Cowboys are hot property at the moment – from early trendsetter Mitski to later hop-ons Mac DeMarco to ALMA, everyone’s getting in on the action.
To celebrate the release of their debut album ‘The Dots’, ALASKALASKA’s Fraser Rieley has donned his best Stetson for a playlist of cowboy-inspired faves.
“Cowboys and cowgirls from my imaginary soundtrack,” he says. “Music for when you feel like you’re trapped in your own internal western. Just me?”
Grinder Man – Kitchenette
There’s so much grit and guts behind Cave’s vocal in this song. It’s amazing how much noise four old guys in a room can make, and the lyrics are so striking. This is the perfect “riding into town” moment in my head.
Sylvester – I Need Somebody To Love Tonight
So soulful and glamorous, but with this dark, self-destructive undertone to my ears, like something bad is about to happen – but I don’t mind.
Oby Onyhioha – Enjoy Your Life
Deadpan disco. I guess I’d be in a bar if this was the soundtrack, or in a comedic montage with gr8 m8s.
BADBADNOTGOOD – Confessions
They’re just the best; I love how raw and ‘round’ each of their records sound, really well recorded. It has a really cinematic feel, really moody and suspicious.
Dele Sosimi – You No Fit Touch Am – Medlar Remix
I’ve seen Dele Sosimi a few times in the last couple of years, and it’s always a lot of fun. He and his music are so warm and inclusive, compelling you to move and connect with other people, or get lost in yourself for a while
Sun Kil Moon – Dogs
I heard Mark Kozelek play this at Green Man a few years ago, and I could just about hear the lyrics from the back of the crowd. I thought he was fucking crazy and fell in love with this album; it’s so mesmeric and mournful and passive-aggressive. Perfect for an imaginary western movie.
Charles Bradley – Nobody But You
I think I saw Charles Bradley play at Green Man the same day… or maybe it was the year after. He is an absolute cowboy, and I’m really glad I got to see him perform.
Adult Jazz – Am Gone
Another great travelling song for an imaginary soundtrack. This album is really satisfying and challenging, arranged really simply but with such characterful melodies & rhythms. It makes me imagine an open plain, or some kind of shoot out when it gets chaotic later on in the track…
Dizzy Gillespie – Caravan
When I was at school, I taught myself the A-level jazz syllabus, so I didn’t have to learn about musicals, and I ended up getting really into Dizzy Gillespie and other early bebop/afro Cuban players. The trumpet is this conversational, unpredictable ball of energy, and it makes me want to run really fast or ride a horse or something.
Frank Black – Los Angeles
Great cowboy song. First heard it on a Tony Hawks soundtrack before I was old enough to care about who the Pixies were. Makes you feel invincible.
Nils Frahm – My Friend The Forest
It’s impossible not to feel reflective and emotional listening to this. Feels like it’s soundtracking the peaceful aftermath of something tragic. Another great album.
Kim Jung Mi – Your Dream
Riding into the sunset & end credits music. This must have been used in loads of soundtracks, just has such a nostalgic, worn-tape, Hollywood sound. Feels like musical closure.
ALASKALASKA’s debut album ‘The Dots’ is out now.
