Weekly Playlist (12/12/2024)

Photo Courtesy of Official J Dilla Instagram

Bryce Russell | Art & Entertainment Editor

“Orange and Red Beams” – Eric Burdon and the Animals

Eric Burdon and the Animals is one of the most underrated psychedelic rock bands of the late 1960s. After most of the original members of the Animals (the British blues-rock band most famous for their hits “The House of the Rising Sun” and “It’s My Life”) left, lead-singer Eric Burdon reformed with a new group of musicians and a new, psychedelic rock sound. Probably most well-known at the time for their Vietnam War protest song “Sky Pilot,” this new group (sometimes called the New Animals), was relatively short lived, but had a few hidden masterpiece songs, with this song, “Orange and Red Beams,” being my favorite.

“Don’t Cry” – J Dilla

J Dilla was one of the greatest producers in hip hop. In his short career that began in the 90s and lasted until his death in 2006, he became one of the most respected and influential producers. “Don’t Cry” is a perfect example of his production ability, with the brilliant sample chopping of old soul music from the late 60s and 70s. Released on his final album Donuts, which was released only three days before his death from lupus, “Don’t Cry” has remained one of his most iconic beats.

“BYE BYE” – Kim Gordon

Kim Gordon, best known as the bassist and vocalist for the legendary 80s alternative rock band Sonic youth, has not lost her experimental and cutting edge sound, even at the age of 71. “BYE BYE” is the opening track on Gordon’s second solo album released in March of this year. Titled The Collective, the album is made up of trap-style beats with harsh guitar instrumentals layered over top of it, as well as Gordon’s classic airy vocal style. Produced by Justin Raisen (who has worked with Charli XCX, Drake, and Lil Yachty), the album is a far departure from the sounds of Sonic Youth, but no less experimental and dangerous.

“Ceremony” – New Order

“Ceremony” was one of the last songs made by Ian Curtis for his band Joy Division. After his tragic suicide in 1980, it became the debut single for New Order, which was made up of the left over members of Joy Division. The song has that classic 80s alternative / post-punk sound, and serves as a beautiful tribute to Ian Curtis as well as an introduction to New Order, who would become one of the most influential bands of the 1980s.

“Netta Perseus” – Lankum

The Irish band Lankum is one of the most exciting bands of the last ten years, and also one of my favorites. A mix between Irish traditional folk music and the heavy sounds of doom metal, the band has made some of the most unique music of the last ten years. “Netta Perseus” comes off of their fourth album False Lankum, which was released in March of 2023. Lankum performs both covers of traditional folk music (such as “The Wild Rover” and “Katie Cruel”), as well as originals that sound as though they could be hundreds of years old. “Netta Perseus” is one of their original songs that sounds as though it has existed for a hundred years, while at the same time being fresh and original.

“I Am Stretched on Your Grave” – Sinéad O’Connor

The lyrics of this song date back to the 17th century Irish language poem “Táim sínte ar do thuama.” Translated in the early 20th century by Irish poet Frank O’Connor (no relation to Sinéad), it has been put to music multiple times with different arrangements, but with Sinéad O’Connor’s 1990 version being the most enduring and popular. Telling the story of a man whose wife has died and every night he comes to her grave and lays down, it’s a haunting song especially with Sinéad O’Connor’s distinct vocal ability. Also, Hozier did a cover of this song as one of his concerts, and I highly recommend checking that out as well.