The Plug’n Play: August (‘21)

August 30, 2021

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. The first 10 songs were selected by me, Stanley and the last 13 songs were selected by Kevin. We hope you find a song you like, and check out the entire album!

Stanley: Kaya Nova — More Than That

Told in two parts, Kaya Nova’s new tune, More Than That, is a song of desire, introspective inquiry, and resolution. Set to the sound of sparse block chords on the piano, subdued drums, and stacked harmonies, Nova asks a question of romantic inquiry, stating plainly — “there’s gotta be more than that?” — which feels equal parts question and reassurance to one’s self. As the music shifts, and a brilliant production decision, the sound of a cassette being exchanged plays, and the listener is transported to the resolution as Nova sings “you don’t even like me, you don’t even fight me…”

Stanley: Jon Smith — Spors!

Yermo, the latest offering from Philadelphia-based bassist and composer, Jon Smith, is an exciting exploration into Smith’s world of sound unhampered by notions of genre. Aided by Corey Bernhard and Simon Martinez, Yermo thrives as a body work that is unafraid to try things, and often exceed expectation. Smith’s virtuosic bass playing shines throughout the album, but on Spors! the listener can hear a musician finely attuned with groove and feel. The album is enjoyable, and I’d highly recommend checking it out!

Stanley: Cleo Sol — Sunshine

To this point, it’s hard to think of a more well-rounded, vulnerable, and forthright album from 2021 than Cleo Sol’s, Mother. Sol’s new album, produced by fellow Londoner, INFLO, is restrained; sublime, yet subtle. And fittingly titled, Mother is inviting — it has the feeling of warmth and embrace. On Sunshine, Sol presents these themes and more, in one of the high points of an already-excellent album.