The Friday Five: July 26, 2013

Friday Five : |ˈfrÄ«dā – fÄ«v| : On the sixth day of every week, I hit the shuffle button in iTunes and share the first five tracks and thought for each track. Sometimes there is a playlist involved, occasionally we’ll have a guest, but most of the time it’s just me. The rest is up to you, our friends and readers! Fire up the media player of your choice and share the first five random track of your shuffle in the comments.

The Five:

“Little Miss Sunshine” by Caleb Hawley (from Little Miss Sunshine, 2013)

A catchy tune with a heart of gold; Caleb Hawley takes his young niece’s torment and turns it into a self-empowerment anthem. I cannot recommend checking out his latest record enough. Oh, and a special aside for the Prince fan’s among you: the drummer on this particular track is none other than the original NPG drummer, Michael B.

“All This Love” by DeBarge (from Motown: The Complete No. 1’s (disc 8), 2008)

You know that SNL sketch where Chris Katan would channel Antonio Banderas and his ever-present mariachi band would proclaim “too sexy! please!” You know the one. This right here? This is three sexy. El’s falsetto is on point and the track hits with everything a solid “quiet storm” jam requires.

“Too Dramatic” by Ra Ra Riot (from Too Dramatic, 2011)

I’m a bit on the fence about the latest Ra Ra Riot record and hearing this tune is exactly why. There is a distinct lack of this brand of hyperactive pop, while still retaining a very natural sound. Don’t get me wrong, I dig Beta Love, I just don’t know if I love it as much as their previous efforts.

“Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry (from Teenage Dream, 2010)

Solid pop tune from an artist that, in my opinion, doesn’t get a fair shake. Sure, it’s polished to the point of potentially sounding sterile, but underneath all those layers is a well-written tune featuring a pretty stellar voice.

“Namia (take 6) (alternate)” by John Coltrane (from The Heavyweight Champion: The Complete Atlantic Recordings (disc 7), 1995)

This is a masterclass in how to write a tune for your lady. No words necessary, all heart and soul.

What’s on your shuffle today?