To celebrate the launch of the Green Space Collection, we thought we’d create the third playlist in what is already a truly epic series – if you haven’t already make sure to bookmark:
We could have called this one: Otis and Andrew Get High in California but we’ve yet to have that experience – of course, Otis is welcome to come stay and we can make that happen. I did get high with Mert on Venice Beach once that resulted in the fabulous Sunday Hangover Cure – so – there is precedent ;-p
The opening to the list is pure Californian vibes – the groove from Motorpsycho into The Doors feels particularly groovy – we could have had Porcupine Tree’s Trains right after but we thought we’d give you a break ;-p
The vibe is – similar to the last list – more energy up front – maybe to stimulate the conversation and enhance the activity – moving to a more relaxed and introspective end – where perhaps a more introspective and internal vibe is appropriate.
You can guarantee that as soon as Otis gets here we’ll be trying this out to see if it works in practice!
Track Listing
- California Soul – Marlena Shaw
- The World Is Yours – Nas
- Open Letter – Mr. Phelps
- Go to California – Motorpsycho
- Riders on the Storm – The Doors
- Miss You – Remastered – The Rolling Stones
- Superfly – Curtis Mayfield
- Are ‘Friends’ Electric? – 1998 Remaster – Tubeway Army
- Looking For Clues – Robert Palmer
- Sledgehammer – Peter Gabriel
- What It Look Like – Todd Edwards Remix – Spank Rock
- Otis – JAY-Z
- The First Song – Band of Horses
- Trains – Remastered – Porcupine Tree
- Love Plus One – Haircut 100
- Sapphire Lake – Pollyanna Blue
- Compared to What – Les McCann
- Boss-A – Big Share
- Coming Back Home – DE’WAYNE
- Controversy – Prince
- Let It Go – Peter Broderick
- Human – Civil Twilight
Playlist image by Jeff W 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.