“MINI SKIRT” by Holliday
Holliday is keen on lacing his soundscapes with fresh and exciting insertions. This sensational track is reminiscent of club dub with some invigorating flair. There isn’t a select beat drop but the groove exists throughout the entirety of the song. There is a bubbly bounce that carries the track into a warm, dynamic conclusion. This was a go-to song in 2024 because of its overall fun nature and ease of listening. Not sure what to throw on first but want to hear some gnarly EDM? Throw on “MINI SKIRT” and go from there. Check out this and other Holliday tracks HERE!
“Baker’s Dozen” by Galactic
I knew nothing about Galactic, the prestigious New Orleanian quintet, until having “Baker’s Dozen” randomly show up on one of my Daily Mixes. I’ve been diving deep into a lot of blues and jazz music, both old school and modern day, so it is pure algorithmic luck that I discovered this song and its creator(s). At nearly 25 years old, this song has captured and maintained an outstanding gleam of musicianship. With it’s staccato ladened horns and ferocious guitar/percussion work, it was a go-to in 2024 because it simply JAMS. Check out this and other Galactic tracks HERE!
“The Hammer” by Kublai Khan TX
I’ve been listening to this song since its official release as a single back in July of 2017, but in 2024…it is a hammer that hits particularly hard. I’ve been shedding a lot of energetic dead weight this year and this song helped me stand in those decisions. Life is too short to continue to entertain people who could actually careless about what you have to say/offer. This could appear as a blanket statement but it has taken years to decipher who truly wants to be there with me vs who just wants to say they were a part of my life because “they know me.” That’s why this song has been a go-to for me in 2024. Check out this and other Kublai Khan tracks HERE!
“The Tree of Life” by The Wise Man’s Fear
This band has had my attention since their debut album, Castle in the Clouds. Since that fateful day in 2015, I have wholly anticipated every release since. 2020 was a crappy year but one of the best things to emerge from that questionable time was TWMF’s record, Valley of Kings. Harboring tracks that play well individually, but if you know anything about TWMF you’ll want to catch the story in chronological order. “The Tree of Life” was a go-to song in 2024 because it is honestly the track I introduce people to first if they show interest in the band; so every time I talked to someone about TWMF and showed them this song, of course I went back and listened to it a ¼ to a ½ dozen times more. That flute solo/breakdown will NEVER quit. Check out this and other TWMF tracks HERE!
“Ruah” by Bloodlines
To round out my go-to’s for 2024, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention “Ruah” by Bloodlines. If you aren’t familiar, ruah is a Hebrew word that means “breath, spirit, or wind” and this song is a direct plea for us to “be lowly in spirit, with a humble heart…” beckoning the listener to seek the breath of God. While I won’t unload a full fledged sermon on you, I will stress the spiritual significance that this song has had on me throughout this immensely unpredictable year. Every time I listen to this song, I’m reminded of one of my top favorite Bible verses: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will…” - Romans 12:2. Remaining focused on how Jesus treated people in his time is crucial. While he did not sit and sin with them, he did still sit with them and let them know that they are not alone.
There is a God of the Universe and the Creator is ready to have the created reach back out to reconvene with the Christ-centric mindset that Jesus’s original disciples not only had access to…but lived in. “Ruah” reminds me to remain “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger" (James 1:19). May Yahweh’s spirit guide your steps, and breathe life into you. Check out this and other Bloodlines tracks HERE!
And with that, these five songs are only five of many that helped carry me through this unrelenting year. When wars and rumours of wars trouble your head, rest assured that so long as the human will to keep fighting exists…the music will play on, and the Spirit will overcome.
Until next time, y’all…stay moved!
Comments