The Plug’n Play: July (‘20)
August 3, 2020
You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal
Some highlights from the month: July’s featured long-awaited album releases from Brandy and Lianne Le Havas, two artists many have been waiting on, as well as a solo-album release from Kamaal Williams (after spending time as a duo with Drummer, Yussef Dayes). July also featured an album release from the newly formed group, Dinner Party, featuring Terrace Martin, Robert Glasper, 9th Wonder, and Kamasi Washington. July’s also featured some incredible collaborations I hope form into something bigger — Kaytranada and Lucky Daye, abd SchoolBoy Q and Weathrman/The Gorillaz — as well as the always steady collaboration between Alex Isley and Jack Dine, with newcomer Masego. All in all, it’s been a good month for music!
Below are some of our favorite songs from the month, and a bit about why we love them. The first 15 songs were selected by Kevin, and the last 16 songs were selected by me, Stanley. We hope you find a song you like, and check out the entire album!
Stanley: Lianne La Havas — Seven Times
In the five years between Lianne Le Havas’ sophomore album Blood and her new, self-titled album, the artist has grown in a myriad of ways. Already a gifted songwriter and guitarist, Le Havas’ new album ventures beyond her previous work, showing an artist that is both seasoned and venturing into new worlds. Trying to pick one song for the playlist was almost impossible, but I settled on Seven Times. I love the crackle of the analog tape, the sound of her nylon stringed guitar, the arc of the story, how her voice sits in the mix, and shuffle on the drum pattern. This is undeniably one of my favorite albums from the year!
Stanley: Dinner Party — From My Heart and My Soul (Featuring Phoelix)
In May of 2019, I got the chance to sit down with and interview, singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, Phoelix before a show where he was serving as the opener. A few months later, I got the chance to see him again at the Hollywood Bowl where he was performing alongside Herbie Hancock. Now, a year later, Phoelix is one of the featured artists on the newly formed group between Robert Glasper, Terrace Martin, Kamasi Washington, and 9th Wonder! On From My Heart and My Soul, Phoelix assumes the role as lead vocalist, offering a soulful melody over top 9th Wonder’s drums and Kamasi Washington’s saxophone. In many ways, the song is reminiscent of J Dilla and D’Angelo’s collaborative efforts.
Stanley: Gorillaz (featuring SchoolBoy Q) — Pac-Man
The Gorillaz’s new song, which features SchoolBoy, shows the power of collaboration from seemingly disparate worlds. While already incredible, the song really takes off for me once the additional production from Weathrman and John Smythe comes in, which serves as somewhat of a counterbalance to The Gorillaz’s electronic production-style.
