City and Colour Playlist

"Sade is one of my favorite singers — her voice and hypnotic groove. And this record in particular has a double interest for me: My mom loved it, so then I got into it."

"I was such a big fan of D'Angelo's growing up. This song is famous because of the video, which is basically just him shirtless [laughs]. But the song really is better — I love slow grooves."

"This record has this super sleezy, Alice Cooper-vibe and I love that they're just risk machines. I wish I could be in this kind of band but I'm not cool enough [laughs]."

"I listen to this before every show. Lyrically, it's very heavy, but the groove is undeniable."

"Mogwai has been one of my favorite bands since I was a kid. I love really long, instrumental music and they're one of the first bands like that I fell in love with."

"He's a really interesting character — he used to be in a psych-rock band [Lift to Experience] and then turned into an acoustic troubadour. And this song is beautifully heartbreaking."

"I like this the way I like Sade: It's based on a female pop vocal, but its vibe is so cool."

"John Grant is one of my favorite songwriters. He does something so well, that I struggle with in my own writing, which is sardonic humor. He's so heartbreaking and funny at the same time. He drinks at the same well Father John Misty does."

"Bazan is one of my favorite songwriters. He used to be in a band called Headphones, which was beautiful in and of itself. He ropes me in before he even starts singing."

"I was surprised by Chris Robinson Brotherhood. I was a huge Black Crowes fan when I was younger but then never really followed his other stuff. Then I heard this song and it reminded me of a song I would love to write."