Our Monthly MixTape March’ed On
March has been a very generous, and long, month this year, but due to mounting college work I had to postpone this mixtape until now. All the excuses aside, “late” actually works better in this case, as our regular tune delivery service packs nearly 200 tracks this time. Generous, right? I am hoping that I have included something here that might have slipped under your radar in March. From poignant punk ballad by FONTAINES D.C. (“Roy’s Tune”) to the jolly Eurovision folk-pop by TULIA (“Fire of Love (Pali się)”); from “Darkest Hour”, the latest, brooding offering from SEVDALIZA to Pet Shop Boys quoting, carefree “Western WORLD” by LIONBABE; the flavor palette is wide and caters many tastes.
Speaking of Eurovision, all of the songs participating in this year’s competition have been revealed by now. And as usual, around this time of the year, I am checking to see if anything stands out above the rest and goes beyond the usual. My personal favourites include the absurdist “Telemoveis” by CONAN OSIRIS from Portugal, a bizarre track marrying electronic pop with the country’s traditional music, fado; HATARI’s electroclash from Iceland and Slovenian synthpop ballad “Sebi” by ZALA KRALJ & GASPAR SANTI. Eurovision is often viewed as trashy, politically charged and controversial, but with good moments. Just like our mixtapes. (Ha!)
Here is my personal “the best of “ March 2019 in music:
* Henryk Gorecki’s “Symphony no. 3 (Symphony of Sorrowful Songs)” by Portishead’s vocalist, BETH GIBBONS, recorded with Polish National Radio Symphonic Orchestra conducted by Krzysztof Penderecki. It’s a rare, special and monumental affair, the one that expands beyond the borders of classical and modern music. It definitely requires a full attention listen, and not one but many. Gibbons’ contralto, which is one of the most recognizable voices in popular music, takes on the soprano parts of Górecki’s piece. As that wasn’t challenging enough Beth adds singing in Polish to that task. The results are incredible to say the least. On the side note, Penderecki is not a stranger when it comes collaborating with British pop experimentalists. Previously collaborated with Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood and Aphex Twin.
* “Miss Universe” by NULIFER YANYA occupies the second spot of my favorite album of March. One of the most anticipated debut albums this year delivers a rare wisdom and maturity. Wry, yet catchy, timid, yet weirdly energetic, this release is a unique take on modern indie pop.
* “Patience” by TAME IMPALA, a long awaited return single by Kevin Parker’s brainchild, that also heralds a new album from the Aussie indie rockers. “Yay!” to that!;
* “Old Graffiti” sees BIBIO continuing his excursion into the electronic folk (sounds like an oxymoron but just have a listen);
* PEGGY GOU’s “Starry Night” and “Idunno” by WARNER CASE two ultra fun, genre bending house music tracks won the dancefloor this March.
As usual, I’ve thrown a handful of tracks from Poland in the front section of the playlist. I’m kinda amazed with the sheer volume and the high quality of these tracks, although it is becoming a standard by now. The range of genres is also impressive: jazz (CYKADY), modern classical (HANI RENI), hip-hop (BITAMINA), electropop (DARIA ZAWIAŁOW), rock balladry (ORGANEK), acoustic (BAŁTYK), indie (SONBIRD), blues (VOO VOO) and queer pop (DUNAVEY//SOPPEL). Nothing boring here.
Impossible to mention them all. Tempting but impossible. Enjoy exploring the rest and filling the gaps.
It won’t be long till I come back with the next portion of great music. I promise.
Love,
Piotrek (No Snobs Allowed)