We’ve had a couple of lockdowns since I last did a mixtape. I have since learned that both ‘lockdown’ and ‘mixtape’ are one word but, for consistency’s sake, we will continue this way.
This third lock down has most definitely been the worst hasn’t it? My subconscious keeps getting the urge to move abroad to get away from it all – except there’s nowhere to move to!
Work has been pretty crazy so I’ve not been able to pay attention to new music as much as I’d like to. That, and I’ve set up my sound system in my new house so have been making the most of my records. I do have a few lockdown 3.0 listens to share with you though – inspired by what I’ve had on my playlists and what my day-to-day life has looked like.
At the moment I’m opting not to add these to the other lockdown playlist (found here). They’ll go in a new one here. Another 10 songs to reflect my days.
- Family ‘Viewing Party’
Urvashi Urvashi – A.R. Rahman, Noel James, Shankar Mahadevan
This is an Indian Tamil song that was originally written for a film in 1994. I came across it however in the soundtrack to Mogul Mowgli – the incredible new film by Bassam Tariq with Riz Ahmed. It looks at British Pakistani identity – along with other topics. It’s nominated for BIFA awards so my family and I decided to watch it at the same time in our separate homes and discuss afterwards. I don’t think we did it justice but we all loved it. And discovered some cracking tunes from it too.
- Failing your exams
Failure – The Staves
Yes, for those of you who know me – I did fail (half) of the exam I was sitting. I worked bloody hard but I got an unlucky question. I’m resitting in May and I’m trying to look at it as an opportunity to learn more. However, The Staves released this album on the day I found out I failed and this was cruelly the first song that came on. But it is a bloody good song. For what it’s worth, I absolutely nailed the half that I didn’t fail sooo win some lose some.
- Assembling furniture
Road of the Lonely Ones – Madlib
Ok if you listen to BBC 6 Music this won’t be a new find for you but I do like it. Very much. It helped me put together the obscene amount of furniture I’ve had to buy for my new house. Most of you have saved money in lockdown – I have not. I have however acquired a coffee table, bookcase, chest of drawers, garden table set and many cushions. I. Can’t. Stop. Buying. Furniture. But yes I love this tune from Madlib – it’s a chilled beat with some sweet tunes over the top sampled from The Ethics, who sound like they’ve stepped out of the 60s but in fact released Lost in a Lonely World in 2003. It’s all very confusing but very brilliant.
- A snowy, pre-work yomp
No Such Thing – This Is The Kit
This album came out in 2020… I think maybe even in lockdown 1 but I’ve only just really got into it. And I’m now obsessed. I love her folky voice and the kind of repetitive rhythm guitar all the way through that’s made interesting with all sorts of fun riffs and breaks and melodies. I think it could sound simple from afar but it’s super interesting up close.
- Friday evening blow off steam sesh
You’ve Done Enough – Gorgon City, DRAMA
It may well be sacrilege to follow This Is The Kit with Gorgon City (sorry JV if you’re reading) but it’s the reality of what I’m listening to. As I mentioned, work has been a bit relentless and I’m injured so I can’t exercise to blow off steam. I love the anger in her voice when she sings ‘hands around my neck’ (or whatever she’s saying – I always get lyrics wrong) and I always love a dance track so this blares out my desk speakers at about 7pm on a Friday while I prepare to enter weekend mode.
- Disco shower
Stomp! – The Brothers Johnson
Well, it wouldn’t be an Emily mixtape without some 70s funky disco, would it? Don’t think this needs explaining… it’s just a the perfect disco shower tune. (Suddenly thinking I need to get some disco lights for the bathroom…)
- Bawling your eyes out cos the world is unfair
HOME (Special Request remix) – Baauer, Bipolar Sunshine, Special Request
This, frankly, is another song I’m not particularly proud to share as it’s a bit cheesy but it’s a reality. I’ve been obsessed with it when I’m feeling sad. I think it’s that piano sample. I have absolutely no idea what he’s saying most the time and I think that allows me to feel sorry for myself and just get caught up in it all. Lockdown isn’t all laughs and love.
- A pensive coffee on the balcony
His Eye Is On The Sparrow – Mahalia Jackson
Mahalia Jackson has such a beautiful and soulful voice. She was a huge influence in spreading gospel blues across the US and, even if I don’t quite believe in what she’s singing about, I feel that emotion deep in my tummy. It’s just beautiful.
- Tequila Tuesdayyyys
El Cantante – Héctor Lavoe
Ok we don’t reallly do Tequila Tuesdays but you know the vibe – when you give in to a big night even though you know you shouldn’t? I just love a wee salsa across the floor and this is just the perfect song to do it to. I can’t WAIT for barbecues with music and dancing with beautiful friends in the months to come. This is 100% what I’m holding on for.