I've spent the past few days in southern California, primarily Los Angeles. LA is a place I've had a tumultuous relationship with in the past. I was born and raised in northern California and trained from birth to hate anything south of Fresno (not that Fresno is anything to write home about, it's more of a Mason-Dixon line than anything else). I dislike the freeways here, the massive cars filled with massive people who all drive like selfish idiots, the fact that everything is so spread out, the fact that it takes 2 hours to drive 10 miles, the fact that intellectualism is frowned upon, the industry the city is built around which functions solely on the false idea that anyone can make it big, the fact that there are so many scientologists and equally dangerous pyramid schemes, lest we forget the Dodgers. So many things to dislike. And yet, I also have a love for this place. A love a bury deep down inside and tell no one about. Some of my favorite music comes from this city. The comedy scene that I'm most fascinated with and passionate about was formed here. I have a love for classic Hollywood and even the allure of the current movie/TV business. I constantly find myself in a bipolar state of anger and comfort. It's like taking a really shitty nap. Anyways, this weeks playlist is my attempt to paint a musical picture of a day in LA.
First, we have the morning. The bright sunlight breaks across the hills and valleys. St Lucia's driving synth bass pushes along like Helios' chariot. The final refrain repeats over and over as you stretch out of bed. It's a bright morning, and your music reflects as much. Snappy beats, bright synths, sing-a-longs in the car.
Next, we have the afternoon. The afternoon is light and airy as the Allah-las wavy beach guitar twangs into your eardrums. Maybe you'll head to the beach, maybe you'll meet up with a friend for lunch in Silver Lake, or maybe you'll just drive up and down Sunset trying to kill time. Afternoons in LA are raw and poisonous. They're rock and roll.
Finally, we have the night time. The sun sets but the city is just waking up. Alt-j slaps you in the face and tells you what you're about to experience. Suddenly, it seems like everything is made of lights and moving all around you. The cars and people weave together like a choreographed dance of demonic pleasure. There are too many things to do, too many chances for happiness and danger. As you start to fade, Icona Pop shakes your soul for one last time, letting you know the city will be there tomorrow to ruin you and rebuild you all over again. Somebody take me home.
1. September - St. Lucia
2. Bright Whites - Kishi Bashi
3. Cast Away - Strange Talk
4. Fog of War - Young Dreams
5. Sandy - Allah-Las
6. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings - Father John Misty
7. It's Too Late - Wild Belle
8. Triangular Daisies - Rubblebucket
9. Fitzpleasure - alt-J
10. Runaway - Mr Little Jeans
11. Regalia - Savoir Adore
12. Sun Goes Down - Icona Pop (ft. The Knocks & St. Lucia)
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