The Plug’n Play: February (‘19)
February 28, 2019
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. Side A, songs 1-10, were selected by Kevin, and Side B, songs 11-19, were selected by me, Stanley. Hope you enjoy!
Stanley: Jennah Bell — John Forbid
I’ve been waiting on Jennah Bell’s album since her Anatomy EP in 2015. Finally, after four years, Bell released Anchors & Elephants. This song in particular, John Forbid, is one of my favorites from the album. Bell’s songwriting is incredible, as she tells the story of idealistic, yet dumb, young love. And, the slow, yet steady, pacing of the brushes on the snare, coupled with Bell’s singing and guitar playing, make the song feel as if it’s rocking you.
Kevin: Tierra Whack — CLONES
A Tierra Whack song that’s longer than 1 minute? You know I had to put this jawn on here! I’ve come to the realization that I’m a huge Whack fan and the being from Philly part isn’t even the driving force (okay maybe a small part). I love her flow, vocal tones/inflections and content. She got it.
Stanley: Eric Gales — It Just Beez That Way
Eric Gales is a guitar player’s guitar player and a throwback Bluesman. A Memphis native, Gales is steeped in the tradition of the Blues. Thematically, It Just Beez That Way is classic Blues material: a woman has put a spell on Gales and he can’t figure out what it is that’s happened to him. Gales asks his father, how could this woman smell so good, and be that bad? And in reply his father says, it just beez that way.
Kevin: Omar Apollo — Ashamed
I know next to nothing about this guy to be honest, but ever since my girlfriend sent me a track of his, I’ve been in the tank. This track really gave me some Prince vibes and that’s always a good thing. Maybe one day I’ll google him and learn some backstory.
Stanley: Gary Clark Jr. — The Guitar Man
Gary Clark Jr.’s most recent album, This Land takes the artist down more experimental paths, musically and topically. There’s some trap elements, classic Texas Blues reminiscent of Lightnin’ Hopkins, some Rock, and a lot of Soul. The Guitar Man places Gary Clark Jr. in a pleasant middle ground between Soul, Funk, and the Blues.
Kevin: Lucky Daye — Real Games
This is another guy that just randomly came across my radar and I’ve become a huge fan of. He fills my R&B appetite quite nicely. The production is top notch and the bass lines are always flames. This track is off the second EP in his ongoing EP series apparently-here’s hoping a part III drops soon.
