I’m forever grateful my mom taught me how to cook. I think back to times of making cookies and listening to Vince Guiraldi under not-so-wintery North Carolina skies. Our neighbors came together to share meals, exchange deep laughter, and cherish each other’s company.
Baking a cake isn’t much different than mixing a song: the most important thing is balance. Adding too much low-end on the track or salt on the dish can make or break. An appropriate amount of treble adds sweet, subtle clarity, while too much can be overpowering. But with love and attention, you’ll be enjoying a well-earned slice of ear candy.
In an attempt to bridge the sensory gap between taste and sound, this playlist contains juicy grooves, dynamic rhythms, and elements from all over the world. Put this playlist on when you find yourself in the kitchen, or wherever else you need a soundtrack to create. This sonic stew seeks to satisfy the soul.
P.S. – Try throwing on a crossfade for the best listening experience!
Robert Lester Folsom – “My Stove’s on Fire” – Music and Dreams – 1976
Folsom’s homegrown vision of soft-psychedelia went largely unnoticed for decades until his music was rediscovered in the 2010s by vinyl crate-diggers. When listening to ‘Music and Dreams,” it’s easy to hear how Folsom’s sound would’ve stuck out in the late ‘70s, although he’s clearly in tune with the impending direction of popular music (disco). Folsom’s blend of soft rock feels timeless as he conjures up memories of life’s innocence and purity. Get lost in the groove but don’t forget to turn the stove off.
De La Soul – “Eye Know” – 3 Feet High and Rising – 1989
Like seasoned chefs, the members of De La Soul weren’t afraid of experimentation as they stood at the forefront of sampling in hip-hop. The group’s more positive tone distanced themselves from gangsta-rap, forging a path for countless producers and rappers who’ve sampled their sound. From Steely Dan’s “Peg” to the iconic whistle from Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” this tune blends flavors of the ‘70s and ‘80s, helping us establish the colorful identity of hip-hop in the ‘90s.
Stereolab – “Diagonals” – Dots And Loops – 1997
The lush soundscapes of Montreal’s art collective Stereolab embody the same exploratory spirit of the culinary arts. Bossa nova? You bet. Drum machines? Sure. Vibraphone? Hell yes. Elements of ‘60s pop, such as consistent rhythm and analog tape loops (hence the album’s title), create a sound that’s both accessible and avant-garde. The tune contains a slowed down sample of Pharoah Sander’s “Love is Everywhere,” which sets the foundation for the band’s trancelike groove. An essential listen for fans of diverse genres.
Toro y Moi – “drip bounce_7_24_18” – Soul Trash – 2019
The closer from South Carolina-based Chaz Budnick’s ninth album melts like a gooey slice of grilled cheese down the sides of a hot plate. The term “drip” in the context of fashion inspires a sense of overflowing aura, and to an extent, looking so good you could eat it. The tracklist of “Soul Trash” reads like an album of unfinished demos, but really it showcases Budnick’s eclectic production styles and influences. The song fades out the same way it fades in, as if to say “We’ll see you next time!” the way a chef treats the lights in a kitchen.
Way Dynamic – “People Settle Down” – Massive Show – 2025
One of my favorite albums from this year, the third release from Australia’s Way Dynamic feels like a cozy window into the past. There are no frills here – bare production, warm tones, thoughtful songwriting and analog instrumentation. Dylan Young’s vocals float above his bossa-nova beats and baroque-pop structures like powdered sugar on a funnel cake. The snare drum tickles the same part of my brain as an ice-cold Sprite on a hot summer day. “People Settle Down” welcomes new listeners into the oddly beautiful world of Way Dynamic.
