Sing Along Sunday: Mad for Men in March

Good evening!

This month I wanted to base my playlist around male musicians. Originally, I hoped to create a March Madness-themed playlist, highlighting crazy musicians; however, I couldn't stop hitting replay on Hugo's cover of "99 Problems" last week. His oh-so confident voice reigned my eardrums over and over again, and I decided to give a shout out to all of the men out there singing and playing instruments instead.

As always, be sure to click on the link to access this month's playlist. You can also follow me on Spotify by clicking here. As a reminder, you need a Spotify account in order to access my monthly playlists. I've included both the artists and song titles below, so if you'd rather not sign up, you can always check out my favorite men on YouTube or iTunes instead.

For you, dear sirs!

1. "Bread & Butter" by Hugo: This song sizzles like freshly paved asphalt on a hot summer day. Hot damn, Hugo.
2. "I Feel Like Funkin' It Up" by Rebirth Brass Band: The beginning of this song makes me giggle every single time. Whoever makes that squawking noise sounds exactly like Scuttle from The Little Mermaid. There are limited lyrics, but man do these brass players make me want to get groovy in the streets of New Orleans.
3. "Coffee and TV" by Blur: This song may sound familiar if you watched Cruel Intentions a million times growing up. It also happens to be one of my all time favorite driving songs.
4. "Carolina" by Seu Jorge: This is not my favorite song by Seu, but it is by far the most sexy. I imagine being twirled around a dance floor in a terrifyingly bright 70s pant suit. (I also see parrots dancing along in my imaginary world, but that might be the tequila talking).
5. "Lovely Day" by Bill Wathers: You may know of this fella for his hits "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Lean on Me." Can you feel the pure happiness and love flowing from that voice? This is a wonderful song to wake up to (if you need one.)
6. "Vagabond" by Wolfmother: I have to admit that I immediately associate this song with that "new beginnings" scene from 500 Days of Summer. Lead singer, Andrew Stockdale, also has one heck of voice. Plus, a good crescendo automatically gets points in my music book.
7. "Saint John" by Cold War Kids: Any song that gets you to head bang, stomp, clap, and break out the tambourine is a winner. Did you listen closely to the lyrics too?
8. "505" by Arctic Monkeys: While I'm a huge fan of all the songs off of their latest CD, this will always be my favorite Arctic Monkeys song. The crescendo, the guitar, and Alex Turner's voice get me grooving every single time.
9. "Wait for Me" by Kings of Leon: I constantly go back and forth on liking these fellas. I don't like when bands get big and acquire egos along the ride to fame. That being said, I can't get enough of this song. I think it's one of those songs you listen to and like without knowing why; then, years down the road, it all makes sense.
10. "Crime" by Mayer Hawthorne: The first ten seconds had me hooked on first listen. And then, you hear his voice.
11. "High for This" by The Weekend: Ironically enough, I heard Ellie Goulding's cover of this before I knew there was an original.
12. "Comin' Up from Behind" by Marcy Playground: Another hit from the 90s that will always be on my go-to list.
13. "Show Me" by Bruno Mars: I was very much against Bruno back in the day. His hit "Grenade" came out while I was in France and it really got under my skin. Then, I heard this (and his other reggae song, "Liquor Store Blues.")
14. "Off the Ground" by Citizen Cope: I love Clarence. I've seen him live at least two or three times and each and every show he shines. His voice always improves my mood. Plus, how can you not love him when his lyrics are so stinkin' truthful and honest.
15. "Struggla" by Matisyahu: I also love Matisyahu. He's another one of those artists you can always count on to make you happier. This song pumps me up and inspires me to keep going.
16. "Coyotes" by Jason Mraz: Where have you gone Jason, where have you gone?!
17. "Lazarus" by The Senators: Finally a song with a mandolin that is not by Mumford & Sons. This song makes me want to jump through a meadow barefoot on a sunny afternoon.
18. "Edge of Something" by Jamie Cullum: I still regret my decision to not spend the 50 euros to see Jamie live when I was living in Lyon. He is just pure genius.
19. "She Said" by Plan B: A throwback to my Lyon days, when I heard more UK generated English music than anything else. I get a 70s vibe from this song and all I can ever think about is wanting to be a back up dancer/singer with a flowery dress and big fat wavy curls in my hair.
20. "Des pères, des hommes, des frères," by Corneille: Corneille is such an underrated artist. French-Canadian, he sings in both English and French and does both languages justice. The lyrics to this song are quite powerful.
21. "Blood" by Middle East: This song is perfect. I wish this band never broke up.
22. "Imidiwan Ma Tenam" by Tinariwen: These guys are something else. Coming from the Sahara Desert region of Mali, various members of this group have played together since 1979. They've fled Mali a few times due to conflict there.
23. "The Sun" by Portugal. The Man: I love the lyrics to this song. (No other explanation needed, right?)
24. "I'm Into You" by Chet Faker: Chet has been by musical obsession since last summer. Please catch me as I pass out from his sexy voice.
25. "ave cesaria" by Stromae: Here we have another musical genius. From Belgium, Stromae has been praised continuously by the French media since his latest album dropped. You may have heard of his older hit, "Alors On Danse." He has matured since, and it's quite apparent from the lyrics of each song from Racine Carrée.
26. "Let Me Go" by Maverick Sabre: What caught my attention with this song was the familiarity to "Glory Box" by Portishead. I'm a big fan.

There you have it, folks. I hope you discovered a male musician you never heard of before, or reignited your fascination for an old favorite after listening to this list. Feel free to post any men you think I'm missing out on in the comment box below.

Have a wonderful evening and until next time,

La petite pamplemousse