"That Way Back Happy Walla Walla Feeling," A Playlist by Dena Blevins of Starbucks (Vol. 40)

Our 40th volume of Whiskey & Bananas playlist is curated by Dena Blevins, Starbucks Creative Director. These tracks are as energizing as a shot of espresso. Way Back — Amber Mark I love this song, it just makes me happy, the positivity of getting back to where you want to be — makes you feel like anything is possible. I Can’t Go For That — the bird and the bee Such a cool cover of the Daryl Hall & John Oates classic. Better Give You Up — FKJ (French Kiwi Juice) We’ve had a revolving door of French exchange students at our house over the years and this was one of the great artists they exposed me to. Somthing’s Missing — The Internet My son Alec introduced me to this band, and I immediately loved their slow, cool vibes. Vampire — Mai Lan As a Sookie Stackhouse / “True Blood” fan, anything with “Vampire” in it gets my attention. This song is catchy and quirky — and the artwork on the single release is gorgeous. That’s Not My Name — The Ting Tings This album was in rotation in our creative studio at Starbucks years ago. A bunch of us from the studio went and saw their show at the Showbox in Seattle, and it was incredible. The female vocalist Katie White was a bundle of sexy energy clad in shorts and knee-high striped athletic socks. She’s pissed in this song and is letting you know about it. Makeba — Jain Jain is a French singer-songwriter that grew up traveling the world and you clearly hear those global influences in her work. Another find from our French exchange students. What You Don’t Do — Lianne La Havas (Tom Misch Remix) I love the instrumentals they wove into this remake and her vocals are sultry and smooth. Wish I Didn’t Miss You — Angie Stone I’ve always loved classic R&B — this takes me there. There is such a yearning, alluring feel to her vocals — you can feel the pain in her voice. Everyday — Lucy Pearl Love the positivity of this song — Dawn Robinson’s vocals are inspiring and uplifting. And a hidden classic inspired by Dena’s earliest years as a music fan…