Welome to (unplanned) Alumni Month here in ItD,O Land. Al sort of intentionally made all his submissions former playlist faves, but it turns out that all eleven of our songs this month are from artists who have been in our playlist before. It’s a theme… without really intending to be a theme. Plus, we’re attempting to learn how to use some new microphones this month (ahhh, technology!), so hopefully we sound a little better, while remaining true to our uncompromisingly unprofessional standards!
Show notes from our February 2025 Spotify Podcast:
We started with Al’s ten submissions and Phoebe’s ten submissions, We narrowed those submissions down and eventually ended up with these eleven songs…
Song notes (Quotes are from song lyrics):
- “She lets me look but just from a distance, and she won’t speak to me, but when I sing she still listens”
As wonderful as Marty O’Reilly’s three playlist songs have been, his videos have probably been even more impressive. “The Captain’s Daughter” shows off his gifts, as well as Chris Lynch’s violin virtuosity. - “Onward to the midsummer derby, to the radios on the beach, to the roller coaster’s controlled fear”
We’ve always enjoyed The Felice Brothers’ dark and dry delivery. They’re back for their second appearance as a band, and Ian Felice was with us once as a solo act as well. - “Start fire, stir the pot, play your part, win the argument, every night I fall apart again, and it’s hard”
We love being able to feature artists with a local connection, and even better when they bring along Palmyra’s fun energy. - “You always cared for me, that was easy enough to see, you always cared for me, and I pushed you in the dark”
Dark Dark Dark is one of a handful of bands that we’ve found doing this playlist that really embodies what we love about music and want our playlist to be about. We’re so happy to feature “Bright Bright Bright” this month. - “And it hurts to miss you, but it’s worse to know that I’m the reason you won’t come home”
I think we’ve both wanted to get Ethel Cain back into our playlist again ever since she was here two years ago with “Thoroughfare”. “A House In Nebraska” welcomes her back. - “I’ve been contemplating suicide, but it really doesn’t suit my style, so I think I’ll just act bored instead, to contain the part I would’ve shed”
“Analogue”, our previous Folk Bitch Trio entry, saw the Melbourne trio in goofy knight costumes. “Shivers” shows their more serious side. - “I found a lover like no other, she will set me free from tar filled puddles, smoking rubble ringing in my ears, I will be redeemed.”
Ireland’s Keenan O’Meara got entered this month by both Al and Phoebe. Her “Carriage” won out, getting picked by Al. - “Around this time, I publicly was treating acid with anxiety, I was unwell and suddenly, her clown portraits spoke to me”
We have a theory that sometimes you want to like Father John Misty a little more than you actually do, but “Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose” brings just the right mix. - “Does it feel ancient or new? Do you keep it how it keeps you? Common ancestor love, here has nothing to prove”
England’s Rozi Plain has been with us once before, and also plays bass with our fave This Is The Kit. - “Tell me I’m the love of your life, just for a night, even if you don’t feel it”
Julia Jacklin is our most visited artist this month, and she brings along the talented newcomer Faye Webster. Their voices are so lovely together. - “But there are no hats, gloves, scarves for the heart, just a cold wind that leaves its frosted mark”
Lots of people know that Martha and Rufus Wainwright are siblings, and long time playlist fans know that both have made appearances. But did you know that their mom is Kate McGarrigle, who with her sister, did “Swimming Song” in our July 2024 issue? And that dad Loudon’s first wife Suzzy Roche has also made appearances?
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. TJ Elwood by Blue Dot Sessions. Country Butter by Blue Dot Sessions. La Naranja Borriana by Blue Dot Sessions. Molly Molly by Blue Dot Sessions. Contrarian by Blue Dot Sessions. Palms Down by Blue Dot Sessions. Article “You Can’t Outrun Spotify” by Nicholas Quah.
And while we’re on the subject of themes, don’t miss next month, where will bring you our third playlist of unconventional covers. Take a (somewhat) well-known song, strip it down to its birthday suit, and dress it back up into somebody you’d barely recognize! We love this idea so much, we have to do this concept again and again!
Featured image: Deer, Big Meadows, Virginia.
Questions? Suggestions? Submissions? Drop us an email! As always, thanks for listening, and see you next month!
