This week we’re transitioning (fast!) into summer. It’s hot as hell here, uncharacteristically humid. But, humidity births beauty, like lush green gardens and dewy, perfect faces. If you look from the right angle, there’s room to be sultry. That’s what this music does. It takes you on a sensuous journey through the fog. We start with the track “Try Making Love,” the first song on Wild Heart’s Dance Hits. It’s Calypso at it’s finest. Easy, sexy listening. If we’re thinking sexy, naturally we move into Eastern Europe and an album from “the Croatian Edith Piaf” Ana Štefok. Her self-titled album plays with a warm buzz, like a soft summer’s night drinking wine. We bring up the energy with vibrant Yvonne Chaka Chaka, a South African singer known for her bold style that made her a star in the mbaqanga music scene. The album is so perfectly eighties that you can’t help but dance right away. We go back in time to Lamont Dozier, a Motown heavy-hitter. I keep saying everything is good vibes, but this is classic good vibes. At a pool? Throw this on. Having a party? Throw this on. Driving with the windows down? Absolutely throw this on. For Friday, turn to Mark Pritchard’s project Troubleman, an album that mixes Brazilian Bossa, party breaks, soul and funk. It cycles through vibes and ties them all together with a bit of that UK grunge. C’est chic.
(A bonus for anyone that is a house music fan: a live set I recorded that’s a mix of 90s and classic house, dreamy dance vibes and sultry disco. Listen here. And if you’re in Austin (or not!), follow here for our next show announcement.)
Enjoy.
The playlist is here.
Monday
Dance Hits - Wild Fire
Spotify / Apple Music / Other streaming services
Tuesday
Ana Štefok - Ana Štefok
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Wednesday
I Cry For Freedom - Yvonne Chaka Chaka
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Thursday
Out Here On My Own - Lamont Dozier
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Friday
Time Out of Mind - Troubleman
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Pair with:
Chorizo-Filled Dates Wrapped in Bacon. I’m thinking about Spanish tapas a lot, who knows why. But, I love a small plates dinner and this one could easily be the star.
Asparagus & Bacon Carbonara. I love a carbonara and I’ve never really considered how asparagus could be a part of this party. If it’s there, then this is all really healthy right?
Sparkling Rosé. Preferably a dark one that tastes like juicy fruit.
Iced Yuzu Coffee Soda. Citrus and coffee are very good together?! This has been a new development for me this year and I’ll be sticking to it all summer.
Nice to see:
For my spice girlies, here’s something to make you laugh.
Have a great weekend.