This Week’s Heavy Rotation #7

“Don’t let the walls cave in on you”

The temperature in my part of the world finally went above freezing for the first time in a month yesterday. The mercury only managed to get into the mid 40’s, but it might as well have been 75. We’ve officially hit “shorts-and-a-hoodie” weather up here, and it feels magnificent, even if short-lived. Like everything, you gotta enjoy it while you can.

Shovels up, windows down; we’re gonna celebrate.

And with that, here are my top 5 of the last 7 days

One More Time- Daft Punk

All good things must come to an end, and this past week was Daft Punk’s turn. There is no shortage of well written elegies on the ‘net if you want to find one. I think this one by Michael Datz sums the band up well.

I’d been trying to articulate how this song — and the band — make me feel, but couldn’t quite do it. His quote nails it, and I think if you asked, most people would say the same.

“It’s hard to place just how listening to Discovery feels, but it’s something like just being told the best news of your life and walking around with the biggest smile on your face.”

Also this:

I miss “Flight of The Conchords” too, but that’s a post for another day.

Where’s Your Head At?- Basement Jaxx

To me, Basement Jaxx and Daft Punk have always felt like cousins, or at least like two bands that went to the same finishing school. Jaxx certainly have a harder edge to them, but there are some very marked similarities. In fact, I used to get the two bands mixed up. This was also the only ringtone I ever bought for my flip phone.

586-New Order

This was my running playlist this week. Just this. On repeat if needed, depending on distance. Bands like Daft Punk and Basement Jaxx owe at least a tip of the hat to bands like New Order. You can certainly see their strains of their influence in the latter bands’ work.

Inside Love-George Benson

I love Benson, and his 1983 “In Your Eyes” album took a decidedly dance-y turn. It was produced by Kashif, and his unmistakable style is all over this song (here’s a favorite of mine by him).

Another pioneer owed a debt of gratitude by today’s synth pop groups.

(rough segue alert)

Robin Turns 26- Pavement

This song is on 2000’s “At Home With The Groovebox” compilation album. Every so often, it pops back into my head and onto my playlists. I love the rhythm, but part of it’s appeal is just how far it is from “normal” Pavement songs it seems.

Fun fact: In the song, there is the line “busting karaoke at Chopsticks.” That used to be a very real place in Portland, Oregon. In a past lifetime, you could find me there a lot. It’s since closed — and apparently reopened later in a new location — but the karaoke was not to be missed.

What are you listening to this week? Let me know in the comments!

As always, thank you to The Riff and all of the writers here whose work make this such a great place to be!

In case you missed last week’s list: