CMON release debut LP this week, made us a “Stay Home” playlist with unreleased songs & more
CMON, the new band from Josh da Costa and Jamen Whitelock (who were both in Regal Degal), release Confusing Mix of Nations, their debut album, this Friday via Mexican Summer. (Preorder yours.) It's a Disparate Mix of Influences, pulling from psych, new age, '80s synthpop/rock, dub, hip hop and more and you can check out "Coo," "Zoo" and "Peter Pan" from the album below.
With the coronavirus outbreak keeping many of us home a lot more, we’ve been asking musicians what music they’re listening to during this time, and we asked Josh to put a playlist together for us. "Here are some songs I've enjoyed in relative isolation as well as tracks that have kept me excited about making and releasing music over the last few months," says Josh who adds these songs are "a pleasant reminder of where I've been and where I'd like to be going while remaining calm and confused at home during this crisis." In addition to tracks from Moby Grape, MGMT, Susan, Vertical Lines and more, Josh also included an otherwise unreleased CMON track as well as a video mix -- both of which premiered in this post. Check that out with commentary below.
CMON were supposed to have live dates in April to support the album, including some shows with Ariel Pink, but those have been postponed.
JOSH FROM CMON - "STAY HOME" PLAYLIST
Susan - "Ah Soka!"
Written and produced by YMO's Haruomi Hosono & Yukihiro Takahashi. There's a bar down the street called the Gold Line that's run by Stones Throw and stocked full of Peanut Butter Wolf's records, the concept being that you can only DJ with vinyl from his stash. I DJ there regularly and make sure to play this every time. Looking forward to the next time, whenever that is.
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Smiley - "Smiley But Not Friendly"
My bandmate Jamen sent this my way. Detroit delivers, time and time again.
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Eternal Triangle - "Nothing But A Friend"
I feel like this song is so dangerously close to being mediocre, the fact that it just barely transcends mediocrity is a huge triumph. And for that, I love it.
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Reja Bumu - "Together We Write A Book"
My friend Bruno turned me onto this one. It's bonkers.
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Moby Grape - "Someday"
This song came back into my life the other week, just as the grim reality of pandemic was setting in. Kinda love how ambivalent this one makes me feel during a time of such anxiety and uncertainty. It simultaneously bums me out and lifts me up.
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Look Blue Go Purple - "Grace"
This song is like a comforting cup of tea.
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MGMT - "As You Move Through The World"
A new one. Feels funny including this since I play on it but I had very little to do with the end product so I feel like I can sort of objectively appreciate it. Very warped.
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Verticle Lines - "Beach Boy (Instrumental)"
If your world has been turned upside down and all of a sudden you lack purpose or direction, this pleasant instrumental might help you accept that life will keep moving forward, with or without meaning. The choice is yours.
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B-32 - "Mannie Fresh Beat"
Simple yet effective use of a Sade sample w/ some raw Mannie Fresh production on this early Cash Money tape.
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CMONTAGE Vol 1
Bonus: a video mix I made during week one of LA lockdown. This is one of those projects that I had on the TO DO LIST for years and coincidentally, I started working on it a week before the shit hit the fan. However, sheltering in place was the ultimate catalyst for me to actually finish it and I'm really glad I had something to keep me focused.
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CMON - "Stuck In NY" feat. Coco 3
A track I made last year called 'Stuck In NY' - I made this track last year just for the fun of playing it at parties and for my DJ friends without any intention of sharing it publicly, but I realize this might be an interesting time to share. It's loosely based on a song called New York Grief by Princess Demeny. I was born in NYC, I lived there for many years and I visit as frequently as possible. I love NY, just like the t-shirt says. This one goes out to all of my NYC people right now and always. We're gonna make it through this together!
Josh adds "OK, I hope you enjoy. If you like what you hear, check my monthly NTS show. If you really like you what you hear, look out for the new CMON record out this Friday on Mexican Summer."