Boy, does the world feel crazy right now. Yikes! Just know that whatever you’re doing to cope with election insanity or pervasive feelings of doom is important and you should keep doing it. For me, music has been a great way to deal with everything going on. If you’re into classic rock, surf music, and R&B, I have a treat for you! Here are the songs that have been getting me through the stress and anxiety of the past couple of weeks:
- When the Levee Breaks – Led Zeppelin
Can’t have a DJ Butter playlist without Led Zeppelin popping up somewhere. I must have listened to this song, off of Led Zeppelin IV, at least 40 times in the last week. It’s an absolute classic.
- The Super-Natural – John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
I heard this one while listening to WKNC in my car and immediately fell in love with the bluesy electric guitar. Rock legends Eric Clapton, Peter Green, and Mick Taylor were some of the many to pass through John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers at some point or another in the 60s!
- Manila Ice – Eyedress
This song is the perfect mixture of electronic, R&B, and surf rock. I love how Eyedress puts a modern, urban spin on indie in this track.
- Never Had a Girl – The Misunderstood
Though this track was released in 1969, I think it’s fascinating how The Misunderstood seem to combine the sounds of 80s pop, early blues, and 60s classic rock into one song.
- Tyrone (Live) – Erykah Badu
WOW! Miss Badu delivers some powerful feminine energy in her live album, especially with this song. I will forever love her poetry and talent.
- I Ran With Love But Couldn’t Keep Up – Spectrals
This song came to me through my Spotify Discover Weekly playlist and love the calm vibe that Spectrals delivers with it. Romantic and woozy, it’s one of my go-to repeats for relaxing.
- De Vida Voz – Allah-Las
Allah-Las consistently produces great work, but this one has to be my favorite song of theirs. Their guitar work is absolutely phenomenal.
- Innerspace – The Apples In Stereo
This song is another random Spotify discovery, but I love how relaxing and light it is. The instrumental ballad reminds me of sitting in a forest with some kind animals.
- Clear Night Sky – La Luz
I featured La Luz, the all-girl surf rock band, in a blog post a couple of weeks ago. This is the first song I heard by them and I was immediately hooked!
- Bella Luna – Babe Rainbow
This track is so lovely and relaxing. Babe Rainbow, known for their airy psychedelia, really shows how soft they can be with “Bella Luna.”
- Move With the Season – Temples
I originally found this track when making my Halloween set. Though it’s not necessarily “spooky,” the dark yet upbeat feeling this song gives reminds me of fall.
- Earthshake – Mystic Braves
The Mystic Braves are a great band. Period. “Earthshake” is one of my favorites by them, and I highly recommend giving it a listen if you’re into any kind of surf/garage rock.
Enjoy!
– DJ Butter
