April Showers Bring Musical Flowers: Your Monthly Mix Has Sprung!
From Drizzles to Dazzle: April's Quirky Mixtape for Sprouting Eardrums
As April draws to a close, our monthly mixtape arrives to carry you from the rainy season into the fresh bloom of spring. With a blend of tracks fueled by NYC spring, this playlist captures the essence of high, high, 80+ degree days with drops below freezing the next day as April showers nurture May flowers. Now, let's embark on this musical journey without further ado.
Without further ado, here is April 2023's Playlist
James Patterson - Mr. Claudio
An unexpected hero emerges in the music scene as James Patterson of The Knocks brings "Mr. Claudio" to life. A delightful tune that serves as a charming opening act for our playlist, setting the tone for a refreshing listening experience.
Gilligan Moss & Holiday 87 - New Best Friend
Gilligan Moss and Holiday 87 join forces to create a harmonious blend that feels like the first warm breeze of the season. With "New Best Friend," you'll embrace the renewed energy of longer days and brighter skies.
Gilligan Moss - Love Song
Gilligan Moss comes back with "Love Song," a track that encapsulates the tender feelings of new beginnings. The spreading melody will have you swaying to the rhythm of spring.
Felicita featuring Caroline Polachek - Spalarkle (Alys)
My eternal music crush, Caroline Polachek, formerly of Chairlift, and Felicita collaborate to create a mesmerizing soundscape in "Spalarkle (Alys)." This enchanting number transports you to a realm where everything is fresh and alive, just like the season it represents. Caroline, you'll always be my Ramona Lisa.
DMX Krew - U Ain’t Really Down
DMX Krew's "U Ain’t Really Down" hails from the "Return to Jupiter" album and serves as a nostalgic reminder of electronic music's golden age. This track provides a sonic journey that feels like the perfect interlude between seasons.
De La Soul - Plug Tunin' (Last Chance to Comprehend) - Single Mix De La Soul
De La Soul's thought-provoking message in "Plug Tunin'" encourages us to remain aware of our surroundings and maintain connections. As we transition from spring to summer, their timeless wisdom resonates more than ever.
A Tribe Called Quest - Can I Kick It?
A Tribe Called Quest's legendary track "Can I Kick It?" never loses appeal. This classic tune is a testament to the power of timeless music, bridging the gap between past and present as the seasons change.
Django Django - Complete Me (feat. Self Esteem) - KILIMANJARO Remix
This Django Django and Self Esteem collaboration is given the remix treatment by KILIMANJARO, creating a soundscape as grand and captivating as the peak it's named after. This track evokes a sense of growth and progress.
Green Velvet - La La Land - Jaden Bojsen Remix
Green Velvet and Jaden Bojsen invite you to enter "La La Land" with their remix, where music and imagination reign supreme. This track provides a blissful escape, allowing you to ignore that it never actually rained in Los Angeles until 2023 and embrace the warmth and optimism of the coming season.
Dream Wife - Hot (Don't Date A Musician)
Dream Wife delivers a playful warning with "Hot (Don't Date A Musician)," a catchy tune that captures the spirit of youthful energy and lightheartedness. This song serves as a reminder to enjoy the vibrant days ahead without taking life too seriously … or dating a musician.
Sugar Pit - Customer Service
Sugar Pit's "Customer Service" is a short and sweet track that packs a punch in under two minutes. With its upbeat tempo and contagious melody, this song will have you dancing your way into the sunnier days of the year. If you haven’t seen all the videos — you should do that now.
The Dare - Good Time
The Dare invites you to have a "Good Time" with this feel-good anthem. Embrace the lighthearted spirit. Let this track be the soundtrack to all your upcoming adventures.
Grace Ives - Lullaby
Grace Ives' "Lullaby" serves as a soothing interlude in our musical journey. This calming tune offers a gentle reminder to take a moment and appreciate the beauty of the world in bloom around us.
Uffie - Where Does the Party Go?
Uffie keeps the energy high with "Where Does the Party Go?" This infectious track from her "Sunshine Factory" album promises to keep you moving as the days grow longer and the temperatures rise.
Chlöe - Told Ya
Chlöe's "Told Ya" from her album "In Pieces" is a confident, empowering anthem that encourages us to welcome our true selves. As we witness the world coming back to life, let this track inspire you to stand tall and own your uniqueness.
Oliver Sim - Romance With A Memory
Oliver Sim's "Romance With A Memory" from his "Hideous Bastard" album evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding us of the fleeting beauty of each season. As we transition from spring to summer, this introspective tune encourages us to cherish the memories we create along the way.
Temples - Exotico
Temples' "Exotico" transports us to a lush, vibrant paradise. This track offers a glimpse into the flourishing world of summer, as nature continues to bloom and grow around us.
Dream Wife - Orbit
Dream Wife returns with "Orbit," a track that encapsulates the cyclical nature of the seasons. As we find ourselves amid this seasonal transition, let "Orbit" remind you of the constant ebb and flow of life.
Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs - When the Lights Go - Paula Tape Remix
"When the Lights Go," remixed by Paula Tape, brings a touch of dance-floor energy to our playlist. This Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs' track infuses me with a sense of excitement and anticipation.
Chromeo & La Roux - Replacements
Chromeo and La Roux (one of the only performances that made me have Coachella FoMO this April) join forces to create a captivating collaboration in "Replacements." This melancholy tune invites you to sing along and celebrate the arrival of a brighter, sunnier future.
Emilíana Torrini - Racing The Storm
Emilíana Torrini's "Racing The Storm" brings our playlist to a close with a reminder of the power and beauty found in nature. As we leave the April showers behind and embrace the blossoming of May flowers, let this track serve as a tribute to the seasonal transformations we’re all embarking on.
As we wrap up another month and look forward to the summer's warmth, I hope this mixtape brings you joy and accompanies you on your journey from spring to summer. Happy listening!
I'd love your feedback, so click reply and let me know what you think!
-Nicholas
If you haven't listened to previous months:
P.S. I'm a Spotify kinda guy, so these are Spotify links. You can use this free service to import the playlist into Apple Music if that's your jam: playlist-exchange.com
P.P.S. If you have a friend or foe who you think would like to join us here, please send them this link: https://nicholasrhodes.substack.com/s/monthly-playlists-by-nicholas-rhodes