sound some times. Granted this album in particular came out years after our far east adventures but just the same I think "My Red Hot Car" is a genius track.

Squarepusher, Burningn'n Tree, released 1997

Burningn'n Tree is one of the earliest records from Squarepusher, and on it is a song called "Central Line". Just plain awesome! Makes me wish I could make music like that.

Now if you will excuse me, I need to make some breakfast and listen to this playlist again. Happy Saturday everyone. Consider treating yourself to some new tunes. Your ears will be glad you did.