Having recently felt myself succumbing to the inevitable boredom that accompanies 3 weeks indoor I decided to create a new Spotify playlist and aptly named it “Quarantine”. Upon naming the playlist I was greeted with a list of songs recommended with only the title of the list to go off, I was gifted with some wonderful suggestions, Locked Up by Akon, The Police’s hit Don’t Stand Too Close To Me and the classic Staying Alive by the Bee Gees. After having a decent chuckle to myself it got me thinking, what are people actually listening to? So I asked and this is what the team at Woodhouse are listening to in a bid to stave off the boredom.
David, MD
An old skool Hip Hop fan, who grew up in a defining era for the genre our MD is getting through the day with the help of American trio De La Soul and their 1989 debut album 3 Feet High and Rising featuring classics like ‘The Magic Number’, ‘Me Myself and I’ and ‘Eye Know’. A real great of the Hip Hop world it actually got critical acclaim for it’s uniquely positive lyrics and vibe, which was in stark contrast to much of the Gangsta Rap being produced at the time. Also keeping the Boss entertained is another iconic debut album, this time in the shape of Snoop Dogg’s 1993 Doggystyle. West Coast kings Dr. Dre and Suge Knight produced the album, which has now become a true American great. Standout tracks are ‘Who Am I?’, ‘Doggy Dog World’ and ‘Gin and Juice’.
Joe, Senior Designer
Our Senior Designer Joe, has gone for something more contemporary and modern with Little Dragon’s new album New Me, Same Us, a positive, upbeat electronic-ish vibe teamed with the smooth vocals of lead Yukimi Nagano offer a perfect accompaniment to the current sunshine and help you deal with the current lockdown. Earlier work dates back to 2007 so if this fills you with that hopefully thought of the summer and beer gardens, there is plenty more to sample from the Grammy nominated group.
Phil, SEO Executive
With a music taste that many in the office deem questionable, Phil has gone for the latest record from South Carolina’s Marcus King, El Dorado. A southern soulful record mixed with aspects of country, blues, soul and rock this is an eclectic mix of an album from the 24 year old and with smooth soulful tunes like ‘Wildflowers & Wine’ mixed with heavy electric Blues tracks like ‘The Well’ it is one that you will listen to time after time. Second choice was the late Bill Withers’ 1972 Still Bill, a colossus of an album with songs like ‘Lean on Me’, ‘Use Me’ and ‘Lonely Town, Lonely Street’ show off the immense talent and effortless soul.
Will, Copywriter
Going for Pop Queen Dua Lipa’s lockdown album Future Nostalgia is our Copywriter Will. Released in late March, due to being leaked, this album already has 3 hit singles with ‘Don’t Start Now’, ‘Physical’ and ‘Break My Heart’ having been released to promote the album. The album has already been hailed with critics praising the uplifting and empowering music during this difficult time. Will has also gone for Kim Pertas and her album Turn Off the Light, an Electropop album giving you a feel of the usual nightlife from your living room.
Alex, Head Buyer
Alex’s choices are firmly routed in contemporary rap from both the UK and USA with Kano’s, Hoodies All Summer and Childish Gambino’s, 3.15.20. Kano dropped his eagerly anticipated sixth album at the end of August 2019 and was met with critical acclaim almost instantly, with many in the industry promising the topical messages and the versatility of the artist. The second choice from our Buyer is Childish Gambino’s 3.15.20, the fourth album from the versatile American. An unique album, the tracks are named for the time that they appear during the running time.
Jo, Senior Developer
Jo hasn’t picked out an album but has some top ideas for lockdown music! Keeping active is an issue but Jo has been using scintillating salsa beats to get her in the mood to exercise, and lets be serious, if you don’t want to shake and move with Spanish rhythms on then nothing will. Being a developer means deadlines and endless 1’s and 0’s (as you can see I have no idea what they do), so to help with that, Spotify have a pre made playlist ready to go with “Stress Relief” being a go to for now.
Paul, IT & Operations Director
Paul is an old skool jungle and 90’s electronic music fan, and has gone with Northern Exposure by British DJ duo Sasha & John Digweed from 1996. A quadruple vinyl release in the UK with the Ministry of Sound label, Rolling Stone Magazine named it as 25th greatest electronic album of all time. Another pick of Paul’s was LTJ Bukem’s Logical Progression from 1991. A classically trainer pianist, Bukem found jazz fusion in his teens, eventually leading him to the wold of DnB.
Jadwiga, Warehouse Manager
Jadwiga, has gone for Moderat, a German electronic group. The band have 3 studio albums and numerous EP’s with Jagwiga opting for their first album, Moderat, with critics describing it as an extremely beautiful and catchy album, which sounds ideal for the current state of affairs. Second choice is Ry X, an Australian singer-songwriter and his first album Dawn, a melancholy, emotional album that is great as background music during your working day.
Becky, Senior Image Retoucher
Becky has gone for a modern mix of British grime and American RnB with new Drake hit, Toosie Slide being up there on her list. With the likes of Chris Brown bringing in a noughties RnB vibe. British powerhouses, Dave, Skepta and Fredo make up a solid summertime feel to the tunes from Becky!
Adam, Warehouse Supervisor
Adam is keeping his spirits high with a bit of alt-metal from the Deftones. A nice mix of hardcore metal, to get you up for the day and more chilled out alt-rock vibes to relax you and keep you focused. Adam is also finding a little nostalgia, like many at the moment, with thoughts of springs past.