It’s cold outside.
January has already wrapped itself around our bank accounts, squeezing the last drops out into a world of bills, bills and more bills.
Citizens! though, have decided that enough, quite simply, is enough. They’re off to Brazil, to perform at the fast-rising MECA Festival.
Spread across three days, three cities, MECA Festival is also set to boast performances from La Roux, AlunaGeorge and plenty more. Tickets are on sale now, but ahead of this Citizens! Agreed to pen a South American themed playlist for Clash.
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1. Petite Meller – 'Backpack'
Thom Rhoades introduced us to this tune and now we're obsessed. Perfect tune to get you in the mood for South America in January. The video is incredible too. Like a French / Wes Anderson daydream.
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2. La Cumbia Moderna De Soledad – 'Crees Que Soy Sexy'
A cover of Rod Stewart in the Cumbia style. It's mad and the recording is rather hectic but it would definitely get us in the mood for a party, South American style.
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3. Friendly Fires – 'Hawaiian Air'
We DJ'd with Ed from Friendly Fires recently. An absolute top guy. But it meant we couldn't play out any of his songs – would have been a bit embarrassing! Now we can blast it on the plane to get us in the mood.
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4. Nina Simone – 'Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood' (Nicolas Jaar Remix)
This is so full of soul, and so groovy. We love pretty much everything Mr. Jaar does – he has a real midas touch.
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5. David Bowie – 'Young Americans'
That Saxophone. Yes! You have to hit the dance floor.
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6. Jungle – 'Julia'
This makes me want to dance on a wet afternoon in South London. The effect on a beach in Brazil may be too much to handle. One of our favourite albums of 2014.
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7. Honne – 'Warm On A Cold Night'
Does Brazil have any cold nights? Probably not. But if the guy next to you on the plane has his air con on full you're going to want the warm embrace of a lover. This song is the next best thing.
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8. Madonna – 'Holiday'
Obviously we've got work to do, but leaving Heathrow in the January rain to go and play in South America does feel too good to be true. 80s Madonna is still underrated. 'Like A Prayer' is one of THE great songs.
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9. Otis Redding – 'I've Been Loving You Too Long'
Southern soul was a big influence on our new album. After the sun goes down on those beaches you're going to need these ballads to wind down. The vocal on this is a killer.
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10. D'Angelo – 'Devils Pie'
You got to keep the groove, though. D'Angelo is amazing at setting a mood but still getting your feet tapping. It's a long flight to Brazil, this will come in handy once it's night time.
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Citizens! new single 'Lighten Up' is out now, and the band play MECAFestival (Brazil) this month. For more information: http://mecafestival.com.br/#/.
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