Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - July 2025
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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Hey there, it’s been a while. As the world gets more and more crazy it’s nice to know music is there for whatever reason you need it. Even better, the artists that make up the Minnesota scene haven’t stopped writing since I’ve been on a little break. And the digital crate digging brought a lot of discoveries from familiar and new faces.
So come on in and check out just a sample of what our music community has been cooking up. As always if you find something you like, give them some love. Follow their socials, buy their music, merch, and catch a show.
For right now, Songs of the North will be every other month. Enjoy.
Jared McCloud “Mama”
“Mama” starts out sounding like it will be a sweet and simple ode to McCloud’s mother, but once he starts singing it’s clear this one has an ‘I’ve been knocked down repeatedly’ tone that’s very refreshing. And once that booming kick drum comes in the momentum continues to build into a powerful vulnerable rocker with McCloud’s sincere and no-bullshit vocals at the center. That guttural yell at the end is a very satisfying cherry on top.
Sammie Jean Cohen “Wild Horse”
The first word that comes to mind when I hear “Wild Horse” is ‘freedom.’ With Cohen’s born-in-the-dirt vocals and Americana-roots heavy production surrounding her, it’s one I can hear her singing as a personal mantra as she’s traveling to wherever her journey takes her next. And if anyone feels like joining her — come right along.
Lazenlow “Blind”
Lazenlow is honing their ability to take the catchiness of a Top 40 pop hit, and fill its veins with a built-by-hand three-dimensional production layering that screams DIY with pride. Out of that comes a sound that has a slightly dark atmosphere that’s lightened up slightly by lead singer Jillian’s smooth vocals. It’s a balancing act that’s not easy, but they execute it flawlessly.
The Cameras “Paper Cuts”
“Paper Cuts” automatically puts me in a happy and relaxed mood. The intro has a slowed down sunny feel that brings to mind a little bit of the Beach Boys, and the vocals have this very soft pleasant feel that put you at ease. Mix that with lyrics that definitely warrant close listening and it’s a winner for everyone’s summer playlist.
Emily Haavik “If I Were A Ghost”
I can hear the sadness in Haavik’s voice as if she’s imagining being gone, and not being able to make anymore memories with her kids. But that’s also mixed with a slight happiness in knowing how much more she could be there for them, and makes you also realize the limitations of being human. Paired with minimal acoustic accompaniment and some additional flourishes that create that spiritual world presence, this song is both sobering and hopeful.
Canada Goose “Crash”
The intro alone lets you know it’s time to hit the road with the windows down. The groovy, crunchy electric guitar riff followed by the rest of the band slowly making its way into the mix also serves as the perfect introduction to a band that just wants to rock out with everyone. Add in the lead vocals of Bryan Murphy and some very welcoming harmonies, and you’ll be spinning this tune all night long to keep the good times rolling.
Roz Prickel “Miss Usa”
Using different cities and what they’re most known for to tell the story of the depth of connection between these two souls needs to be heard to truly be felt and understood. The simple combination of Prickel’s sincerity-drenched vocals and her acoustic guitar result in a very sweet and simple love song. All that’s needed now is to press play again.
Jennifer Marie “How Do I Get There”
Jennifer’s soft high register vocals pair perfectly with the piano’s deep low sound. She’s in deep reflection in a way that allows the listener to reflect along with her even after the song slowly fades out. With a lyric like “How do I learn to forgive myself for not knowing,” she’s in deep contemplation about issues we all go through.
Kiernan “Autopilot”
With the elegant and sparse instrumentation I can imagine Kiernan in the passenger seat as the car rolls across a mountainous backdrop with the sun slowly setting, and it’s that same score-like production that represents the slow burn of a relationship reaching its end. On top of it you have lead singer Laura Kiernan’s unique awesomely off-kilter vocals that serve as a narration to the couple’s story that kept me hooked for the whole song. It clocks in at over five minutes, and not a single moment was wasted.
Burning Blue Rain “Into the Blue Frame”
Every time I listen to this instrumental it’s not long before they have me hooked. The electric and acoustic guitar mix in the intro sets up Sweet Lou perfectly to take lead on a slow burning Blues guitar solo that had me transported to a night at the Dakota Jazz Club. With a great band adding a bed of support, especially Oliver Osland’s touches with the organ, you’ll be lost in some cool Blues every time this song comes on.
