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Sharp-eyed readers of Dang Dude, What the Heck? will know that I am a lover of two things: Grilling and Chilling. Preferably at the same time. Over the last few months the dull cold days of winter have prevented me from partaking in either of these pleasures. However, it seems as if winter’s grasp will fade away soon. False spring has ended, second winter is over, and real spring seems to be on the horizon. In short, grillin’ and chillin’ – neé grilling and chilling – season has begun. This fortuitous change in local meteorological conditions calls for one thing and one thing only, a new playlist. Yes, my loyal beautiful readers and subscribers, a list of songs which you can indeed play.
Why a playlist? Allow me to explain. Grillin’ and chillin’ is not just about hanging out in backyards and on decks, eating encased meats and lightly charred veggies, it’s also about listening to banging tunes. Specifically tunes that enhance the experience of eating encased meats and lightly charred veggies. Hence, a playlist.
I take my playlists very seriously. I’ve even written about them before. I am of the firm belief that music can really bring together a hangout or completely ruin it. Despite a chance a complete ruination hanging over your head, not having music is the only sure recipe for disaster. Not having music at your backyard grill-out is the same thing as eating raw chicken or raw ghost peppers. You don’t want to do it!
Which brings me to the main point of this newsletter. For the last two years I have relied on a highly regarded and venerated playlist for all my grilling and chilling sessions. It has served me well. However, the time is nigh for a new one and I currently have begun construction of a new grilling and chilling playlist entitled Grilling and Chilling 2.0. I have high hopes for it, but it is not fully complete or tested yet. A work in progress. You can find it here.
I’d like to share my process for the creation of this playlist. A peek behind the scenes if you will. The purpose of a grilling and chilling playlist is far different than say a summer playlist or a workout playlist. Perhaps these insights will help you in the creation of your own playlist. Perhaps it won’t. Who is to say!
First off, a good grilling and chilling playlist should not be the star of the show. It should enhance the conversations and chilling, but it should not overshadow them. This means, on the whole, you want to stay away from super up-tempo songs or party jams. This is not a dancing playlist. While dancing may occur while your g’ing and c’ing, it certainly would be a rarity, and should occur organically, not forced through the playlist. The vibe you’re going for here is interesting, but not overpowering. There is a fine line that cuts between anonymous elevator music, and overpowering nothing else matters songs. The trick is to find songs that hit that exact line.
The second insight I have is that you need to listen to this playlist before you unveil it to the world. Consider it the same thing as proofreading a work email, or re-reading an essay you’re submitting for a class. There are songs that just don’t work with the rest of the playlist. They might be great on their own, but when played next to the other songs they stick out like a sore thumb, ruining the vibe. It has already happened to me more than once with the playlist that I’m working on. But you must be ruthless, culling songs as needed. There is no room for sympathy or nostalgia when cultivating your playlists. Mercy is for the weak. Especially when it comes to vibes curation.
I don’t really have any other insights per se. And now that I think about it, “insights” is a bit boastful. Who do I think I am, David Guetta? Thoughts is probably more appropriate. So in lieu of forcing my own playlist curation rules upon you allow me to share a few of my favorite songs on this new version of the grilling and chilling playlist.
“Loving Cup” – The Rolling Stones: This playlist could be mostly Stones if I wasn’t determined to have a wider range of artists on it. One of the ultimate grilling and chilling bands. Loving Cup isn’t their biggest hit, but it’s also not unknown. If there are people in their 40s or over, or are my friend Josh, listening to this playlist they will probably say “oh hell yeah, The Stones. They rock” when they hear this song. Don’t worry, they can’t help themselves.
“Front, Back & Side to Side” – UGK: I never said this would be a family-friendly playlist. UGK, legends of rap, sure knew how to make a grilling and chilling song. Another group whose discography could comprise the entirety of this playlist. T.I. also did a gloss on this song, but the original is better.
“River Run: Lvl 1” – The Beths: The Beths really just freaking rock. Don’t know what else to say. Shout out to my boy Josh for introducing me to them. Just all-around stars. Check out their album Future Me Hates Me when you get the chance. All hits. Guitars rule. Excellent lyrical content, which I don’t always care about, but The Beths know how to write a great chorus.
“Kissing Lessons” – Lucy Dacus: Really my only problem with this song is that it’s too short. This hits the Lucy Dacus sweet spot for me, rocky, a little bit fuzzy, with a nice touch of sparkle. I’m not the biggest fan of Dacus’ more down beat stuff, but I really dig the more up-tempo stuff. If only it could be like three minutes long instead of just under two. Oh well.
“Palco” – Gilberto Gil: I stole this from my guy Andrew’s “Parasailing In Rio de Janeiro With A Caipirinha In Your Hand” playlist. This song makes me feel like I am doing exactly that, even though I have never parasailed in Rio de Janeiro with or without a caipirinha in my hand. I don’t even know what a caipirinha is and I refuse to look it up!
There it is! If you make your own please send it my way. I would love to check it out! And steal some songs for mine!
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Nice playlist, Dylan. For an interesting take on Sunshine Of Your Love, you might want to tune in my radio show (which you should always do anyway ;-) ) today (Wednesday) from 2-4 Mountain on kbga.org I guess we already determined that we're both Nikki Lane fans; now we can add Futurebirds to the list! (and probably others too--Steely Dan...) Cheers