The Plug’n Play: October (‘20)
October 31, 2020
You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal
Below are some of our favorite songs from the month, and a bit about why we love them. The first 17 songs were selected by me, Stanley and the second 15 songs were selected by Kevin. We hope you find a song you like, and check out the entire album!
Stanley: Stevie Wonder — Where Is Our Love Song (Featuring Gary Clark Jr.)
Over the past few months, I’ve gone through a serious Stevie Wonder binge, revisiting what many consider to be his classic run in the ‘70s. I’ve done everything from fiendishly looking through album credits and watching performances, to listening to interviews with former band members and podcasts about his albums - it’s all been a great joy! Amidst all of that, one thing I’ve found myself asking again and again is — “What Stevie Wonder would sound like today? How has he changed or remained the same? What music/artists inspire him today” On October 13th, I got that answer, as Stevie Wonder released two new songs, featuring some of the most talented voices in music today. Of the two, my favorite is Where Is Our Love Song, which features Gary Clark Jr. The song shows both Stevie Wonder’s urgent message and clear ideological stance on this moment — “you say you believe all lives matter/I say I don’t believe the fuck you do” — as well as his signature compositional style. It’s good hearing from Stevie, especially now.
Stanley: Xavier Omar — Like I Feel (Featuring Mereba)
Early last year, I got the chance to see Xavier Omär in concert, when he served as the opening act for NAO. It was my second time seeing him, but this time he had the complement of his band. I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was THAT good? Stage presence, charisma, live vocals (his mic was indeed on!) — he had the entire package! Coming into his new album, I was expecting much of what I saw on that January night at Union Transfer in Philadelphia - and he didn’t disappoint. Omär’s latest project shows an artist comfortably settling into his artistic voice and sound. This song, Like I Feel, features Mereba, and production from D’Mile, one of my personal favorite producers. More, D’Mile’s imaginative approach to chord structure and harmony elevates the song and highlights the featured artists vocal abilities. Easily one of my favorite songs from the year!
Stanley: Cory Henry — Don’t Forget
In true 21st century fashion, I first learned about Cory Henry through YouTube some 11 years ago. There was a huge snow storm in Philadelphia and schools were closed for a few days. I spent the majority of my time at home watching Cory Henry play organ! At the time, Henry was some what of a local, urban legend in the Gospel community — “the guy from New York that’s blazing on organ for James Hall!” Fast forward, in late October, Cory Henry released his sixth album, Something to Say, which features his band, The Funk Apostles. Henry sounds much more assured of himself, both as a composer and vocalist, easily melding the words of traditional Gospel music, Funk, and R&B. Don’t Forget, the lead track from the album, shows Henry offering a message of hope and an ever-present reminder to remain committed to the work of liberation — and it’s funky.
