DJ Jim Q's Playlist: RISE

Happy new year listeners. The first theme of 2024 is Rise. I’m delighted that we are launching the new year with such an uplifting sentiment. Selected by the Tampa Bay chapter, the theme helped me to uncover some compelling tunes. Careful listeners of these playlists may have noticed that I like to include at least a few songs from the region that nominated the theme, so you’ll find a number of songs from the Tampa Bay area on this one. I was struck by the variety and breadth I discovered while researching Tampa’s musical contributions. Prior to this, the only thing I knew was that Tampa had been ground zero for the Florida death metal scene. In the mid 80’s through the early 90’s Florida was where death metal rose to prominence. And Tampa Bay area was known as the capital with bands such as Deicide, Nocturnus, Morbid Angel, and Obituary, redefining the genre. The scene was largely orbiting the magnetic pull of Morrisound recording studios where the aggressive sonic signature was crafted. The studio attracted bands from all over, but its home base of Tampa evolved as the true incubator for this extreme form of metal. Characterized by gruesome lyrics and themes, heavy satanic references, cartoonishly violent imagery, and other toxic content, Death Metal songs were like little horror movies. The vocals are usually screamed or growled, instruments were tuned low and the drums sounded like machine gun fire. It was designed to offend the sensibilities of the mainstream. I imagine these bands were a reaction to the cheesy hair metal proliferating MTV airwaves at the time. This was the era of indulgent shlock like “Every Rose has it's Thorn” and “Cherry Pie”, and these Florida bands were singing about Body Bags, Communication with the Dead, and Diseased Angels. I know metal, and maybe death metal in particular, isn’t necessarily the most “Playlist” friendly content, but these lists are intended to be excursions into new and sometimes unexpected sonic areas. I clustered a set of three Tampa death metal songs together as they don’t mingle so well with the other surrounding tracks. See if you can recognize them:) I would suggest giving the songs a listen, like any extreme artistic creation while there may not be something in it for everybody to enjoy, there is always something to learn. If you do find yourself wanting more punishment though, I would suggest checking out another pioneering Florida band “Death”. As a casual fan, I’m certainly not a connoisseur, but they are my favorite band of the genre. Maybe start there, or ask your local metal head for recommendations.

Rise and shine, up and at ‘em, let’s uplift our spirits with these songs of ascension. The first theme of 2024, is Rise and leading the charge is Kate Bush’s recently revived 80’s hit “Running up that Hill”, you may know it as Max’s song from Stranger Things. We also have the Misfit’s singing of zombies rising from graves in “Night of the Living Dead”, Bjork and Rosalía singing of nocturnal floating mouths in “Oral” and Creedence Clearwater Revival warning of a “Bad Moon Rising”. Even for those among us feeling low, there’s certainly something in this 60 song playlist to lift you up.

Thanks for listening. If you like these playlists, please let me know. I would love to hear from you on Twitter or connect with me on Threads. Also be sure to like and follow on Spotify. See you next month with another themed playlist.