New Subscriber Playlist: “Bring on the Sun”

I often think that I have a sort of reverse SAD. Whereas many of my friends find chilly temperatures, gray skies, and early nights overwhelming and depressing, I say bring them on. Maybe it’s because I was born in February — and got used to having birthday parties canceled because of the weather — but I typically prefer winter’s chill to the oppressive summer heat, especially here in Nebraska where the heat comes with bucketloads of humidity.

I realize, however, that many of my subscribers probably aren’t like that. They prefer the warmth and the sun, and so this month’s playlist — titled “Bring on the Sun” — is for them. These 20 songs, which run the gamut from sample-driven mashups and psychedelic jamborees to sweat-inducing bangers, desert-inspired ambience, and Morricone-esque ballads, are intended to whisk listeners away to warmer environments where the sun never stops shining and the mercury never drops too low.

Accompanying the playlist is the latest episode of my “Playlist Breakdown” podcast, in which I spotlight one of the playlist’s songs and why it’s so special, interesting, and/or meaningful. This month’s episode focuses on The Avalanches’ “Since I Left You,” a joyful masterpiece of plunderphonics that can restore your faith in music.

Both of these are little bonuses for subscribers who support Opus financially. If you’d like to get access to them (and more), subscribe to Opus for just $5.00/month or $50/year. (You can also subscribe for free and get my weekend newsletter.)