A new year brings new sounds, but as with most of my musical discoveries, those new sounds often wear an old disguise. A stoic look into the past is where I find most of my melodic motivation these days, but that’s not to say there aren’t a few modern entries that creep into my playlists. These are a few favorite songs that steamrolled their way into the new year with me, paving a path of positive vibes and blissful optimism.

Portishead

Glory Box

This is one of those tracks that instantly takes me back to the days hanging out in my bedroom as an emotionally overstimulated teenager thinking I knew everything about the world before even stepping foot out of my own front door.

The Smashing Pumpkins

Mayonaise

There is something so unbelievably ethereal about the Pumpkins’ music, and songs like this have a heavy hand when it comes to influencing my latest songwriting sessions with Autumns Eyes.

Stevie Wonder


Living For the City

I’m a big fan of music that captures an old school NYC vibe, and Stevie takes the cake with tracks like this that bleed such an undeniable amount of 70s city soul.

Goldfinger

Miles Away

90s music is an absolute staple in my musical library, and while Goldfinger doesn’t pop up too frequently, they do remind me of a time in my youth when life had a bit more attitude.

Enya

Anywhere Is

Enya is one of those artists that doesn’t really fit into any box you try to put them in, which is always a good thing. They remain one of those beacons of musical light that we could all use as a palate cleanser from all the mundane noise we endure day after day.

Helmet


I Know

A thick and heavy song that reminds you why ’90s rock music had the best recorded drums in history, with snares that punched you in the face like a solid bar of steel. Not to mention the absolutely gut-wrenching guitar work that Helmet is so well known for.

Future Islands

King of Sweden

Ever since their iconic appearance on Letterman, this band has captivated my attention with their vintage vibes and soulful lyrics. King of Sweden doesn’t let up in that regard, and delivers everything you’d expect with their signature somber simplicity.

Primus


Lacquer Head

I haven’t listened to Primus in a long ass time, and this was the first track I stumbled on after digging through some curated recommendations. I laughed my ass off at the absurdity of the song, which quickly reminded why I loved Primus so much to begin with.

Julia Kent

Gardermoen

Born in Canada, but now residing in NYC, Julia Kent is an extraordinary cellist who composes some of the most beautiful modern melancholic melodies I have ever heard this side of the twenty-first century.

Sevendust

Waffle

I can’t get into many of their songs, but this one hits so fucking hard thanks to the outrageously powerful vocals sung by Lajon Witherspoon, a guy I’d easily consider one of the best singers of his era.

Paul McCartney


When The Wind Is Blowing

The perfect song to play when life gets a bit too noisy and you need a mental break from all the chaos. It has such a beautiful melody that’s easy to hum along with, which also happens to be a great exercise for easing any kind of stress that creeps into your life.

Marilyn Manson


As Sick As The Secrets Within

I don’t pay attention to any of the legal nonsense that goes on with bands or celebrities; I couldn’t give two shits personally, and if everyone held the artists they love accountable for the things they’ve done or haven’t done in life, we’d have no art to enjoy. That being said, I’m glad to see Manson back on track with music that seems to resonate more with his original fanbase as of late.

Redman

Tonight’s Da Night

Rough around the edges while bathing in those beautifully grungy ’70s vibes I mentioned earlier with the Stevie Wonder track. Redman could be seen as both a pop star and a respected MC by those who know his storied career in hip-hop.

Whores

Imposter Syndrome

If you like loud music, do yourself a favor and find the loudest stereo you can, blast this track, and remind yourself that what you’re hearing is nothing compared to how this band sounds live. Which should be an indication that you need to buy a ticket!

Dean Martin

Volare (Nel Blu Di Pinto Di Blu)

It’s funny how this ended up on my playlist after absolutely loathing it as a kid, with my father constantly blasting it throughout the house. Maybe that’s why it finds its way into my kitchen whenever I’m cooking up some classic Italian dishes from my childhood. A great reminder that nostalgia can often be the greatest medicine.

Opeth


The Lotus Eater

Watershed is one of those albums that snuck up on me with how brutally creative it is. There is an overabundance of delicious riffs and tasty arrangements that almost make me laugh at just how brilliant everything fits together, like one perfect heavy puzzle.

The Beatles

In My Life

My mother was a massive Beatles fan, and maybe that’s why I always go back to their music, because it keeps me close to her even though she’s gone. A beautiful example of how music can bridge the gap between us and the ones we love who are no longer with us.