With taste like this, we’re wondering why we don’t see President Barack Obama at South by Southwest more often. No, interactive festival keynotes do not count.
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama walk from the White House, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, in Washington, to board Marine One, with their daughters Sasha and Malia, en route to Andrews Air Force Base, Md., and on to Martha’s Vineyard for a family vacation. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
POTUS dropped this year’s presidential summer playlist Thursday, and it’s a typically varied mix of classics (“Good Vibrations” by the Beach Boys), really classics (“Lover Man” by Billie Holiday), new-ish tunes (“Classic Man” by Jidenna) and songs that are just stale enough from radio play over the past couple of years that they firmly cement Obama’s dad status (Aloe Blacc, looking at you).
But since this is Texas, and we love ourselves more than any other state, it’s worth pointing out that two Lone Star tastemakers very much dominating our festival zeitgeist made the cut: Leon Bridges and Austin superhero Gary Clark Jr. The former’s “Smooth Sailin'” and the latter’s Don’t Owe You a Thang” both landed on the daytime side of the playlist.
Now, Mr. President, let’s talk about that Aaron Neville cut.
