My Top Five Tracks – October 2016

Posted by DJ Roodz on October 31, 2016

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Happy Halloween! I’m not gonna lie, after gigging all weekend (and Halloween falling on a Monday – Boo!), I feel like an actual zombie. The weather’s changing, leaves are falling, and as we move into November, I thought I’d share what I’ve been listening to this month:

Panic! At the Disco – “This is Halloween”

I’ve never been much of a Halloween person; honestly, until I met my girlfriend, Halloween was just a “filler holiday” to hold me over ’till Christmas. But, having a makeup-obsessed girlfriend can change that notion pretty quickly when you look into the bathroom mirror and suddenly you’re a zombie. I couldn’t stop looking at myself! How’ve I been missing out on this for so many years? Needless to say, Halloween grew on me pretty quickly. I can tap into my middle school emo-kid and blast Fall Out Boy and My Chemical Romance to my heart’s desire when the weather starts to turn cold. Panic! at the Disco’s cover is the perfect blend for me.

Sammy Rae – “Stop Time”

Since I heard it at her release party, Sammy Rae’s single has been going around and around in my head nonstop. The “funked up guitars” and driving bass line are unlike anything I’ve heard in the past few years. The sound itself is, in a word, refreshing. The revival of the singer-songwriter is in full swing and I honestly couldn’t be happier. “Stop Time” is the perfect power-anthem track to wake up to. I’m so excited for the rest of the album to drop next month!

Bruce Springsteen – “Dancing in the Dark”

I’ve had a bit more than a “strong distaste” for Bruce since I was ten years old. But, I’ll admit it now with my head up, the Boss has some real stuff. “Dancing in the Dark” is one of the best tracks I’ve ever heard. Period. It’s lyrically substantive. It’s catchy. It’s the ultimate driving-to-the-movies-with-your-arm-around-your-girlfriend-next-to-you song. And those horns at the end! Clarence Clemons knew what he was doing. The second I heard it on the radio, I immediately bought it on iTunes, ran to my dorm, and memorized it on my guitar. I can’t believe I’ve been missing out on this guy for so long! To those of you who knew the young Roodz, here’s my formal apology: Bruce. Is. Good.

Foster the People – “Pumped Up Kicks [Bridge and Law Remix]”

I feel like a good “Pumped Up Kicks” remix is so hard to come by. When I heard the kicks come in on this track, I laughed like a maniac. It caught me so off guard, but it was SO GOOD. This is hands down one of the most interesting remixes I’ve heard. I feel like it’ll fit in perfectly with a chill or nu-disco set; that’s been my flavor of the week. Speaking of a “Pumped Up” remix, you might be seeing something from yours truly next month…*wink.*

HI-LO & Chocolate Puma – “Steam Train”

STEAM.TRAIN. One of the nastiest drum lines I’ve ever heard. Ever. This is my go-to workout song. Oliver Heldens (HI LO’s true identity) has been a game shaker since he dropped “Gecko” back in 2013, and I definitely wouldn’t be the first to say that his sound hasn’t evolved since. It’s recognizable, and it’s familiar, but it pushes the envelope to its limits. This collaboration with the legendary duo Chocolate Puma doesn’t disappoint.

What have you been listening to this month? Let me know in the comments!