A Taste:

Michael Jackson, Fleet Foxes, Feist, Grizzly Bear

Maxwell has had a hell of year.

His latest album, BLACKsummers’ Night, proved why he’s one of the most important “soul men” of the 21st century, skyrocketing up the charts and leading to all kinds of crazy acclaim from the press and biz. His voice, style and swagger are undeniable and unmatched in the R&B game right now. He’s just plain cool…

Why is Maxwell so cool? Well, he’s really got his finger on the pulse of what’s happening, and his musical palette knows no bounds.

He laughs, “I’m always listening to a lot of music.”

Maxwell sat down with ARTISTdirect.com editor and Dolor author Rick Florino to discuss what he’s spinning. He shared his playlist with us, check it out below…

Maxwell’s Playlist:

1. Michael Jackson

Oh my goodness, I can say Michael Jackson is overwhelming me right now. Every and any chance I get to listen to him, I’m listening to him. I look at what he’s done, and I’m blown away.

2. Fleet Foxes

I love Fleet Foxes!

3. Grizzly Bear

I’m checking out Grizzly Bear. They have a really good song that I’m getting into.

4. Ryan Leslie

I like Ryan Leslie a lot.

5. Johnny Guitar Watson

6. Mad Lovers

I love all the old greats. Johnny Guitar Watson, Mad Lovers—I put that on before I go on stage. If you can hit certain notes, then you’re good for the night.

7. Heat Wave

8. Quincy Jones

9. Feist

—Rick Florino
01.05.09

Check out Rick Florino’s new novel Dolor available now for FREE here…

A Taste:

Patty Griffin, Tamela & Malina, Feist, U2

Tyrone Wells knows pop music.

The man can create a hook with ease and, as a result, his music can be heard all over hit TV shows like Rescue Me. However, it’s on his latest solo album, Remain that the SoCal singer truly shines. He’s studied song structure, and he breaks everything to down to its necessary components, constantly creating meaningful music.

Wells decided to share his playlist with ARTISTdirect.com for this exclusive feature. He opened up his iTunes and gave us an exclusive look at what he’s spinning.

Tyrone Wells’ Playlist:

1. Tamela & Malina

I’m listening to the new record that my wife and my sister made together. My sister was a main influence on me in terms of being musical. I have four older sisters, and they all were writing songs in high school. They made a little record while they were in school. When they did that, I was six or seven. Tamela had three kids and now she put out a new record with my wife, which is really cool.

2. Patty Griffin

I will always love Patty Griffin. She’s one of those songwriters that flies under the radar, but so many songwriters love her. She’s written songs that big acts like The Dixie Chicks cover. She’s not real country; she’s more of a singer/songwriter with an acoustic guitar. I think she started writing and became known in her ’30s. She continues to make heartbreaking beautiful music. It’s perfect in its own way.

3. Ray LaMontagne

4. Snow Patrol

5. U2

6. Regina Spektor

I’ve been really digging her lately.

7. Feist

It’s about lyrics and melody. I think all of those artists are doing something really cool. What moves me is anything with soul and vulnerability. Great music is usually really vulnerable.

—Rick Florino
07.14.09