The Plug’n Play: January (‘23)
January 31, 2023
You can listen to the full playlist on Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal
In the landscape of a calendar year, January’s always a bit weird for me. Here’s why: on one end, January’s exciting — you usually get some singles from forthcoming projects — so there’s an element of anticipation. On the other end, it’s like, by the time we get to the latter part of the year, it feels as if January releases never happened (?) I’m pretty sure the release schedule labels set up has something this (?), jockeying position/qualifying for awards ceremonies, summer festivals, and such. Needless to say, there were some fantastic and surprising (?) releases in January! The first 13 songs were selected by me, Stanley. Songs 14-22 were selected by Kevin. As always, we hope you find a song you like and check out the larger body of work!
A few highlights from January:
Many Hats — Oddisee
On Oddisee’s 12th studio album, To What End, the D.C.-native and Brooklyn based MC, takes a vulnerably honest look at family and career, dreams and sacrifices, and his attempt to balance it all. He’s as sharp as he’s ever been on this project. Many Hats is but one song on a stellar album.
I Wish You Roses — Kali Uchis
I Wish You Roses, Kali Uchis’ exciting new single feels like a return of sorts to her 2018 album, Isolation. I’m looking forward to her forthcoming album set to come out on March 3!
Same Problems? — A$AP Rocky
Admittedly, I haven’t kept up with A$AP Rocky or his music, but if his music continues to sound like his latest single? Sign me up! I love how minimal the song is — just a bass, a synthesizer, and vocals — there’s something haunting about it all. Same Problems? also features Thundercat on bass, Miguel, Tyler, The Creator, Hector Delgado, and Miles McCollum.
THE zone ~ - Lil Yachty
Look, I didn’t expect to be here either. But here I am. It’s incredible.
tecnologia — Brad Allen Williams
Having spent the past few years serving as guitarist for Brittany Howard and Nate Smith, respectively, Williams now steps out on his own. On tecnologia, the lead-single from his forthcoming LP, œconomy out on February 10th, Williams’ voice is strong, as a composer and guitarist, meticulously crafting harmony and melody, as well a wonderful string arrangement (you should also check out his Instagram account and watch him talk gear and his recording process!).
