September Haze: A Playlist
Music has always been the essence of my life, an art of sound so sacred and beautiful, inspiring and healing. It’s a way for emotions to be expressed in the most divine form. As I’ve been creating this safe space for myself and others— a space to share different parts of my identity, I figured why not incorporate playlists on here?
September is a charming month— warm & golden during the day yet perfect coolness in the evening, the start of apple picking dates and the aroma of cinnamon filling the kitchens of many. Life starts to feel a bit cozy. I look forward to this time of the year, as I tend to be more in tune and creative with my playlists.
There’s lots of rock in this rotation: country rock, psychedelic rock, surf rock… can you tell I have a fondness for rock??
Minds Awake by Rumspringa
God, I love this song. The deep thrum throughout the entirety of the song coupled with the shaker and twang of guitar make this piece seductive and mysterious. Lately, my ears have been picking up the unique percussion instrument of the shaker and I’m amazed with the myriad of sounds it can produce.
Their name is very interesting as well, as it was inspired by the Amish rite of passage: Rumspringa, where the Amish youth can gain some experience and knowledge of the non-Amish world.
Zapata’s Boots by Tommy Guerrero
A playlist can benefit from an instrumental from time to time. The playful whistling and atmospheric guitar style feels like a walk in an undiscovered part of land.
The Night by Liz Cooper & The Stampede
I would love to experience this song at a concert, feeling the raspiness of her voice and vibrations of the music inside my body as the classic blue lights illuminate every corner of the room. Being surrounded by close friends, and embracing just what the song is saying:
“Just like the wind moving through the trees, Come lose yourself and dance with me Sadness, pain and hatred dance it all away Ba ba, ba ba, ba ba, ooh”
Dancing like the wild ones we are.
Tres Hermanos by Hermanos Gutiérrez & Dan Auerbach
Their music is what I envision the desert in New Mexico to be like. Tumbleweed blowing in the breeze, cowboy boots crunching on the sand, sun blazing with no remorse; A scene from Breaking Bad as you may.
I usually practice yoga listening to their music to invite a more dynamic flow.
Crystals by Magic Wands
A dark, dream pop, witchy tune that I just can’t get enough of. They’re able to transport you to another dimension, blending ethereal vocals with elements of punk and drone synths.
Run Through the Jungle by Creedence Clearwater Revival
I’m currently rewatching Vampire Diaries so bare with me for this imagery: A scene where a group of vampires walk into a bar—an old Western bar, that has those double swinging wooden doors, donning a smile that can do no good. When the harmonica rips, they start to wreak havoc on everyone there and its just a bloodbath. Do I find that kind of hot? Yes. Could that be disturbing? Also yes.
Can’t Have Love by Mystic Braves
The wildness of the guitar in the intro followed by the uniqueness of his voice and harmonies leaves me FERAL. It gets crazier as the second part of the song launches into a surf rock musical harmony.
Dancing Barefoot by Patti Smith
I’ve loved Patti Smith since reading her book Just Kids. I had an infatuation with her and Robert Mapplethorpe, and they were all I researched and embodied the following few months. To hear her songs and actually enjoy them was just the icing on top of the cake. The end with her chanting/talking threw me off the first time listening. It doesn’t completely ruin the vibe for me but, I’m not a fan of talking in songs.
Annie Turn Out the Lights by The Moondoggies
So let’s start off with how many times I’ve listened to this song since discovering it only a few weeks ago… over 200 times. Yeah
This song just fits. That’s it. Fits any mood, fits any time, fits any place.
The use of non-lexical vocables cast a spell over me and I drift into a pool of tranquility.
Plus, look at their name, such a fun one to say.
Only For You by Heartless Bastards
A new friend of mine, Annie introduced me to this band and I couldn’t be more grateful that she did. We attended their concert last week and got to enjoy the warmth of the notes and eccentric vocals together.
You Never Know by Heartless Bastards
A Beautiful Life by Heartless Bastards
Photograph by Heartless Bastards
Ya’ll are getting 3 more songs from this band because that is how much I resonate with them on such a spiritual level.
You Never Know- I’m instantly calmed by this precious piece. I love singing along to the lyrics “I’m getting a little older, getting a bolder, getting a little wiser, getting a little brighter” putting intention and truth into every word.
Photograph- My favorite part of this one is the break in the middle of the song where we go into a psychedelic trance with the guitar and drums then seamlessly flow back into a rock melody. Can’t tell you how many times I’ve bopped to this one.
A Beautiful Life- This song feels like a coming of age moment. A truly enlightening piece of art that opens up my heart every time I listen to it. With lyrics “And I open up my arms wide and I’m not holding on, free to be me beautiful and strong, it’s a beautiful life, if you let it be” …how could I not tear up at such a sentiment.
Another lyric: “I found the key to my loneliness, I had to find a new space within, life in perpetual motion, I keep moving on”
And another: “Can you hear me crying through these growing pains, Can you hear me laughing through these growing pains”
I could go on forever about how this song has brightened my outlook on life and how wonderful and powerful these lyrics are to speak aloud.
I needed to hear this song at this exact moment in my life and maybe you do too.
Mr. Wrong by Sade
I mean come on! I had to throw some Sade in there. Such a sultry, smooth, song with the usage of bongos and that signature saxophone.
Don Lemon by Jelly Crystal
The feather thin falsetto of his voice is captivating, along with the grooviness of the guitar and beat.
I also have a liking towards the song title for some reason.
Sandy Band-Aids by Jesse Woods
I queued this one in the car with my friend Em and screamed to her “DOESN’T THIS MAKE YOU WANNA GO LINE DANCIN!!?” She laughed while saying no, but I still stand my ground. I signed up for a class in October and I will be requesting this song. North Carolina is slowly bringing out the folk in me, and.. I’m not mad about it. Before you know it, I’ll be lassoing horses and herding livestock.
I Put A Spell On You by Creedence Clearwater Revival
Mmmm, so much passion and intensity in this one, with a haunting, insane guitar solo and mesmerizing vocals.
Bermejo And The Devil by St. Paul & The Broken Bones
A bit darker, but I like dark. Paul Janeway lures you in with his voice, surprising you with the amount of soul laced with it.
Devil’s Advocate by The Neighbourhood
Getting ready for spooky season with this one. The Neighbourhood NEVER misses.
These Days by Neil Frances
I gravitate towards Neil Frances’ music with its mellow pop feel and danceability.
Sara by Fleetwood Mac
After a whirlwind of guitar and heavy beats, we close it off with the beautiful Stevie Knicks. Let her voice inspire and take you on an entrancing ride, as we enter this transitionary period from summer to fall. A time to slow down from the blaze of the heat, realign our intentions, and embrace a change in routine.
“Sara, you’re the poet in my heart, never change, and don’t you ever stop.”
If you got this far, thank you & you are much loved. I hope you’re able to leave this journal entry with a few new songs under your belt. You could always check out last year’s September Playlist: Sweet September, featuring a few favorites of mine: Shivaree, Lorde, Allah-Las, The Mystery Lights, and much more; 52 minutes of alluring goodness.
I would love to hear if ya’ll had any favorites from the playlist and also, what you’ve been listening to lately! Hope to see ya next month for Spooky October 🕸
Ciao,
Alexis xx
