I’m going to squeeze out a Recent and Decent post like England squeeze out a win against Slovakia. I’ll try (and struggle) to make it entertaining like Damon Albarn tried and struggled to reach the high notes in his guest appearance at Glastonbury. And, whatever the outcome, I’ll enjoy myself, like I did last night when I went out for a pie, a pint, a gig. Let’s get on with it, shall we?
Recent and Decent Playlist
Every week, 7 songs for the week ahead. I’m always going for quality and variety with the hope there’s stuff you like as well!
Contain It - Egyptian Blue
I was watching a BBC Introducing Glasto show and saw this, loved it, played it about 7 times since, stuck it on my R&D playlist. It’s one of those songs that has chapters. Catchy, then quiet, then catchy again.
Shoot The Seagull - Delachute
Another song with chapters. Really beautiful, clever production with teasing guitar. From Montreal, this artist writes songs inspired by their job involving prisoners and victims but, as he says, it’s not sad music. “Our capacity for resilience and forgiveness also serves as inspiration.”
I Wish It Didn’t Bother Me - Getdown Services
I think I heard about these guys from Substack so thanks to whoever mentioned them! I really like what I’ve heard from them so far. With references to Argos, taken from their album Crisps, there’s a pleasing touch of humour about proceedings.
Say My Name - PACKS
Short, scuzzy, intimate, understated rock which makes me curious and happy. Taken from her album Crispy Crunchy Nothing. I make that two crisp references so far, which I’m also pleased with.
Deathless - Ed Harcourt
I keep going back to this song. Probably my favourite track from a very good album. It starts with a pleasing tinkling piano accompanied by, dark, endearing vocals but then rises into strings, electric guitar and pounding crash symbols. Rousing stuff.
City Life (Country Home) - Neil Young, Crazy Horse
About as American as it comes. Big, unpretentious and patriotic. The guitar at the beginning is gorgeous and I love that Young just let’s it play for 1.5 minutes before singing.
Fish Brain - Mount Kimbie
I’ve only been aware of these guys for a few weeks but I love what they’ve done so far. A cool backstory, ambitious sound and lots to appreciate.
Recent and Decent Video
I try to stick in a cool music video each week. Am I going to regret sharing a Coldplay video of all things? A band who I’ve claimed for over a decade now write formulaic pop songs? Well, get 100,000 people singing together and I’ll eat my words and sing along too. I would argue that if you don’t like this, then you’re a soulless husk.
If I get my act together, I’ll also share my 6 month review tomorrow. Yes, I know I said that last week… Oh, I also said I’d so a Pride Month special Community Playlist too. Ah, and I need to do my monthly gig reviews. Bloody stressful, this writing malarkey. Still, you lot make it all worth it.
Comments please:
What song would you like to see in a future recent and decent playlist?
Have you seen any good live stuff recently?
Did you like any of the above?!
See you all next week, if not before.
Oh, I wanted to say that I saw Joe Jackson in concert this past Friday and it was fantastic. He split the show into solo piano (hits) and then the curtain went down and a 12-piece band appeared in full-on 1910 vaudevillian regalia. Tuba, trumpet, flute, bass clarinet, trombone, violin, viola, piano and drums (and I’m forgetting someone). They played his latest album of English music hall songs with great energy and humor, not to mention instrumental mastery. Also, Joe’s exaggerated cockney accent showed that he can essentially write and perform any style of music. His voice was in excellent form, which, after 45 years making music, is beyond impressive.
As to live music, I got to see Bloc Party for the first time on Friday and it was incredible. It might be the best gig I’ve been to this year. Definitely one to tick off the bucket list!