It may be a bit of a stretch to classify the nine tracks that make up Air Waves’ new album The Dance as conventional “dance music,” but there’s certainly a case to be made—especially in relation to the onslaught of stripped-down pandemic records that continue to be announced—for a certain dancefloor-inviting quality these tracks all possess. For one thing, Nico Schneit’s first LP since 2018’s Warrior, like their previous records, features a heavy slate of guests to fill out the dancefloor alongside them, including Cass McCombs, Frankie Cosmos, and Luke Temple, whose guitar tone on opener “The Roof” invokes the early days of Here We Go Magic.
But unlike previous efforts, The Dance carries a newfound upbeat energy that almost makes tracks like early single “Wait” sound as if Schneit is joyously reciting lyrics as they’re lit up onscreen in a smoky karaoke room—an image enhanced by a pair of music videos in which they’re never seen with an instrument in hand, nor anything but a smile on their face. Which is to say the party vibes The Dance elicits are less about losing yourself on the dancefloor, and more about the carefree gatherings we were all fantasizing about while COVID numbers were still reaching their first peak.
With the album out now via Fire Records, we asked Schneit to share a handful of tracks they see fit for their own dance party, with everyone from New Order, to INXS, to Grace Ives, to collaborator McCombs making an appearance. Stream the whole thing below, and check out The Dance here.
Fred Again.., “Diana (You Don't Even Know)”
I found this song on a dance comp I was listening to. I love the simple dance/techno beat. It’s a really upbeat song, but then the woman speaking over the beat is talking about how people don’t always understand loneliness. I sometimes relate to that: being a super social person, but feeling a sense of outsiderness and loneliness.
SEN108, “Love Me”
I guess I have a thing for techno beats with words repeating over and over. This is another simple techno/dance beat that will get you dancing in a second! It reminds me of the music they were playing at the venue The Dance. She’s saying “Love me” over and over on top of this sweet beat. This EP is wonderful.
Discovery Zone, “Dance II”
This band has cool ’80s synth sounds that I’m into. Another catchy dance song. I’m a very lyrical person, but even if there’s one lyric that grabs me on top of a dance beat, I’m into it.
INXS, “Beautiful Girl”
I’ve been relistening to INXS a lot lately. I love the piano and words to this song. It’s so sweet and fun. I’m a sucker for a catchy love tune.
Grave Ives, “Lullaby”
I’m so happy to see Grace Ives taking off. Her songs are gorgeous. I think I listened to this song 20 times a day when I first heard it. And she’s talking about watching a movie she likes “10 times a day.” I can also relate to that!
Soap&Skin, “Surrounded” (Planningtorock Remix)
Planningtorock is fantastic, and this is another wonderful dance song of theirs.
Golden Flamingo Orchestra & Margo Williams, “The Guardian Angel Is Watching Over Us”
A fun dance song from the late-’70s that has a sweet funky/dance beat. Love the spoken words about the subway.
Tirzah, “I’m Not Dancing”
Love everything Tirzah does. This is a favorite of hers.
Willie Griffin, “I Love You”
A slow dance! Such a beautiful, simple love song. His voice gives me the chills.
New Order, “All Day Long”
New Order always makes me happy! I feel like they’re the pioneers of so many dance songs to come.
Cass McCombs feat. Karen Black, “Dreams-Come-True-Girl”
Cass is on my record, and this song made me fall in love with his songwriting. Another slow dance jam. “You’re not my dream girl, you’re not my reality girl / You’re my dreams-come-true girl.” Such a perfect line to describe liking someone.
PPJ, “Primavera”
The singer’s voice is so fun. I just discovered this group and have been enjoying listening to them on car rides for tour, or just driving around.
