Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - July 2024
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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It’s July and honestly when will that rain stop. We know we need it, but we will also need concerts to stop being rained out and roads to stop flooding. While we’re waiting for the water to evaporate check out the great mix of original music I found for this month.
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.
Pert Near Sandstone “Clouds Are Gathering”
You can insert intensity into a song with a lot of production, but nothing can match the intensity of pure human feeling. This powerfully raw performance proves that as you can hear the feeling in every word sang and note played. This is bluegrass at its unfiltered best.
Faith Boblett “Never Right”
Faith Boblett proves her voice can seemlessly fit into whatever genre the song requires. Here, it’s smooth pop textures that put her vocals in a more vulnerable spotlight. The feeling here isn’t of the anger that may immediately follow a breakup, but more of peaceful realization that happens once that healing starts setting in.
Karina Kern “Not Over You”
The chorus was lodged into my head after the first listen, and Karina Kern’s signature bright, smile-inducing vocals showcase a renewed energy. Her roots may be in country music, but this song about trying to get over that used-to-be-special-someone shows her stepping further into the pop world. It’s a more than welcome transition, because keeping a voice like hers in one genre would be a musical travesty — those wings need to spread.
Valors “Play of Fools”
Two seconds in and the song hits like musical caffeine with a to-the-point drum and guitar intro, and I’m hooked. It’s a great taste of the solid rock that fills their new album of the same name, and it may even make older music fans reminisce of the days when guitar-driven rock was the norm. No A.I. to see here folks.
speakeazie “Sleeping Broken In Your Bed”
“Sleeping Broken In Your Bed” gives me a mix of the dramatic feelings the 80s provided, mixed with speakeazie’s vocals that give off just a hint of Florence and the Machine. It’s definitely a vibe perfect for rainy day weather. And if you’re dealing with a broken heart it’s the perfect song to lie in bed to while you start the healing process.
True Green “My Lost Decade”
If college radio and indie music had a baby it would be True Green’s “My Lost Decade.” Its sonics are very chill with an even more chill vocalist. Usually I like my songs with a little more of a punch, but all the song’s elements work together just right.
Ghosting Merit feat. 26 BATS! “Dementor”
I’ll take Harry Potter terminology being used as commonly as regular words in music any day. Ghosting Merit teams up with 26 BATS! For a summer-in-the-city ready song that puts me in the middle of what I am hoping is a Hogsmeade-themed dance party. The production is very colorful and has just the right amount of chill in it for those worried about sensory overload.
Corey Lawson & Ghost Channels feat. Brandon Pulphus “Start Again”
There’s something special when three talented artists put their talents into one song. On this Corey Lawson, producer Ghost Channels, and MC Brandon Pulphus bring us this hot track that’s ready to be blared at your next BBQ. It’s mix of Hip-Hop, dance, and overall feel-good sonics make it an unforgettable ear worm.
The Burn Vault “Dear Landlord”
It’s hard to not hear the working man spirit of the Dropkick Murphy’s on this song, especially when the band comes together for the sing-a-long-worthy chorus. The song channels the collective pissed-off-ness of countless tenants paying rent to land lords that seemingly give no fucks about even a minimum standard quality of living. You may not want to send this to your landlord if you want to keep your place, but at least you channel your frustration before sending that rent check.
Sunflower Fox and the Chicken Leg “Gypsy Queen”
This music is going to nourish that part of your soul that yearns for something it can sink its teeth into. It’s starts right away with that steady electric guitar intro and thunderous drums, then lead singer Katie Heart’s rockstar hold-nothing-back vocals make sure you feel this band’s sound with every ounce of your being. As the song progresses, the band’s full sound (bass, keys, and vocal back-and-forth) turns into this much-appreciated soulful sonic meal that your well-being won’t be able to do without.
