This week is about cities. There’s something special, expectant and complex about coming back to a city where you’ve once been. The city is full of intrigue once more. We begin this week with Jimmy McGriff, a soul-jazz organist out of Philadelphia. The album is fully of heavy hitting organ riffs, repeated bass lines and head bopping rhythms that put you right into a city street. And as if we’ve hopped right onto a train to anywhere, we get Bill Callahan’s transitory, ruminating album. His voice echoes like a conductor or friendly passenger. His croons remind us of movement, of place and of feeling. Like magic, we arrive in New York City. Steely Dan may not be the most quintessential New York City band, but that’s the point of New York. To keep you constantly questioning, “what the fuck is this?” With Yumi Matsutoya of Tokyo, we think something a bit more like, “where has this been all my life?” It’s pressing, effervescent, magic. It sounds like falling in love. After that, we move out of our bodies and into Detroit with Moodymann. Forevernevermore is an album that feels embodied — something you feel in yourself, like a pain or a sensation.
The playlist this week is an ode to New York City.
Enjoy.
The playlist is here.
Monday
Electric Funk - Jimmy McGriff (1970)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Tuesday
Rough Travel For a Rare Thing - Bill Callahan (2010)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Wednesday
Can’t Buy a Thrill - Steely Dan (1972)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Thursday
悲しいほどお天気 - Yumi Matsutoya (1979)
Friday
Forevernevermore - Moodymann (2000)
Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / Other streaming services
Pair with:
Ruibirosa’s Sausage and Broccoli Rabe Pasta. Rubirosa is one of my favorite spots to re-visit. It’s easy, it’s good and it’s right next to my favorite bookstore. The food always tastes fresh and easy, just like a pasta or pizza should be.
Claus Preisinger Dope. This is probably one of my top five favorite wines of all time. It’s got the complexity of a red, but the drinkability of a rosé.
Lucali Candle. I do not know why a pizza shop wanted to make candles, but I’m here for it.
Glossier Sunscreen. Yes I’m still out here for Glossier! I got to go into a store in Soho and it was so fun and wonderful. This sunscreen is my favorite. Easy to carry. Goes on well over makeup.
What I thought about when packing to come to New York:
Thank you, thank you. Have a great week.