SoundTrax: Sunny Sundays
posted in: Features • Reviews & Playlists
Imagine waking up to the warm smell of pancakes accompanied by the crackle of bacon frying in a pan, as you roll over to shield your eyes from the rays of sunlight that illuminate paths of dust from your window to the floor. Sunday mornings have a special aura about them, and in this edition of SoundTrax, I will highlight that feeling with a handful of tunes sure to put you in that Sunday mood, any time of the week.
“A Sunday Kind of Love” by Etta James
In honor of her recent passing, it would be a shame not to start off this soundtrack with the wonderful voice of the late, great, Etta James. Enjoy!
“Somebody That I Used to Know” (feat. Kimbra) by Gotye
If you thought you were listening to an unreleased Synchronicity b-side at first, you’re not alone. There’s no denying that Gotye has striking vocal similarity to Sting, but the similarities end there. Featuring understated, but carefully planned production, this will be one of the standout songs of 2012.
“Miserable” by Roman&Alaina 
Pairing depressing lyrics with upbeat music is always hit-or-miss, and takes some serious songwriting chops. Roman&Alaina rise up to the challenge wonderfully with this jangly tune. Now stop dragging the covers back up to your chin, and let the pace of this track pull you out of bed.
“Slippin” by Quadron
As you start making your way through your morning errands, keep slippin’ further into that relaxed Sunday vibe everyone always dreams about, but can never really achieve.
“Glimpse” by The Dotted Eyes
There is still something to be said for simplicity in music, an area of focus that is often lost on the radio-friendly industry. Enjoy this straightforward, yet heartwarming tune as the morning gives way to the afternoon.
The Kazoo Song by Bella Ruse
A voice that sounds like it’s still soaked in the vinyl warmth of the roarin’ twenties, combined with quirky lyrics and a light-hearted accompaniment of acoustic guitars, ratchets, typewriters, toy pianos and a kazoo round out one of the most refreshing songs I’ve had the pleasure of hearing in a long time.
“Lights” (Shook Remix) by Ellie Goulding
Shook reinvents the uber-popular single from Ellie Goulding, and turns it into a Rhodes-laden groove that borders so close to being cliché, you can’t help but smile.
“California Soul” by Marlena Shaw
Finishing up this playlist, is a song that never ceases to make me want to bask in the sun. Take a break from your errands, find a nice windowsill seat to curl up in and relax.
Thanks for listening!
More like this: