Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - December 2023
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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The cold December weather is here along with our collective groan of it arriving. We really should be used to this by now since many of us have lived here for a while. However, to brighten your mood I’ve found even more artists who will at least be able to warm your soul.
There’s everything from traditional country and escapism pop, to good ole Rock N Roll and Rap. So click play on the playlist and I'll see you in 2024.
As always, if you hear a song you like remember to check the artist out live and buy their merchandise. It’s the best way to keep our lovely independent music scene alive.
Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
Mild Manner "clayton lake"
The best way I can describe this song after several listens is it's a ride of unexpected sounds that mix together oddly well. The lead singers' voices blend together, and band is so energetic it almost feels like they change genres mid-song. It's fun, chaotic, and I want more of it.
Jay Ernest “Doomsday Woman”
Church of Cash frontman Jay Ernest put his world renowned Johnny Cash-esque voice to perfect use on this narrative original. The love of traditional country music cannot be missed in the song's sonics as it paints vivid picture about a temptation that just cannot be resisted. It's great to see Ernest forging his own path of originals.
Cindy Lawson "Don't Come Crying To Me"
Rock N Roll is full of songs that get straight to the point, no filler. Lawson adds to that tradition on this song. Her delivery of the lyrics and the band's in-your-face attitude assure you there is no need to question the song's middle-finger message.
Moonlit Mushroom Feat. Jack Swagger "Thief of Joy"
Moonlit Mushroom's sound is primed for those after midnight Matrix-like trips into your subconscious, whether it's substance assisted or just letting the sound waves take you away for the night. Pair that with Jack Swagger's vocals that have it's own smooth tone, and it's a match made in trippy dreamland. You won't want to wake up.
g0ldilock Feat. Benny Bouquet "Function"
What comes off as a simple club song slowly reveals its nuanced layers with more listens. The production puts you on a packed dance floor at the peak of the night. The lyrics, however, reveal g0ldilock's real goal of finding that one who he'll dance with long after the night has ended.
Maria Isa "My Love"
My immediate thoughts upon first listen were just how classically smooth this song is, like that perfect drink of water. The production transports me back to '90s R&B, but still feels modern. And Maria Isa's smooth vocals on the chorus mixed with her spirited delivery of her bard on the verses is so effortless it's almost unfair.
Annie and the Bang Bang "Boys in the Mosh Pit Are Having Feelings"
I'd choose this song on its title alone. It's opening crunchy opening guitar riff puts you right in that mosh pit of youthful males entering that coming-of-age part of life. The lyrics tap into the awkward emotional awakening they're beginning to experience when it comes to, well, everything.
SYM1 "No Time For Names"
What I love about this electro pop music is how easily it transports you to another planet, maybe even a spaceship. There's a rave going on with and all species are dancing together in peace, just letting go. It's true escapism music for me.
The Rockford Mules "Honeydripper"
If you long for that late 90s alternative rock with a hard rock edge to it, look no further. The production will draw you in from the beginning as each instrument is introduced complete with a guitar riff you'll be air-guitaring almost immediately. Rounding it out are the smooth, firm, and powerful vocals that will only make you want to hear more.
Karen Mal & David Stoddard "Waiting for the Rain"
I have a special love for music that's so present and stripped down it's as if a microphone was simply placed between two musicians who had already been jamming together. Karen Mal takes lead on this light, fun song with David Stoddard providing harmonies that perfectly match the grounded performance. It's all just right like a rainy summer day on the porch.
