Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - March 2023
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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The talent just keeps revealing itself. Whether it’s a new MC, a hard rocker belting his soul out, a group of women creating some of the best Americana, or a cancer survivor penning a song to those who have survived their own struggles, our great state is full of artists making original music. Hopefully this list continues to help you discover your new favorite.
If you see someone you like remember to check them 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.
The Foxgloves “Hometown”
This song puts me in the mindset of being around a bonfire on a warm summer night and when The Foxgloves start singing everyone stops to listen. The instrumentation, harmonies, and storytelling all come together flawlessly to form a song begging to be performed in the Opry’s sacred circle. This is just standout Americana.
Careful Gaze “Silken Robe”
On “Silken Robe” Careful Gaze creates a communal space for those times when the darkness has a hold on us. The song channels those feelings of hopelessness, despair, and even lets out a throat-wrenching yell. Within the sonics of this song you can process those feelings in a safe space without human judgement, and work your way back towards the light.
Katy Tessman featuring Nikki Lemire “Hero Now Crowned”
Katy Tessman pens a passionate tribute to those who have come out on the other side of life-altering battles. A cancer survivor herself, she wants to let them know they are a warrior themselves. A song of reassurance like this could only come from a fellow hero.
Fires of Denmark “You Make Me Try”
This song puts me smack dab in the middle of a colorful underground rager, where everyone is tired of hiding their freak flag. In this imagined situation, Fires of Denmark is the house band and they open with ‘You Make Me Try’ as a rallying cry allowing everyone to let their true colors show, with a suggestion they soon will have hide no more. It’s a lively burst of adrenaline and sure to wake you up.
Haley E Rydell “Midwestern Daughter”
“The warm sound of of Rydell’s “Midwestern Daughter” provides a Midwestern summer-like atmosphere as she talks about the complexities of the simple act of professing her love to her soulmate who just happens to be a woman. It addresses gender double standards, hard-to-change traditional mindsets, and more. Haley E Rydell’s vocals give off a mix of frustration and sadness addressed in a way that seems she’s just letting it all out over a cup coffee — it’s both calming and though provoking.
Turn Turn Turn “Powder”
Turn Turn Turn’s new record New Rays From an Old Sun is a headfirst dive into a more colorful sonic palette, and “Powder” is a stellar example. Savannah Smith’s lead vocals transported me to a comfortable sunny day in California when Laurel Canyon was full of artists turning out songs that became a part of American culture forever, and the top was always down letting everyone hear. Close your eyes, and let this song take you away.
Skydro “A Lucid Dream”
“A Lucid Dream” proves few genres can motivate like Hip-Hop. The production is clear, solid, and simple with a drum sound that packs a dominate punch. Skydro’s voice brings to mind Jurassic Five’s Chali2Na, bringing that smart, clear, professor-like tone a message like this needs.
Ty Pow & the Holy North “Shake On It”
This song is just beautiful noise. It sounds like it came from the era when the jukebox and 45s reigned supreme, yet still sounds fresh. Turn this up and get ready to move.
Dani Erin “Let Me”
“Let Me” has a lights down low mid-tempo rhythm and blues feel that would fit perfectly on the stage of the Dakota Jazz Club. Dani Erin’s vocals are clear, soulful, and her band surrounds her with a solid sound that compliments her performance. It’s the kind of music you know you need to see live.
Anderson Daniels “Good On Gasoline”
This song is that ready-for-anything adrenaline rush you get once vacation starts. It starts off with a quiet but momentum-building intro that captures the feeling you get with that last punch out on the time clock. Then the rest of the band comes in with Daniels yelling ‘C’mon!’ signaling the start to an anything-can-happen state of mind.
