A hybrid of aerial circus and circuit training gets you the zusi Circuit, special programming on rotation shared by special people. For our inaugural Circuit we have Peter S., last seen in the the Dream Journal, provide Peter’s Picks, 14 songs he’s been listening to recently and from COVID times.
When my friend Phil asked me to write a guest entry in his blog to share some music, I was honored and excited. When he asked me to keep it to ten songs (five I’ve been listening to lately and five from the Covid years), I was…skeptical I’d be able to do that. Alas, my submission consists of 14 songs. Sorry Phil! Here are Peter’s Picks:
What I’ve been listening to lately:
Daphni – Cloudy (Kelbin Remix)
I’ve been a fan of Daphni’s Dan Snaith – a Canadian mathematician-turned-music producer better known by his other stage name, Caribou – since high school. This remix (not to mention its AI art inspired video) has been a highlight of 2023 for me so far.
The intro to this track makes me laugh. As someone with wide-ranging music tastes and an inability to read a room, it’s a familiar refrain.
Here’s how German duo Brigade describes their music: “if Han Solo and Chewbacca went through a dub techno / funky house phase, instead of joining the rebellion, this is what they would sound like.” Not sure how to interpret that but I like it.
I’ve been listening British musician Olly Toomey’s debut album a lot since it was released last fall.
I play a lot of music in my classroom. When this song last came on one of my students told me “it’s a vibe.” Apparently that’s a good thing.
Gerry Rafferty – Right Down the Line
My friend Dave has this song on his diaper changing playlist as an instructional reminder, to go along with several other aptly named classics like “Push it” and “So Fresh, So Clean.” I’ve been enjoying this faithful Sam Evian cover a lot lately too.
Andy Shauf consistently makes quality music with fantastically rich storytelling. If you enjoy this track, I highly recommend checking out two of his earlier albums: The Party and The Neon Skyline.
From the Covid years:
When the pandemic broke out I was living and working in Panama. The government there quickly instituted a quarantine during which I was allowed to leave home for a two hour window, two days per week. Amen Dunes’ amazing 2018 album (ironically named Freedom) was one of the things that helped keep me sane during those months spent pacing around my little apartment. This song in particular perfectly distills so many of the emotions from that time period.
Ween was a go-to during the pandemic when I needed a laugh. Not only are their songs hilarious, they’re incredible musicians with the ability to play music from a huge variety of genres.
Africa, the lone album from 1970’s Zamrock band Amanaz, was on steady rotation for me during the Covid years. This one might be my favorite track.
ScubaZ – The Vanishing American Family
A friend and I did a road trip through California and Nevada in the fall of 2020, shortly after I moved back from Panama. This song came on as we passed through Yosemite Canyon, which was full of beautiful fall foliage at the time. It was the perfect complement to a gorgeous dreamscape.
Max Cooper is one of my favorite artists of the last decade. Put on a nice pair of headphones and listen to this one with your eyes closed.
Please Weval, gimme some more gems like this.
This song makes me feel hopeful. I think we all needed some of that these past few years.
