MixTape x 2504
MixTape x 2504 is here, Jessie Ware to Kate Bush, with Coolio, Janelle Monáe and a Catatonia earworm thrown in for good measure. All over the place, in the best possible way.
Is it getting hot or is it just me?
Things are busy at the moment, I'm into my 5th month working at Serene which I hope to talk about more in future! I am happy to share that I've been promoted to Chief Technology Officer which is a very big moment for me!!
More on that another day, you're here for this month's MixTape and so am I.
Is the experiment working? Well, I've had no feedback from the family yet but they've all been busy too... I'll try and prompt them before the May tape is finished.
Let's get on with it - this one is all over the place...
Spotlight – Jessie Ware
Lockdown memories. I was working from home like everyone else and underneath my daughters bed. Well - not hiding under the bed, I had a temporary desk set up in her IKEA cabin bed. I smacked my head a few times on that thing. Anyway, the mighty return of Jessie Ware and a song that I keep returning to time and time again. This one also has another link to James Ford (only because I've previously mentioned the Last Shadow Puppets). I won't go on about how wonderful it is, but I'll simple say that I feel it's a perfect song. The music video is nice too, I decided to look into it more while writing this and unwittingly found out about Tito's Blue Train...
With Every Heartbeat – Robyn, Kleerup
I don't know many Kleerup songs. I stumbled upon 'Let Me In' a few years ago while going through Susanna Sundfør's catalogue. I'll put my hands up now and say I just thought this was credited to Robyn, who doesn't seem to age and pops out a banger every decade (don't fact check me). I also thought this came out earlier than 2007 as I thought I was at school still, but it was a year before my first child was born. Not listened to Robyn in a while? Fix that now, and pay a special visit to Honey (Joe Goddard's remix please).
What Was That – Lorde
It feels a little wrong to feature a Lorde track again after only one month, but I had no idea she had new material on the way. I really really like this track, and feels like her best in a while so I'm looking forward to the inevitable new album. Also hoping this doesn't introduce the kids to MDMA.
Gangsta's Paradise – Coolio, L.V.
This is pretty iconic even if it has been played to death. I imagine it helps that sampling a Stevie Wonder track helps stabilise any mixed feelings you would have about hearing this again...? I almost put the other version of this track on which is just L.V. on his own as I really like some of the extra lyrics. I'm sure there's a mix of both somewhere but I can't find it. It's sad that Coolio is no longer with us, but this hit will be eternal. If you're up for a read and can figure out how to get around the paywall for NYT do have a read of this: The Story of ‘Gangsta’s Paradise,’ Coolio’s Biggest Hit.
Electric Lady – Janelle Monae
If you've not yet experienced the who Electric Lady album, please clear 67 minutes of your time and listen to it now. If you can find a version on streaming that hasn't scrubbed track 2 - even better! Janelle Monae is a force to be reckoned with, whether it's putting in stellar acting performances in the likes of Glass Onion, or popping out interesting music when you least expect it.
Colors (Spotify Singles) – Black Pumas
I wanted to include a Black Pumas song when I did the first MixTape, but couldn't find a way to fit it in. It felt like it flowed nicely to come in straight after Electric Lady, with the new sound from the Spotify Singles session. I've really enjoyed their work and missed the opportunity to see them live when they did a tour a few years ago on the UK. I'll be keeping an eye out for future appearances. Hope you enjoy this version of Colors, if you did then check out the original and their debut album for track after track of soulful delights.
Mulder and Scully – Catatonia
I don't know why but I've had this in my head for the last few weeks, so I decided to spread this to anyone who stumbles on my ramblings. Maybe it's because Ryan Coogler is on the circuit talking about his new film Sinners, and the conversation has drifted into his X-Files reboot a few times. Either way, we move from Colors with a handbrake turn into Cerys and her fear of sleeping alone.
The Night – Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons
Once again we bumpily navigate to a different kind of track, but something I wanted to include on the previous MixTapes. Outside of Grease, I don't know much about Frankie Vallie, but he is 90 years young! Although Wikipedia says his birth year has been called into question... I've always been intrigued by the Jersey Boys musical so may have to give that a whirl one day.
Unconditional I (Lookout Kid) – Arcade Fire
Another band I know very little about, but I like their eclectic ways and always give their latest albums a go - Pink Elephant is out soon. I quite like their album 'We' which is where this track comes from, it feels like a great journey so pop this on while I'm busy coding and it helps the focus. Give it a go.
Sunset – Kate Bush
Yessss! I hadn't heard this song for years and then they played it on Radio 6. Brought back some memories and put me on a Kate Bush rollercoaster again for a bit. Headphones on, great from start to finish. Enjoy!
Until next month…
As ever, I’d love to know which tracks you liked (or didn’t!) and what you've been listening to lately. BlueSky your thoughts to me ✌️