A Taste:

And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Beirut, Jeff Buckley, PJ Harvey

“Eclectic” doesn’t even begin to describe Incubus. The SoCal alt rock luminaries still crank out a catchy combination of hard rock and funk with a whole lot of soul. Since S.C.I.E.N.C.E., Incubus have always surprised listeners.

So it makes sense that singer Brandon Boyd’s playlist is all over the map. He opened up his iTunes for us and gave us an exclusive look at what rocks his world.

Check out Brandon’s playlist below and check out Incubus’ collection of rarities and B-Sides Monuments & Melodies on June 16!

Brandon Boyd’s Playlist:

1. And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead — “Giants Causeway”

This is the first song on their newest album, and it’s an amazing song to enter a room filled with Dignitaries to—preferably wearing a cape made of velvet. I just saw them in LA, and the show almost melted my face off.

2. Band of Horses — “The First Song”

There is something beautiful about this song. It has an effortlessness to it.

3. Beirut — “Mount Wroclai (Idle Days)”

I went to Coachella to see a handful of bands, Beirut in particular. But somewhere in amongst the chaos and dust, they slipped out from under me. I heard the show was fantastic so until they come back into a city I’m in, I shall have to settle for this strange and mysterious record.

4. Jeff Buckley — “Nightmares By the Sea”

I know this album is unfinished, but it sure sounds good to me…

5. John Zorn — “Punk China Doll”

John Zorn started to officially corrupt my sense of art in music when I was still a teenager, thank Science. This album has moved mountains in my mind.

6. The Kills — “U.R.A. Fever”

This is a sexy song from a sexy couple of kids. I got to see them from in front of the stage at Coachella, and I liked how I felt.

7. Metric — “Wet Blanket”

A friend took me to see these guys in LA before they were signed, and I really liked them. I don’t know the singer’s name, but she is a very clever lyricist. Let’s all thank her when we see her, shall we?

8. Pj Harvey & John Parish — “The Chair”

I saw them in LA a couple months back, and Polly never skips a beat. This new album with John Parish is so worth buying legally.

9. Dungen — “Satt Att Se”

Dungen is an amazing band! This song reminds me of something James Bond circa 1977 would have playing in his car as he shoots bad guys in slow motion.

10. Brian Eno & David Byrne — “Pitch To Volatage”

In the same way you want to enter a room to something mighty yet subtle, the art of exiting is just as profound. With David Byrne and Brian Eno at the helm, and this track in tow, you will leave a lasting impression as you walk out the door.

—Rick Florino
05.17.09