Andy's Songs of the North Playlist Reviews - September 2024
Reviews by: Andy Ellis, Writer @andysmileyjay
Edited by: Andrew Perrizo, owner/editor @PlaylistTC
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The Songs of the North playlist is back for September! But seriously how was summer only 5 seconds long? Luckily, the new local indie music keeps coming and I've added some rock, hip-hop, and more — listen to your heart’s content!
As always, if you hear a song you like remember to check the artist out live and buy their merchandise. It’s the best way to keep our lovely independent music scene alive.
Check out the playlist embedded below, tell your friends, and lets show the world the music being made in Minnesota.
Devon Worley Band “Up on the Mountain”
When I first heard this song I remember thinking I was witnessing this band reach a whole new, almost otherworldly level of creativity. It deals with the question of what’s next once that long sought after top of the mountain is conquered, and judging from just the bridge alone, they’ll just keep pushing themselves. Worley’s pushed-to-the-limit vocals alone in that section provide a safe space to anyone in need of a good scream session.
Brooke Brown “I Hate My Guitar”
It sucks when you can’t enjoy certain parts of life due to how it reminds you of a former flame. But in a mix of sadness and humor, Brown addresses the plight of a songwriter wanting to get over someone, but their memory of that person won’t stop being their primary source of creative inspiration. Not only do songwriters struggle with getting paid, but they can’t even properly move on like everyone else.
Bizhiki “She’s All We Have”
The piano intro sets the tone for what I can only describe as one final quiet, desperate plea to save the sacred lands they were raised to care for and live with, not take from or neglect. If the cry of “She’s all we have. Just give us back our land,” doesn’t stop you in your tracks — check your pulse. There are only six lines of lyrics, but the words hit me like a dagger in the heart — powerful is an understatement.
Nikki Lemire “Memphis - Live”
It’s hard to believe this was recorded live at a show, and it still feels incredibly intimate. The mix of elegance that comes from Nikki's careful vocals and harp evoke a calmness that you don’t often hear in a song about regret. It’s like she’s having this thought as she’s doing something as mundane as the dishes.
Molly Brandt feat. The Sunsettes “Sunup”
I was in as soon as I heard that single swag-filled guitar riff, and heartbeat of a kick drum. What Brandt has created is one of the most fun and immersive pieces of country-influenced dance music I’ve heard from the indie music scene in a while. I could listen to the chorus alone on repeat, and not grow tired of it.
Ka Lia Universe feat. Jae Fontane “this time is goodbye”
Ka Lia keeps her pop influence intact while bringing in some refreshing Avril Lavigne-esque attitude. At first this song comes off as a woman who realizes he’s just no good for her, but then Jae Fontana’s verse reveals he thinks the same way about her. It slowly becomes clear they need to stay away from each other.
emerson pluto “1K MILES”
Almost immediately the song’s intro that has a thumping kick drum mixed with electronic sounds makes me feel like I’m in outer space. This could very well be a love song set in post apocalyptic times where everyone lives on various space stations, and these two lovers are on different stations that are just far enough apart where traveling isn’t easy, and so he is wandering around his living quarters alone. I’ll take this kind of immersion via music every day.
The Pale Goblin “Matador”
Are you ready to get inside the mind of an outlaw who is at peace with the fact that they’ll be caught soon? This song’s windows down summer vibes production will have you nodding your head and ready to light one up, while its lyrics paint the image of man-at-large preparing for the end and enjoying every last bit of his dwindling freedom. I guess we’ll just to have to turn it up and continuing living it up in his honor.
Cole Diamond “You’re My Love Song”
This song will put you in a Honky Tonk even if you’ve got no idea what that is. I can see Diamond breaking into this slow dance tune as the couples fill the dance floor, and they start singing along as they look into the eyes of their loved one. It’s hard to get more country than this.
Plastik Boxes “Ever Warm”
The keys of the late Efren Maldonado mixed with the smooth vocals of Greg Johnson are a match made in music heaven. That synth sound always brings up images of the ‘80s, yet this song also feels modern. The sonics surrounded me in a comfortable and cloudy feeling I don’t want to leave.
