Playlist #14: November 2024
To watching the snow fall in Paris
I know, I know—I’m late. It’s been a month. There was a wedding in South Carolina (they walked down the aisle to “Married Life” from Up. I mean, come on—cinema), followed by two chaotic weeks gallivanting across Denmark, Germany, and Paris. And now, as the air gets cooler and life starts to feel like it’s pulling itself tighter around me, I’ve been doing some serious contemplating. The kind you do with a cup of tea and a dramatic stare out the window. Honestly? I feel blessed. The weaving of life’s messy little threads into something stronger—it’s not lost on me. It’s beautiful. So bundle up, bitches. Here’s some tunes that kept me moving through the jet lag and past the 4 pm sunsets.
Pump It Up - Endor
After a whirlwind trip to Denmark that was anything but peaceful—thanks to Candace and a bottle of champagne—I found myself haunted by the pulsating beats of Endor's "Pump It Up," a track that now conjures vivid memories of the unsettling film The Substance. This cinematic experience left an indelible mark, intertwining with the infectious rhythm of the song. With an infectious beat and rhythmic chant, it does make me want to hit the club…but let’s avoid any syringes of random green goo.
Fun fact: This remix has taken hold in Michigan Wolverines athletics, with it being played after every touchdown.
Lay All Your Love On Me - ABBA
In a Parisian bar this month, the familiar strains of ABBA's "Lay All Your Love On Me" transported me back to my childhood, where my grandfather's love for the band sparked my own enduring affection. When I went to Stockholm years ago, I obviously popped by the ABBA museum. This track, with its hymn-like production and subtly off-tune echo in the chorus, evokes the sensation of a church choir's embrace.
Fun fact: In 2006, Slant Magazine placed it at No. 60 on their list of the greatest dance songs of all time.
Strictly Game - Harlem Shakes
A short lived band with a very Born Ruffians, Mountain Goats, Bishop Allen vibe. Its upbeat tempo and catchy melody make it an irresistible bop that never fails to lift my spirits.
Whirring - The Joy Formidable
A quintessential indie track, renowned for its explosive energy and extended instrumental outro. Its influence even extends to pop culture, having been sampled in The Lonely Island’s track "YOLO," featuring Adam Levine and Kendrick Lamar.
Jacked Up - Weezer
I heard this for the first time in what must be 15 years, and immediately the screaming out of, “IM ALL JACKED UP OVER YOU.” It’s high-energy but weirdly sad—a genre I personally identify with. The piano hits hard, Rivers’ falsetto hits harder, and for three minutes, I hit peak nostalgic chaos. Stupid song. I love it.
Spectrolite - Bayonne
I have a go to playlist for when I travel (cue your shock and awe.) It’s base has been built since May 2016, and slowly added to, but this is from the original stock. Think plane windows, passing scenery, deep reflections, and a perfect synth background for overthinking your life choices. It’s so effervescent. Also, Bayonne makes an incredible hot sauce, only available at shows. (Yes, I have it in my fridge. Yes, it’s excellent.)
Sailor Song - Gigi Perez
Oh, won't you kiss me on the mouth and love me like a sailor?
Another god damn TikTok song. I usually don’t know until they make the list and i’m doing research because I don’t have a TikTok!! It’s got some of my favorite song qualities, including:
Haunting vocals
Melancholic instrumentation
Longing
I don't believe in God, but I believe that you're my savior
To Be With You - The Honey Trees
Oh I could sail the world
Search through the darkest waters but
I'd never find
These golden eyes
This song feels like lying on a cloud while sipping tea in a dreamscape. It’s serene, nostalgic, and so full of yearning it practically begs you to run through a meadow in slow motion. Golden eyes, indeed. I’ll never recover.
Winter Song - Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson
This is one of my favorite winter songs (lol) if not THE top of my seasonal chart. It’s like snowfall in audio form, wrapping you in scarves and quiet heartbreak.
Fun fact: The song was also performed during the 2010 United States National Christmas Tree Lighting, attended by President Obama, with the United States Coast Guard Band playing with Bareilles and Michaelson singing live.
Blue Light - Bloc Party
It’s introspection with a beat. Kele Okereke’s lyrics about intimacy and vulnerability hit hard in the way only a Bloc Party song can. Haunting, raw, and just self-aware enough to make you stare out of a window dramatically. Classic. Kele Okereke explained the song: “It’s a really gentle sounding song about coming to terms with intimacy, and how important that can be.”