Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2022

As always, filled mostly with songs from the past year with a few oldies that still make my heart sing. Give a  listen to my Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2022 on Spotify here.  

For further inspiration, visit my posts from the past TEN years (!) at the links here: 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

1. "Sonnet" – The Verve
2. "Save Me" – Remy Zero

3. "This House is on Fire" – Broken Social Scene

4. "Dreaming of U" – Oberhofer

5. "Superstar" – Beach House

6. "Six Words" – Elbow

7. "About U" – Roosevelt

8. "Satellite" – Spoon

9. "For Every Voice that Never Sang" – Kashi Bashi

10. "The Last Man on Earth" – Wolf Alice

11. "Soft Spot" – Claud

12. "Island Hopping" – Monster Rally

13. "How it Ends" – DeVotchKa

14. "Nothing But Ashes" – Röyksopp

15. "Touch Returned (ii)" – Eluvium

Late Fall 2021 New Music Playlist

 Listen on Spotify, enjoy!

1. "Wake Me Up"  –  Foals
2. "No Choice"  –  Tame Impala

3. "Moment to Change" – Mano Le Tough

4. "Dreaming of U" – Oberhofer

5. "Where Do You Go" – Day Wave

6. "Sunrise/Sunset" – The Dodos

7. "Dream Never Dies" – Lo Moon

8. "Otomo" – Bonobo, O'Glynn

9. "White Fence Round House" – Vetiver

10. "Fisher Island Sound" – Beirut

11. "Goodbye Vista" – Deserta

12. "G2G" – The Antlers

13. "Somethin' More Than This" – Wajatta

14. "Welcome" – Jon Hopkins, 7RAYS

15. "Superstar" – Beach House

16. "Six AM" – The Album Leaf

Late Fall 2018 New Music Playlist

Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist (except Jmmy & Ocean Cat). Enjoy!

1. "Freelance" – Toro y Moi
2. "This Time Of Year" –  Ra Ra Riot
3. "Sixteen Days" –  Pond
4. "Death In Midsummer" –  Deerhunter
5. "Gallipoli" –  Beirut
6. "Dreamt I Was Gonna Be Your Man" –  Oberhofer
7. "Lover Chanting" –  Little Dragon
8. "Not the Same" –  Jmmy & Ocean Cat, Nile Rabb
9. "Alien" –  Beach House
10. "Sinking Ship" –  CAKE
11. "Swimming at Night" –  Django Django
12. "Merrie Land" –  The Good, the Bad & the Queen
13. "Panic Blooms" – Black Moth Super Rainbow
14. "Problems III" – The Growlers
15. "Adored" – Hatchie
16. "Hanoi 4" – Unknown Mortal Orchestra
17. "Open Again"  Thom Yorke
18. "Universalis" –  Hammock

Top 20+ Songs of 2015 With YouTube Playlist

Here is another annual list of my most listened to songs of the year - new music that tapped that inner thrill of discovery as well as the soul enriching gifts of artistic expression.  I wax poetic to honor this creative outlet that supplies my daily life with a constantly changing soundtrack, thanks mainly to habitual online listening via KEXP and KCRW. While it would be hard to pick a favorite song of 2015, this playlist sequence makes sense to the ears per usual, not in order of preference. However of special mention are the epic blasts of Beck's "Dreams," Tame Impala's "Let It Happen" and "Wide Open" by The Chemical Brothers, all clocking in over five minutes. There are plenty of reasons to hit the dance floor (or anywhere with movement) - Dan Deacon's "Feel the Lightning," "Oh Man the Future" by De Lux and EL VY's "Return to the Moon" plus anything by Jamie xx.  The Lone Below provides the coda with "Then Came the Morning," which might be the most uplifting ever.

Listen on Spotify or as a YouTube playlist below.

1. "Daffodils" – Mark Ronson (featuring Kevin Parker)
2. "Dreams" – Beck
3. "Feel the Lightning" – Dan Deacon
4. "Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)" –  Father John Misty
5. "Take My Side" – Will Butler
6. "I'm in Love with My Life" – PHASES
7. "Ferus Gallery" – Allah-Las
8. "Fixations" – Gardens & Villas
9. "Memory Remains" – Oberhofer
10. "Loud Places" – Jamie xx (featuring Romy) 
11. "Let it Happen" – Tame Impala
12. "Go Out" – Blur
13. "Satellites" – Mew
14. "Return to the Moon" – EL VY
15. "Reconfiguration" – Other Lives
16. "Breaker" – Deerhunter
17. "In a Future World" – Telekinesis
18. "Boys Latin" – Panda Bear
19. "Oh Man the Future" – De Lux
20. "Wide Open" – The Chemical Brothers
21. "Then Came the Morning" – The Lone Below

Summer 2015 New Music Playlist

Hurray for summer! Of all the seasons, this one simply demands a soundtrack of fresh tunes to rock the warm weather.  This playlist kicks off with a surprise treat from Beck with other outtakes from sessions by The National and St. Vincent. Many newer bands are back with solid second albums: De Lux, Oberhofer, and Motopony. Plus check out songs off debut albums (Avid Dancer, Grounders, Boxed In, Black Rivers, Jamie xx) and more. Link to listen on Spotify or as a YouTube Playlist.

** EXTRA CREDIT IF YOU CAN NAME THE BANDS WITH TWINS IN THE LINEUP (ANSWER AT THE END OF THIS POST!) 

1. “Dreams” − Beck

Beck has tossed aside that folky hat and is back on the dance floor with this single from an unnamed album to follow up last year’s Grammy-winning Morning Phase.  The song cranks up immediately with a killer electric guitar riff, sturdy back beat and echoing vocals that drop in, out, and around – carousing for over five minutes.

2.  “Oh Man the Future” − De Lux

L.A. synth pop duo De Lux is back with a sophomore album called Generation.  This tune layers vocalist Sean Guerin’s wacky ramblings (first written on his phone’s notepad) over a fun groove and irresistible melody in the chorus.

3.  “Not Far to Go” – Avid Dancer

The psych pop of L.A. band Avid Dancer is courtesy of Jacob Summers, an ex-Marine and world champ at rudimental snare drumming.  “Not Far to Go” is off the debut album 1^st Bath.

4. “Burning for No One” – The Cribs

English indie rock band The Cribs has released a sixth album since 2002, For All My Sisters, with the help of producer Ric Ocasek.  This single flaunts the trio of brothers’ signature taut punk sound.

5. “Sedona” – Houndmouth

Houndmouth is a folk rock quartet hailing from New Albany, Indiana. This infectious tune is off the group’s second album since 2011, Little Neon Limelight.

6. “Daylights Gone” – Motopony

Seattle’s self-proclaimed “hard-soul/glitch-folk” band Motopony has released a sophomore album, Welcome You.  “Daylights Gone” serves as the single with call out vocals by Daniel Blue to join in the musical jam.

7. “Sunshine on My Back” – The National

American indie rock band The National was formed in Cincinnati in 1999 and is now based in Brooklyn after six albums. This single from the Trouble Will Find Me (2013) sessions features Sharon Van Etten backing up singer/lyricist Matt Berninger in his characteristic low-key approach to vocalizing.

8. “I’m In Love With My Life” – PHASES

PHASES (formerly Jjamz) is an indie pop band from L.A. with former Phantom Planet singer Alex Greenwald. His home experiments using an outdated version of GarageBand provided the foundation for this catchy single from a future album. 

9. “Memory Remains” – Oberhofer

Brooklyn based musician Brad Oberhofer is ready to release his band’s sophomore album in August, titled Chronovision. This single illustrates the musical power of full throttle singing over psych rock leanings.

10. “All Your Love Is Gone” – Boxed In

British producer Oli Bayston is the mastermind behind the new band Boxed In, earning praise with this single off a self-titled debut album.  The song luxuriates in a multi-layered synth soundtrack and Bayston’s moody vocals.

11. “Loud Places” – Jamie xx

Jamie xx is the stage name for Jamie Smith, a music producer, remix artist, and member of the English indie band the xx.  His debut solo album, In Colour, is filled with a deft electronic touch (here with the help of bandmate Romy Madley Croft on vocals).

12. “The Ship” – Black Rivers

Brothers Jez and Andy Williams were two-thirds of the English rock band Doves from 1999 until the band went on hiatus in 2009.  They have now joined together in a new musical project Black Rivers. “The Ship” exhibits the same emotive sweep of song just like the Doves.

13. “Can’t Keep Checking My Phone” – Unknown Moral Orchestra

Portland based singer, guitarist and songwriter Ruban Nielson focuses on a downfall of modern love with this single from the band’s third studio album since 2010, Multi-love.  It’s a swanky, ironic composition about long distance yearnings.

14. “Secret Friend” – Grounders

Toronto quartet Grounders offers an easy vibe for this single off the band’s self-titled debut album.  The haze of low-fi production does not mitigate the melodic pull of the tune.

15. “The Chase” – Future Islands

Baltimore based synth pop band Future Islands has released a few singles in between albums (four since 2008). “The Chase” highlights passionate, gravelly vocals by Samuel T. Herrig, with floating electronic chords, guitar lines, and drums providing steady musical support.

16. “Teenage Talk” – St. Vincent

Annie Clark a.k.a. St. Vincent had this single left over from the sessions for her last Grammy-nominated album (2014’s self titled St. Vincent). It’s a sweet, nostalgic tune with this multi-talented artist as a more straightforward storyteller.

17. “Sagras” − The Tallest Man on Earth

Indie folk Swedish songwriter Kristian Matsson is known for recording and producing his own material since 2005, but for his fourth album as The Tallest Man on Earth he utilized a full band for almost every track.  “Sagras” shows the resulting lush instrumental backing, while Matsson’s vocals still command attention.

18.  “Home” – Barbarossa

Barbarossa is the musical project of London multi-instrumentalist James Mathé, enlisting the vocals of Swedish singer José González for this haunting tune. (They are band mates together in the group Junip).  The minimalist electronics of “Home” is from a third album, Imager.

DID YOU GUESS THESE THREE BANDS?

1. The Cribs – Gary & Ryman Jarman

2. The National – Bryce & Aaron Dessner

3. Black Rivers – Jez & Andy Williams

New Song by Oberhofer, "Memory Remains" (New Album Out August 21)

Brad Oberhofer (Photo via Grandstand Media)

NY-based musician Brad Oberhofer is ready to release a sophomore album this summer called Chronovision (Glassnote Records). The song "Heart" off his debut album Time Capsules II landed on both my Early Summer 2012 New Music Playlist and Top 20 Tunes of 2012, and the band Oberhofer has since appeared on Letterman, at Lollapalooza, and toured with Sleigh Bells, Neon Indian and Matt & Kim. This prolific artist also composed countless piano pieces for family and friends while he was at it. His new collection contains twelve tracks that were whittled down from 106 demos, produced by himself and recorded in his hometown of Tacoma, Seattle, the Catskills, NYC (Strange Weather, Electric Lady) and L.A. (Sound City). He then mixed the songs in Atlanta with Ben Allen, who has worked with Animal Collective and Washed Out.

The psych-pop embedded in the single "Memory Remains" finds Oberhofer's unabashed approach to full on instrumentation, along with a no holds barred belting of the melodic chorus. It's both catchy and irresistibly giddy at first listen. Take one with the video here or on YouTube.

Romantic Songs Playlist for Valentine's Day 2014

Here's another romantic songs playlist in honor of Valentine's Day 2014 -- the holiday perfectly placed in the dead of winter to remind us of the finer things in life. (It's always a good excuse for a nice dinner out at least!) Digging through my archives, I found passionately poignant songs that hadn't made it on my romantic songs playlists in 2013 or 2012, plus ones that have only appeared in the past year.


Things kick off with the music of two married couples that I've reviewed and interviewed, Mates of State's "Palomino" and The Submarines' "The Sun Shines At Night."  Their bands have been among my faves for years, and wish them well as always professionally and personally.  (At least in my marriage there's only one musician and one crazy music fan?)  From there it's another patchwork of love gone right or even wrong, hearts pumping either way.  Link to listen here, enjoy!

1. "Palomino" -- Mates of State
2. "The Sun Shines At Night" -- The Submarines
3. "Everday Feels Like Sunday" -- Of Montreal
4. "Your Silent Face" -- New Order
5. "On Melancholy Hill" -- Gorillaz
6. "Ya Hey" -- Vampire Weekend
7. "Bloodbuzz Ohio" -- The National
8. "HEART" -- Oberhofer
9. "Say That" -- Toro Y Moi
10. "I Got You Babe" -- UB40 Featuring Chrissie Hynde
11. " I Melt With You" -- Modern English
12. "Song For Zula" -- Phosphorescent
13. "Lost Cause" -- Beck
14. "Home" -- Brian Eno & David Byrne
15. "Is That Enough" -- Yo La Tengo
16. "Sing" -- Travis
17. "Same Mistake" -- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
18. "My Body Is a Cage" -- Arcade Fire
19. "Almost Home" -- Moby Featuring Damien Jurado
20. "So Long You Pretty Thing" -- Spiritualized

Early Summer 2012 New Music Playlist

To most people, the Memorial Day weekend is the start of summer so why not explore some new music for your own personal soundtrack.  With a mix of recent arrivals and established artists, releases abound for the listening to heat things up.  Notes are provided with background info for further discovery. Link to listen here, enjoy! 

1. “Disparate Youth” – Santigold

This solid single is off Santigold’s second album, Master of My Make Believe.  With a mix of reggae, jazz and new wave influences, she continues to forge her own distinctive pop path.

2. “Happy Home” – Onuinu

Onuinu is the musical project of Portland multi-instrumentalist Dorian Duvall, combining an electro pop past into a new genre he likes to call “Disco-Hop.”  This shimmering romp of a song is off his upcoming full-length debut, Mirror Gazer.

3. “Heaven” – The Walkmen

The Walkmen are ready to release album number seven after a decade together – this title track highlights their unique sound, featuring Hamilton Leithauser’s passionate vocals over a steadfast foundation. The band members are now living in New York City, Philadelphia and New Orleans, but still present an unwavering united front for indie rock fans.

4. “Bad for Me” – Brendan Benson

This tuneful song is the single off Benson’s sixth album, What Kind of World, which was recorded entirely in analog. In the middle of a busy career as a musician, songwriter and band member of The Racounteurs, he now also has his own record label called Readymade Records.

5. “Good as New” – Vacationer

6. “Trip” – Vacationer

These groove-based songs bring a feel good summer attitude via the new chill wave band Vacationer, embracing all things sunny and cool in the debut release, Gone. Listeners may recognize Kenny Valosi’s fun time vocals from his punk pop band, The Starting Line. 

7.  “Warbeth” – The Magnetic North

This U.K. band is an alt music collaboration between Simon Tong (Gorillaz, The Verve), folk artist Erland Cooper and prolific Irish songstress Hannah Peel.  “Warbeth” is a mesmerizing multi-part composition off their debut album, Orkney: Symphony of The Magnetic North.

8. “Act On Impulse” – We Were Promised Jetpacks

We Were Promised Jetpacks is a quartet from Edinburgh, Scotland, generating buzz with their take on indie rock.  This building jam is off their second release, In the Pit of the Stomach.

9. “Alpine” – Hands

This single from Australian band Hands will be featured on their upcoming full-length release.  Six band members combine to create quirky songs with Scandinavian sounding indie pop sensibilities.

10. “Heart” – Oberhofer

Founder and frontman Brad Oberhofer moved East from Tacoma, Washington to study music at New York University and now his band is based in Brooklyn.  He writes and records all the music himself, gathering a tour band to support this second release, Time Capsule II.

11. “Montauk” – Rufus Wainwright

American-Canadian singer/songwriter Rufus Wainwright recently released another album of intensely personal songs featuring his signature tenor and virtuosic piano playing. (He has seven albums of original music, ten if you count compilations and other contributions). This one, called Out of the Game, focuses on his new stage of life finding the wonder in marriage and fatherhood.

12. “Higher Palms” – My Best Fiend

This Brooklyn based quintet embraces the psychedelic ways of fuzzy indie pop.  Singer Fred Coldwell provides spaced out renditions of melodic vocals for this single and lead track on their second release, In Ghostlike Fading.

13.  “Hey Jane” – Spiritualized

14. “So Long You Pretty Thing” – Spiritualized

Jason Pierce (a.k.a. J. Spaceman) has had a tough seven years battling health problems such as double pneumonia and going through chemo for liver disease. So it’s no surprise that the new release for his U.K. band, So Long You Pretty Thing, is full of soul searching songs contemplating the highs and lows of human existence.

15. “Saint Nothing” – Daniel Rossen

This quiet, solemn song is off Daniel Rossen’s solo EP, Silent Hour. Rossen is originally from Los Angeles, traveling east to study at New York University and then becoming part of the indie bands Department of Eagles and Grizzly Bear.