August brings us to the 50th monthly version of the In the Distance, Oblivious Playlist! And with summer in full force here, Phoebe and Al have never been more hot and humid with their music choices. They’ve settled on a few returning artists, a bunch of new artists, a new attitude, some cicadas, and a dose of happy pills!
Show notes from our August 2024 Spotify Podcast:
We started with Al’s ten submissions and Phoebe’s ten submissions, but our finished, 11-song playlist is put in an order that we think makes sense musically. Which is not same same order that we pick the songs during the picking ceremony heard during our podcast.
Song notes (Quotes are from song lyrics):
- “I emasculate every man I meet, I try not to but they can’t stand up to me, so come on over with a little more umph, and let’s turn you into two”
We’re so impressed with the sass that Tianna Esperanza brings to our playlist. She can buy us a new attitude anytime she wants. - “I know there’s something wrong with me, can’t ever fully fall asleep, cicadas crying out to me, winter’s coming, take cover immediately”
The studio version of Ken Pomeroy’s “Cicadas” is great, but we love her voice in this live version even better. - “And you and me walked down the shores of our youth, chasing the sunrise, challenging the truth”
Martin Sexton has been around for decades. We’re so happy to finally have one of his songs in our playlist. - “I can walk thе sands of my life, all on my own, I know just what I did, and now I’ve made my bed, oh, I’m gonna lie in it”
Honeysuckle’s “Fire Starter” has got polish, professionalism and a great melody. And the video is rockin’ some serious 1977 vibes. - “I signed a lease with a hunky-dory man of god, he’s an evangelist, I lied about my faith and now I’m damned, aw hell”
Virginia’s own Palmyra brings their dose of fun and silliness with a handful of Happy Pills! - “Where were you when I was on my knees crying for a family? And where were you when I was breakin’ at the seams? Did you think I was fine? Do I look fuckin’ fine?”
This is Ruby Gill’s second appearance in our playlist. We think so highly of her music, her intensity, and her power. - “I’ve been keeping my own company, they’re all saying that the one I’m missing is me”
Lera Lynn is also back for her second visit. She’s got a great voice and a dark, knowing presence in her voice. - “For every man who’s standing next to me, for queer and trans and non-binary, for everybody with their own body, I will meet you all out in the street, so be careful… with me”
Madi Diaz, S.G. Goodman and Joy Oladokun (and Courtney Marie Andrews in the video version) perform this great Patti Griffin song with their unique, expressive voices. - “I hope you’re willing to hear that you’re my dear but I’ve been so filled up with doubt”
Playlist newcomer Sadurn has a quiet and dark vibe that we love. “Dirt May” shows them at their best. - “Don’t be afraid of what might hurt, don’t take it lightly if you wanna see it work, and don’t be a fool when love is new”
If you take nothing else from Folk Bitch Trio, take this video. You don’t often see artists being this wonderfully goofy and fun. - “No longer shall you need, you always wanted to believe, just ask and you’ll receive, beyond your wildest dreams”
Of all the artists we’ve discovered making our playlist, DeVotchKa has to be one of our very favorites. “How It Ends” is maybe their most well-known song, and it shows their professionalism and their musical showmanship at its very best.
Both our Spotify playlist and our podcast are updated and released around the first of each month. We’re recorded monthly in the warm and cozy hug of the OML Studios in lovely downtown Manchester, Richmond, Virginia.
Thanks to Eagle Rare Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for help in recording this month. Theme music is from “Red Eye” by E’s Jammy Jams, Contrarian by Blue Dot Sessions, Accordion music by Andrew Huang, Chopin – Mazurka Op6No2 by Blue Dot Sessions, Palms Down by Blue Dot Sessions, Access Road 442 by Blue Dot Sessions, On Top of It by Blue Dot Sessions.
Featured image: A foggy evenings outside Big Meadows Lodge, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia.
If you have questions or suggestions, please drop us an email.
See you next month!
