Hey it’s me! Here are some things I’ve been enjoying lately that aren’t songs or recipes:
Luster by Raven Leilani (what a book!)
Selling Sunset (what a show!)
TikTok (what an algorithm!)
I’m back again with another list of songs (and one recipe!). I feel like this list of songs—y’all are getting 20 this time—is a lot more clubby than the last one. I really miss going to gay bars and I think this list of songs reflects that. Lots of long remixes for you. I’ve rewatched this clip of DJ Patti Kane 100 times lately and… wow. I can’t wait to dance again :’)
Let me know how you’re doing/if you’re enjoying this/have checked out any of the songs etc. I think I’m going to do this monthly but let me know your thoughts. XOXO
On Spotify // On Apple Music
“Have You Decided?” by Ruthven
I’m obsessed with this song by one of Jai Paul’s disciples who apparently is a fireman in London and makes music on the side. It starts out like a Sampha song and then turns into a Bruce Hornsby kind of jam. So inventive.
“Dive” by Victoria Monet
This whole album is just so great but this song is really magical. She’s such an unbelievable songwriter. Just A+ work from a pro.
“On Mine” by Diplo & Noah Cyrus
I have a soft spot for Noah Cyrus since I interviewed her a few years ago. This song is unfussy country pop.
“Higher” (Steve Silk Hurley Original 12 Inch Mix) by Steve “Silk” Hurley, Vernessa Mitchell, Ricky Dillard & New G
OK, here come the dance jams. This is just heavenly house music. Just seven minutes of pure joy.
“He Loves Me 2” (Steve Silk Hurley Original 12 Inch Mix) by CeCe Peniston & Steve “Silk” Hurley
This is another Steve “Silk” Hurley remix I’ve been listening to. If you haven’t watched Jazell Barbie Royale’s famous routine to this song, please just watch that and get back to me.
“If You Could Read My Mind” by Ultra Naté, Amber & Jocelyn Enriquez
Since this song was used in Canada’s Drag Race, I’ve been listening to it roughly once a day. It reminds me of listening to KTU as a little boy lol.
“Dionne” by The Japanese House f. Justin Vernon
For something totally different and not appropriate for a sweaty gay club, we have this. I love pretty much every song that has ever featured a guest appearance by Justin Vernon and this is no different.
“Be Like That” by Kane Brown, Swae Lee, and Khalid
I can’t stop listening to this damn song. Perfect piece of pop music, especially Swae Lee’s verse where he somehow sounds like a prepubescent Justin Bieber.
“Legends Never Die” by Orville Peck and Shania Twain
Confession: I’m not the world’s biggest Orville Peck fan. Mostly because I feel like he’s biting off my modern gay country hero Sam Buck, but also because I feel like his music is macabre in a boring way. This Shania Twain duet fixes that issue for me. More like this please.
“Nobody Cares” by Abigail Barlow
This girl from TikTok is going to be a huge star. If I worked at a a label I’d be tripping over myself to sign her. She’s such a talented songwriter and has a whole little army of fans who are quickly watching her numbers grow. You can’t listen to this song or this upcoming one and tell me she isn’t going to be world famous in six months.
“Security!” by Ecco2k
Former Coworker Ben wrote about Ecco2k for the NYT and finally convinced me to listen to this song the other day. Most of his music is too cool for me but this song is undeniable.
“What You Waiting For” by Sigala f. Kylie Minogue
This song is neither cool or new, but I refuse to skip smooth brain EDM while it’s still above 75 degrees. Perfect music for enjoying an alcoholic seltzer and I’m not mad about it.
“I Should Go” by James Vincent McMorrow & Kenny Beats
I’m such a sucker for James Vincent McMorrow’s voice. My Irish king.
“Over Now” by Calvin Harris & The Weeknd
I thought the most recent Weeknd album was kind of disappointing—I think it’s time he changed up his sound a bit, tbh—but I think this song with Calvin Harris is pretty special.
“Ice Cream” by BLACKPINK & Selena Gomez
Not the brainiest pop song to say the least, but I’ve been very into with Selena Gomez’s show Chef+Selena on HBO Max and I’m now fully a stan, so you should all stream this song one time.
“Lost One” by Jazmine Sullivan
Is there anyone in the world as underrated as Jazmine Sullivan? Her voice is absolutely amazing and this song is so beautiful. A much-needed return to releasing music. I can’t wait to hear more from her.
“Love Again” (Horse Meat Disco Remix) by Dua Lipa and The Blessed Madonna
I was a little meh on the Dua Lipa remix project. Weren’t you? However, this song is impossible not to love. More boom-boom-kack music for the soul.
“Birthday” (MJ Cole Remix) by Disclosure, Kehlani & Syd
Kehlani and Syd together on a song is such a genius combination. This remix of their Disclosure song is very I May Destroy You soundtrack vol. 1.
“The Recipe” by Aluna & KAYTRANADA f. Rema
RIP George, Aluna sounds great on her own. Kaytranada never misses and this song is no exception.
“The Roof (Back In Time” [Morales Radio Mix] by Mariah Carey
One more dance jam for the road. These vault remixes from the Queen have been such a nice treat and this one might be my favorite one she’s shared. See you out on the floor in 2021 <3
An Uncomplicated Farro Salad
(If you have some of these hanging out in your fridge that would be amazing but if you don’t, that’s okay too.) Start boiling your water and dump a bunch of salt in. Turn your oven on to 350. Trim broccoli into some bite sized pieces, cut a red onion into quarters and then cut those quarters in half so you have some chunks. Cover those veggies with some olive oil + salt + pepper + red pepp flakes + whatever else you’re feeling (garlic&onion powder + italian seasoning is cute to me). Pop those into the oven and set a timer for 20 mins. Prob put your farro in and cook it like pasta until it’s done (about 22 mins). While those are going, open a can of chickpeas and rinse and drain them. Mash up like half of them and then pour about a quarter cup or more olive oil on it and then a big sploosh of apple cider vinegar. Salt and pepper them good and give it a big stir and let it sit. By this time or maybe a lil before, you should flip your broccoli and onions and let them go for another 20 or a lil less. You want it kind of char-y but not all burnt. Drain your farro and add it to chickpeas. Top with your roast veggies and slow roasted tomatoes if you have ‘em. Add some fresh mozz balls, or some chopped feta if you’ve got it, but you’ll live without it. If you’ve got some basil on hand that would be great but like you’re fine.