Favorite Songs of 2021 - Songs 23-33

Much of my (new) musical listening this year was focused on albums from some of my favorite artists. In years past, there are three in particular that would have yielded at least two songs for this list. But I'm going to stick by my recent practice of just listing one song from each artist this year -- well, with one half-exception. Which will be explained when appropriate. 

23. I Hear the Ax Swinging by the Ghosts of Vroom (a.k.a. Mike Doughty).

"Don't you wait, it won't be for sure 
I'm a Cadillac, you aimless DeSoto

Deep, deep on the pillow sleep

You're in a blue state, don't scratch the rough."

Apparently, Mike had the grand idea of getting Soul Coughing back together after all these years. Equally apparently, the other former members of SC were unimpressed with the idea. So Mike enlisted his long-time collaborator Scrap Livingston and recorded the material as Ghost of Vroom. Whatever Mike wants to call himself, I'm a fan.

24. Track Mud by Wild Pink.

"Track mud

Soil everything you touch

Just come home now

The rain will wash away the stains

You mean well with your hand covered in their dirt

Just come home now

The rain will wash away the stains."

A lovely little song about forgiveness or a homecoming, or maybe both. Have seen Wild Pink on some real "best of" lists for 2021. Pure coincidence, I assure you.

25. Alaska by Little Hurt.

"And some Chinese restaurant in San Fransisco

My fortune told me I'm on the wrong road

Well, life's a game, yeah, I need the cheat codes

And I hate the snow ...

But I think I'll dye my hair and I'll move to Alaska

Grab all of my money, guitar, and a jacket

Drivin' outta town, maybe wave if I pass ya

Sorry but

I had to move to Alaska."

A great summer song ... even though it's about moving to Alaska. First heard on my significant other's SiriusXM (for her the one millionth time, for me the first, at the time). The official video's very amusing ... but unfortunately I can't link it here. Go here instead.

26. Right There Beside You by Bronze Radio Return.

"I'll be here a long time

I'll be in it for as long as you like

And no matter what you and I do

Whatever comes next, I'll be right there beside you."

I'm guessing that BRR is an acquired taste. Here's my credit card.

27. I Will Overcome by Welshly Arms.

"I know a change will be comin'

The sun will shine again

So I'm gonna hit the ground runnin'

I know, yeah I know

The best days are ahead."

All of us could use some optimism (particularly now) couldn't we?

28. Walk on Water by Kaleo.

"I feel stronger, I feel stronger than I used to

Oh, my feet, don't know my feet don't touch the ground

I don't worry, I don't worry any longer

'Cause when your heart dies, your soul cries out for more."

Not the first time on the list for the boys from Iceland (who sound like they could be from Mississippi). My guess is this is a religious song, sung from the perspective of Christ. But I could be completely wrong ...

29. Missing Piece by Vance Joy.

"I've been waiting for the tides to change

For the waves to send you my way

I see you darling but you pixilate

It gets hard to take these days."

Been a while since Vance made the list. How better to do it in 2021 than with a COVID-19 song?

30. Better Man by Caleb Hawley.

"I've got to

Forgive myself for

What the others can't

Take this matter

In my own hands

So I can

Mold myself

Into a better man

'Cause a better man is what I am."

New blue-eyed soul from Caleb. A welcome, self-affirming (or empowering?) addition to his catalogue.

31. Child of Love by We the Kingdom (feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE).

"I'm gonna climb a mountain

I'm gonna shout about it

I am a child of love."

I am not, as a rule, a fan of contemporary Christian music. I am, however, a fan of this song. Deal with it, by heathen brothers and sisters. 

P.S. These guys and gals can rock (and sing).

32. I Need Some of That by Weezer.

"Even if we blow up

We're never gonna grow up

'Cause this is where it's at."

So, one of two new additions to the blog version of this list, due to various foibles in the Facebook version. A fun "looking back on times past" song that, as an old guy, I certainly appreciate.

33. Help Me to Feel Again by Judah & The Lion.

"This is not the end

Maybe with our feelings

Let's try to feeling them

So my heart don't you know

Healing starts when the unraveling unfolds."

Yep, another COVID song. "Healing starts when the unraveling unfolds." 

The middle list will appear post haste.