Tag: playlists

The Picture of Coping

I don’t ordinarily share playlists here that I make, but since I’m between writing [a whole bunch of posts – please don’t look at me!] right now, I thought I’d share basically what I’ve been listening to this year, as a preview for at least a couple of posts that I’m in the process of writing.

From one of my most recent posts, you’ll know that I discovered Big Country last year, and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. But, of course, as far as listening to music goes (because even eight months of listening is a long time), I’ve still managed to listen to some other stuff obsessively, too. The main thing I want to point out (because my favorite decade for music will always be the ‘80s) is how good ‘Til Tuesday’s music sounds following Big Country’s music. Is it the similar melancholic tones in much of their respective disographies? Or is it that both bands included underratedly exceptional musicianship? Whichever may be true, both bands sound characteristic of the [most successful] decade they came out of, which means not everyone will love them (or, you may not love them beyond their biggest hit(s)), but for those of us who do or still appreciate ‘80s music, they should be considered some of the best in ‘80s rock music…at the very least.

And, unrelated to an album review that I plan to post, I want to mention that Sleater-Kinney’s Little Rope is still getting the most play AND the most spins this year from me. And, universe willing, I will at least get to see them ONCE this year for a total of twice that I’ve ever gotten to see them live, which is still, greedily, not enough!

Anyway, I don’t have much to say about this playlist other than to let it tonally speak for itself; while most songs on this playlist are full of despair (hence “The picture of mental illness?” half of the title), I’ve ironically been listening to them as a method to not despair (“No, but, the picture of coping – yes” other half of the title). The best way I can justify that is to say, as long as there’s good music to listen to, I guess life is worth living after all.

So, to say “Happy listening!” would feel strange given the mood of the playlist, so I will at least honestly say: may you unearth some poignant gems in here, just as I have.

Happy Black History Month!

In honor of Black History Month, acknowledging the area of music I most like to listen to and learn about, I collaborated with a friend to curate a playlist made up of music by the Black women (as frontpeople, musicians, and songwriters) of classic rock1. It is very much meant to represent the history of Black women in rock, as it is organized in chronological order by the dates that singles or albums were released. Do understand that this is an inexhaustible list – no artists or bands within the parameters of the playlist were left off intentionally, and if you alert me to any who I forgot or if I learn of more artists/bands on my own, they will be added in time!

Which leads me to one other note I must make: while this playlist was curated in honor of Black History Month, it’s important that these artists/bands AND contemporary Black artists/bands ALL be appreciated and recognized for their talent and contributions to music throughout the entire year! (Which is also why I think it would be appropriate to continue adding to the playlist through the year – but that’s just my thinking.)

If you check out this playlist – which I sincerely hope you will – you may think it’s long, or depending on who you are you might think it’s too short. (I think it’s too short.) If you believe the latter, then don’t fear – the playlist is actually incomplete from how I originally compiled it because a few artists could not be found on Spotify. Luckily, I’ve added the missing artists to a Youtube playlist2, so you can either rediscover some artists/bands you once heard and forgot that you enjoyed, or you’ll get the chance to learn of some new-to-you artists and bands! Either way, I hope you’ll find these playlists enjoyable, because I certainly do.

Continue reading “Happy Black History Month!” →