My August 2023 playlist
40 songs spanning nearly a century. All killer (you can listen to each one right here), no filler (because pulling all that together has cut into my astute-commentating time)...
Alejandro Escovedo, “Outlaw for You,” The Crossing — 2018
Aretha Franklin, “Are You Sure,” Aretha (with the Ray Bryant Combo) — 1961
Arizona Dranes, “Just Look,” Arizona Dranes (1926-1929) — 1993
The Beatles, “I’ve Just Seen a Face,” Help! — 1965
Bella White, “Break My Heart,” Among Other Things — 2023
Carolina Chocolate Drops, “City of Refuge,” Genuine Negro Jig — 2010
The Chefs, “I’m a Goner,” Sing for Your Supper — 2022
Claire Lynch, “Great Day In the Mornin’,” Whatcha Gonna Do — 2009
Del Castillo, “I Never Cared for You” (with Willie Nelson), Brotherhood — 2006
Dinah Washington, “They Didn’t Believe Me” (feat. Quincy Jones and His Orchestra), The Swingin’ Miss “D” — 1956
Dream Wife, “Curious,” Social Lubrication — 2023
George Michael & Queen, “Somebody To Love,” Five Live (EP) — 1993
Guayacán Orquesta, “¡Ay Amor, Cuando Hablan Las Miradas!,” Xtremo — 2006
Ian Hunter, “This Is What I’m Here For” (feat. Taylor Hawkins, Joe Elliott & Waddy Wachtel), Defiance, Pt. 1 — 2023
The Isley Brothers, “I Turned You On,” The Brothers: Isley — 1969
Jaime Wyatt, “Wasco,” Felony Blues — 2017
Jemina Pearl, “Ecstatic Appeal,” Break It Up — 2009
Jordan Zevon, “Just Do That,” Insides Out — 2008
Joy Crookes, “Feet Don't Fail Me Now,” Skin — 2021
Kumbia Queers & Mula, “Descalzas en la Pista” (Single) — 2023
Latyrx, “The Muzappers Mix: Aim for the Flickering Flame/Rankin’ #1,” Latyrx — 1997
Laura Marling, “Nature of Dust,” I Speak Because I Can — 2010
Les Kilimambogo, “Wakumbuke Wazazi (El Coyote),” Piconema: East African Hits On the Colombian Coast — 2023
Los Chicharrons, “Chicharrons N Boogaloo,” Conga Heaven, Bongo Hell — 1999
Lucinda Williams, “I Lost It,” Happy Woman Blues — 1980
Maria McKee, “Love Doesn't Love,” High Dive — 2003
The Meters, “Give It What You Can,” New Directions — 1977
Miniature Tigers, “Like or Like Like,” Tell It to the Volcano — 2008
Murder By Death, “I Have Arrived,” The Other Shore — 2018
The Precisions, “What Would You Do,” The Skippy White Story: Boston Soul 1961 - 1967 — 2022
Priscilla Renea, “Dollhouse,” Jukebox — 2009
Richard & Linda Thompson, “When I Get to the Border,” I Want to See the Bright Lights Tonight — 1974
SAKURAN-ZENSEN, “Rock’in Roll,” I am SAKURAN-ZENSEN — 2018
Santigold, “Shake,” Spirituals — 2022
Saun & Starr, “Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah,” Look Closer — 2015
Sinéad O'Connor, “Trouble Will Soon Be Over,” God Don’t Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson — 2016
Teena Marie, “First Class Love,” Irons In the Fire — 1980
TOBi, “Move” (Single) — 2022
Tony Bennett & Ralph Sharon and His Orchestra, “Ol’ Man River,” At Carnegie Hall — 1962
Vanessa da Mata, “Ai, Ai, Ai...,” Essa Boneca Tem Manual — 2002