On The Rocks Vol. 1

04/21/14 • 34 min

My colleagues at OKRP have turned the musical reigns over to me this week. As a strategist, I’m inclined to use this playlist as some form cultural commentary; something like "this playlist is a parable of how labels and delineations like 'genre' are becoming less relevant to millennial tastes and musical preferences.” While that may be true, the truth is that for one reason or another, these are tracks that I feel. And because of that, I think they’re worth sharing. - Nate Civilian – Wye Oak A two-person indie rock band named after a 460 year old tree. Wait So Long – Trampled by Turtles Accessible bluegrass. Just A Kid – Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles Off the album HEAT. The band changed their name in November of last year to the way-less-cool “Field Trip.” Their music still rocks. Love Interruption – Jack White As love songs go, this is up there with The Rolling Stones’ “Dead Flowers.” Complex, conflicted, determined. Mila’s Dream – Parov Stelar Like whispering the secret password and parting the curtain into the “real” party. Golden Age – Woodkid This guy used to direct music videos for Katy Perry and Taylor Swift. This title track off his debut album is shamelessly big, thoughtful and rich. Good career move, guy. Bill Murray – Phantogram Email marketers would appreciate the title of this track. Great subject line. Optimize open rates by 10%. Strange Love – Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles Track two from this group. Can’t get enough. Still hate their new name. Scenic World – Beirut Like if David Byrne spent a couple decades in Eastern Europe. Red Eyes – The War on Drugs Both a smooth and jerky track that begs a second listen (and third, and fourth...).

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Whiskey & Bananas Vol. 9

Emajer– Tinariwen From the album “Emmaar” meaning “heat on the breeze” - music from northern Mali. Whistle Song – The New Mastersounds British soul funk silliness Easy Easy – King Krule From Londoner Archy Marshall’s debut LP as King Krule Strawberry Letter 23 – The Brothers Johnson Originally penned by Shuggie Otis, about a girlfriend who wrote letters on strawberry scented paper Clean Up Your Own Back Yard – Elvis Presley A “message” song from the King Playing For Keeps – Elle King The theme song to VH1’s Mob Wives Chicago Johnny and Mary – Robert Palmer Still as infectious today as it was in 1980 All Around My Hat – Steeleye Span Song from ’75 with all off the elements to make a great song – separated lovers, interrupted weddings, and the inconsolable rejected lover. That’ll put a smile on your face. Tennessee Bird Walk – Jack Blanchard & Misty Morgan With lyrics like ‘bald headed birds walking southward in their dirty underwear’ – they don’t write ‘em like that anymore Take Your Clothes Off When You Dance – Frank Zappa A reggae-fied version of the original Mothers Of Invention classic

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Whiskey & Bananas Vol. 10

New York Groove – Ace Frehley Kiss lead guitarist, Ace Frehley rocked hard in ’78 with this solo gem. Ain’t Got No Home – Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry The ‘croak’ voice that happens at 1:27 is how he got his nickname – no auto tune here. Grape Peel (How I Feel) – Buffalo Killers From their album Heavy Reverie – meaty pop from Cincinnati, Oh-hi-o. Come Away – ESG From ’83 – we think James Murphy (LCD Soundsystem) owes a lot to ESG. The Beat Generation – Beat Farmers Mid 80’s Cow punk from San Diego. King Tubby Meets Rockers Uptown – Augustus Pablo Rub-a-dub-dub. Free Walk – Melt Yourself Down Jazz funk pays a huge homage to Fela. Voodoo Lady – Ween It’s only been two years, but we wish these guys would get back together. All At Once – Ty Karim Dusty and raw, from the original “Los Angeles Soul Goddess.” Sit Down You’re Rockin’ The Boat – Sammy Davis Jr. Made famous in ‘Guys and Dolls’ – made more famous by the Candy Man.