Tim Writes
My ears work, Andrew’s ears work, and while making this playlist we let our ears do most of the guiding. In addition to working, our ears (much like most do) have a direct connection to our brain, both literally and emotionally.
I know for me, whenever i’d hear a song Andrew sent, i’d hear a certain part of it, whether it be an instrument or a production technique or just one word, and that one aspect of the music would just stick with me and resonate to the point that my next selection had no other choice then to be based on that one aspect. Until I found something that matched that one little piece of the puzzle, nothing had a chance of being on the list, and I’m sure it was the same for Andrew.
Now the fun part for you is seeing if you can figure out what stuck with us in each song, but more importantly, seeing what part of the songs in this playlist or in general makes the music you listen to resonate with you.
Andrew Writes
What happens when you take an 18 year old from Maryland and get them to create a playlist with a 53 year old from Scotland?
Gems!
That’s what you get – Gems!
There’s not a lot of pop on this list, unsurprising really when you consider we’re both musicians – but from the opening track by Kamasi Washington to the insanity of Jacob Collier & Daniel Caesar, through to the intricacies of alt-J and sheer excellence of Jon Batiste – there’s a musicality and appreciation of technique that runs deep through the list.
But unlike other lists compiled by musicians that go out of their way to showcase technical brilliance or exclusionary coolness – the tracks on this list are so damn accessible. For every track that starts out with an unfamiliar groove there’s a giant hook just waiting to be found and of course – sprinkled throughout – there’s the classics – the stone cold diamonds that just get better and more polished over time.
About the Curators
Timothy Neal
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.