Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - February 2023
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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Dan Israel. Photograph by Stephen Cohen.
There is a ton of talent in our lovely (yes, even during the sanity-testing winter) state across all genres. So I wanted to curate a playlist that highlighted 20 songs from 20 different Minnesota artists each month, and establish the list as one the general public can turn to for homegrown talent, and maybe the artists themselves will discover someone they want to collaborate with.
So at the beginning of each month I’ll publish a new playlist with 20 new songs that have been released within the last 6 months (I’m making an exception for this first list), each with their own small review. My goal is to include country, hip-hop, rock, singer-songwriter, pop, and everything in between. If I like the song, it’s eligible.
Below are the inaugural 20 songs of the inaugural Andy’s Songs of the North on Spotify. Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
Kelley Smith “Moon Child”
The album art of Kelley Smith’s debut EP Moon Child and the title song compliment each other really well. Smith’s soft lullaby-toned vocals paired with a gently-played acoustic guitar come together for a calming twilight feel that will calm any restless mind. I can imagine Smith playing this underneath the bright Northern Minnesota moon to her younger self who lays awake at night unknowing of what insomnia is, and telling her it will be okay.
Doyle Turner “These Days”
These are the kinds of songs that let us into the mind of the artist. Doyle Turner is pondering out loud on “These Days,” off his new Sweet, Difficult Sounds record, and it just so happens he can do it best with a guitar. It’s a conversation starter and a style of songwriting he’s honed through his songwriting journey, and we’re just lucky he lets us listen.
Nur-D featuring Crowfather “Great Performer”
Nur-D once again proves his knack for tackling rough topics over his signature bright, pop-influenced sound. He and Crowfather tackle acting fine when you’re battling demons on the inside, and use their perspective of being performers who have to always be ‘on.’ Anyone whose dealt with fighting inner turmoil while not being able to show it can easily relate.
The Jorgensons “Hey Baby”
I love songs that put you in a warm place right away, especially when living through a ‘lovely’ Minnesota winter. With “Hey Baby” the Jorgensens invite you into an underground speakeasy where the music is filling the room, libations are easing your nerves, and a good time is being had by all. If you want to stay in that warm feeling, then listen to their new record Americana Soul in its entirety.
Red Eye Ruby “Bright”
Red Eye Ruby’s “Bright” takes me back to those prohibition-era underground drinkeries, and tells a dark but sensual story about being attracted to people she knows are no good under the surface. But she just can’t resist the satisfaction they provide. I can imagine her singing on the stage as her doomed source of attraction slowly walks into view from the darkened room. The jazzy vocals mixed with a splash of southern-style acoustic guitar do a great job setting the scene and help tell this fantastic story.
Karina Kern “Wandering Heart”
“Wandering Heart” solidifies my belief that Karina Kern can sing anything. Her vocals bring this warm soul-food satisfying feeling every time I hear her sing. The fact that this song about not being able to stay in one place is also her debut into a more pop sounding direction is a great fit.
Joe Flip “Invictus”
Joe Flip wrote “Invictus” as a tribute to his friend that suddenly passed away. The two guitars blend sadness with a soulfulness that lets those affected mourn while also celebrating a life, and allow their own memories to take the place of traditional lyrics. It’s a piece of music that only someone who truly knew that person and how to make a guitar talk through its strings could create.
Luke Leblanc “Take Your Mind Off It”
“Take Your Mind Off It” is one of the more upbeat songs on Luke Leblanc’s new record, Fugue State. He knows the world’s in a chaotic time with the shouting of opinions dominating the headlines, and he just wants to give this person a break from all that. The doubled vocal effect and production add a slight electric soul sound to Leblanc’s traditionally acoustic sound, which adds a fun bit of soul man attitude to the performance.
Present Company “I Can’t Turn It Off”
The first thing that came to my mind listening to “I Can’t Turn it Off” is wondering who the massive Pink Floyd fans of the group are. The second thing was the combination of UK influenced rock like White Lies, and dark 80s-tinged pop they’ve managed to mold into a very catchy sound present through this song and the rest of their self-titled debut. This is the kind of music that keeps me excited about the local scene, because you never know when you’re going to discover another musical addiction like this.
The Von Tramps “Waking Up”
I’ve got a special place in my heart for when pop-punk bands known for rocking out slow it down, which is exactly what The Von Tramps do on “Waking Up,” with an acoustic guitar and Jenna Enemy’s perfect-for-pop-punk vocals. The song is about taking back our lives from the daily grind, and morphs into to a full-fledged sincere rock song by the end. With its soaring guitars and Enemy showing her range, it shows there are no limits to what this bad ass rock trio are capable of.
Clay Fulton & the Lost Forty “Little By Little”
The way this song opens and turns into a full fledged heartland rock and roll song sent a lighting strike straight to my core the first time I heard it; my caffeine addiction had met its match. This song and their new record Positive Numbers is a clear signal the band is going in a more Springsteen full band rock direction with Clay Fulton’s warm Midwestern vocals leading the way. That it is a song about realizing you’re not getting any younger drives that direction home even further.
Cosmic Orphan “Raise the Alarm”
I can hear this group being played right next to Death Cab for Cutie. Lead by the clear and passionate vocals of Dan Conway, it’s not long before “Raise the Alarm” proves just how immersive their sound can be. Their debut EP Be My Guard shows how they can switch between acoustic with the harmonies of Dan and his co-leading singer/wife Stacie to arena rock sounds, and now I just need a full album of this.
Maygen & the Birdwatcher featuring the Foxgloves “No Joe”
This song is the sound of a band having a blast. I can hear the laughter from co-lead singer Maygen Lacey as they begin the song, and she’s smiling wide as she sings. It’s as if the band’s goal, with some help from the Foxgloves, was to just press record and enjoy making music. Lucky for us the band did hit record and even luckier for us they’re also extremely talented.
Perry Project “Recall”
Tracy Perry of Perry Project is unpredictable, and that’s great news for music fans. On “Recall,” a song about memories, he dives into combining electronic sounds with more traditional instruments that provides a calming experience. And if you’re hungry for more he’s got an EP filled with the new direction called Liars, Fires.
Dan Israel “How Do I”
Dan Israel wrote the mature no bullshit love song we’ve been looking for. It’s for those who have seen their share of life’s trials and tribulations, understand making relationships last is hard work, and are determined to do the work and be the best partner they can. For a song that’s both honest as hell and heartfelt, Israel’s Dylan-esque vocals have that been-through-shit sincerity this message needs.
Amanda B. Perry “Change”
Amand B. Perry puts everything into each song she sings, and “Change” is another flawless example. The vocal performance never falters as I can both feel and hear her state of mind change as the song progresses to reveal the fate of her relationship. It’s not easy putting all this emotion into one song, but Perry does it beautifully.
Jesse Norell “What to Tell You”
I’m a big believer that Jesse Norell’s Aorta Borealis concept album needs to heard in full, because of the reason for its existence. But I was hooked as soon as I started listening to “What to Tell You,” because the way the song gently gets you ready for the journey ahead. Norell’s calming vocals deliver an understated, but powerful performance that make this song one of the many standouts.
Dayna Koehn “Invisible”
There are some songs so powerful that all I can do is sit in silence for a while afterwards to process what I just heard. “Invisible” is one of those songs. I remember being floored when I first heard Koehn sing, and the amount of heartbreak she conveys in this song easily renders a crowd speechless.
Brandon Pulphus featuring Mpls Drew “Buttah Talk”
If everyone possessed the same confidence Fairplay Entertainment members Brandon Pulphus and Mpls Drew brought to their verses on this song, there would be a lot metaphorical world conquering being done. The production immediately grabs your attention and the MCs hold it until it’s time to go. You’ll definitely be coming back for more.
Russ Parrish “You’re Here”
I’m very selective when it comes to Christian contemporary music, but Russ Parrish is one of those artists who routinely breaks through that filter for me. “You’re Here” is no different, with his smooth, soul-baring vocals and atmospheric pop production. He may be singing to God, which may turn some off, but I believe every word he sings and for that I’ll keep coming back.
