Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - July 2023
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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It’s already July! We’ve been enjoying about a month of outdoor music, and discovering all the new sounds our talented music community has to offer. I got some laid back rockers, women who have had enough, those at peace with who they have become, and more.
As always, if you see someone 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.
Lucid VanGuard “Orange & Blue”
He’s under her spell in this hazy Black Keys-esque rocker. The production puts this story on a hot summer day in the cities where ill-advised ideas are just waiting to be turned into great memories and stories. Pour your favorite beverage, sit back, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of this guy’s misfortune.
Emily Haavik “Do You Think You Protect Me”
The most powerful moment of this song comes when Haavik is joined by an army of female voices who have had enough. This unified statement of demanding accountability is comes off as a beautifully assertive battle cry you can’t not feel. And it makes a damn good point.
21st Century America “Plastic Rose”
It’s time for midnight dance party under the stars. 21st Century America’s “Plastic Rose” has that dark-toned pop sound that some Lady Gaga vibes. It will make you wish the sun will never rise.
Walter Chancellor, Jr. feat. Mark Walker “U Make Me Feel So Good”
Walter Chancellor Jr. has you covered when it’s time to turn the romance up during any season. “U Make Me Feel So Good” is the smoothest mood setting instrumental I’ve heard in a while with the saxophone and bass leading the way with crisp performances. It’s time for some grown up love.
Jerrika Mighelle “The Fuel”
The simplicity of the production makes Mighelle’s vow to keep moving forward come off as a personal prayer or mantra. She’s lived enough to know there’s going to be internal and external forces trying to dissuade her from her destiny, but she knows how to use it to her advantage to push through. Now her statement of determination can be our own.
Leslie Vincent “Psychedelics With You”
Leslie Vincent lets us in on a dream she has of being in San Francisco and indulging in some mind-altering substances. She helps convey that trippy feeling through her band’s jazz style that feels very upbeat and spontaneous. But honestly the title alone should be enough to get you to press play.
Tandy feat. 2POINTTREV “Consistency”
Tandy is ready to commit to that special someone on this smooth, to-the-point R&B influenced Hip-Hop track with some help from 2POINTTREV. The production’s lite and simple atmosphere help them make this statement of commitment to one person feel very intimate. They’re ready for that next chapter of their lives.
Noah Alexander “Better off Anyways”
Noah Alexander's second release as a solo artist gives insight into just how much his former band the Plott Hounds reflected his influences. His signature deep Southern drawl-soaked voice is in fine form as he takes us through an emotional lost-love ballad where he realizes she just might be better off gone. The production provides a dark toned atmosphere that helps lend a hand to his sorrowful sudden dose of self-awareness.
Malina Moye “Y.A.T.O. (You Ain’t the One)”
A delicious ear candy of a guitar riff that gives off slight Prince vibes opens up Malina Moye’s statement of refusing to settle when it comes to love. The song’s attitude has a won’t-settle-for-less state of mind that will have everyone turning the sound up and raising their glasses with a “Hell Yeah!” With her happy, assertive vocals, and stellar guitar work, you’ll be on your way to living your deserved top-tier love life, too.
Ben Noble “Bitter Work”
In the context of Noble’s album of the same title, the song is a moment of him coming to terms with how he was raised, and how that differentiates from who he is today. It’s a great, calming end to an intense experience body of work, but it’s also a song that stands on its own in addressing the internal work we all go through in life to become our own individual selves. The song’s atmosphere paired with Noble’s soprano light, soprano vocals provide that moment of when the dust settles, and you are on the other side realizing it’s okay to be who you are.
