The Plug’n Play: January (‘19)
January 31, 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 bit about of why we love them. Side A, songs 1-9, were selected by me, Stanley, and Side B, songs 10-19 were selected by Kevin. Hope you enjoy!
Stanley: JustFrenchie — Philly
I’m immediately in on any song that has “Philly” in the title or is about Philly in anyway. This song in particular — Philly — by JustFrenchie is a love letter to the city, highlighting her upbringing in West Philly, remaining true to the foundation the city has laid for her, and the simple, yet beautiful, things about the Philadelphia. Musically, it sounds like Philly, too. Not the Atlanta sounding “Philly” (i.e. super-trappy music made by an artist that has moved to Atlanta). Rather, it sounds like the music you’ll hear at jam sessions. I appreciate that. AND THE HOOK IS SUPER CATCHY.
Stanley: Gold Shades — Angeline
I met these guys — Gold Shades: Julian Booker, Gary Clark II aka Stello, and Marlon Booker — during college in 2011. They each play at least three instruments (conservative estimate), respectively, produce, and arrange their own music. It’s been really cool to watch their growth as artists, and I’m super happy to see the release of their self-titled, debut LP. Gold Shades’ Angeline is probably my favorite song from the album. Even more than the song I played on lol. Angeline captures the nostalgic feel of 80s Rock, but in a fresh way. The way the kick drum and bass guitar are in synch with each other, the [vocal] harmonies, and the towering hook all make for an incredibly well composed song.
Stanley: Summer Walker — Grave
I love live music. There’s a magic in hearing instruments in an uncompromised state. A [very] close second for me are live recordings. Last week, Summer Walker continued her hot streak, releasing a 4-song EP, CLEAR recorded live in a tree house. One of my favorite songs from the EP, Grave, was co-produced by my good friend Larry Lambert (Keys), and features another homie Remey Williams (Drums), and Stox (Bass). If you know Larry, which in some way you will soon, you know that this song has his hands (literally) all over it. It’s the Philly sound exported. From the synth intro to the halftime outro, it’s undeniable that he had a role in making the music for the #1 album on the Apple Music charts.
