Happy International Women's Day. This one goes out to all the ladies who bring out the best in us, the ones with the big hearts, the ones who make it feel like every day is Christmas, and every night is New Year's Eve.
Been paying attention this week? This track sound familiar? That's because its producer and songwriter, Rich Harrison, is responsible for yesterday's jam from Beyoncé. I am so in love with that kinetic drum loop sampled from the Meters' "Oh Calcutta!" hailing from back in 1969 and dare I say I might dig this track even more than Queen B's. You can check the dates and see which one came first. Happy Friday, choose your own adventure.
Rough day? Put on this track, catch that sweet sample from the Chi-Lites, try to master the dance moves in the video, and I promise you'll feel better.
And, for those of you living under a rock, yesterday Beyoncé kicked off February and Black History Month with the uplifting news that she and JAY Z are welcoming twins, announced in a divine shot on Instagram. So crazy right now.
🎶 It's been a long time, we shouldn't have left you
Without a dope beat to step to 🎶
What Timbaland said ☝️️.
Those of you paying attention might have noticed that we've been on hiatus for a hot minute as the world seemed like it was crumbling into oblivion over the past month.
But, January fades away and in comes February, and with it the celebration of Black History Month. So much of the music that has touched my life has come from this rich culture and history, and this month I'll be sharing one track every day in that spirit of celebration.
The divine Aaliyah's life was taken far too early, but she left us some incredible music in her short time on this planet, not least of which is this track, which feels particularly appropriate in these times.
(Some of you might be wondering why the song below doesn't agree with the music video for today's post. That's because Aaliyah's catalogue currently isn't available on streaming and digital download services like Tidal, Spotify, iTunes, Amazon, etc. Stephen Witt over at Complex breaks it down in more detail here for inquiring minds.)
🎶 Rehearsed steps on an empty stage
That boy's got my heart in a silver cage 🎶
There were so many great tracks on the Romeo + Juliet soundtrack, but this one takes the cake for having the sweetest, most smile-inducing, can't-help-but-make-you-get-on-the-dance-floor, happy sound.
Oh, Jarvis Cocker.
Just one more.
Farewell to this legend who gave us so much beautiful music, especially this incredible anthem. Let's go back in time and remember him at his best, a time when these supermodels ruled the world.
That piano. Those bikes.
Oy.
Here's another classic music video directed by Spike Jonze. This track always takes me back to the days of riding around in the snow park up at Whistler.
Want those free Bran Van tickets...
So many things I love about this track, not least of which is the dialogue from that classic robbery scene in Pulp Fiction in the opening.