If you haven’t listened to the first playlist in – what is clearly going to be an epic series – you should check out Otis and Andrew get High. The first list is a little more upfront about its “Stoner” nature – the opening bong rip from the Easy Star All Stars sets the stage.
This time round we’re just assuming that you’re on the ride with us and your ears are ready for some sonic goodness.
From the stereo spanning of Siouxsie’s cover of Iggy’s classic to Method Man and Redman’s inquiry of your state – you know this list is going places and we’re not sticking to any particular genre. What we are doing this time around is setting it up so the front end of the list contains the energy and the back the chills.
You know how it goes – when you first imbibe – that’s where the energy is – that’s where you want to be up and with it – grooving hard on Mac Miller’s good vibes and getting transported to different worlds with the Sitar work of Shakti and John McLaughlin.
You’ll notice the vibe start to relax – maybe the tempo comes down a bit, maybe it’s a bit more reflective. By the time you arrive at Brigid Mae Power’s Mother In The Sky closing track the intent is that you’re mellowed out – super relaxed and just floating with the world.
If you see us up there – be sure to say hi!
Photo by by Icarius.jpeg on Unsplash
About the Curators
Otis Galloway
I've had many jobs in my life. I've only had one true calling: Music.
The running joke throughout my life is I don't have time to develop an addiction. All that time was occupied with music. I made my first curated mixtape courtesy of a Sony portable twin tape deck. I recorded songs I heard on WBLS FM in New York City in the summer of 1979. And I've been chasing that feeling ever since.
I curate playlists with what I call the 'beautiful melancholy.' It is feeling absolute joy about life, yet feeling a sadness you cannot put into words. It often leaves you looking out of a window at the rain, longing for a place you've never been to, and you're not even sure it exists. Somehow, you know in your heart that someday, you will find it.
It is that sentiment that powers every playlist I curate. Every expression, every thought and every sentiment.
I've found that an appreciation for other disciplines and artistic channels has given me a greater understanding of my own medium. Learning about concepts such as texture, tone, hue, shade, shape, definition, outline, sketch, framing give you a wider range of tools and context to use.
I find that the more you learn, the more you realize how little you know. With that comes a greater hunger for knowledge.
That should be the force that guides you to achieve and evolve going forward. Not only in music, but as you travel your own path.
Embrace every aspect of yourself. Learn to love and know yourself. Check your ego, keep your chin up and step forward with purpose always.
Andrew McCluskey
The first visual memory I have is that of the white upright piano in Singapore, Hell and the Dark Forces lived at the bottom, Heaven and the Angels at the top, they would play battles through my fingers and I was hooked.
As a psychology graduate I studied how sound affects human performance.
As a musician I compose instrumental music that stimulates your brain but doesn't mess with your language centers, leaving you free to be creative and brilliant without distraction.
As a curator I research how music can improve your life and create flow - I can tell you what music to listen to when studying for a test and why listening to sad music can make you feel better.
As a creator / contributor at musicto I’m part of a global creator community that collaborates through music. You can learn more about our community here.