The Plug'n Play: January (‘20)
January 31, 2020
You can listen to the full playlist on Apple Music, Spotify, or Tidal
January 31, 2020 marks the 3rd anniversary of the monthly Plug’n Play playlist! The playlist has evolved over time, including regular contributions from Kevin and a written portion about our favorite songs, an effort to place songs in their context in the moment. It’s been a real joy to scour the internet for new music. Though it’s a relatively small milestone, it’s a milestone nonetheless, and something we truly enjoy doing.
January can be a bit of a slog, musically, but this January was surprisingly fruitful. January offered new music from Thundercat, for his upcoming album, a new project from Mick Jenkins, a new EP from Wild Nothing, an incredible new single from Lucky Daye, in support of the upcoming film, The Photograph, and a stellar debut solo-project from French-Creole singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Maë Defays.
Below are some of our favorite songs from the month, and a bit about why we love them. The first 10 songs were selected by Kevin, and the last 11 songs were selected by me, Stanley. We hope you find a song you like, and check out the entire album!
Stanley: Lucky Daye — Fade Away
I’m trying to temper my expectations, but The Photograph, a love story centering both art and analog photography, is shaping up to be a good movie. In an Instagram post, Pianist, Robert Glasper confirmed that he did the score for the movie, with the help of longtime friend and collaborator, Derrick Hodge. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any better, Lucky Daye drops an absolute gem of a song. It’s got a bit of the magic the Isley Brothers were known for, strong, lead guitar lines, mixed with a lethal drum and bass combo, sneaky key changes, and sublime storytelling from Lucky Daye.
Stanley: Maë Defays — Balcony
I was introduced to Maë Defays less than two hours ago (as of me writing this). That said, her music has left a strong impression on me! Defays is a French-Creole, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. Earlier this month Defays released her debut solo-project, Whispering, a 7-song display of her skill as a composer and songwriter. Singing in both English and French, Defays is incredibly talented, and someone worth keeping an eye on in the future!
Thundercat — Black Qualls (Featuring Steve lacy and Steve Arrington)
Thundercat does what he wants. If you’ve seen his Twitter or Instagram, then you know this to be true. But, under the wild outfits, ever-changing hair color, and crazy videos he posts, is one of the most talented and skilled musicians to ever pick up an instrument - Thundercat is that good. Earlier this month, Thundercat released his lead single, Black Qualls, a song dipped in the funkiest of rivers, for his forthcoming album. Black Qualls features friend and collaborator, Steve Lacy, and former Slave vocalist and drummer, Steve Arrington.
