The Sweatdown has existed since April of 2018 as a monthly collection of music I’ve been listening to. Sometimes it’s old tracks but it’s usually new music. Everything from indie to synthwave to rock to alternative and more. Every December is a culmination of the music I’ve listened to. Originally posted to Spotify, these playlists can now all be found on YouTube where they will be updated monthly for YouTube Music.

Some of what’s here for August

I’ve enjoyed a lot of almost monday especially this year. Their new album comes out September 9 (THANK GOD IT’S ALMOST MONDAY great name) I had them first on May Sweatdown 2K21 for broken people. I’m still a big fan of cool enough. This year I’ve had leaving is easy, no more regrets, and skinny dip on the Sweatdown’s so I’m sure this album is going to be more of the good stuff.

The Game of Love was originally with Michelle Branch and Santana. Actually, that’s not entirely accurate. Gregg Alexander of the New Radicals originally recorded it, then he gave it to Santana to do with Tina Turner, but Tina didn’t want to do a music video. That version is out there and it’s really good too. Then Michelle did her version with Santana and it’s great, but we’ve never had a mix of the two worlds. We finally have it, and reimagined material coming out in November called Everywhere and Back Again. We don’t know yet what other collaborations she will be doing but the fact she said she was about to ask Olivia Rodrigo to do the cover tells me she’s looking for heavy hitters on this. I can’t wait.

I haven’t had a full listen on the new W O L F C L U B album City of Once yet but so far I liked Stop best.

Happy to have something from Koethe and Arbi again on the Sweatdown. They are one of my favourite artists that people sleep on. Not sure why they don’t just do music together full time. I’d love a full project from them.

I got Social Order and French Police together since I might see them in Detroit in September. It depends on if I can either figure out a way home or get a hostel in Detroit for the night and store my bicycle.

I might see Social Order but I will be seeing Fionn at the 89X Birthday Bash. Looking forward to it.

Had to have more Sick Joy since I have really enjoyed their album More Forever.

The beabaddoobee song Switchblade is fun but I am surprised how much this artist sounds like Sneaker Pimps. I’ll definitely have an eye on their stuff.

The Fat Dog song… talk about everywhere. Love the dance beats, the synth, the aggressive nihilism in the lyrics. I’m less liking it and more fascinated by it.

August Sweatdown 2K26 features:

almost monday – better late than never
New Radicals, Michelle Branch – The Game of Love
Chain Gang of 1974 – Tired to Shine
Fionn – Ghost
Koethe feat. Arbi – Enough
dirty brunette – sidekick
W O L F C L U B – Stop
beabadoobee – Switchblade
Social Order – For Heaven’s Sake
French Police – JAPAN
Sick Joy – Somebody Else
Fat Dog – Cancel Me (I’m Tired)
The Smallest Number – Something Beautiful
The Amazons – One Hot July
Orville Peck – Too Little, Too Late

See you in September!

Photo by me during the Ford International Fireworks between Windsor, Ontario, Canada and Detroit, Michigan, USA on June 22, 2026.