The Solo List.

What is Valentines Day*? For some of us, it is a myth. A myth that is apparently dumbed down to deep red, roses and dinner -Kanye shrug-. My mate wrote a piece about this, and it is apt. Others will be pretending to not care, some definitely won't. But if you're here, you care. About generating some vibes that make you feel at least plausibly indifferent. With films like How To Be Single recently released, I'm all in aid for championing self-sustainment and casting out the ghosts of romance past.

This is a delicate one, so I've made a point to get large from the start. French Kalash & Pompis "Independent Gyal" is a batty-flicking madness.It calls for too much. Mean-mugging, trigger fingers. Anything necessary to dun the dance.

Next we have three directly meaningful songs. From the "one" chanting in Lauryn Hill's classic "Lost Ones", the throwback to Outkast's "Roses", and Dizzee Rascal's unbelievably clever cyclical "love" story in "Round We Go", you're bound to get lifted. 

This is all good and well, but sometimes you have to harness the negative to make room for the good. We all have different healing processes. Some of us need to wallow to the sounds of some powerful lyrics (Arctic Monkeys, "Do Me A Favour", Etta Bond "Break Free"); some need a smash & flee release ("Best For Last", Adele); or to make some sweeping accusations (Chris Brown). Either way, it's all cathartic.

Sounds like: Strength & weakness
Skanks like: An emotional journey in skankin'
For: Lone wolves *For love, spooning anthems and the like, please see The Valentines List of 2014.

The Hibernation List.

This is hibernation season, otherwise known as Winter. The time when you realise the importance of tog ratings, and/or a secure weave. Yes, it's cold out there. Your lips are probably flaking, and mother nature is unrelenting in her quest to force your entire body into submission with those powerful gusts. When you're up against the wind, shedding uncontrollable tears on the way to an optional outing, thoughts are - is it worth it? I promise you, it's not. Better to stay home. The only turn up you should be worrying about is the dial on your electric blanket. Perhaps the volume on these tracks too:

People dig The Temperance Movement. They are just too damn funky, and I guarantee you someone somewhere wearing pleather pants has ridden a mechanical bull to this track, "Battle Lines". It's blues rock, it's sure to get you internally lit.

Kid Cudi ("Alive" Ft. Ratatat) J. Cole ("A Tale Of 2 Citiez") and T.I. "What You Know" maintain these ~feels~, conveniently the title of Kiiara's inclusion that carries an airy Trap element to it. "In Your Clouds" by MNEK is a smooth addition. It's good to hear variation from him, as we know the guy can destroy if he chooses to opt for a high-pitch. Onwards, aural breezes are better than literal ones this time of year, so enjoy the floaty, peaceful sounds of Sara Bareilles and Ingrid Michaelson in "Winter Song", along with KING's "Supernatural". The latter are mainly self-produced (respect), and seem to have a roster of tracks that are ideal with soup. Yep.

Sounds like: Soup for the soul
Skanks like: You have no central heating
For: Winter