This week’s playlist doesn’t really have a common throughline between these songs; it’s nothing more than what I have been listening to the past few weeks. I think that it’s good to sometimes let chance takeover and just guide me to the music that I feel like listening to, and that is what I did with this playlist. There is no right or wrong order to listen to these songs, it’s nothing more than just a batch of songs that has resonated with me. This week’s playlist ranges from bright psych-pop/rock and distorted alternative cuts to more stripped back ballads.

Women: “Heat Distraction”
Women’s 2010 record “Public Strain” is one that I have continued to revisit again and again ever since I first listened to it. It’s because of songs like “Heat Distraction” that I find myself drawn to this hazy, lo-fi indie rock album. With jagged guitar riffs and abstract lyrics, Heat Distraction is a stunning post-punk track.
Mac DeMarco: “Passing Out Pieces”
This is a track that I have rediscovered at just the right moment in my life. It’s quite possibly my favorite song from Mac DeMarco, as I feel it features some of his best writings and an amazing instrumental. The chorus is truly what sets this song apart from the rest, showing a more mature side to the indie rock veteran.
Vampire Weekend: “Prep School Gangsters”
Vampire Weekend’s music often rewards repeated listens, and this song is a defining example of that. As I have returned to this song, I have found its lyrics to relate to my emotions more than ever; a trait that is found in many songs from the bands latest record. It is also just quite a fun song.
Viagra Boys: “Punk Rock Loser”
“Punk Rock Loser” features everything that you could possibly want in a rock song: heavy bass and guitar, a catchy melody, and vivid lyricism. I think that this is a song that perfectly captures a feeling of being trapped in a rut, doing so in an gloriously sarcastic manner.
A$AP Rocky: “Peso”
I got into Rocky’s music when the mixtape this song spawns from, 2011’s LIVE.LOVE.A$AP”, was added to streaming a few years ago. This is possibly the greatest cloud rap song of all time, creating a serene atmosphere that Rocky effortlessly glides across.
Kendrick Lamar: “Father Time (feat. Sampha)”
When I listened to “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers” for the first time in full a few weeks back, this was a song that immediately caught my attention. Production wise, it is quite possibly the best sounding song Kendrick has ever made. As for the lyrics, I find this to be one of his hardest hitting songs ever, with lyrics that above all else bring up major points surrounding masculinity.
King Krule: “Dum Surfer”
One of my favorite songs of all time, this dark, trippy track perfectly captures the feeling of a rough night out. It shows that above all else, you can’t suffer in the moment, ignoring your problems. You have to allow yourself to not suffer and move forward above all else.
Weyes Blood: “Andromeda”
This is a track that sounds like it was ripped straight from 1970, made up of gorgeous, slightly psychedelic production and gorgeous vocals. Lyrically, it perfectly captures the feeling of reflecting on romance despite past failures, urging the listener to try despite it all.
Unknown Mortal Orchestra: “Multi-Love”
This opener to the 2015 album of the same name is one of the most fun, psychedelic pop songs ever made. From that first note the song got stuck in my head and it all builds into something truly hypnotizing.
Tyler, the Creator: “WHAT’S GOOD”
On “IGOR”, an album of many different styles, “WHAT’S GOOD” is the closest thing to a true banger. The first half of this track is the most rap heavy Tyler gets on the album, giving a very dark, eerie verse. Following a beat switch and some manic background vocals, the song transitions into something much more vague and cryptic. To me, it is arguably the standout moment of this masterpiece of a record.
Tame Impala: “Feels Like We Only Go Backwards”
Kevin Parker channels his inner John Lennon on this classic track from 2012’s “Lonerism”. This would probably be my pick for the best Tame Impala track, and I would go as far as to say it might be the best song of the 2010’s. It is a song that truly astounds me to this day, completely entrancing me in it’s psychedelic haze.
Beach House: “PPP”
Through a mix of spoken word passages and stunning sung moments, Beach House create one of their best tracks ever on PPP. This is a song that will work it’s way into your heart with every repeated listen. If you haven’t checked out Beach House yet, this is a great starting point.
Fiona Apple: “Valentine”
The first time I listened to this track was on a drive to Columbia on Valentines Day, a factor that I feel enhanced my experience tenfold. This is a track that builds itself into something beautiful in a quick amount of time. No artist writes about romance quite the way that Fiona Apple is able to.

This playlist will be featured on my show on FUNC Radio. Every Monday, these playlists will be aired from 4-5pm, so make sure to check them out either here or through the spotify link provided. Stay tuned for next week’s playlist.