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Hey everybody! I’m a few weeks late promoting this episode here, but that didn’t stop it from becoming my most played episode of Carefully Curated so far! If you’ve already listened, thank you! I’m excited to share a few details about it.
White Lies are one of my favorite bands from the last 15 years, and it was a pleasure to sit down and chat with their bass player Charles Cave, who has also released solo music that you may have heard on my playlists.
In this episode Charles shares intimate insights into his creative process, specifically shedding light on the origins of his solo track "About the End" which I included on my 2023: 60 Favorite Songs (so far) playlist. Having never released a full solo album, Charles revealed plans for a “Greatest Hits” album which will include most of his singles from the last eight years. Many singles were released this year exclusively through Serenade, an “an environmentally friendly NFT platform that allows artists to sell their music and other creations directly to fans, without the need for intermediaries". It's fascinating to hear his thoughts on the potential for this space in the music industry, both as a means of support for artists and a way for fans to have unique connections with the music they love.
Last month, Big TV - the 3rd White Lies album and my personal favorite - turned 10 years old. Charles shared stories of the band's recording process for this album and how the album's impact has endured over the years. We also talked touring & the challenges that come with it.
”There Goes Our Love Again” is featured on my 2013: 💯 Favorite Songs playlist. If you haven’t seen the music video before, check it out below. It’s one of my all time favorites!
Press play below to hear our complete conversation, as we play a few songs from White Lies, as well as his solo material.
August 2023: Top 13 Songs
Here are 13 songs you should know from July. These songs were featured throughout the month on my Heavy Rotation playlist.
Annie Hart - Boy You Got Me Good 💘 :It’s probably no surprise to see Annie Hart at #1 last month as I recently interviewed Annie on Carefully Curated (Listen here). This track opens her latest album The Weight of a Wave and the first time I heard it I was instantly hooked. Check out the fun music video above!
Ratboys - Empty 😢 : Have you heard the new Ratboys album The Window yet? I have! And while this track is technically a deep cut, it’s one of my favorites from my first listens last month. An album of the year contender, for sure.
Dim Wizard ft. Mike Krol & Ratboys - X-Games Mode 🎮 : Ratboys make another guest appearance here on the latest track from Dim Wizard. This one also features Mike Krol & was produced by Sarah Tudzin of Illuminati Hotties. It rips!!
Genesis Owusu - The Roach 🪳: Enter Genesis Owusu's world as he introduces "The Roach," a character questioning life's purpose. There’s also a reference to “Human” by The Killers, which I enjoyed. His album Struggler was released last month and has been on repeat.
The Killers - Your Side of Town 🌆 : Speaking of The Killers, they returned with a synth-infused single reminiscent of '80s classics “It’s A Sin” by Pet Shop Boys & “True Faith” by New Order. But also with a touch of “Instant Crush” by Daft Punk & Julian Casablancas. The lyrics also feel like a spiritual sequel to Brandon Flowers solo track "Lonely Town".
Jobber - Summerslam 🤼♂️ : This anthem named after a long running WWE Pay-Per-View (or a PLE if you’re a new fan) delves into the jaded world of political power and it is a ripper. In case you missed it, check out my interview with Kate Meizner from Jobber from earlier this year.
Hurry - The Punchline 🎸 : Hurry delivers a delightful slice of power pop with "The Punchline." It's the perfect closing song to their new album Don't Look Back which leaves me wanting more. Also.. that fake ending.
Wild Nothing ft. Hatchie - Headlights On 🚗💨 Featuring ethereal background vocals from Hatchie, this track explores the fragile moments in a relationship, set against a propulsive beat. It’s the classic Wild Nothing sound, but a refreshing take.
Chris Farren - All We Ever 🤔 : This track invites listeners to contemplate the universal yearning for a life that truly matters, set against a backdrop of melodic sincerity. It’s one of many excellent tracks from Doom Singer, which was released last month.
LÉON - Pretty Boy 🌟 A song about making up for lost time and choosing happiness. Its irresistible melody make it one of the catchiest pop songs of the year!
The Hives - What Did I Ever Do To You? 😠 : A deep cut & emotionally charged standout track from their excellent new album The Death of Randy Fitzsimmons.
Margo Price ft. Ny Oh - Closer I Get 💔 This song will be on Margo’s upcoming album Strays II, which is a companion album Strays which was released earlier this year. This track reflects on the financial costs of living juxtaposed with the price of death.
Samantha Urbani - Showing Up 🌟 : The 3rd single from Samantha’s upcoming debut album of the same name. It’s shaping up to be one of my favorite records of the 2023.
And that’s the Top 13 songs from August! Follow the full playlist below:
I also added 10 more songs to my 2023: Favorite Songs playlist featuring Spirit Night, Carly Rae Jepsen, Strange Ranger, Tanukichan, George Clanton & more!It’s hard to believe that Summer is almost over. I’ve had a bit of an intense few weeks but that hasn’t stopped me from starting work on the fall playlist. I’m looking forward to sharing it with you in a few weeks.
That’s all I got!
- Patrick