Every week, CKUA’s hosts submit their songs for our weekly House Blend playlist. Take a look at this week’s picks: an exciting new release, a beloved classic or just an old personal favourite. We mix it all together to create a sonic concoction that’ll help kick off your week. Check out what’s on this week’s playlist.
The Playlist
The Picks
Vish Khanna: Shotgun Jimmie, “Cool All the Time”
This charming and funny tune has all the hallmarks of a great Shotgun Jimmie indie-rock earworm. Plus it has back-up vocals and a spoken word interlude by Chad Vangaalen about the climate in our minds and the one we usually talk about. Infectious and yeah, super cool, if you ask me.
Lisa Wilton: Africa Express, “Johannesburg”
Co-founded by Blur/Gorlliaz frontman Damon Albarn, the Africa Express project has offered western and African musicians a chance to collaborate for the past 13 years. Egoli is the latest album by Africa Express. The album features a number of great artists from the UK and Africa, including Super Furry Animals singer, Gruff Rhys, who sings lead on this hazy, rhythmic track. He’s joined by South African band, Radio 123 and Mosotho musician Morena Leraba. A smooth and easy song for a warm summer’s day.
Orest Soltykevych: Bernard Andrès, “Algues”
Bernard Andrès is a French harpist who became the principal harpist of the Orchestre Philharmonique de radio-France in 1969. Andrès also wrote a number of compositions for the harp. This piece was composed in 1987. It’s a suite of seven short movements.
Baba: Leeroy Stagger, “Mother”
Leeroy Stagger is on a roll with the up-coming release of Strange Path right on the heels of Me and The Mountain. Both albums are a leap forward in the sound and themes covered. Wishing Leeroy all the best! Strange Path comes out on September 13th.
*This track is not available online
Kodi Hutchinson: Laila Biali, “We Go”
This year’s JUNO-winning vocalist is set to headline the Sylvan Lake Jazz Festival on August 17th! Her self-titled album beat out Diana Krall featuring Tony Bennett to win!
Grant Stovel: Julia Jacklin, “Head Alone”
I am super-stoked to see this Australian talent when she hits the Edmonton Folk Fest! Her sophomore album, Crushing, is full of tender, raw, heartfelt gems like this one.