Instead of featuring just the Men’s Folio team’s weekly playlists (you can catch up here), however, we’ve opened up the column to friends, industry mates, and people who we think have the right groove.
Anmari Van Nieuwenhove, head of the Culture Team at Mandala Club, shares her playlist of slow, self-indulgent grooves. See below for a tasting note of how to enjoy her picks:
“These are songs that I’ve tried several times over COVID to create a mix out of, successfully I’d say to an extent, but never had the courage to put out into the world. So I’m happy to be sharing it today as a playlist. Play it in shuffle or in its current order — hopefully it leads to a meditative type of happy state, good for pre-party vibes or a Sunday wind down.”
Why (12″ Version) — Carly Simon
Always been a fan of wistful, melancholic vocals and this track has that, but boppier. Also always loved a slow BPM — love singing along to this and pretending I’m bad-ass Carly Simon.
Don’t Break My Heart — UB40
Again, same as the previous — I love the forlornness of the vocals, against a slow reggae beat. My favourite song by UB40.
Land of My Dreams — Anna Domino
It’s a hug yourself and sway-dance in the bathroom kind of song. It’s got the very alluring idealism of young romance: “In the land of this wonderful dream, I imagine you oh so close. Telling all the other girls who love you too, you love me the most.” This song was originally released in 1984 but has made a comeback recently, in 2020. She’s 66 now.
Below — BEA1991
Super cool dutch artiste BEA1991. She’s very hot. This track has a long breakdown and a shiok drop, with goosebump-inducing vocals.
Oblivion — The Seshen
“Into oblivion…” Try clapping along to this one. Ha.
Shinzo No Tobira — Mariah
Japanese rock band from the 70s. Undiscovered and forgotten, till recently. Thanks, Spotify. Dush dush dush, goes the drum.
Equation — Palms Trax
Just bringing it up a notch.
Illusion of Seclusion — Photay
Almost orchestra-ic. An electronic orchestra. A 21 year old DJ and producer from Woodstock, NY made this. He apparently was exposed to Aphex Twin when he was 9. Says a lot.
You Can Have It All — Yo La Tengo
Ending off friendly, always good to close with cymbals.
Listen to Anmari Van Nieuwenhove’s Meditation of Dreamy and Retro Grooves on Spotify here. Then, click here to catch up with our September 2022 issue!
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