All the Playlists

Goodnight America – Until the Ribbon Breaks

7 March 2017

As immigrants living in the USA, British trio Until the Ribbon Breaks released this anthem during the US presidential campaigns in 2016, insisting that it’s “pro-America”, but clearly frustrated with a nation that is “sucking on its thumb” with its refrain of “goodnight goodnight goodnight” as the electorate drifted off to sleep when it most needed be awake, on the brink of doom.

Won’t Get Fooled Again – The Who

7 March 2017

For almost 50 years, the words “meet the new boss / same as the old boss” have rung true, but perhaps for once that’s not quite true, with the leader of the free world who refuses to play by history’s rules. And yet one constant remains: those who lead us only ever seem to listen to us when it suits their own agenda.

Demagogue – Franz Ferdinand

7 March 2017

Smooth Scots pop art geeks Franz Ferdinand supplied this song for the excellent awareness-raising 30 days 30 Songs project in the lead-up to the US Presidential election, organised by Secretly Group’s Phil Waldorf.

I Give You Power – Arcade Fire

7 March 2017

For their first new material since 2013’s Reflektor, indie art collective Arcade Fire recruit legendary gospel singer Mavis Staples to present a clear and simple warning to our leaders: I give you power and I can take it away. This is not a threat, Mr Trump. it’s a promise.

Summer Fog – The Album Leaf

7 March 2017

I’ve received a lot of e-mails asking me how I write. The simple answer is, I write late at night, with my headphones on, listening to music. These are some songs I really like, especially for writing. They frequently find a place on my midnight playlist. I hope you like them, too.

Distant Light – Max Cooper

7 March 2017

Max Cooper creates “highly produced, emotional electronica made for both the dance floor and sit-down concerts.” When I hear this song I am immediately reminded of the deep, introspective journey that music sometimes takes me on. There I am in the middle of dance floor, surrounded by gyrating strangers and dancing lights. I close my eyes and go on a mini-vacation in my mind.

Mad World – Tears For Fears

7 March 2017

Submitted by the team at Solace Club – here’s what they do:

We offer people who are dealing with grief a care package designed by a psychologist to help make their journey in grief a little less painful. For example, our triage box has many items to help with the physical symptoms of grief in the early stages such as nausea, difficulties with sleep, forgetfulness. 

Set My Mind (Luttrell Remix) – Way Out West

6 March 2017

Throwing house parties in Berlin, if done right, can actually yield a profit (and no I am not talking about charging your friends upon entry.) In Germany, you can bring your empty glass bottles to your nearest grocery store and get money back. Today, I proudly carried a giant bag of jangly bottles to my corner market and received a whopping 3.18 eur. Woo!

Diving With Whales – Nora En Pure, Daniel Portman

3 March 2017

A couple of days my roommate mentioned that she was going to deep clean the apartment. I said, “Well, wait. Friday we are having a house party and it’s just going to get filthy again.”

Voyeur – The M Machine

1 March 2017

Because this song is a bit slower than the other tracks on the playlist, it’s great for getting in the zone (or pretending your life is in slow motion.) It’s a dreamy trip to the moon without ever having to leave the comfort of your room. 

Virile – The Blaze

28 February 2017

When I first heard this mesmerizing track, I was in a daze…and then I saw the video…my god, I love when music touches me both sonically and visually. The video begins innocuously enough with two freshly dressed dudes having a friendly night in, listening to good music, practicing dance moves, and smoking a joint.

Night Call – London Grammer

24 February 2017

If I had to choose between this and Kavinsky’s original version – 9 times out of 10 I’d go with his Daft Punk inspired 80’s overdose of synths and vocoders – but that’s because I’m a generally happy dude.  But – when I’m hurting and everything’s shit – I’m choosing this stripped down haunting female vocal and I’m going to drink to it!