tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-79497628971856649172024-03-01T14:27:19.551-05:00Keeping ScoreKeeping Score pulls from Kevin's experience as a soccer coach and an employment lawyer; offering thoughts and observations on sports, coaching, leadership, music, and almost anything else he wants to write about. Enjoy.tmcchesneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13791143334373325059noreply@blogger.comBlogger195125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-45024639841507888812024-01-23T09:32:00.000-05:002024-01-23T09:32:31.118-05:00Favorite Songs of 2023 - Songs 1-11<p style="text-align: justify;">At long, long last we've reached the end of 2023's List. Hardly an end of the year list, as it turned out. Nonetheless, I hope you've found some new favorite songs that will carry you well in to 2024.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Stick Season by Noah Kahan.</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">"And I'll dream each night of some version of you</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That I might not have, but I did not lose.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now you're tire tracks and one pair of shoes</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I'm split in half, but that'll have to do ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have to do."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oeZTcfciFwo" width="320" youtube-src-id="oeZTcfciFwo"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Several significant departures from the norm for the List with this song atop it. Never before has a song released in the previous year (i.e., 2022) made number one. Neither has a song this popular (14 million YouTube hits for the original video - which is not the one above) been at the top. But this is the song that kept bouncing around in my head from early in 2023, and convention was thrown out the window. Also check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ip-dkLJyMLg" target="_blank">Homesick</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okeq6elcdxM" target="_blank">Dial Drunk</a> from the excellent Stick Season album.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Lights Light Up by Fenne Lily.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"You came to me at the speed of a bad decision</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just the speed, the bad not so much.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We held each other while everything burned up 'round us</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And inside of me, too</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's called love."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YQ_565ZKqvI" width="320" youtube-src-id="YQ_565ZKqvI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A lovely little love song from Ms. Lily. The first two stanzas quoted above are likely my favorite lyrics of 2023. As often happens, Lights Light Up traded the top spot with Stick Season for much of the year. The fact that it ended up number two is no reflection of how much I admire this song.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Modern Girl by Bleachers.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Changed my meds, changed the flight</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bodies on, bodies wild</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Body cam, only flams</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bleachers band only flams.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Playin' it like a heart attack for you</div><div style="text-align: justify;">We playin' it like a heart attack."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a1Twa5RuswE" width="320" youtube-src-id="a1Twa5RuswE"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, the Jersey boys are back on the List. And they may well have risen to the top again, if this song had been released earlier in 2023. Pretty sure they could care less ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Honey by Samia.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I wanna go to the beach and die on the beach</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanna be a mermaid.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not scared of sharks, I'm not scared to be naked</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not scared of anything."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Tm5mxfP7OKY" width="320" youtube-src-id="Tm5mxfP7OKY"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Along with boygenius member Lucy Dacus, Samia is the only artist on 2023's List that I've seen live - and that was as an opening act for ... Lucy Dacus. Bonus fact: Samia's last name is Finnerty, which was my paternal grandmother's maiden name. No wonder I like her, and love this song.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>5. Dripfield by Goose.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Howling out the prism</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Calling for the rhythm</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Time's my only prison</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dripfield where you sitting</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rising like the weather</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Blood gets pumping redder</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know that life comes better</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I know that life comes better</div><div style="text-align: justify;">In love."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_bl-Izuc68g" width="320" youtube-src-id="_bl-Izuc68g"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Believe it or not, there are two songs that are 5+ minutes long in 2023's top 11. Even more incredibly, there are two songs by bands named after winged water fowl in 2023's top 11. This is the first of both. Goose are apparently a popular jam band, which generally isn't my cup of tea. But this song goes down smoothly, especially first thing in the morning. Check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktjYcMyW9H0" target="_blank">Hungersite</a> and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zyX9IMK4rE" target="_blank">726</a> from Goose's Dripfield album as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>6. Not Strong Enough by boygenius.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I don't know why I am</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The way I am</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's something in the static,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I think I've been having revelations.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Comin' to, in the front seat, nearly empty.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Skip the exit to our old street and go home ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Go home alone."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_t6n_4UpT38" width="320" youtube-src-id="_t6n_4UpT38"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">My admiration for Julien Baker, Phoebe Bridgers, and particularly Lucy Dacus has been expressed many times on the List. Put them all together and you get ... well, genius.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>7. 3D Country by Geese.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I used to cut 'em up</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I used to tear it down</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I coulda been the king of this town ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I'm going home."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hivmhce7J6k" width="320" youtube-src-id="hivmhce7J6k"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yup, here's the other big bird on the 2023 List. As well as the other 5+ minute song. What is it about geese and long songs you may ask? I have no idea. But I love Cameron Winter's (the lead singer for Geese) vocals on this song.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>8. Expert in a Dying Field by The Beths.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Can we erase our history</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Is it as easy as this?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Plausible deniability</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I swear I've never heard of it.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I can close</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The door on us</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But the room still exists</div><div style="text-align: justify;">(and I know you're in it)."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KMhm3j2RfsI" width="320" youtube-src-id="KMhm3j2RfsI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Spotify tells me this was my most-listened to song in 2023, which makes sense because it was released in 2022 and it may have been the first song I added to the playlist that eventually became The List. While their "A Real Thing" made <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2022/12/favorite-songs-of-2022-songs-23-33.html" target="_blank">2022's List</a> at No. 27, as you can tell I prefer this song from their "Expert in a Dying Field" album.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>9. Hope is a Dangerous Little Thing by The Menzingers.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"They hope is a dangerous, dangerous little thing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To keep finding out the hard way</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What tomorrow never brings."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DrrxeRWebqw" width="320" youtube-src-id="DrrxeRWebqw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Now this is something you don't hear much of anymore (at least I don't): good ol' fashioned punk rock. That driving drumbeat certainly gives it away.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>10. For Your Soul by Josh Ritter.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Will you be worthy and yet</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Unworthy in the same breath</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And look yourself in the mirror?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Will you be righteous and strong</div><div style="text-align: justify;">By saying when you are wrong</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And put aside your own fear?"<br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zWpvDddreaA" width="320" youtube-src-id="zWpvDddreaA"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"This is a test." But, apparently, this is not only a test.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>11. Tropic Morning News by The National.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I was suffering more than I let on</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The tropic morning news was on.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's nothing stopping me now</div><div style="text-align: justify;">From saying all the painful parts out loud."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ms0QaFbkth8" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ms0QaFbkth8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my all-time favorite bands issued not one, but two, albums this year. To be honest, I found them a little uneven, but this is my preferred song from both "First Two Pages of Frankenstein" and "Laugh Track."</div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-15473408707680055922023-12-31T22:06:00.002-05:002024-01-22T14:57:11.219-05:00Favorite Songs of 2023 - Songs 12-22<p style="text-align: justify;">Better late than never? We are definitely not going to make the Jan. 1 deadline, but what's a week or so between friends? Here's the red-headed stepchild of The List:</p><div style="text-align: left;"><b>12. Then It All Goes Away by Dayglow.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />"You tell me everything and tell me it's fine, but<br />There's 'something tells me that</div><div style="text-align: left;">There's something going on here.'</div><div style="text-align: left;">I know the way you got that look in your eyes</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then it disappears."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LCdeGt7mQTg" width="320" youtube-src-id="LCdeGt7mQTg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">No "sounds like The Strokes" song on this year's List, but this one definitely puts me in mind of a frequent List member. Any idea who (here's a hint: they're French)?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>13. Road to Joy (Bright-Side Mix) by Peter Gabriel.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Get the blood to flow in every nook and cranny</div><div style="text-align: left;">Get the blood to flow from my head to my toes</div><div style="text-align: left;">Get the blood to flow, flowing all around me</div><div style="text-align: left;">Get the blood to flow with the life in my soul.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Back in the world</div><div style="text-align: left;">Walking down the road to joy."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/463mTTVFxlA" width="320" youtube-src-id="463mTTVFxlA"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my all-time favorite artists, but he's never appeared on The List before, probably because this is his first new album in ... 21 years? Anyway, welcome back Peter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>14. It's Fine by Bethany Cosentino.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"And it's fine</div><div style="text-align: left;">'Til it's not fine.</div><div style="text-align: left;">This conversation's going on too long.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm sick of it, I started it</div><div style="text-align: left;">With a little bit of wind blowing through my mind ...</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's fine."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bgOGz8Hkevg" width="320" youtube-src-id="bgOGz8Hkevg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The lead singer of Best Coast (whose Different Light <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2021/01/favorite-songs-of-2020-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">made The List in 2020</a>) is back. Sounds like she's finished with whatever relationship she's addressing in this song ...</div><p><b>15. Sixers by The Hold Steady.</b></p><div style="text-align: justify;">"He's home late from some dinner and some drinks</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another Friday with the suits in the steakhouse.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Asset management's as thrilling as you'd think</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But they pay him pretty well</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Now he's renting out the penthouse."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMcDELVWJAI" width="320" youtube-src-id="GMcDELVWJAI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Another song of urban malaise from Craig Finn and the band. It's so hard to choose just one stanza of lyrics from a Hold Steady song, because they're all great, and they're all connected.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>16. Don't Look Back by The Revivalists.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I don't look back</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No, I ain't got time.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can't relax, it's down to the wire</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Six feet deep in the fire now."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EVIHwpNmmXk" width="320" youtube-src-id="EVIHwpNmmXk"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Another rocker. Much prefer this song to "Kid," the song from from their album "Pour It Out Into the Night" which got all sorts of airplay this summer.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>17. Chosen to Deserve by Wednesday.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"We always started by tellin' all our best stories first</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So now that it's been awhile, I'll get around</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To tellin' you all my worst.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just so you know what you signed up for</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What you're dealin' with.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just so you know</div><div style="text-align: justify;">What you've been chosen to deserve."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/axOUGmpNz4c" width="320" youtube-src-id="axOUGmpNz4c"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So what are Wednesday (from Asheville, NC)? Country? Alternative? Indie? Shoegaze? My brother Jeff declares "Americana Cowpunk." Seems about right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>18. Really Really Light by The New Pornographers.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I am blurry on this here particular scene</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That I'm trying to paint, if you'd sit still for me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Paid off all the vultures up in the air.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'm not seeing them so we must be more or less square now."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9oWiY61IbPE" width="320" youtube-src-id="9oWiY61IbPE"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Neko Case, A.C. Newman and crew are back with this upbeat sounding song about ... the white noise in all of our lives? </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>19. Living in the Sunshine by Bruce Hornsby & The Noisemakers.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Living in the sunshine</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Living in the bright light</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wasting time, feeling fine</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yeah, feeling fine, fine.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Living in the sunshine, hey hey</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I heard it said, heard it said</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Got to grow up sometime ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But not now."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cCJ_d3QMb2E" width="320" youtube-src-id="cCJ_d3QMb2E"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A bit of a cheat here as apparently this song was recorded as a part of the Spirit Trail sessions, one of my favorite records ever. But since Living in the Sunshine was release for the first time this year, we get to enjoy it along with great songs like Pete & Manny, Great Divide, and Sneaking Up on Boo Radley. Spirit Trail had the 25th anniversary of its release this year (as if I didn't already feel old just seeing Bruce H. now as compared to last century).</div><p><b>20. Too Good at Raising Hell by The Struts.</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">"Sex so good, make the neighbors smoke a cigarette.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But I'm still bored to death.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Think I'm getting too good, too good at raising hell</div><div style="text-align: left;">But I'm wearing it well."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PpAJvj0BXEI" width="320" youtube-src-id="PpAJvj0BXEI"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Remember my comment that there were some fairly mindless rockers on this year's List? The video definitely borrows from old stars like Alice Cooper and Kiss. And the first line quoted here? Classic.</div><p style="text-align: left;"><b>21. Too Drunk to Drive by hey, nothing.</b></p><div style="text-align: left;">"You hate the sight of mullets so you close your eyes<br />But the spinning's just beginning and it's on the rise.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And you're nauseous</div><div style="text-align: left;">Think you better call it a night."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XrPKom-NUvg" width="320" youtube-src-id="XrPKom-NUvg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Apparently hey, nothing are "Tyler Mabry and Harlow Phillips - two highschoolers from just outside Atlanta." So, basically they and I have nothing in common. Except for this song, which I really like.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>22. nothing to do by Oso Oso.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Nothing to do but hang around</div><div style="text-align: left;">I always knew I'd let you down</div><div style="text-align: left;">Nothing to do but hang around</div><div style="text-align: left;">Slip through the cracks, let myself drown."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SWUJojPWmlU" width="320" youtube-src-id="SWUJojPWmlU"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Doesn't sound like Oso Oso (aka Jade Lilitri, a <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">former List denizen</a>) was in a very good place when he wrote this one. I also recommend checking out "nothing says love like hydration" including the amusing lyrics: "Nothing says love like a Gatorade, Nothing says love like hydration."</div><p style="text-align: left;">Stay tuned for the Top 11.</p>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-64688568492079129342023-12-14T20:54:00.000-05:002023-12-14T20:54:14.776-05:00Favorite Songs of 2023 - Songs 23-33<div style="text-align: justify;">It was a weird year musically for me - no live concerts, lots of time on Spotify
and in C's car on Sirius and semi-listening to songs suggested by Uproxx to find
candidates for this year's List. The result is an odd combination of new artists
and old favorites, quiet, often sad songs, and loud, pretty much meaningless
rockers, obscure releases and very popular ones, and a few that fall somewhere
in-between all of the above. It may not be my most coherent list, but I prefer to think of it as ... eclectic. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>23. Gimme Back My Soul by Medium Build.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"When I met you at the tap room</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was young, with big brown eyes.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Got your number, for the summer</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was drunk, but you were nice, nice, nice.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Told you about Jesus</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I told you about James</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Told you about all the pieces of me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That I can't change."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/t7ePUi7F-94" width="320" youtube-src-id="t7ePUi7F-94"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The first of many songs on this year's List that I can empathize, but not sympathize, with.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>24. Surfing in Iceland by Goth Babe.</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>"I was waiting right there away from </div><div>Hiding from the bad and hiding from the bad </div><div>I was standing right there in Iceland </div><div>And this is mighty rad and this is mighty rad."<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ivJJQsFJiMw" width="320" youtube-src-id="ivJJQsFJiMw"></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, Goth Babe is a male (Griff Washburn). And, yes, he apparently really did surf in Iceland.</div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>25. Positive Charge by The Gaslight Anthem.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"I need a spark</div><div>I need a positive charge</div><div>Plug it into my veins and make me love this life again.</div><div>I need a spark</div><div>I need a positive charge.</div><div>Plug it into my brain and make me love my life again."</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rymbk5I_WlA" width="320" youtube-src-id="Rymbk5I_WlA"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In the oft repeated "reminds me of" category on the List, this song definitely puts me in mind of the best from the Gin Blossoms back in the day.</div></div><div><br /></div><div><b>26. Joiner by Blondshell.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"You've been running around LA with trash</div><div>Sleepin' in bars with a gun in your bag.</div><div>Asking 'Can I be somebody else?'</div><div>You've been riding around on handlebars</div><div>Buying drugs from guys in cars</div><div>Asking 'Can I be somebody else?'"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hb3ZlYG1cKA" width="320" youtube-src-id="hb3ZlYG1cKA"></iframe></div><br /><div>I can't tell if Blondshell (aka Sabrina Teitelbaum) is rubbernecking a car wreck, or wants to become part of it.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>27. Highlands by Middle Kids.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"Wherever you are, we're just getting started</div><div>Out of the dark, into the highlands.</div><div>Give me your heart, I wanna hide it</div><div>And I can't keep waiting for things to change."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/S8NcxTztdGc" width="320" youtube-src-id="S8NcxTztdGc"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The Kids from Down Under are back. And it sounds like they're ready to stir some ... stuff up.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>28. SLAP ME IN THE FACE by PRONOUN.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"Slap me in the face and tell me I'm perfect</div><div>I wanna feel nice instead of just feeling sad</div><div>The world is so big and its future is yucky</div><div>I wanna play nice but you should treat me real bad."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2tAn_25WNU" width="320" youtube-src-id="W2tAn_25WNU"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Not sure I'm entirely comfortable with the message, but anything that pronoun/PRONOUN (aka Alyse Vellturo) does is so darn catchy it can't be ignored.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>29. Something Wrong by Hand Habits.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm beggin'</div><div>Beggin' you to understand</div><div>Amazing, call you my friend</div><div>Is there something wrong with that?</div><div>Is there something wrong with that?"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ewighloq-hM" width="320" youtube-src-id="ewighloq-hM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This song from Hand Habits (aka Meg Duffy) is haunting, but I like it. Is there something wrong with that?</div><div><br /></div><div><b>30. CSI: Petralona by Westerman.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"Close shave in Petralona</div><div>My new friend walked me, hand in hand</div><div>Down to that busy square</div><div>You said, 'Let's head someplace quieter'</div><div>Athen is small</div><div>Everybody knows you here."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dG6IIzassfE" width="320" youtube-src-id="dG6IIzassfE"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">No, not that CSI. Sounds like Westerman was sorting through some deep stuff. Glad he had his friend with him.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>31. Sugar Babies by Spoon.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"At the bar, don't forget les au revoirs les sugar babies</div><div>They saw me in the storefront standing still</div><div>They walked on by they couldn't chill</div><div>They'll say hello next time now maybe."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ux_FGrZuvko" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ux_FGrZuvko"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Anything Spoon does is worth a listen. Their longevity (they formed 30 years ago) and ability to not get stale and yet be true to themselves and their sound is admirable.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>32. Save the World by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"Balloon popping at the grocery store</div><div>My heart jumping in my chest.</div><div>I look around to find the exit door.</div><div>Which way out of here's the best?"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QGE6FMg1TSI" width="320" youtube-src-id="QGE6FMg1TSI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We know how you feel, Jason. I love how the instrumental intro sounds like "breaking news" music on a t.v. station.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>33. I Don't Know What You See in Me by Belle and Sebastian.</b></div><div><br /></div><div>"I've been looking in, and looking out</div><div>And there's a million faces in the crowd</div><div>But you chose to hold your gaze on me.</div><div>And it only took a moment to see."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dgao0WD5g48" width="320" youtube-src-id="dgao0WD5g48"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Belle and Sebastian have been around for almost as long as Spoon, but I believe that this is their first appearance on the List. Welcome, old friends!</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stick around friends, 22 more songs to come!</div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-91409450694699706902023-01-16T19:42:00.004-05:002023-05-03T20:51:59.288-04:00Favorite Songs of 2022: Songs 1-11<p style="text-align: justify;">We've come to the top of the list a little later than most years past, but hopefully not too late for you to appreciate my favorite eleven songs of 2022. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>1. Returner by Gang of Youths</b>.</p><div style="text-align: left;">"Now I live by a motto, just like Assou-Ekotto</div><div style="text-align: left;">And it's 'F___ you and pay me,' it's a line I respect.</div><div style="text-align: left;">A below-average shooter, I'm hardly Batistuta</div><div style="text-align: left;">But the vision, the motivation I get."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dI98CD_VV9I" width="320" youtube-src-id="dI98CD_VV9I"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We complete our Australian-centric list, naturally, with another artist from Down Under. Gang of Youths have made the list several times before. This is my favorite song from their excellent album Angel in Real Time because of the above lines and their soccer references, as well as the Pacific Islands chorus. Because my friend Charlie, also a GOY fan, says this is his least favorite of all on the record, I'm going to break the rules and give you a second song, a number <b>1.b.</b>, if you will, which is likely the most-played song from Angel in Real Time - <b>In the Wake of Your Leave</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/L5Py3TP9kgU" width="320" youtube-src-id="L5Py3TP9kgU"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>2. Rubberneckers by Christian Lee Hutson</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm a self-esteem vending machine</div><div>A doctor's office magazine.</div><div>A funhouse at the county fair</div><div>A staircase to nowhere.</div><div><br /></div><div>If you tell a lie for long enough,</div><div>Then it becomes the truth.</div><div>I am going to be okay some day,</div><div>With or without you.</div><div>With or without you."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UJvDLO0NXe8" width="320" youtube-src-id="UJvDLO0NXe8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The next three songs are all in the running for my favorite lyrics of the year. I believe that it's hard to find a word in this song that is out of place. If you listen closely to the chorus, you'll likely hear the voice of an artist mentioned in the first edition of this year's list with the promise that she'd reappear. She also produced Hutson's album Quitters, along with her frequent collaborator Conor Oberst.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>3. Blush by Matt Nathanson</b>. </div><div><br /></div><div>"And when the sun is getting lower</div><div>And your wildest days are done.</div><div>And they ask you about a photograph</div><div>From back when you were young.</div><div>Baby, you don't have to tell 'em</div><div>What you did when we were us.</div><div>But when you think about it</div><div>I hope you blush,</div><div>Just a little bit.</div><div>When you think about it</div><div>I hope you blush."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Y0R6lodi1K4" width="320" youtube-src-id="Y0R6lodi1K4"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Another song about lost love, but one fondly remembered. The "We looked good, we looked good, we looked good" chorus makes me smile everytime I hear it. And I also really like the words, and the feel, of this song overall as well.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>4. Canola Fields by James McMurtry</b>.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_IVAAXW2-s-yLm1M0oYoanpzkPchcAxCztPt-omiqAyRv9UX-DLjJ4f_pJ8wJR8jGzjkckPn21FoL0vqKNXxa6IGJE2bI2Kj7bq_l1Ox9tYJLfzQVgcI_4lYpodzrN9o6acLbx7yUfxnXfRSEGGDlKJ9Y-2mtrow4V_f8uXzTomUZJ4Qy8GA-0hi/s1035/IMG_2179.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="877" data-original-width="1035" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_IVAAXW2-s-yLm1M0oYoanpzkPchcAxCztPt-omiqAyRv9UX-DLjJ4f_pJ8wJR8jGzjkckPn21FoL0vqKNXxa6IGJE2bI2Kj7bq_l1Ox9tYJLfzQVgcI_4lYpodzrN9o6acLbx7yUfxnXfRSEGGDlKJ9Y-2mtrow4V_f8uXzTomUZJ4Qy8GA-0hi/s320/IMG_2179.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">James McMurtry at Mountain Stage.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>"And there's not much moving on the romance radar</div><div>Not that I'm craving it all that much.</div><div>But I still need to feel, every once in a while</div><div>The warmth of a smile and a touch.</div><div><br /></div><div>In a way back corner of a cross-town bus,</div><div>We were hiding out under my hat.</div><div>Cashing in on a thirty-year crush.</div><div>You can't be young and do that,</div><div>You can't be young and do that."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HPYWcdrQPxg" width="320" youtube-src-id="HPYWcdrQPxg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The (now long ago) aforesaid old favorite I got to see in 2022, at Mountain Stage. As already mentioned, I have a hard time deciding whether these lines are my favorite ones of 2022, or whether one of the two songs immediately above contain them.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>5. American Teenager by Ethel Cain</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I do it for my daddy</div><div>And I do it for Dale</div><div>I'm doing what I want and, damn</div><div>I'm doing it well.</div><div>For me, for me,</div><div>For me, for me."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Ed_WWmFy9I" width="320" youtube-src-id="9Ed_WWmFy9I"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Quite the backstory for Hayden Silas Anhedonia a.k.a. Ethel Cain (according to Wikipedia, anyway). Her voice reminds me of an American Dolores O'Riordan (of The Cranberries). A lovely, haunting song.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>6. Country by Good Morning</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Yeah, I think it's a little bit different now</div><div>I got a boyfriend and I got a psych.</div><div>I know that one really cares about me,</div><div>And, at least, that the other one tries."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/agNRqAbTxtg" width="320" youtube-src-id="agNRqAbTxtg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Yet another Australian band, although honestly they sound very American to me (again - guess I just need to give up trying to figure that out). A really catchy song with great lyrics about a lost friendship - but I love the instrumental intro and outro best of all.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>7. Time Escaping by Big Thief</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Desert ground so cold and clean</div><div>Spreading out like a magazine</div><div>Reading the dirt like gossip.</div><div>What do the weeds say? They say:</div><div>'Everything, everything, everything falls through</div><div>Each dimension breaks in two</div><div>Like the two hands clapping ...</div><div>Like the two wings flapping.'"</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CkIvGej2WyI" width="320" youtube-src-id="CkIvGej2WyI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So many really good songs on Big Thief's double album Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe in You. This is my favorite, but if you're inclined, check out "Certainty," "No Reason," and "Little Things" too.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>8. Love Is Yours by Flasher.</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>"It's like a knock on the door,</div><div>I've never heard it before,</div><div>You have me opening, oh so naturally.</div><div>It's better than the real thing,</div><div>I'm seeing 2020,</div><div>You got me missing what I didn't know I need."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QkNglUNpJCA" width="320" youtube-src-id="QkNglUNpJCA"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of several songs (numbers 2, 5, 6, and 11 are the others, to be precise) from artists in the Top 11 that I didn't know before 2022, but am glad I do now. Flasher sounds like a cross between The Dandy Warhols and The New Pornographers to me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>9. Here to Forever by Death Cab for Cutie</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Oh, these days it's so hard to relax</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You gotta hold a gun to my back</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make me smile</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To make me smile."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oVqst2CrTPw" width="320" youtube-src-id="oVqst2CrTPw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sounds like our old friend Ben Gibbard spent the pandemic contemplating his mortality. Completely understandable.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>10. Free by Florence + The Machine</b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I'm always running from something</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I push it back, but it keeps on coming.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And being clever never got me very far,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Because it's all in my head.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And 'You're too sensitive,' they said.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I said, 'Okay, but let's discuss this at the hospital.'"</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PAEr5llHhlA" width="320" youtube-src-id="PAEr5llHhlA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Florence has appeared on the list several times before - she's back and strong as ever. I don't think I've ever said this before, but that harpist can jam! "And for a moment, when I'm dancing ... I am free." If only we all could be.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>11. Rewind by Daybed</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"And I hoped maybe time would slow</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Feels like the end of a road</div><div style="text-align: justify;">With all the friends I used to know."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B1MGuiux9kY" width="320" youtube-src-id="B1MGuiux9kY"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">And here I thought Hometown was an obscure choice. This song now has 144 YouTube views (and at least four are mine). I love the music on this one (particularly the banjo). Apparently Daybed = Reagan Smith, the banjo player of The Oh Hellos (which, I guess, explains why the banjo is so good).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-18869976537017858892022-12-29T15:38:00.005-05:002022-12-29T15:40:52.624-05:00Favorite Songs of 2022: Songs 12-22<p style="text-align: justify;">I believe this is a particularly strong second set of songs this year. Songs 12-17 all spent some time in my Top 11 at various points in 2022. Enjoy!</p><p><b>12. Running with the Hurricane by Camp Cope</b>.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">"And if is the bottom,</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I can show you what to do</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's no other way to go</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There's no other way to go ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The only way out is up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I'm keeping up."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0PkhdXXHiB8" width="320" youtube-src-id="0PkhdXXHiB8"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Not the first time this band from Down Under has been on the list. But a little less "punkish" this time, and perhaps even a little Southern twang thrown in for good measure? I think Camp Cope is keeping up and growing up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>13. Blue Hours by Bear's Den</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Why won't you just stay with me? Why do you lie?</div><div>Why's there always something keepin' you up at night?</div><div>Don't act like you're so hard to find</div><div>I know where you hide, I know where you hide ...</div><div>In the blue hours."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CMhUvqTIRYs" width="320" youtube-src-id="CMhUvqTIRYs"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of my new discoveries this past year (along with the already-mentioned Caracara and at least two yet to come), I really like Bear's Den, particularly their lead vocalist (and that bass line). I was surprised to learn Bear's Den are from England - they sound very much like an American band to me.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>14. Tennessee Dust by Henry Grace</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Riverman shining shoes</div><div>Singing Appalachian blues</div><div>Drinking black coffee.</div><div>Was a fire in his soul</div><div>And it rang like rock and roll</div><div>Roared like a freight train."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x0FxRsGYIgU" width="320" youtube-src-id="x0FxRsGYIgU"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Took us a long time to get to the first Americana song on this year's list. I hope you agree it was worth the wait. I like it enough that I even forgive Henry for singing "App-ah-lay-chan" not "Ap-puh-lah-chn."</div><div><br /></div><div><b>15. Tonight by Phoenix (feat. Ezra Koenig)</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I take all the blame</div><div>Is it hard to understand?</div><div>When it's all the same</div><div>I've played all the games</div><div>And lost almost everything.</div><div>Now I talk to myself and it's quite surprising."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/FxTCTAnTP6Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="FxTCTAnTP6Q"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Much like the Arcade Fire song in the last installment, it's so refreshing to hear a Phoenix song that sounds like Phoenix. And bringing Ezra Koenig (of Vampire Weekend fame) along for the ride doesn't hurt a bit either.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>16. That's Where I Am by Maggie Rogers</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I found a reason to wake up</div><div>Coffee in my cup,</div><div>Start a new day.</div><div>Wish we could do this forever</div><div>And never remember</div><div>Mistakes that we make."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WdrNXRdkuG4" width="320" youtube-src-id="WdrNXRdkuG4"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Another real love song, about friends who became something more than that. Haven't done the research, but I'm guessing that this is probably the most watched video of any song on the list this year.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>17. Did You Say Such a Thing by John Mellencamp (feat. Bruce Springsteen)</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"What people say about me</div><div>Don't amount to much</div><div>I guess some may be true</div><div>But who can you trust</div><div>Did you say such a thing?</div><div>How come you said such a thing?</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_C2OaGmqQpw" width="320" youtube-src-id="_C2OaGmqQpw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This year's The Boss singing backup entry, which is definitely becoming a regular thing. I'm a longtime admirer of both. This entry demarks the line on the list, which appears at a different place every year, between those songs that I liked and those that I really, really liked.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>18. Colorglut by Caracara (feat. Anthony Green)</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Is this a wedding or a funeral? I can't tell by the attire</div><div>Hunting for a beat</div><div>Like Serengeti beasts</div><div>I was listening to Dirty Projectors in a Volvo by the freeway funeral pyre."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9GmCPv_eN84" width="320" youtube-src-id="9GmCPv_eN84"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The opposite of Bear's Den - I would have guessed that Caracara are from England, except for the fact that they spell the song name Colorglut, not Colourglut. Sure enough, they're from Philly. Can't not include on the list a song that references Dirty Projectors (and a Volvo).</div><div><br /></div><div><b>19. Somebody Desperate by The National</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"That wasn't me</div><div>I don't know who that was</div><div>That was somebody desperate</div><div>Someone in love."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lh0tSeN4PGI" width="320" youtube-src-id="lh0tSeN4PGI"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A pretty, sad song, not about love lost, but instead love never found.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>20. Kissing Lessons by Lucy Dacus</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I asked her how to win my man</div><div>And she said, 'I know just the thing'</div><div>Gave me lipgloss and a hair toss</div><div>And, after school, a lesson in kissing."</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9gxBufkPx5o" width="320" youtube-src-id="9gxBufkPx5o"></iframe></div></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2022/12/favorite-songs-of-2022-songs-23-33.html" target="_blank">she-who-was yet-to-be-named in my first edition of the list</a>, my significant other and I got to see Ms. Dacus live twice this year. The first in Charlottesville, when she played guitar (and still rocked!) from a couch for most of the concert because of a bad back.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PT_k9Rj0xmbCYy4kM6tmZAYlSJkVUiV6AH95QXx40tnKz-6-x6lBdPJBiS_LmsC2QWLsG3OJ63cLpIfduMRxaRUKhFMiwNL3GI904uuZCLLBvndp6ac4rFEKAt1RStcl2fQ7O98TskX1zJAyDUtwC10E0Ubz6vxxNYOd6hBGlzntB2OXPNcH261N/s775/IMG_2071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="775" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2PT_k9Rj0xmbCYy4kM6tmZAYlSJkVUiV6AH95QXx40tnKz-6-x6lBdPJBiS_LmsC2QWLsG3OJ63cLpIfduMRxaRUKhFMiwNL3GI904uuZCLLBvndp6ac4rFEKAt1RStcl2fQ7O98TskX1zJAyDUtwC10E0Ubz6vxxNYOd6hBGlzntB2OXPNcH261N/w436-h306/IMG_2071.jpg" width="436" /></a></div><br /><div><b>21. Just Around the Corner by JD McPherson</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"I'm so glad I live</div><div>Right around the corner from you</div><div>So happy I don't know what I will do</div><div>Please don't go</div><div>Find somebody new</div><div>Oh I'm about to live right around the corner from you."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gKQKA9nYkdY" width="320" youtube-src-id="gKQKA9nYkdY"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I didn't realize until posting the list on Facebook that this is in fact a cover. Since I didn't have a separate covers list this year, we're leaving it where it's at. Always love to hear from JD and his rockabilly style.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>22. Alaska by Pinegrove</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"When we landed in Orlando</div><div>And the local time was 11:11</div><div>The pilot had his eyes closed</div><div>Through that opalescent open road."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dvepDDM01HU" width="320" youtube-src-id="dvepDDM01HU"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Seemingly fully recovered from their unfortunate hiatus, Evan Stephens Hall and friends were back with a familiar sound, and some confounding lyrics.</div><div><br /></div><div>The Top Eleven is on its way soon - stay tuned!</div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-86716150159755221512022-12-13T22:22:00.012-05:002023-07-06T20:48:55.648-04:00Favorite Songs of 2022 - Songs 23-33<p style="text-align: justify;">We made it! Most of us mostly intact. 'Twas a slim year for me, live music-wise, but did get out a little bit, enough to see one of my favorite artists twice and an old friend at Mountain Stage once. But more about that later.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We begin my list of favorite songs of 2022 with a recent list favorite. Hope you enjoy!</p><p><b>23. Sidelines by Phoebe Bridgers</b>.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">"Watching the world from the sidelines</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Had nothing to prove</div><div style="text-align: justify;">'Til you came into my life</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gave me something to lose."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RtOYYp010lA" width="320" youtube-src-id="RtOYYp010lA"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Perhaps second only to she-who-is-not-yet-named, Ms. Bridgers has appeared most frequently on the list in the last few years. I like this song a lot, but perhaps not as much as ... 22 others this past year. The release of this song gives us some hope that we'll hear more from Phoebe in 2023. But in the meantime, she's busying herself with production work - and you'll find out more about that in the last iteration of this year's list.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>24. Wild by Spoon</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Trippers and askers, they surrounded me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All them describing how they'd like me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All them wanting somethin' special</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Bring 'em roses, sing them blues."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5LKM7RAahLY" width="320" youtube-src-id="5LKM7RAahLY"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Sounds like someone's not all that comfortable with ... comfort. Always admire Spoon for keeping true to themselves, yet being fresh at the same time. Comforting, one might say. Check out their album "Lucifer on the Sofa." For the name, if nothing else.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>25. Scab Song by Dora Jar</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I've got a brain in my head</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I've got a brain in my head and it thinks as hard as Einstein ever did</div><div style="text-align: justify;">MC squared equals E</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's the theory of relativity</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And how are you relative to me."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-AcdyzrELgg" width="320" youtube-src-id="-AcdyzrELgg"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">This year's silly pop song entry, about ... a scab on Dora Jar's leg. Don't judge me.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>26. The Lightning I, II by Arcade Fire</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I heard the thunder and I thought it was the answer</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I found I got the question wrong</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I was trying to run away but a voice told me to stay</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Put the feeling in a song."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/qJiALpiqpk8" width="320" youtube-src-id="qJiALpiqpk8"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">So nice to hear an Arcade Fire song that sounds like Arcade Fire. Makes me feel all ... 50 again.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>27. A Real Thing by The Beths</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Picking up the tires from the side of the road</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Gonna push back the coming tide</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Laying down beside them like I'm in on the joke</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Wake me up when the world is fried."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vd2Rps0cMdo" width="320" youtube-src-id="vd2Rps0cMdo"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">One of several songs on this year's list that sound like the female-lead power pop bands of the '80's. but with better musicianship. This song appears to have a decidedly un-'80's theme, though -- guessing the "Real Thing" is global climate change.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>28. Talk by beabadoobee</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"A crowded place, waitin' for you</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Am I lost? Why can't I find you?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A silhouette that's in my head</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You don't exist, you're my imagination</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You don't exist, you're just a bad decision."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hCw80xpI3k0" width="320" youtube-src-id="hCw80xpI3k0"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Seems as though 2022 (or more likely 2021) was/were bad year(s) for relationships - love gone bad songs abound on this year's list. Another song that puts me in mind of The Go-Go's or the Bangles.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>29. Soberish by Liz Phair</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I already told you</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was love at first sight</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And that's a frightening notion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll hold the light</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And you can read me what we owe."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hbkkTklfSFM" width="320" youtube-src-id="hbkkTklfSFM"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">A middle-aged love song. But a love song nonetheless, for a change, from "alt-rock icon" Ms. Phair.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">30. <b>Sweet Memory by Geographer.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Sweet memory</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Burning like a candle </div><div style="text-align: justify;">At the bottom of the sea</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I don't believe in love, and</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It doesn't believe in me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">All I have is my sweet memory."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/la2bUmrL5ec" width="320" youtube-src-id="la2bUmrL5ec"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">One of those "happy sounding sad songs." Geographer returned to the list last year after a long absence. And now here he/they are again, a year later.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>31. Reprise by The Lumineers</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Callin' on your neighborhood</div><div>Tell me who to like</div><div>Everyone's a friend</div><div>Every now and then</div><div>Tell me who to like."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1lqriN2Df04" width="320" youtube-src-id="1lqriN2Df04"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Reprise" as in a different version of "Brightside," the first song on The Lumineers' latest album, also called Brightside. I like this version better. My friend Dave likes Brightside better. And I'm okay with that.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b>32. Hometown by The K's</b>.</div><div><br /></div><div>"Hometown, playing all his favorite songs.</div><div>In the sun, in the sun, in the sun.</div><div>Put 'em on, put 'em on, put 'em on, put 'em on."</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wjIOzNTLaH4" width="320" youtube-src-id="wjIOzNTLaH4"></iframe></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">Admittedly, I've gotten a little lazy and depend on google to tell me what the exact lyrics are for a song. Or most of them, anyone. Hometown is apparently sufficiently obscure to not warrant their publication. So the above lines are a guess. Seems clear I like this song mostly because of the driving guitar, not the lyrics, huh?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>33. Stay Out of It by Michigander</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"It feels like everybody's talking</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But nobody's ever listening</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And it breaks my heart because I know I can't</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay out of it."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/soSLVVwCSDE" width="320" youtube-src-id="soSLVVwCSDE"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Michigander is/are Jason Singer (good name for a singer!), originally from Kalamazoo in the Mitten State. As if the name wasn't enough to put Michigander on my radar, I love the bouncy beat, and, yes, the singing.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stay tuned for the second edition of the list coming soon.</div></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-58063713983446661302022-01-05T21:45:00.018-05:002022-05-05T19:00:16.655-04:00Favorite Songs of 2021 - Songs 1-11<p style="text-align: justify;">One would be tempted to bid 2021 a less-than-fond good riddance ... if we hadn't already done that with 2020. So let's just appreciate the new music that our seemingly endless pandemic brought us. Including three albums (which happen to contain the first three songs on my list) that could have filled out the Top Ten all on their own.</p><p><b>1. Stop Making This Hurt by Bleachers</b>.</p><div style="text-align: left;">"But if we take the sadness </div><div style="text-align: left;">Out of Saturday night</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wonder what we'll be left with</div><div style="text-align: left;">Anything worth the fight?</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wanna run from the darkness</div><div style="text-align: left;">Wanna shout at the light</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's coming over me now</div><div style="text-align: left;">Two, three, four, five oh God we barely survived!"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hQE0TrJbPAk" width="320" youtube-src-id="hQE0TrJbPAk"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">I went back-and-forth a lot between this and number two on the list for much of the second half of the year. Stop Making This Hurt, however, was the one song that I never skipped on any device throughout the year, and it's the one that compels me to crank up the volume more than any other. And so, here are the Jersey boys, with their horns and Jack's goofy dancing. Long may they rock. I also recommend giving a listen to Don't Go Dark and How Dare You Want More from the LP Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night (along with the already nominated <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2021/12/favorite-songs-of-2021-songs-12-22.html" target="_blank">Chinatown</a>).</div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b>2. Not Dead Yet by Lord Huron</b>.</p><div style="text-align: justify;">"I've been out way too long</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Heading right for the edge</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If she asks about me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Tell her I'm not dead yet."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2BEarxyb2PE" width="320" youtube-src-id="2BEarxyb2PE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The boys from Michigan return to their western/rockabilly roots on their new album Long Lost and I for one am glad for it. I believe that Lord Huron now holds the distinction of having two Number Two songs on my list through the years (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">Until the Night Turns was second in 2015</a>). So close ... I also recommend to you Mine Forever, Long Lost, Love Me Like You Used To, and I Lied from their 2021 offering as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>3. Hot & Heavy by Lucy Dacus</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"You knew that I wanted you to bend the rules</div><div style="text-align: justify;">How did I believe I had a hold on you?</div><div style="text-align: justify;">You were always stronger than people suspected</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Underestimated and overprotected."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vGaVVOyiVag" width="320" youtube-src-id="vGaVVOyiVag"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The above lyrics are perhaps my favorites of the year. If not them, then the ones I will gift you immediately below. Lucy's latest album Home Video (which, as the title suggests, is based on memories from her past) is chock full of them. Check out VBS and Brando from that LP as well, at the minimum. The video's fun too and consistent with the Home Video theme. I'm sure it was made in RVA (but didn't look it up to confirm).</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>4. Family Farm by The Hold Steady</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"When she was combing through the carpet I could not resist her charms</div><div style="text-align: justify;">She brought me to a fortress she called the family farm</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Out along the towers there were guards with heavy arms</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I guess there was some tension with the neighbors."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HuonBMbySPo" width="320" youtube-src-id="HuonBMbySPo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">So do you prefer Lucy's wry observation or Craig Finn's deadpan understatement? Tough call for me. The boys from Brooklyn (by way of Minneapolis - the midwest is the setting for many of their tracks) are back with another set of lyrically brilliant songs courtesy of Mr. Finn in their new album Open Door Policy. Give Lanyards a listen as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>5. Empire Builder by Typhoon</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"You and I know we both know that</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everybody's angry</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Everybody's lonely</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Maybe it's hopeless</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And maybe love is not enough</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But let's not rule out the possibility."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YDwqFCBuwuo" width="320" youtube-src-id="YDwqFCBuwuo"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Definitely a pandemic song. Perhaps an apocalyptic song. At least Kyle Morton's still got a bit of hope. Typhoon recorded their album Sympathetic Magic remotely, no small feat for a notoriously large ensemble. The entire LP is very good, especially (in addition to Empire Builder) And so What if You Were Right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>6. Fire and Brimstone by Sean Rowe</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I had a dream</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Last night</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When I was lying</div><div style="text-align: justify;">On my bed</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the whole world</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Was standing still</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And the moon</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Was turning red."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9p52NkpKHnY" width="320" youtube-src-id="9p52NkpKHnY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My New Year wish: that, for one day in 2022, I can sing like Sean Rowe.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>7. Dino's by Gordi and Alex Lahey</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"There was a greatest hits on the stereo</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a nun drinking her doubt</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was a young boy making promises</div><div style="text-align: justify;">To a Dolly Parton cardboard cutout."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fG96QqFwL5M" width="320" youtube-src-id="fG96QqFwL5M"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A pretty ode to ... a Nashville dive bar (okay, I admit that I looked up the location). Both Gordi and Alex hail from Australia. I'm glad that they found their way to Tennessee, at least for one evening.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>8. Seventeen Going Under by Sam Fender</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I was far too scared to hit him</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But I would hit him in a heartbeat now.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">That's the thing with anger</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It begs to stick around.</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So it can fleece you of your beauty</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And leave you spent with nowt to offer</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Makes you hurt the ones who love you."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SSrsj1rBE8Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="SSrsj1rBE8Q"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A song of teenage rage (and an abusive father, I'm guessing). But with the redemptive vision of someone who "got out" reflecting on the person he was, the one he could have become, and the one that he became instead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>9. Questions by Middle Kids</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"And I got questions</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And you got answers</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I'm not sure</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> if they're fact or fiction</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I got questions</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And you got answers</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And I'm not sure</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> if they're even worth asking."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VchylRsWmcQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="VchylRsWmcQ"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Kids are back with another stellar effort, part of their 2021 album Today We're the Greatest. Not much doubt where they stand with regard to whomever this song was written about. Cellophane (Brain) is also worth a listen from their newest LP.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>10. Faith Healer by Julien Baker</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Faith healer</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Come put your hands on me</div><div style="text-align: justify;">A snake oil dealer</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I'll believe you if you make </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Me feel something."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fPN2zZhjZRc" width="320" youtube-src-id="fPN2zZhjZRc"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The third member of boygenius didn't quite make the top of my list, unlike her cohorts Lucy Dacus and Phoebe Bridgers. But her 2021 album Little Oblivions was well regarded by people whose opinions count more than mine (in other words, just about everyone's). This is my favorite song from that effort. We're all searching for something, aren't we?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>11. New Fragility by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah</b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"On a holiday, you said you just need to get away</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Taking some midnight ride out to Long Beach Island</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Stranded, half-naked on a strange man's couch</div><div style="text-align: justify;">No hearts are broken when there's no one to let down."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NTzUw0FdkVw" width="320" youtube-src-id="NTzUw0FdkVw"></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All the low notes of a break-up (or, more exactly, post-break-up) song. That last line gets me everytime.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Here's to (hopefully) seeing some live music in 2022 - that would be a good way to restart, wouldn't it?</div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-56159598069886135312021-12-21T23:27:00.000-05:002021-12-21T23:27:15.060-05:00Favorite Songs of 2021 - Songs 12-22<p style="text-align: justify;">Ignore this portion of the list at your peril!</p><p><b>12. From the Back of a Cab by Rostam</b>.</p><div style="text-align: left;">"And in the back of a cab we sit closer</div><div style="text-align: left;">And I rest my head down on your shoulder</div><div style="text-align: left;">From the back of the cab to the airport</div><div style="text-align: left;">I am happy you and I got this hour."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DW-_NldiM9I" width="320" youtube-src-id="DW-_NldiM9I"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our man Rostam didn't just do covers this year, he came out with new music as well. This is my favorite from his 2021 album Changephobia -- a pretty song about a cab ride to the airport with your love. Check out, at the least, "4Runner" as well.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>13. Back in Ohio by Lucero</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Looking down the barrels</div><div style="text-align: left;">Of twenty loaded guns</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the letters written</div><div style="text-align: left;">All the fighting's been done</div><div style="text-align: left;">A man without a country</div><div style="text-align: left;">Ain't getting out alive."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-bxfMCR8FlE" width="320" youtube-src-id="-bxfMCR8FlE"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My brother introduced me to both Lucero and this song earlier this year, and I feel I'm the better for both. It was clear from the video that the song is about the Cuban Revolution, but the exact reference (of which I was not aware) is <a href="https://music.mxdwn.com/2021/01/30/news/lucero-tells-the-tale-of-cuban-revolutionary-william-morgan-in-animated-new-video-for-back-in-ohio/?fbclid=IwAR2wO_OjtH1YxzWv-QWp3ad7LU8VWL7Ko7xMDLh9CHKlTsjqOhjQFpk99s8" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>14. Reese by Big Red Machine.</b> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"A little bit older now</div><div style="text-align: left;">Out in the wilderness</div><div style="text-align: left;">With some valedictorian</div><div style="text-align: left;">You had wagered up your torch</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then you lost your paraffin."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p8klcu7Q9JA" width="320" youtube-src-id="p8klcu7Q9JA"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Big Red Machine is mostly Justin Vernon (a.k.a. Bon Iver) and Aaron Dressner (of The National fame), with various well-known guest artists. Yep, the name is a reference to the Cincinnati Reds of the '70's (Dressner, like the rest of the members of The National, is originally from Cincy). Sounds like Justin is not pleased with the actions of a former friend in this song.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>15. Making A Fire (Mark Ronson version) by The Foo Fighters</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"This is our last time</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've made up my mind</div><div style="text-align: left;">I've waited a lifetime to live</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's time to ignite</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm making a fire."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3TyA_O2gKN4" width="320" youtube-src-id="3TyA_O2gKN4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Foos are still cool! Dave Grohl is definitely still cool!! They blessed us with a new album in 2021, and some re-mixes, and this is my favorite of the bunch (you can check out the original version of Making A Fire <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJ9YKVJjU1M">here</a>). I also recommend giving a listen to Love Dies Young and Waiting on a War, at the least, from the excellent Medicine at Midnight LP.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>16. Chinatown by Bleachers (feat. Bruce Springsteen)</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Yeah, I wanna find tomorrow</div><div style="text-align: left;">With a girl like you</div><div style="text-align: left;">My Chinatown baby</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sittin' on your front stoop</div><div style="text-align: left;">Cryin' out the crazy."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E4uA85iWsIg" width="320" youtube-src-id="E4uA85iWsIg"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A break from protocol here as there are two Bleachers' songs on the list (and, truth be told, there could easily be four). My reasoning for the double inclusion is simple enough: only one of those songs features The Boss as well. So, one Bleachers song, one Bleachers and Bruce Springsteen song. Hope everyone's cool with that ...</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>17. I WANT TO DIE BUT I CAN'T ('CUZ I GOTTA KEEP LIVING) by PRONOUN</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Wake up in another day</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have some coffee with my stupor</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add up all the time I waste</div><div style="text-align: left;">Telling myself I'm a loser."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3iROYUn_B6w" width="320" youtube-src-id="3iROYUn_B6w"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Apparently PRONOUN (a.k.a. Alyse Velturo) has decided to forego all lowercase letters and instead use ALL CAPS. You do what you do, lady. I think she's mocking herself here, but maybe it's someone else ...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>18. Write a List of Things to Look Forward To by Courtney Barnett</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">"Sit beside me, watch the world burn</div><div style="text-align: left;">We'll never learn, we don't deserve nice things</div><div style="text-align: left;">And we'll scream self-righteously</div><div style="text-align: left;">We did our best, but what does that really mean?"</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MTrdzqGHqu4" width="320" youtube-src-id="MTrdzqGHqu4"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A song about a fractured friendship? Or a bigger picture than that (global climate change?)?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>19. Stellate (The Districts Remix) by Samia</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"I wanna get you sedated</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Like when it all began</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanna play you records I like</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I wanna hold your hand."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oj6e0LbqITs" width="320" youtube-src-id="oj6e0LbqITs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">When this song was rereleased with the addition of The Districts, I was hooked. Love Samia's voice, which is enhanced (I believe) by the addition of TDs. And who doesn't love an overt reference to The Beatles?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>20. Alibi (Alternate Version) by Geographer</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Some days can be harder</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But we find the way to keep</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Our eyes on the forest</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And forget about the trees."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F1AmZNZ-CPs" width="320" youtube-src-id="F1AmZNZ-CPs"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's been a while since Geographer made my list. I'm glad I found this song worthy of inclusion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>21. Far Out by Ben Howard</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"One said 'the violence has begun, we're together all as one</div><div style="text-align: justify;">If we don't act now it'll be tomorrow.'</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Well, I've seen this show before</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So I left and closed the door</div><div style="text-align: justify;">When out walking into the nearest forest clearing</div><div style="text-align: justify;">There was nothing to see </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Just a boy beyond the trees</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Picking psilocybin."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PoBSU3LCO6E" width="320" youtube-src-id="PoBSU3LCO6E"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A dark but maybe hopeful (at least for those who indulge in magic mushrooms) song about our current societal divisions. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b>22. Human Condition by Sjowgren</b>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">"Whether they knew </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Call it crazy it's true</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Went on and on and on it goes</div><div style="text-align: justify;">It's the human condition</div><div style="text-align: justify;">But nobody mentioned</div><div style="text-align: justify;">The eyes the eyes the eyes the eyes."</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZPq89w56rqY" width="320" youtube-src-id="ZPq89w56rqY"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sjowgren has at least let us put faces to their voices now -- so a little less mystery than previous incarnations on my list. And every bit worthy of its inclusion.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">My favorite 11 songs of 2021 are just around the corner!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-21463788439975637232021-12-15T20:10:00.000-05:002021-12-15T20:10:09.826-05:00Favorite Songs of 2021 - Songs 23-33 <p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>23. I Hear the Ax Swinging by the Ghosts of Vroom</b> (a.k.a. Mike Doughty).</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Don't you wait, it won't be for sure <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm a Cadillac, you aimless DeSoto</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Deep, deep on the pillow sleep</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You're in a blue state, don't scratch the rough."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/apFIAf2CyFY" width="320" youtube-src-id="apFIAf2CyFY"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>24. Track Mud by Wild Pink</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Track mud</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Soil everything you touch</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just come home now</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The rain will wash away the stains</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You mean well with your hand covered in their dirt</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just come home now</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The rain will wash away the stains."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XmadLCIDFfE" width="320" youtube-src-id="XmadLCIDFfE"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>25. Alaska by Little Hurt</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"And some Chinese restaurant in San Fransisco</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My fortune told me I'm on the wrong road</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, life's a game, yeah, I need the cheat codes</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And I hate the snow ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But I think I'll dye my hair and I'll move to Alaska</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Grab all of my money, guitar, and a jacket</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drivin' outta town, maybe wave if I pass ya</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry but</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I had to move to Alaska."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gxia6H1XftM" width="320" youtube-src-id="gxia6H1XftM"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ar6W-D-o6k">here</a> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">instead.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>26. Right There Beside You by Bronze Radio Return</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I'll be here a long time</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'll be in it for as long as you like</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And no matter what you and I do</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whatever comes next, I'll be right there beside you."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q-jY7Yk54tU" width="320" youtube-src-id="q-jY7Yk54tU"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm guessing that BRR is an acquired taste. Here's my credit card.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27. I Will Overcome by Welshly Arms</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I know a change will be comin'</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The sun will shine again</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I'm gonna hit the ground runnin'</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know, yeah I know</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The best days are ahead."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZAIDLPU8f0" width="320" youtube-src-id="WZAIDLPU8f0"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All of us could use some optimism (particularly now) couldn't we?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>28. Walk on Water by Kaleo</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I feel stronger, I feel stronger than I used to</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, my feet, don't know my feet don't touch the ground</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't worry, I don't worry any longer</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'Cause when your heart dies, your soul cries out for more."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F-WmxVH_xRg" width="320" youtube-src-id="F-WmxVH_xRg"></iframe></div><br /><span style="font-size: medium;">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 ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>29. Missing Piece by Vance Joy</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I've been waiting for the tides to change</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For the waves to send you my way</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I see you darling but you pixilate</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It gets hard to take these days."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/atka_0TUTLM" width="320" youtube-src-id="atka_0TUTLM"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Been a while since Vance made the list. How better to do it in 2021 than with a COVID-19 song?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>30. Better Man by Caleb Hawley</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I've got to</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Forgive myself for</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What the others can't</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Take this matter</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In my own hands</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I can</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mold myself</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Into a better man</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'Cause a better man is what I am."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v6fKpBoYaAc" width="320" youtube-src-id="v6fKpBoYaAc"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">New blue-eyed soul from Caleb. A welcome, self-affirming (or empowering?) addition to his catalogue.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>31. Child of Love by We the Kingdom (feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE)</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I'm gonna climb a mountain</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm gonna shout about it</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am a child of love."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_QFibRYApr8" width="320" youtube-src-id="_QFibRYApr8"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">P.S. These guys and gals can rock (and sing).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>32. I Need Some of That by Weezer</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Even if we blow up</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We're never gonna grow up</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">'Cause this is where it's at."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXGt7sAg4mU" width="320" youtube-src-id="yXGt7sAg4mU"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>33. Help Me to Feel Again by Judah & The Lion</b>.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"This is not the end</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Maybe with our feelings</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let's try to feeling them</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So my heart don't you know</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Healing starts when the unraveling unfolds."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/syNYTPjsPps" width="320" youtube-src-id="syNYTPjsPps"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yep, another COVID song. "Healing starts when the unraveling unfolds." </span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The middle list will appear post haste.</span></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-69379573371806608642021-11-27T21:42:00.048-05:002021-12-01T21:57:19.140-05:00Favorite Cover Songs of 2021 - Songs 1-11<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the second half (or first half, depending on how you want to look at it) of my favorite 22 cover songs of 2021.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. European Son by Matt Berninger</b> (original by The Velvet Underground). </span></p><span style="font-size: medium;">"You made your wallpapers green</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">You want to make love to the scene</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Your European son is gone</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">You'd better say so long</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Your clowns bid you goodbye."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zTdiNuzPVg8" width="320" youtube-src-id="zTdiNuzPVg8"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My favorite cover of the year - at least according to my ears and brain (my heart was with number two, which will become understandable when you read about and listen to it). This is an excellent example of what a cover can be - both reimagining the original and being true to it at the same time. The lyrics are admittedly not complex (the story behind it is here: <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Son">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Son</a>), but the sound, especially Matt's voice, the harmonica, and the horns, got into my head and wouldn't leave. Yes, that's an endorsement for Mr. Berninger's vocals over Lou Reed's (in this instance).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Champaign Corolla by Steve Earle and The Dukes</b> (original by Justin Townes Earle). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"I know every man think that he need</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Some high tone woman</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Something built for speed</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But you can't trust a rich girl</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">No farther than you can throw her</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Need a middle class queen</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Riding by in a champagne Corolla."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JLYKGOeTSWo" width="320" youtube-src-id="JLYKGOeTSWo"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Steve Earle and his band recorded an entire album of Justin Townes' songs shortly after the latter's death. Hence my heart going with this one as my favorite cover of the year. While the whole album is excellent, I chose this one over the others, turning JT's sly solo effort into a rollicking country stomp. I cannot bring myself to choose between the two performances.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>3. Sad But True by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit</b> (original by Metallica). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"I'm your truth, telling lies</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I'm your reason, alibis</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I'm inside, open your eyes</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I'm you</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Sad but true."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LeeWwY2IpcM" width="320" youtube-src-id="LeeWwY2IpcM"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You read that correctly. Metallica. I'm not by any stretch of the imagination a metal fan, so this is one of those that took me a while before I realized it was a cover. One of the comments on the cover's YouTube page is "there is an alternate reality where this is the original." Just so. And much preferred to the original as well, at least by this listener.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Signed, Sealed, Delivered by Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings </b>(original by Stevie Wonder).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Oo wee baby, you set my soul on fire</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">That's why I know you're my heart's only desire</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Ooo baby</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Here I am</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u7tDJ7E7e2Q" width="320" youtube-src-id="u7tDJ7E7e2Q"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of my all-time favorite songs. While Ms. Jones certainly did it justice, you simply can't top Stevie's "Heyyyy hey, oh yeah baby" at the top. And to her credit, she didn't really try to.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. Train in Vain by Rostam</b> (original by The Clash).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Now I got a job</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But it don't pay</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I need new clothes</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Need somewhere to stay</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But without all of these things</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I can do</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But without your love</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I won't make it through."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yblnM789mH4" width="320" youtube-src-id="yblnM789mH4"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another song everyone should know. While I've already expressed my admiration for Rostam's voice, it's hard not to hear this one sung by Mick Jones in your head (even when it's Rostam instead).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. I'm Waiting for My Man by Matt Berninger</b> (original by The Velvet Underground).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Baby don't you holler </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Darlin' don't you bawl and shout</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm feeling good </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You know I'm gonna work it on out</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm feeling good </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm feeling oh so fine</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Until tomorrow </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But that's just some other time</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm waiting for my man."</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gWcprObJ4Qc" width="320" youtube-src-id="gWcprObJ4Qc"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Hard to top one of my favorite artists covering one of my favorite artists (except, of course, for the five songs above, which include one of my favorite artists covering one of my favorite artists ...). While I think most would admit that Matt's voice is better than Lou Reed's, the latter's is perfect for a song about a junkie waiting for his dealer. Two very different, and very excellent, versions of the same song. Final score: Matt 1, Lou 1.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. Summer's End by Phoebe Bridgers</b> (original by John Prine).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"The moon and stars hang out in bars just talking</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I still love that picture of us walking</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Just like that ol' house we thought was haunted</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Summer's end came faster than we wanted."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E12USxOiG1c" width="320" youtube-src-id="E12USxOiG1c"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another example of one of my favorite artists covering another. Love and respect to Mr. Prine, but Phoebe's vocals rule.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8. Harvest Moon by Lord Huron</b> (original by Neil Young).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Because I'm still in love with you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I want to see you dance again</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Because I'm still in love with you</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">On this harvest moon."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WB6TXTP5mBE" width="320" youtube-src-id="WB6TXTP5mBE"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A lovely, Latin-tinged cover of a classic (and quiet) Neil Young song. Another one that one could say could, in a different dimension could have been the original. And another that I would say the original vocals can't be topped.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>9. For What It's Worth (Stop, Hey What's That Sound) by Jaguar Son</b> (original by Buffalo Springfield).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Paranoia strikes deep</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Into your life it will creep</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">It starts when you're always afraid</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Step out of line,</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The man come and take you away."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ID6ZAu1y9lM" width="320" youtube-src-id="ID6ZAu1y9lM"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pretty much a perfect song for late 1966 (when the original was released) or August 2020 (when this cover was). As good as this version is, I give the nod to Stephen Stills' original vocals.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>10. Waterfalls by Death Cab for Cutie </b>(original by TLC).</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Don't go chasing waterfalls</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Please stick to the rivers and the lakes that you're used to</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I know that you're gonna have it your way or nothing at all</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">But I think you're moving too fast."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oVTiYu5U_JY" width="320" youtube-src-id="oVTiYu5U_JY"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Definitely a different feel to this version, as you would expect from a Death Cab take on a TLC song (and, of course, no rapping). Love Ben Gibbard and his voice, but not as much as T-Boz's on this song.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>11. Manic Monday by Billie Joe Armstrong</b> (of Green Day) (original by The Bangles, courtesy of songwriter Prince). </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">"Have to catch an early train</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Got to be to work by nine</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And if I had an aeroplane</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">I still couldn't make it on time."</span></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/j5qPCKxlw2M" width="320" youtube-src-id="j5qPCKxlw2M"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Call me tin-eared, shallow, whatever, I've always had a soft spot for '80's girl groups -- the GoGo's, Bananarama, and The Bangles. So Mr. Armstrong redoing a Bangles' song, with Susanna Hoffs on rhythm guitar and backing vocals? I couldn't resist. But I still prefer Ms. Hoffs' vocals on the original.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">That's it for this year's covers. Stayed tuned for my favorite original songs of 2021.</span></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-55259128287249257162021-11-11T21:26:00.020-05:002021-12-04T18:30:48.949-05:00Favorite Cover Songs of 2021 - Songs 12-22<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The covers list is back after a year's hiatus, expanded to two separate posts. Most of the songs you will instantly recognize from past incarnations, others I didn't even know were covers until I delved a little deeper. All are, I believe, worthy of at least one listen. At the suggestion of a old friend, this time I'll let you know which version (and in particular, which vocals) I prefer - the original or the cover.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b style="text-align: left;">12. Drive by Soccer Mommy </b><span style="text-align: left;">(original by The Cars).</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Who's gonna pay attention</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">To your dreams?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Who's gonna plug their ears</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">When you scream?"</span></div><p><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QYkIJYklqi0" width="320" youtube-src-id="QYkIJYklqi0"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times;">A brilliant update of a classic '80's song. The original is truly a classic, but I prefer the cover both because of the lush production, and due to Sophia Regina Allison's (a.k.a., Soccer Mommy's) lovely voice.</span></div></span></span><div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>13. Rescue Me by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings</b> (original by Fontella Bass). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Come on, baby, and rescue me</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Come on, baby, and rescue me</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">'Cause I need you by my side</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Can't you see that I'm lonely?"</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/B9Na5FOBsEU" width="320" youtube-src-id="B9Na5FOBsEU"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">No, not Aretha. Fontella Bass. And while her original is hard to top, I believe that Ms. Jones managed to do just that. Unlike my new song list the past few years, I feature multiple songs from one artist on this cover list. And, yes, that's a teaser for another from Sharon and the DKs in the next installment.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>14. Under Control by Rostam</b> (original by The Strokes).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"I don't want to change your mind,</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I don't want to waste your time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I just want to know you're alright.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I've got to know you're alright."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RPlv_1NE1FI" width="320" youtube-src-id="RPlv_1NE1FI"></iframe></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Instead of a "sounds like The Strokes" song that commonly appears on my other list, how about a Strokes cover instead? Much like "Drive" the production on this version is considerably more layered than the original. And despite my (frequent) profession to want to be like Julian Casablancas when I grow up, I prefer Rostam's vocals to his on this song.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>15. That Funny Feeling by Phoebe Bridgers</b> (original by Bo Burnham).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Stunning 8K resolution meditation app</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">In honor of the revolution, it's half off at The Gap</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Deadpool's self-awareness, loving parents, harmless fun</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">The backlash to the backlash to the thing that's just begun."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mEUl4DThSwE" width="320" youtube-src-id="mEUl4DThSwE"></iframe></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Not a '60's cover, or an '80's, or an aughts, but one of a song released in 2021. Hard to miss the COVID/social media dystopia feel to the lyrics, which seem spot on to me. As you might suspect, I prefer Phoebe's vocals to Bo's.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>16. Rock and Roll All Nite by Green Day</b> (original by Kiss). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"You keep on sayin' you'll be mine for a while</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">You're lookin' fancy and I like your style.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">You drive us wild, we'll drive you crazy."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zImYQiS3vbg" width="320" youtube-src-id="zImYQiS3vbg"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">This cover doesn't really "reinvent" the original. But I think that's the point. As someone who was a high school senior in Michigan in the Fall of 1975, this song was something of an anthem for me (since it was supposedly dedicated to the city of Detroit) and its nostalgia suits me just fine. I prefer Billie Joe Armstrong's vocals to Gene Simmons' (and this version's guitar solos are better too, I believe).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>17. In Your Eyes by Ben Abraham</b> (original by Peter Gabriel).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Love ... I don't like to see so much pain</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">So much wasted</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">and this moment keeps slipping away</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I get so tired</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">working so hard for our survival</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I look to the time with you</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">to keep me awake and alive."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fn1Vk9DDHak" width="320" youtube-src-id="Fn1Vk9DDHak"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A nice, quite update from the original. But it's missing the angst or urgency of Peter's vocals.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>18. Bittersweet Symphony by The Knocks (featuring Foster the People)</b> (original by The Verve). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Well I've never prayed, but tonight I'm on my knees, yeah</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I need to hear some sounds that recognize the pain in me, yeah</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I let the melody shine, let it cleanse my mind, I feel free now</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">But the airwaves are clean and there's nobody singing to me now."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/d_UzrqWqefI" width="320" youtube-src-id="d_UzrqWqefI"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Everyone knows this one, right? I like the vocals in the original a little more, but prefer the tempo of the cover.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>19. Fix You by Ben Harper and the Soweto Gospel Choir </b>(original by Coldplay).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"When you try your best, but you don't succeed</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">When you get what you want, but not what you need.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Stuck in reverse."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y75tx1U2yy0" width="320" youtube-src-id="y75tx1U2yy0"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A prettier, but somehow less emotional, rendition of one of my favorite songs by The Band Everyone Loves to Hate. The addition of the choir leads me to declare this one better sung than the original.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>20. I Will Follow You Into the Dark by Eddie Island</b> (original by Death Cab for Cutie). </span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"If Heaven and Hell decide</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">that they both are satisfied</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Illuminate the 'No's'</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">on the Vacancy signs</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">If there's no one beside you</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">when your soul embarks</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Then I'll follow you into the dark."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K5FfeVbQZUI" width="320" youtube-src-id="K5FfeVbQZUI"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">One of my all-time favorite love songs. Apparently, Mr. Island was on American Idol at some point in the past; wouldn't know it by me ... I like his rendition very much, but nonetheless give the nod to Ben Gibbard's plaintive vocals when comparing the two.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>21. Fast Car by Jamila Woods</b> (original by Tracy Chapman).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"So I remember we were driving, driving in your car</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Speed so fast, I felt like I was drunk</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">City lights lay out before us</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">And your arm felt nice wrapped 'round my shoulder</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">And I-yI had a feeling that I belonged</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">I-yI had a feeling I could be someone, be someone, be someone."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UdVKSFc7T7k" width="320" youtube-src-id="UdVKSFc7T7k"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A pretty update to a great song. Still prefer Tracy Chapman's rendition, however.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><b>22. Take Me Home, Country Roads by Whitney</b> <b>(featuring Waxahatchee)</b> (original by John Denver).</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">"Almost heaven, West Virginia</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Life is old there, older than the trees</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Younger than the mountains, growin' like a breeze."</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uVGhLIUBPZI" width="320" youtube-src-id="uVGhLIUBPZI"></iframe></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">A nice rendition - perhaps a bit more country than John's (or Mike Doughty's version, on my earlier list). But it's hard to improve on the original.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: times; font-size: medium;">Stay tuned for my Top 11.</span></div></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-59992254871489423012021-01-01T15:07:00.002-05:002021-01-01T17:36:34.365-05:00Favorite Songs of 2020 - Songs 1-11<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We made it! The end of a horrible year, the end of what I hope you found was an entertaining and (even more than usual, I believe) eclectic list. Here's to hoping we all get to congregate at some point in the not too distant future, whether it be in the office, at church, at sporting events, or, more pertinent to this topic, at concerts. It can't come too soon!</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>1. ICU (or I See You) by Phoebe Bridgers.</b></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I'll climb through the window again</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But right now it feels good not to stand</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then I'll leave it wide open</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let the dystopian morning light pour in."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u93hB8F9hOw" width="320" youtube-src-id="u93hB8F9hOw"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The most difficult part of this part of the list was choosing which lyrics to include for ICU. The entire song is chock full of insightful, and biting, commentary about love gone wrong. While admittedly Ms. Bridgers and her work have appeared on a lot of "best of" lists in 2020, fortunately for my contrarian nature most have been in acknowledgement of her songs "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WJ9-xN6dCW4" target="_blank">I Know the End</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tw0zYd0eIlk" target="_blank">Kyoto</a>" or for her outstanding album Punisher. ICU, however, has been enduringly my favorite since I first heard it early in 2020.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>2. Armageddon's Back In Town by Drive-by-Truckers.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"The die has been cast</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Symbolism's so pronounced</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That there's nothing left to wonder or explain</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There'll be no healing</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From the art of double-dealing</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Armageddon's back in town again."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zGN-2-NIOSo" width="320" youtube-src-id="zGN-2-NIOSo"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you think its sounds like the boys from Athens (although apparently at least some of them live in Portland now) don't sound optimistic, it's because they're not. Also check out "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkD4xSqNVII" target="_blank">Thoughts and Prayers</a>" from their excellent album The Unraveling and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kR8ec75oPrA" target="_blank">The New OK</a>" from their follow-up effort of the same name later in the year. DBT may be bowed, but they are not broken.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>3. Bad Decisions by The Strokes.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Oh, baby, I hang on everything you say</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wanna write down every word</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But do me a favor, when you come close</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I look around, don't wanna see you</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don't take advice from fools</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Never listening to you."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5fbZTnZDvPA" width="320" youtube-src-id="5fbZTnZDvPA"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The list has often featured songs that I bill as that year's offering of "sounds like The Strokes." This year we have ... The Strokes sounding like a mashup of Billy Idol and Modern English. While Julian Casablancas doesn't sound like he's completely pleased with how he's aged, I still wanna be him when I grow up.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>4. Fastest Man Alive by Steve Earle.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I'm the rumble with the thunder</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm the bolt out of the blue</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm the master of the stratosphere</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A pilot tried and true</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My name's Charles Elwood Yeager</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And I've been everywhere</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Paris, London, Timbuktu</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And Dover, Delaware</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ended up in California</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That's where I'm gonna die</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I come from West Virginia</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm the fastest man alive."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UEfo7TbrS1A" width="320" youtube-src-id="UEfo7TbrS1A"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sadly, West Virginia's favorite son died this year (and even more sadly, Steve Earle's son, Justin Townes Earle, did as well). But Steve got it right, Chuck died in California. And he also got it right that Chuck was the "master of the stratosphere, a pilot tried and true" along with being, in Tom Wolfe's words the "most righteous of all the possessors of the right stuff."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>5. AUATC by Bon Iver.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Ate up all their cake</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And they drank their own wine</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They were always on the take (will you shed a little light on it?)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, you know the burden ain't of dust</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The only path to love is touch</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I know that all that ain't proper mounts to much."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-DusRnF36UA" width="320" youtube-src-id="-DusRnF36UA"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AUATC = Ate Up All Their Cake. Yes, that's The Boss you hear helping out in the chorus. A protest song for our post-COVID, post-George Floyd, post-destruction of the middle class times.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>6. Fire by Waxahatchee.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I take it for granted</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If I could love you unconditionally</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I could iron out the edges of the darkest sky</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For some of us it ain't enough</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It ain't enough."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cEyYlyRr2_U" width="320" youtube-src-id="cEyYlyRr2_U"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My favorite song from Katie Crutchfield's (aka Waxahatchee) excellent album St. Cloud. I also recommend "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHuhABPbOaE" target="_blank">Can't Do Much</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVk0TC3ptEU" target="_blank">Arkadelphia</a>" from that stellar work, which is much quieter than Waxahatchee's earlier offerings.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>7. Shangri-La by EOB.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Going back</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm not going back</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the old house</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We'll burn it to the ground."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aTTyJ4F5rOg" width="320" youtube-src-id="aTTyJ4F5rOg"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">EOB is Ed O'Brien of Radiohead fame. One song that's here more for the music than the lyrics.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>8. Surrender by Will Butler.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I'm so tired now</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm so tired of</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thinking of you</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">No, no, no, child</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">I wish you were outta my head."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HOZKKuKaXV8" width="320" youtube-src-id="HOZKKuKaXV8"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">As convincing as he can be, I don't think Will's winning this argument -- whether it's with the subject or (more likely) himself. Will's better known as a multi-instrumentalist and frenetic stage presence in Arcade Fire.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>9. Persona Non Grata by Bright Eyes.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Getting dressed for a date</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Put on Blue aftershave</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Wore a kilt like a Celt</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Hid the way that I felt."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IMaY0A2deD8" width="320" youtube-src-id="IMaY0A2deD8"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">The first album in nine years by Bright Eyes is full of angst and Connor Oberst's quivering vocals (and stellar lyrics like the ones above). List regulars will remember Mr. Oberst teaming with Ms. Bridgers <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">last year</a> in Better Oblivion Community Center, whose offerings included "Little Trouble" (which also made my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2020/01/favorite-songs-of-2010s-songs-1-25.html" target="_blank">Favorite Songs of the 2010's</a> list). A bright, smart downer in a dismal year, and another song about love lost, a genre for which I have an unexplainable affinity.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>10. Different Light by Best Coast.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Askin' myself all the time, what if this just goes away?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">'Cause I have gotten used to lookin' forward to another day</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Probably why I live my life in black and white and never grey</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Who am I to judge if you still see things in a different light?"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6XP13wgz0Zs" width="320" youtube-src-id="6XP13wgz0Zs"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Another song from the past year that has a strong late '90's-early aughts feel to it. I guess this is a plea for finding common ground? If so, I'm fine with that.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>11. Good Times by The Lone Bellow.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Boy he's wrestled down his demons</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Broke the fall of all his friends</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Quotes the Bible and the Koran</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Has the heart of fifteen men.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Never wonders what you're doing</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Never needs the words to say</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">There's some good ones still trying</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Let's no good time slip away."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2f72p7iTWfE" width="320" youtube-src-id="2f72p7iTWfE"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spotify tells me I listened to this song more than any other in 2020. Perhaps that's because it was released early in the year; just as likely it's because I love its optimism (I want to meet whomever it is it was written about, if he exists) that helped with the isolation of most of this year. Which, hopefully, will not be the norm for all of 2021.</span></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-11328222484087498602020-12-21T22:37:00.001-05:002020-12-21T22:37:43.720-05:00Favorite Songs of 2020 - Songs 12-22<div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"And the countdown rolls on ..."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>12. The Steps by Haim.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"And if you go left</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And I go right</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Hey, maybe that's just life sometimes."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J2O_xa8cems" width="320" youtube-src-id="J2O_xa8cems"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Not exactly Coldplay territory, but judging from the number of YouTube hits for this video, once again I may be veering dangerously close to mainstream territory by including this song on my list. Check out their song "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crZvtA9I4lY" target="_blank">Don't Wanna</a>" (written with list fav Rostam) while you're at it.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>13. Phase by Pinegrove.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"That night when I lifted my head up</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And I was seeing what was trembling there</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On the edge of my restless eyelid</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On the tip of horizon's lash</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">On the lip of collapsing letter</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">In the lap of confusing moon</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I'm reduced to an estranged illusion</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I'm consumed by all the shit in my room."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ad8BabV7oLg" width="320" youtube-src-id="Ad8BabV7oLg"></iframe></div></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">The fourth consecutive year on the list for the band from New Jersey (including my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">favorite song of 2017</a>, and <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2020/01/favorite-songs-of-2010s-songs-1-25.html" target="_blank">third favorite of all the 2010's</a>, Old Friends). The above lyrics are among my favorites this year, which is not surprising given my admiration for Evan Stephens Hall's songwriting. I also recommend to you <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhblTs9Z0RE&list=PLZqsyBiYZFQ1n-0EVOhl10W8sP53eRV5S" target="_blank">Dotted Line</a> and pretty much everything else from Pinegrove's latest album, Marigold.</span></p><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>14. Alter Ego by Kaleo.</b></span><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"You feel the rush in your head</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This is the time to attend</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">There's nothin' holdin' you back</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Now, go ahead."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0d8RjNKU74I" width="320" youtube-src-id="0d8RjNKU74I"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A dollop of The Black Keys, a dash of AC/DC and voila! rocking magic from ... Iceland? Yep, like last year's entry from <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">Junius Meyvant</a>, Kaleo hail from the Land of Fire and Ice. Mjog gott!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>15. A Thousand Words by Jay Som.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Remember to call me when you're feeling blue</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Don't follow the rules, go on and speak your truth</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I've got you playing on my team</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">With the kind of people who sweep you off your feet</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Writing a thousand words."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0nhDA6G29oM" width="320" youtube-src-id="0nhDA6G29oM"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">A bit of a rocker by Melina Mae Duterte's (aka Jay Som) standards, an artist who lives the cliche and makes music largely in her bedroom. I love the crescendo outro.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>16. Strangers by Mt. Joy.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"I guess I'll have to fall in love with strangers</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Go ride through New York City like I'm famous</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And I did not want our love to be erased, but</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Lord knows we chased it, love just rearranged us."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IErIdooNUS0" width="320" youtube-src-id="IErIdooNUS0"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">So, is her really over her? I think not. Hearing echoes of The Lumineers in this song, who, according to Seth Myers in the video, they were touring (or supposed to be touring) with. You know, before the world ground to a halt.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>17. Circle the Drain by Soccer Mommy.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"It's a feeling that boils in my brain</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I would dial back the flame</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But I'm not sure I'm able</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I'm wobbling out on the wire</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">And the lights could go out</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">With the break of a cable."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WnhtITdYAoY" width="320" youtube-src-id="WnhtITdYAoY"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It was inevitable, wasn't it, that a song by Soccer Mommy (aka Sophia Regina Allison) would appear on the list sooner or later? Although I'm sure this song was written pre-COVID, it certainly describes what a lot of us have been going through at various times this year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>18. Who's Gonna Love Me Now by Cold War Kids.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"All those times when I imagined</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">What'd be like to have my freedom</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not be so uptight, live my best life</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh, what a fool, I was only dreamin'."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n988e2szHrM" width="320" youtube-src-id="n988e2szHrM"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A little Kings of Leon, a little White Stripes, a little Black Keys. I like how the Cold Ware Kids roll.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>19. Automatic by Houses and Dawn Golden.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Another bleached out, black hole</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">with nothing to lose</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another paywall, shopping mall</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">coming for you."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/prj0-nxR5Kw" width="320" youtube-src-id="prj0-nxR5Kw"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This marks the third straight year Houses has had a song on the list. I guess that officially qualifies me as a fan.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>20. Come On Out by The Airborne Toxic Event.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Black lungs, headlights</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Heading off to the city tonight, out the</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Front door, turn right</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was alone, alright, alright, alright."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bvFtS-pjisc" width="320" youtube-src-id="bvFtS-pjisc"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One of those songs that I think says more with its music and "mood" than its lyrics. Those voices! That lead guitar!</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>21. Wrestling by Cartalk.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Dance around what I want to say</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Clear performance in my mind</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Star at hands like a saving grace</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Are they gonna catch me alright?"</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2iUcZvn6fFs" width="320" youtube-src-id="2iUcZvn6fFs"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Likely the most obscure song on this year's list, if YouTube hits are the measuring stick. Another retro-sounding, catchy tune that seemed in vogue this year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>22. Beautiful Anyway by Judah & the Lion.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"That's what makes this life so wonderfully awesome</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and horribly awful</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet somehow it's beautiful anyway."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RkdV5CTnx6M" width="320" youtube-src-id="RkdV5CTnx6M"></iframe></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The boys are back with another life-affirming anthem that we all really need. The video's pretty darn fun too.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay tuned for the top 11 songs!</span></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-76856823549379857122020-12-07T23:13:00.223-05:002021-06-02T08:35:49.653-04:00Favorite Songs of 2020 - Songs 23-33<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Well, here we are again. Most of us, anyway. While live music ground to a halt this year, as did most everything else, fortunately many artists utilized that "down" time to be incredibly productive and creative (including doing a lot of cover songs which, yeah, sorry, I didn't do a separate list for this year). Here's the start of my list of my favorite songs of 2020. And oh, by the way, 2020?, don't let the door hit you ...</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>23. Care by beabadoobe.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"It's been a while since I've talked about it</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Maybe it's time to cooperate</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I need some help to forget about it</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I don't want your sympathy</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Stop saying you give a shit</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">'Cause you don't really</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Care, care, care, yeah."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_ZGqk3VSz1E" width="320" youtube-src-id="_ZGqk3VSz1E"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I'm pretty sure my comely wife first alerted me to the existence of Beatrice Laus, aka beabadoobe. Apropos of several "retro" artists further down this list, beabadoobee has a very late '90's, early aughts feel about them/her. Maybe a Go-Gos branch transported to 1998 and grafted onto a Goo Goo Dolls tree?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>24. Walking on a String by Matt Berninger (feat. Phoebe Bridgers).</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"In a way, I can't escape it</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">You'll always worm you way back in</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">To my lonesome soul and take it</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">You've always had me</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Walking on a string."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9a17sJFSSds" width="320" youtube-src-id="9a17sJFSSds"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Phoebe's everywhere these days, whether teaming with various outstanding artists (Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, Conor Obrest in Better Oblivion Community Center, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-1-11.html" target="_blank">high on last year's list</a>, or Mr. Berninger here), or on her own (more on that in a later installment of this list). Obviously I think she, and they, have excellent taste. A lovely song from the movie Between Two Ferns.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>25. Tiny Indoor Fireworks by Biffy Clyro.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Looking for a new revolution</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">This one didn't get very far</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I never want to spoil an illusion</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Abracadabra."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9z6tSKT9zdY" width="320" youtube-src-id="9z6tSKT9zdY"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I first because familiar with Biffy through their connection to Frightened Rabbit. This song makes me particularly glad that I did.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>26. The Surprise Knock by The New Pornographers.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"Drive off the map and take the long way round</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Didn't know the score but we knew we were down</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">It won't be long until we grind the gears</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">But carry on, we're on to something here."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_9D8-iQwlIs" width="320" youtube-src-id="_9D8-iQwlIs"></iframe></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I've long been an admirer, but my memory (and Blogger) tell me that TNP have never made the list. That oversight has now been corrected.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>27. Reaching Out to You by Snow Patrol and the Saturday Songwriters.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"All of those nights before this</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They're not like nights ahead</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Inside there's space between us</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of things that won't need said."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hdgD5BkiuJQ" width="320" youtube-src-id="hdgD5BkiuJQ"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A new song from an old favorite. I'm sure my kids would tell you they had more than their fair share of Snow Patrol in the aughts. And yet here they still are, hooky as ever.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>28. Orphans by Coldplay.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Baba would go where the flowers grow</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Almond and peach trees in bloom</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And he would know just when and what to sow</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So golden and opportune."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WOTOqYzMVCY" width="320" youtube-src-id="WOTOqYzMVCY"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>I feel no need to further try to defend my long-standing admiration of at least some of Coldplay's songs. And it seems as though a billion or so people agree (although none are apparently family members or friends).</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>29. Pantomima by Greg Dulli.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Waiting on a breeze</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm waiting on a breeze</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I'm waiting on the fever</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That will bring me back alive."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DGkUrUukLIg" width="320" youtube-src-id="DGkUrUukLIg"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>Dulli is/was the driving force behind The Afghan Whigs. Driving describes this song accurately as well. The video is kind of cool but pretty artsy (Bob Fosse, anyone?). You can skip to 1:54 if you're only here for the music.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>30. By and By by Caamp.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Driving through West Virginia</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And I've seldom been thinner</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With that chip on my shoulder</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And this past year I got so much older."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wo4HVz8aWXE" width="320" youtube-src-id="wo4HVz8aWXE"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I mean, how can I not put this on my list just based on that first stanza alone?</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>31. Dressing America by TORRES.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"It's easier for you to insist</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That I can't remember</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then to admit</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That you can't forget."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kf-HONSewU8" width="320" youtube-src-id="kf-HONSewU8"></iframe></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">My better half insists that she doesn't like this song much because it's a Frightened Rabbit rip-off. Perhaps that's why I like it ... Warning: the video is NSFW.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><b>32. Little Bit Sweet by The Wood Brothers.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">"I look my lover straight in the eye</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stops the clock she looks in mine</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Precious moment I'm holdin' on</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then she blinks</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And the moment's gone</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then she blinks</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The moment's gone."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1cio9RGJPRk" width="320" youtube-src-id="1cio9RGJPRk"></iframe></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A pretty little song about the vagaries of love and the passage of time.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>33. 4 American Dollars by U.S. Girls.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"(You can do a lot with four American dollars)</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No matter how much</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You get to have</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You will still die</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And that's the only fact</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You gotta have boots</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you wanna lift those bootstraps."</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Dm6PnS8EaDM" width="320" youtube-src-id="Dm6PnS8EaDM"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>U.S Girls is (are?) Meg Remy, who now lives in Toronto but was born in Illinois. This song definitely falls into the "escape" category, which we all definitely need more than a little of this past year.</span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay tuned, boys and girls. My favorite 22 songs are yet to come!</span></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-38514595615712164322020-01-28T22:04:00.039-05:002020-12-21T22:52:34.627-05:00Favorite Songs of the 2010's - Songs 1-25<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have to admit, I tinkered quite a bit with the top of this list, and even as I publish it am not convinced, that numbers two, three, or four in particular shouldn't be number one. But, hoping that you understand that the differences are minute and that while obviously I truly appreciate all of the songs on this list, I'm going to go with my heart. As with the last version, the * indicates artists I've seen in concert (in some cases multiple times).</div>
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<b>1. Swim Until You Can't See Land by Frightened Rabbit*.</b><br />
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"Up to my knees now, do I wade? Do I dive?<br />
This sea has seen my like before, though it's my first and perhaps last time.<br />
Let's call me a baptist, call this the drowning of the past.<br />
She is there on the shoreline, throwing stones at my back."<br />
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I suppose those who follow the list won't be surprised by this choice. Hearing Frightened Rabbit for the first time (on the t.v. show "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbbDVJn1j2M">Chuck</a>" - remember when we watched network t.v.? and it was good? and had great curated music?) in 2010 in many ways shaped my musical decade. While it might be easy to read "Swim" as yet another song where Scott Hutchison contemplated suicide, I find that, quite the opposite, it is a song of hope, as Scott the baptist cleanses himself of a relationship gone bad (while she throws stones at his back, of course). While <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-23-33.html">Hutchison's passing was incredibly sad</a>, I'm grateful that he lives on in music like this, my favorite song of 2010, and, as it turns out, the entire decade. Other FR songs on my list throughout the 2010's were "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iB5fHGQfrz8">I Wish I Was Sober</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-1-11.html">number five in 2016</a>), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j2GkM9FWvag">Holy</a>" and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt65IjzKI3w">Late March, Death March</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-1-10.html">seventh</a> and <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-21-30.html">twenty-eighth</a> in 2013), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6ej4FttFAk">State Hospital</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2012/12/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-11-20.html">number 12 in 2012</a>), and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9WCskABeyYo">Nothing Like You</a>" (number four, also in 2010).<br />
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<b>2. Young Fathers by Typhoon*.</b><br />
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"When you're young you're hot<br />
You have your whole life before you<br />
Everyone will adore<br />
You'll grow up, you'll be an astronaut<br />
(or anything you want)."<br />
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Typhoon's dawning of adulthood lament/cry for clarity has everything I love about a song - multi-percussionists, smart lyrics, group-shout choruses, and of course a horn section. Young Fathers was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-1-10.html">number one on my list in 2013</a>, followed up by "Common Sentiments," which was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2014/12/favorite-songs-of-2014-songs-11-20.html">eleventh in 2014</a>. Also one of the best concerts I've ever seen. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcATay3MMbK-WsKD1ojSIeL0twiw1FjPnUa2A8M67HHJ6CIQmBWrtiR3Ezil1Mx2Yosv3wqNU8bgTNIQRAs_vEJGD3wrNHtNWwY6D5dZx-WY-bskvzjP0sPgAEqxugmwCNJx2IbZISr1M/s1600/10013452_10152231998913548_1660685483_o.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcATay3MMbK-WsKD1ojSIeL0twiw1FjPnUa2A8M67HHJ6CIQmBWrtiR3Ezil1Mx2Yosv3wqNU8bgTNIQRAs_vEJGD3wrNHtNWwY6D5dZx-WY-bskvzjP0sPgAEqxugmwCNJx2IbZISr1M/s320/10013452_10152231998913548_1660685483_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Typhoon at Cat's Cradle, March 2014 (photo by me)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<b>3. Old Friends by Pinegrove.</b></div>
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"My steps keep splitting my grief<br />
Through these solipsistic moods<br />
I should call my parents when I think of them<br />
Should tell my friends when I love them."<br />
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Stripped down simplicity compared to Typhoon, Pinegrove's style is equally appealing - even to someone who is separated by many years from Gen Zers. Pinegrove has admirably soldiered on despite the social media uproar surrounding front man Evan Stephens Hall. And, in my opinion, we are all the better for it. The band from Jersey also appears on the list in <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-23-33.html">2019</a> ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSykbE9yd1o">Darkness</a>" was 33), <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">2018</a> ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H25hKmxYNR8">Easy Enough</a>," number 14), and <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-12-22.html">2017</a> ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WZVGyw76Aw">Then Again</a>" was number 16, while Old Friends topped that year's list).</div>
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<b>4. Calamity Song by The Decemberists*.</b><br />
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"Hetty Green<br />
Queen of supply-side bonhomie bone-drab<br />
(If you know what I mean)<br />
On the road<br />
It's well-advised to follow your own path<br />
In the year of the chewable Ambien tab."<br />
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If this were a list of my favorite artists of the decade, surely The Decemberists would be number one. But, alas, it's not. Calamity Song remains my favorite of the decade (it was number one in<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2011/12/favorite-songs-of-2011-songs-1-10.html"> 2011</a>) among all of those issued by our intrepid balladeers from the Northwest (although "Ben Franklin's Song" came pretty darn close). I usually like to include live versions of songs through the videos, but the above for Calamity Song so perfectly captures Colin Meloy's dark perspective and whimsical humor that I had to use it instead. Joining Calamity Song in my catalogue of tunes were: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RcGhX1d_UFo">Down by the Water</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2011/12/favorite-songs-of-2011-songs-11-20.html">number 11 in 2011</a>), "A Beginning Song" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">number three in 2015</a>), "Ben Franklin's Song" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">number four in 2018</a>), "Once in My Life" (number 11 in 2018), and "We All Die Young" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">number 18 in 2018</a>).</div>
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<b>5. Night Shift by Lucy Dacus.</b><br />
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"I feel no need to forgive, but I might as well<br />
But let me kiss your lips, so I know how it felt<br />
Pay for my coffee and leave before the sun goes down<br />
Walk for hours in the dark feeling all hell."<br />
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Perhaps my all-time favorite breakup song because it starts as a lament (don't they all?) but ends with the "I think I'll be fine" sentiment conveyed by the lines: "In five years I hope the songs feel like covers; dedicated to new lovers." Along with Night Shift, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">my favorite song of 2018</a>, my new "teacher's pet" (as one friend has described her) also had "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dcWtRRMpveE">Nonbeliever</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">number 12 in 2018</a>), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mhpsb4jdD7M">Forever Half Mast</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-12-22.html">number 18 in 2019</a>), and her cover of The Boss's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1JYXY15k6E">Dancing in the Dark</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/11/favorite-cover-songs-of-2019.html">number two cover song of 2019</a>) on my lists.</div>
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<b>6. Bloodbuzz Ohio by The National*.</b><br />
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"I still owe money to the money to the money I owe<br />
I never thought about love when I thought about home<br />
I still owe money to the money to the money I owe<br />
The floors are falling out from everybody I know."<br />
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Along with Sprawl II, the other song (not surprisingly also from 2010) that didn't make a list previously, Bloodbuzz Ohio is the perfect representation of The National's musicianship and Matt Berninger's great voice and inscrutable lyrics. Other songs by The National on my lists throughout the decade were "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xiiXhHQ10XY">Quiet Light</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-1-11.html">eighth in 2019</a>), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uc-5F4cBFA">The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-1-11.html">ninth in 2017</a>), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V59k_4e8rv8">Humiliation</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-1-10.html">second in 2013</a>), and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goUjS4ueCzQ">Don't Swallow the Cap</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-21-30.html">twenty-third in 2013</a>).</div>
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<b>7. Drunk Drivers/Killer Whales by Car Seat Headrest*.</b><br />
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"It's too late to articulate it<br />
That empty feeling<br />
You share the same fate<br />
As the people you hate."<br />
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Again, a song to which I can only vaguely relate, through Car Seat Headrest mastermind Will Toledo, to my ear, captures perfectly the angst of younger folk these days. Drunk Drivers was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-1-11.html">second favorite song of 2016</a>, and, since my top song that year is twenty-eighth on this list, that's a pretty good indication that it's grown in my estimation over the last few years (or I got that year's list really, really wrong). CSH's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQW41Jtgeew">Bodys</a>" was also <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">number two on my list in 2018</a>, and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAo-wvFwQEg">Fill In The Blank</a>" was number eight in 2016.</div>
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<b>8. Die Young by Sylvan Esso* (Echo Mountain Sessions version).</b><br />
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"I had it all planned out before you met me<br />
Was gonna leave early and so swiftly<br />
Maybe in a fire or crash off a ravine<br />
People would weep, 'How tragic, so early.'"<br />
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A twisted love song, the studio version is very good, but the Echo Mountain version is sublime. My <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-1-11.html">second favorite song in 2017</a>.</div>
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<b>9. Chocolate by The 1975.</b><br />
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"Now we run, run away from the boys in the blue<br />
And my car smells like chocolate<br />
Hey now think about what to do<br />
I think about what to say, I think about how to think<br />
Pause it, play it, pause it play it, pause it."<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CHk5SWVO4p8" width="320" youtube-src-id="CHk5SWVO4p8"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">The 1975 has had more popular songs since they announced their presence (to me anyway) with this one, my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-1-10.html" target="_blank">third favorite song of 2013</a>, but it still remains my favorite. They also made the list in 2018 ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUzBfBqbSmc&list=PLmNj8FzJ2AgXcxZ0jZAHaufWahuz4oE9X&index=5&t=0s&app=desktop" target="_blank">Give Yourself a Try</a>" was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-23-33.html" target="_blank">twenty-eighth that year</a>).</div><div>
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<b>10. All Your Favorite Bands by Dawes.</b><br />
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"Now I’m just waking up and<br />
I’m not thinking clearly so don’t quote me.<br />
With one eye open, I'm writing you this song<br />
Ain’t it funny how some people pop into your head so easily<br />
I haven’t seen you in there for so long."<br />
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One of the songs I believe I seriously under-appreciated when it first debuted, ranking it <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">ninth in 2015</a>. Now it's only one place down for the entire decade. Just a beautiful song about about fondly recalled lost love.</div>
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<b>11. Sister Cities by Hop Along*.</b><br />
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"See the old man on the bridge?<br />
He's hauling up a sagging net.<br />
It's full of eels twisting through<br />
The eye sockets of a horse's head<br />
And this fiend has no family<br />
So he will outlive you and me."<br />
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Not exactly the sweet sentiment of "All Your Favorite Bands," now is it? Regardless of how real life "Sister Cities" is or not, front woman Frances Quinlan's lyrics and singing can't help but grab our attention. It was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">favorite song of 2015</a>, followed by "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojb7_u2jxlQ">Waitress</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-12-22.html">number 15 in 2015</a>), and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLDSq5yY1_A">How Simple</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">number 20 in 2018</a>). </div>
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<b>12. Getting Ready to Get Down by Josh Ritter*.</b><br />
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"And now you come back sayin' you know a little bit about<br />
Every little thing they ever hoped you'd never figure out<br />
The Red Sea, The Dead Sea, the Sermon on the Mount<br />
If you wanna see a miracle, watch me get down!"<br />
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Even though she "didn't like him then [and] probably won't like him now," Josh is entitled to take a shot, isn't he? Ritter's quick wit and sly humor shine through in Getting Ready ... a sort-of updated "Footloose" without John Lithgow's incredibly bad southern-Oklahoma accent. This was my sixth favorite song in 2015 (which, as I previously noted, was apparently my favorite year of the decade as far as music goes), joined by "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vmQUmQSSlM">Homecoming</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-12-22.html">number 14 in 2016</a>), Ritter's cover of Frightened Rabbit's "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OodLtlZjXlY">Old Old Fashioned</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/11/favorite-cover-songs-of-2019.html">seventh on my 2019 covers list</a>), and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qA8VQHicYpo">Old Black Magic</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-12-22.html">number 13 in 2019</a>).</div>
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<b>13. Bros by Wolf Alice.</b><br />
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"I tell you all the time<br />
I'm not mad<br />
You tell me all the time<br />
I got plans."<br />
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A great song about friendship, remembrance, and how things can never be the same, but memories can. Number seven on my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-1-11.html">list in 2016</a>.<br />
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<b>14. Until the Night Turns by Lord Huron*.</b><br />
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"I got a helluva view for the end of the world<br />
I've got a bottle of booze and a beautiful girl.<br />
If I'm a'goin' to die I'm gonna go in style."<br />
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Lord Huron went from cowboy-tinged rock to alt noir during the decade. But of course my favorite song from the boys from the Mitten State was their apocalyptic "Until the Night Turns," my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">second favorite of 2015</a>. Also on various lists: "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KdPbwKmbvhI">Ancient Names (Part I)</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-23-33.html">twenty-fifth in 2018</a>), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gU6K6Na_L2Q">Fool for Love</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-33-23.html">twenty-third in 2015</a>), "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYpk7EbX3mM">Time to Run</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-1-10.html">fourth in 2013</a>), and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r5BFHu5vK0c">The Man Who Lives Forever</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-21-30.html">twenty-first in 2013</a>).</div>
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<b>15. Let Me Down Easy by Gang of Youths.</b><br />
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"Honey, it’s no secret that I’ve been losing my way<br />
In the weirdest of moments and the stupidest of ways<br />
But hey, I’m still young and it’s gonna be okay<br />
I got solipsism, baby, and I brought lemonade."<br />
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One of several artists on this list that I regret having not (yet) seen live. Let Me Down Easy was my third favorite song in 2018, and the boys from Down Under had another song farther down the list that year ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HAx8ad-iNk">The Heart is a Muscle</a>" was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">number 13</a>), and in 2016 ("<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qiga04oppI">The Diving Bell</a>" was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-23-33.html">number 31</a>).</div>
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<b>16. Fast Talk by Houses.</b><br />
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"So if you’re guilty and you know it, put your hands up.<br />
Cause karma’s just a different word for bad luck, and<br />
What if death is just another pair of handcuffs.<br />
Well then we’d better run."<br />
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I should probably be too old to appreciate Houses. But I do nonetheless. Fast Talk was number nine in 2018, while "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbZmoUG2wcc">Left Alone</a>" was seventeenth last year.</div>
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<b>17. Living the Dream by Sturgill Simpson.</b><br />
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"That old man upstairs, he wears a crooked smile<br />
Staring down at the chaos he created<br />
Said son if you ain't having fun just wait a little while<br />
Momma's gonna wash it all away<br />
And she thinks Mercy's overrated."<br />
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My, my what's happened to our man Sturgill the past few years? He went from an obscure country singer to a full-on one man industry. While Living the Dream (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-12-22.html">number 16 in 2015</a>) remains a favorite, based on the above lyrics if nothing else, check out his new effort ("Sound and Fury") as well, kind of Lynyrd Skynyrd meets ... I dunno, Led Zeppelin? "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e5nOxc-p-eM">Mercury in Retrograde</a>" (fifteenth last year) made the list from that excellent album.</div>
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<b>18. Pompeii by Bastille.</b><br />
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"But if you close your eyes<br />
Does it almost feel like nothing changed at all?<br />
And if you close your eyes<br />
Does it almost feel like you've been here before?"<br />
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Pompeii has over half a billion views on YouTube. So much for my eschewing popular songs ... It was number five in 2013, followed by "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWCB3hpJDXM">Good Grief</a>" (eleventh in 2016), and "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1VzzNbfPaM">Quarter Past Midnight</a>" (32 in 2018).</div>
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<b>19. a million other things by pronoun.</b><br />
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"Remember the night?<br />
Even though we were sad<br />
That we cried so hard that we started to laugh<br />
Cried so hard that we started to laugh."<br />
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pronoun has gone from mysterious artist dribbling out a few songs to full on alt presence in the past year. But this is still my preference from the artist otherwise known as Alyse Vellturo. a million other things was my seventh favorite song in 2017, followed by "everybody knows" from "i'll show you stronger" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-12-22.html">number 16 in 2019</a>).</div>
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<b>20. Cleopatra by The Lumineers.</b><br />
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"The only gifts from my Lord<br />
Were a birth and a divorce.<br />
But I've read this script and the costume fits,<br />
So I'll play my part."<br />
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I read somewhere that Cleopatra is based on a conversation that The Lumineers' lead singer Wesley Shultz had with a taxi driver in the Republic of Georgia. It was number three on my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-1-11.html">list in 2016</a>, followed by "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Q2tu6fCG0c">Ophelia</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-12-22.html">twenty-first that year</a>), and following "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2Z6WN4Cfc8">Ho Hey</a>" (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-1-10.html">fifth in 2012</a>).</div>
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<b>21. Depreston by Courtney Barnett.</b><br />
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"Then I see the handrail in the shower<br />
A collection of those canisters for coffee, tea and flour<br />
And a photo of a young man in a van in Vietnam."<br />
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Ms. Barnett's observational lyrics, chronicling what appears to be but certainly is not the mundane, are most brilliantly demonstrated (in my estimation) in Depreston, my tenth favorite song of 2015.</div>
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<b>22. Someone New by Hozier.</b><br />
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"I wake at the first cringe of morning,<br />
And my heart's already sinned.<br />
How pure, how sweet a love, Aretha,<br />
That you would pray for him."<br />
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"Take Me to Church" was a bigger hit, but the contrary Someone New was my favorite Hozier song of the decade. this was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-12-22.html">number 12 on my list in 2015</a>; others from the Irish crooner (how's that for music journalism cliche?) were Take Me to Church (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2014/12/favorite-songs-of-2014-songs-21-30-plus.html">number 29 in 2014)</a>, and "Nobody" (number seven last year).</div>
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<b>23. Blown to Bits by Charly Bliss.</b><br />
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"Your mom in the yard<br />
Your dad's favorite team<br />
Poised to fail,<br />
Then somehow suddenly win."<br />
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My favorite song of 2019. I'd love to see them, and particularly lead singer Eva Hendricks, live some day soon.</div>
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<b>24. Love Is Mystical by Cold War Kids.</b></div>
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"Oh, can't you hear the future is calling</div>
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For heaven's sake</div>
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It's either hell or high water</div>
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Let's get outta this place."</div>
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A Little Richard-esque piano and "Woo hoo ho" to boot? Oh yes. Love Is Mystical was my third favorite song of 2017.</div>
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<b>25. Little Trouble by Better Oblivion Community Center.</b></div>
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"Well, tell me, baby, what’s your biggest conceit?</div>
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Is it that you did it, or you did it with me?</div>
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I can't imagine what the problem could be</div>
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You found one song that you like, and you just play it on repeat."</div>
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Phoebe Bridgers is the only artist to appear on this <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2020/01/favorite-songs-of-2010s-songs-26-50.html">list more than once, first solo </a>with "Motion Sickness" and now with Conor Oberst as part of Better Oblivion Community Center. Little Trouble was my second favorite song in 2019.</div>
</div></div>Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-50597796826192668452020-01-09T17:37:00.000-05:002020-01-10T14:14:05.332-05:00Favorite Songs of the 2010's - Songs 26-50<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over the past month or so, in addition to listening to and posting my favorite songs of 2019, I spent some time reflecting on the now-past decade's music and my favorites among all of those published over the last 10 years. Going back through my lists (which began on Facebook in 2010, but did not make it into blog form until the next year), I was struck by how much things have changed in terms of the increase in platforms on which music (especially that to which I am drawn) and the sheer volume of music being produced. </div>
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Ten years ago I was dependent on ... what? ... internet web stations as far as I can recall to hear "alternative" music in Charleston. Today I have Spotify, Apple, our local community radio station WTSQ, NPR, and KEXP to feed me, almost daily, the new music I sift through to find the songs and artists that I like. It's a daunting and exhilarating task that I alone have imposed on myself and I like to think that it keeps me young - at heart anyway.</div>
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After compiling my list of 50 favorite songs of the 2010's and having recovered from my holiday crush of posting, I decided to share the list with you. Where I don't include a video of a song, I'll provide a link in the song name, will let you know where they were ranked (if at all) when I first posted them, and provide links to those past lists. A further conceit: I will signify the artists that I've had the pleasure to see in person with an asterisk by their name.</div>
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As always, thanks for indulging me in my pursuit of new music - or, in this case, not so new. </div>
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<b>26. Rollercoaster by Bleachers.</b><br />
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"We took the bones out from the road<br />
Those endless nights that we traveled we stole<br />
You let your clothes fall to the floor<br />
And lit a fire while I waited for more."<br />
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Bleachers made the list four times in the decade, but this song, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-33-23.html">number 28 in 2015</a>, is my favorite of the lot. Plus, the video had to be one of Bleachers' offerings featuring the recurring theme of front man Jack Antonoff getting his butt kicked.</div>
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<b>27. This Life by Vampire Weekend.</b></div>
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"Baby, I know hate is always waiting at the gate</div>
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I just thought we locked the gate when we left in the morning</div>
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I was told that war is how we landed on these shores</div>
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I just thought the drums would all be loud warnings."</div>
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Since <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yy8EGWFZAbA">This Life</a> was included in my last post (number 3 in 2019), I won't go on about my favorite Vampire Weekend song of the past 10 years ("Unbelievers" made the list in <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-1-10.html">2013</a> and their cover of "I'm Goin' Down" topped my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/11/favorite-cover-songs-of-2019.html">favorite covers of 2019</a>). I note that for songs from the past year, I probably underrated some since they haven't had the opportunity to stand the test of time the way that others have.</div>
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<b>28. Grand Canyon by The Wind + The Wave.</b></div>
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"Don't die, you're just a baby, yeah you're way too young</div>
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You haven't lived till you've been to the Grand Canyon</div>
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It's the damndest thing</div>
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Oh, it's the damndest thing."</div>
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My <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-1-11.html">favorite song of 2016</a>, "Grand Canyon" hasn't held up quite as well as some other list-toppers have. But not for want of trying -- still makes me be-bop every time I hear it. While you're at it, check out the similarly movement-inducing "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cg_BBUgHRTA">Raising Hands Raising Hell Raise 'em High</a>."</div>
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<b>29. Some Nights by fun.</b></div>
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"Well some nights, I wish that this all would end</div>
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'Cause I could use some friends for a change</div>
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And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again</div>
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Some nights, I always win, I always win."</div>
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While I declared it my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-1-10.html">third favorite song of 2012</a>, it's the highest of songs from that year on this list. Perhaps I was scared off by its popularity (almost 194,000,000 YouTube views). fun. also featured Jack Antonoff (that's him playing guitar in the video, and not getting beaten up).</div>
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<b>30. Cumberland Gap by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit*. </b></div>
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"I ain't cut out for war, unless I know what I'm fighting for</div>
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And there's nothing here but churches, bars, and grocery stores.</div>
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Ain't much money in the old-time mandolin</div>
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So I cash my check and I drink 'til I'm on my ass again."</div>
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One of four Isbell songs featured in the 2010's (including "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci-6Au1Gnrs">Hope the High Road</a>" which I had <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-12-22.html">number 12 in 2017</a>, as opposed to Cumberland Gap, which <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-23-33.html">landed at 25</a>), I believe this song now better exemplifies Isbell's oft angry but always loving depiction of Appalachia. The other Isbell songs from the past decade? <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jkNzZFTgEvI">24 Frames</a> (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-23-33.html">thirtieth in 2016</a>) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Fr2Gv3HyqA">Super 8</a> (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-21-30.html">number 26 in 2013</a>).</div>
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<b>31. Bushwick Blues by Delta Spirit.</b></div>
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"When we first met</div>
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We spoke so brief</div>
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When you sang a sonnet</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I hummed sweet relief."</div>
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My <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2011/12/favorite-songs-of-2011-songs-1-10.html">second favorite song in 2011</a>, Delta Spirit seems to have fallen off the map, but according to the band's website, they are touring this spring.</div>
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<b>32. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men*.</b></div>
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"There's an old voice in my head</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's holding me back</div>
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Well tell her that I miss our little talks."</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ghb6eDopW8I">Little Talks</a> is another former top song (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-1-10.html">in 2012</a>) that hasn't fared as well over the years, perhaps influenced by the fact that I didn't much care for any of their songs that followed. I do still enjoy the interplay between the female and male singers though.</div>
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<b>33. Light Me Up by Bronze Radio Return.</b></div>
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"If you’re feeling good</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Is all I need to know‘</div>
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Cause you light me up</div>
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Oh, you light me up."</div>
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Another song that I can't really defend lyrically, but is impossible not to bounce to from the first chord to the last (and the little "Alright now" makes me smile every time). Light Me Up was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-12-22.html">number 13 in 2015</a>.</div>
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<b>34. Shark Smile by Big Thief.</b></div>
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"Ninety miles down the road of a dead end dream</div>
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She looked over with a part smile</div>
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Caught up in the twinkle, it could take awhile</div>
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And the money pile on the dashboard fluttering."</div>
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A sad yet funny, tender yet brutal, road song, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KR0H0kyEhLc">Shark Smile</a> was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-1-11.html">fourth favorite song in 2017</a>.</div>
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<b>35. Sprawl II (Mountains beyond Mountains) by Arcade Fire*.</b></div>
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"They heard me singing and they told me to stop</div>
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Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock</div>
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Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can we ever get away from the sprawl."<br />
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One of two previously unranked songs on this list, Sprawl II was part of Arcade Fire's epic 2010 release The Suburbs. I had only limited exposure to Arcade Fire before "prepping" for Bonnaroo in 2011. Their set at that festival still ranks as the best concert I've ever seen. </div>
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<b>36. Gold Rush by Death Cab for Cutie*.</b></div>
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"Now that our haunts have taken flight</div>
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and been replaced with construction sites</div>
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oh, how I feel like a stranger here</div>
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searching for something that's disappeared."<br />
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Another frequent list occupant ("Black Sun" was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-12-22.html">number 22 in 2015</a>, "You Are a Tourist" <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2011/12/favorite-songs-of-2011-songs-11-20.html">number 12 in 2011</a>), Ben Gibbard's lament to urban renewal was both the antithesis of Sprawl II, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">number six in 2018</a>, and my favorite Death Cab song of the 2010's.</div>
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<b>37. Pretty Pimpin' by Kurt Vile.</b></div>
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"I woke up this morning</div>
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Didn’t recognize the man in the mirror</div>
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Then I laughed and I said, 'Oh silly me, that’s just me.'"<br />
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If Kurt truly has a disassociation problem, he is the most connected person every to suffer from it. Pretty Pimpin' was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">Number 7 in 2015</a>, and has done nothing but grow on me since.</div>
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<b>38. Riptide by Vance Joy.</b></div>
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"There's this movie that I think you'll like</div>
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This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City</div>
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This cowboy's running from himself</div>
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And she's been living on the highest shelf."<br />
<br />
Also a former number one song (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2014/12/favorite-songs-of-2014-songs-1-10.html">in 2014</a>), <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ_1HMAGb4k">Riptide</a> has not aged particularly well for me, although as with almost every song on this list, I do recognize it instantly and feel a little jolt of happiness whenever I hear that ukulele start.</div>
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<b>39. Seventeen by Sjowgren.</b></div>
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"If you want a second to breathe</div>
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I'll give you all of my love</div>
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I'll give you all that you need</div>
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Don't worry</div>
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I'm not in a hurry</div>
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Not going nowhere</div>
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I'm not going nowhere, yeah."<br />
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A four-time list denizen (twice in 2018, with "<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">High Beam</a>" at number 15 and "<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-23-33.html">better off"</a> at 29, and "<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-12-22.html">Now & Then</a>," 2017's number 13, along with Seventeen, number 5 in 2015), Sjowgren ("Show-grin") remains largely a mystery in terms of composition of the band. I like a little mystery at times ...<br />
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<b>40. Don't You Look Back by Augustines.</b></div>
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"All right<br />
This kiss ain't got no hope</div>
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But I'm gonna get it right</div>
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This kiss ain't got no hope</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You see</div>
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We go up then down again</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This'll be the end."<br />
<br />
While Delta Spirit may or may not be defunct, Augustines certainly are, having called it quits in 2016. They do share something in common with Delta Spirit, however - a band name change. Delta Spirit was once known as The Delta Spirit, while Augustines were originally We Are Augustines. I regret that I never saw them live. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTYKjnX5fr0">Don't You Look Back</a> was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2014/12/favorite-songs-of-2014-songs-1-10.html">third favorite song of 2014</a>, followed by Nothing to Lose But Your Head (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2014/12/favorite-songs-of-2014-songs-21-30-plus.html">number 23, also in 2014</a>), and This is Your Life (<a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-23-33.html">27th on the list in 2016</a>).</div>
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<b>41. Motion Sickness by Phoebe Bridgers.</b><br />
<br />
"I hate you for what you did<br />
And I miss you like a little kid<br />
I faked it every time but that's alright<br />
I can hardly feel anything<br />
I hardly feel anything at all."<br />
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You can "Me Too" tweet all you want, but <a href="http://floodmagazine.com/57948/reminder-phoebe-bridgers-exposed-ryan-adams-in-diss-track-motion-sickness/">turning a creep's craft on him</a>, with better lyrics than he ever wrote to boot? That is genius. Was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">21st favorite song in 2018</a>, I'm given the opportunity to right that wrong now.<br />
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<b>42. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man.</b><br />
<br />
"It's time to give a little to the<br />
Kids in the middle, but oh 'til it falls<br />
Won't bother me."<br />
<br />
A Grammy winner on my list? I'm nonetheless comforted by: 1. the socialist lyrics (the popularity of the song juxtaposes well with its message); and 2. The Beastie Boys reference. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBkHHoOIIn8">Feel It Still</a> was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-1-11.html">eighth favorite song in 2017</a>.<br />
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<b>43. Bondurant Women by The Texas Gentlemen.</b><br />
<br />
"There was a genuine act of celebration<br />
On the corner of the freight train station<br />
And the sweating man gave a benediction<br />
Said you're looking for a giant (?) foundation."<br />
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Deserves inclusion based on the video alone. <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">Number five in 2018</a>.<br />
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<b>44. Born in Love by Horse Feathers.</b><br />
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"<span style="text-align: start;">Some color came from grey</span><br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
It's gone from worse to good then great</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
Something realigned</div>
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Was it destiny, not fate?"</div>
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Another from 2018 (Born in Love was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">number 10</a>), which trails only 2015 (12) and is tied with 2017 (7) for the most songs from one year on this list. Every list needs at least one pretty love song.</div>
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<b>45. Circadian Rhythm by Silversun Pickups.</b></div>
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"Another night alone, a temporary dream</div>
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I came in through your window sleepwalking</div>
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Standing arm and arm, still so out of reach...</div>
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Well, there's nowhere left to go</div>
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Stay with me, stay with me."</div>
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Creepy Silversun Pickups, equally as effective as bemused Silversun Pickups (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nsJ8hnRkW4">It Doesn't Matter Why</a>, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-23-33.html">number 24 in 2019</a>) and artsy Silversun Pickups (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NxSWj5bou9M">Bloody Mary (Nerve Endings)</a>, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2012/12/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-21-30.html">number 27 in 2012</a>), <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVHkeQNmMvM">Circadian Rhythm</a> was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-12-22.html">seventeenth favorite song in 2016</a>.</div>
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<b>46. Quarter-Life Crisis by Judah & The Lion.</b></div>
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"I used to feel so strong, now I feel like a loser</div>
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This truth is hard to speak, but I could use the freedom</div>
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Oh, I can't do this all alone."</div>
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<div style="text-align: start;">
Another from last year's list, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRonfV-33EI">Quarter-Life Crisis</a> was at number four. I'm long past the opportunity to have a mid-life crisis let alone a quarter-life one, but understand Judah's angst just the same.</div>
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<b>47. Smart by Girl in a Coma.</b></div>
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"Hold your head up though you’re shaking</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
I’ve never felt a rush like this, </div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
not quite like this."</div>
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Another defunct band ... maybe it's me? Smart was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2011/12/favorite-songs-of-2011-songs-1-10.html">number six in 2011</a>.</div>
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<b>48. You Go Down Smooth by Lake Street Dive*.</b></div>
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"And I am afraid to need you so</div>
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And I am too sober not to know</div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
That you may be my problem, not my love</div>
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'Cause you go down smooth."</div>
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Do you think I'd pass up the chance to listen to Rachael Price's voice another time (or six or seven)? Of course not. You Go Down Smooth was my <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2014/12/favorite-songs-of-2014-songs-1-10.html">fourth favorite song in 2014</a>.</div>
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<b>49. Crying Wolf by Caleb Hawley.</b><br />
<br />
"You always said you wanted me to be honest<br />
So I made u a promise to tell u the truth<br />
I thought you'd understand so that's why I said it<br />
But now I regret it<br />
Baby what are we gonna do?"<br />
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No list of mine would be complete without at least one blue-eyed soul song. Crying Wolf was <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-12-22.html">number 18 in 2015</a>.<br />
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<b>50. basking in the glow by oso oso.</b><br />
<br />
"Cut me up, I've said enough<br />
Learned this lesson far too much<br />
It'll only bring you down<br />
Carrying someone around<br />
In your head, in your head."<br />
<br />
The last on the list from 2019 (<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gatGb2tvGLE">basking in the glow </a>was number five) and the last ... period.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for the top 25!</div>
Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-44629854897182458742019-12-30T14:58:00.001-05:002019-12-31T08:32:39.051-05:00Favorite Songs of 2019 - Songs 1-11<b>1. Blown to Bits by Charly Bliss.</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
"Every empty calorie<br />
Expanding sweets inside of me<br />
You're light as a feather, astronomically huge<br />
Laughing out loud in your bathing suit<br />
And I'm still alive, best year of my life."<br />
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Marry my perverse love of apocalyptic songs with my unusual appreciation of '80's girl bands' (The Bangles, The Go Gos) pop, and some pretty wicked guitar and what do you get? My favorite song of the year, that's what. Charly Bliss front woman Eva Hendricks describes the genesis of the song as: " I started writing this song the day that everyone in Hawaii was alerted to a nuclear missile headed their way. Luckily it ended up being a false alarm, but that day I couldn’t stop thinking about actually living out the end of your world, and THE world, and how devastated I would be by the loss of things that are for the most part, really simple and small ... This is a love song to little moments that make me feel like we might make it out the other end." Also check out the songs "Capacity," (which has actually made some critics' best songs lists), "Young Enough," and "The Truth."<b> </b></div>
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<b>2. Little Trouble by Better Oblivion Community Center.</b><br />
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"Not every certain death can be so brave<br />
Not every psychopath can act so well-behaved."<br />
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Phoebe Bridgers and Conor Oberst combined their talents in Better Oblivion Community Center and on their eponymous first album (which contains the oft-heard "Dylan Thomas"). They then released this song, which I favor over Dylan Thomas. The bouncy, drum-led music belies the snarky lyrics, which I hear as an indictment of class and privilege. And the above lyrics? Perfect.</div>
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<b>3. This Life by Vampire Weekend. </b><br />
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"You've been cheating on, cheating on me<br />
I've been cheating on, cheating on you<br />
You've been cheating on me<br />
But I've been cheating through ...<br />
This life<br />
And all its suffering<br />
Oh Christ,<br />
Am I good for nothing?"<br />
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Hard to read this as anything other than the songwriter's (in this case, Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig) guilt at how well he's got things compared to much of the rest of the world - sort of a self-examining complement to "Little Trouble" now that I think about it. Also highly recommended is the band's "Harmony Hall" from the excellent Father of the Bride album. Vampire Weekend's musicianship shines through in this live version.</div>
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<b>4. Quarter-Life Crisis by Judah & the Lion. </b><br />
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"All these stories probably should be just for my therapist<br />
I've been fightin', hidin', tryin' my best not to let you in<br />
I can't do this all alone."<br />
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The song, and the whole album Pep Talks, are the reflection of a crisis for the Nashville boys and particularly front-man Judah Akers brought on by family turmoil. Whether quarter-life or nearly full, we can all relate. Also recommended from this fine collection, at the least, are "Over my head," and "i'm ok."</div>
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<b>5. basking in the glow by oso oso. </b><br />
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"Cut me up, I've said enough<br />
Learned this lesson far too much<br />
It'll only bring you down<br />
Carrying someone around<br />
In your head, in your head."<br />
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Jade Lilitri is oso oso, and as with many songs I love, the bouncy music is at odds with the introspective lyrics. Sounds to me like he's at least trying to figure things out. Also check out "one sick plan," "wake up next to god," and the first song on the album, simply called "intro."</div>
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<b>6. Way Way Back by Matt Nathanson. </b><br />
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"I'm sure he's easier than I was<br />
If you like that sorta thing<br />
He looks better with his shirt off<br />
Yeah, but can he sing?"<br />
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The final artist in the triumvirate of those that I heard (and liked) at Mountain Stage back in April. At the least, also check out "Used To Be" from his latest album "Sings His Sad Heart."</div>
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You can also here his entire Mountain Stage set <a href="https://wvpn.drupal.publicbroadcasting.net/%E2%80%A6/20-mountain-st%E2%80%A6">here</a>.<br />
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<b>7. Nobody by Hozier.</b><br />
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"I've been fed gold<br />
By sweet fools in Abu Dhabi<br />
And I've danced real slow<br />
With Rockettes on dodgy molly<br />
But I've had no love like your love (ooh hoo)<br />
From nobody."<br />
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I can almost hear my Dad complain (as he often did about songs I would play for him): "I guess I like it but I can't understand a word he's saying." Pretty sure he wouldn't pick up on the "dodgy molly" (as, admittedly, I failed to do as well). Also check out "Almost (Sweet Music)" the seemingly more preferred but in my opinion less desirable Hozier song from his latest album Wasteland, Baby!</div>
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<b>8. Quiet Light by The National.</b></div>
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"Guess I don't know what I'm saying</div>
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Just call me</div>
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I'll come to where you are</div>
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Alone in the quiet light</div>
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I'm always thinking you're behind me</div>
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And I turn around and you're always there."</div>
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A departure for the boys from NYC (via Cincinnati) on the excellent album I Am Easy to Find as they incorporate the voices of a number of female singers. None to better effect, in my opinion, than on this song. But be sure to check out "Not in Kansas" and "Rylan" too (at the least).</div>
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<b>9. High Alert by Junius Meyvant. </b></div>
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"You got my soul on fire</div>
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You got my heart beneath you</div>
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You got the one desire</div>
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To break me down just to please you."</div>
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This year's blue-eyed soul entry. Can't get much more blue-eyed than Iceland, which is where Unnar Gísli Sigurmundsson (aka Junius Meyvant) hails from.</div>
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<b>10. Tenebrist by The Ballroom Thieves. </b></div>
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"We all muddy the water, oh</div>
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To make it seem less shallow</div>
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If our grief grows like a shadow</div>
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And in the morning that's alright</div>
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We need the dark to know the light."</div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Anyone who has listened to more than a few of my favorite songs over the years would recognize this one as in my wheelhouse on may levels, chief among them the chorus, the interplay between the male and female voices, and the horns (which are unfortunately absent on the live version above).</span></div>
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<b>11. Will We Talk? by Sam Fender. </b></div>
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"She said</div>
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'I don't usually do this kind of thing</div>
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Does it change the way you think of me?'</div>
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Thinking isn't his forte."</div>
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Speaking of The Boss, who has been all over my previous lists this year (<a href="http://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/12/favorite-songs-of-2019-songs-12-22.html">here </a>and <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/11/favorite-cover-songs-of-2019.html">here</a>), Sam seems to have more than a bit of Bruce in him. And perhaps a little U2 to boot. </div>
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Happy listening - thanks as always for following along!Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-20160637636611965202019-12-20T19:46:00.000-05:002019-12-20T19:46:20.233-05:00Favorite Songs of 2019 - Songs 12-22On we roll with the list, which features rockers old and new.<br />
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<b>12. Groceries by Mallrat.</b><br />
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"And if you wanna get groceries<br />
And if you wanna get close to me<br />
Just gimme some, gimme some, gimme some sign<br />
I think that we're supposed to be."<br />
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Mallrat is one Grace Kathleen Elizabeth Shaw, an Australian musician (and rapper according to Wikipedia). Will her love be unrequited? Perhaps we'll find out on her next album.</div>
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<b>13. Old Black Magic by Josh Ritter.</b><br />
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"I can't sleep for crying<br />
I cry all the time<br />
Everybody's got an angel<br />
I got mine<br />
Wings of a crow<br />
Overshadowin'<br />
I got that old black magic rolling in."<br />
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One of my favorite artists backed by The 400 Unit and produced by Jason Isbell (who, I'm guessing, plays lead on the studio version)? Oh heck yes. The studio version is here:<br />
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<b>14. Western Stars by Bruce Springsteen.</b><br />
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"Here in the canyons above Sunset, the desert don't give up the fight<br />
A coyote with someone’s Chihuahua in its teeth skitters 'cross my veranda in the night.<br />
Some lost sheep from Oklahoma sips her Mojito down at the Whiskey Bar<br />
Smiles and says she thinks she remembers me from that commercial with the credit card."<br />
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In addition to the many fine covers of The Boss this year, we also had the good fortune to listen to his 19th album. This song seems to be from the perspective of an aging actor in Westerns -- for which there doesn't seem to be much call these days. Far from a coincidence that it comes from Springsteen in his 70th year of life.<br />
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<b>15. Mercury in Retrograde by Sturgill Simpson.</b><br />
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"Mercury must be in retrograde again<br />
But at least it's not just hangin' around, pretendin' to be my friend<br />
Oh, the road to Hell is paved with cruel intention<br />
If it's not nuclear war, it's gonna be a divine intervention."<br />
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Mercury is truly (but of course, "truly" being a relative term since it only appears that way to us) in retrograde this year, but that's not what our friend Sturgill is singing about. This is actually one of the quieter songs on what is a rather pronounced turn to the loud for Simpson. Check out "Sing Along" and "Last Man Standing" to see what I mean.<br />
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<b>16. everybody knows by pronoun.</b><br />
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“I've been trying to make some sense of things<br />
I know deep down don't make any at all<br />
And the things I thought would build me up<br />
One-eighty'd now and make me feel so small.”<br />
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Much like another list favorite, <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">Sjowgren</a>, pronoun would dribble out a few songs a year for us. Until 2019, when Alyse Vellturo graced us with her first album “i’ll show you stronger.” And what a treat it was. I recommend to you “stay” and “wrong” on the album as well - but this is my favorite.<br />
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<b>17. Left Alone by Houses.</b><br />
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"I wake up dreaming everyday<br />
It's just like living but it doesn't feel the same<br />
'Cause the sky up above me starts falling down on me<br />
Like a shovel full of graveyard dirt."<br />
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Houses' "Fast Talk" was high on my list last year. I like this song almost as much ...<br />
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<b>18. Forever Half Mast by Lucy Dacus.</b><br />
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"We're in a state of disarray, united by our darkest days<br />
Aching from the growing pains, they always say it's just a phase<br />
America, the tried and true, red and white and black and blue<br />
Tell me, who did this to you? If it was me I hardly knew."<br />
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Last year's list queen, Ms. Dacus spent this one rolling out one song at a time in celebration of various holidays (including <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/11/favorite-cover-songs-of-2019.html">Bruce Springsteen's birthday</a>). This was her take on the Fourth of July, which expresses the ambivalence a lot of us are feeling these days toward the country that we love. A friend described Lucy as a "teacher's pet" for me. Absolutely accurate.<br />
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<b>19. Heavy Like the World by Guided by Voices. </b><br />
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"It's a lonely world I've heard<br />
I might have the knot pull through<br />
It's so difficult to do<br />
I might have to get one too."<br />
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When I first heard this song, I was convinced it was a certain aging but far from over-the-hill alternative rocker -- Bob Mould of Husker Du, Sugar, et al. fame. Then I learned that Guided by Voices are actually contemporaries of Mould, and are from of all places, practically our backyard -- Dayton, Ohio. I'm ashamed to admit I hadn't heard of them until a few months ago.<br />
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<b>20. Dope Queen Blues by Adia Victoria. </b><br />
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"It's a culmination<br />
Of my ruination<br />
We are lost<br />
In vain."<br />
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The subject matter is a little lost on me, but the vocals aren't. And then the sax kicks in ... Ms. Victoria's album was produced by Aaron Dressner of The National, which certainly isn't a negative (in my book) either.<br />
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<b>21. Moderation by Florence + The Machine. </b><br />
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"Can't hold it back, I can't take the tension<br />
Oh, I'm trying to be good<br />
Want me to love you in moderation<br />
Well don't you know, I wish I could."<br />
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Given the way she puts her soul into every song, it's easy to believe that moderation is not in Florence Welch's playbook.<br />
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<b>22. High Highs, Low Lows by Stephen Kellogg. </b><br />
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"But most of your critique<br />
Doesn't sound that much like me.<br />
But I wonder if it sounds<br />
A bit like you."<br />
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The second artist on this year's list that I heard at a most excellent Mountain Stage. C thinks it sounds like a Lyle Lovett song. High praise in my book.</div>
Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-36651783468544447682019-12-09T20:41:00.000-05:002019-12-11T12:41:51.141-05:00Favorite Songs of 2019 - Songs 23-33<div style="text-align: justify;">
Greetings music lovers! One change in this year's list from those of the past: I'm only including one song from each artist in the countdown. There were just too many good songs/artist that I wanted to share with you. But not to worry, with those who had multiple songs that would have been considered or included, I'll let you know what they were.<br />
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Let's get started.<br />
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<b>23. Paper Stickers by Deau Eyes.</b><br />
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"Gave me a book of paper stickers<br />
I need something thicker<br />
to cut with my scissors<br />
cut with my scissors.<br />
I wanna tire out my hand and give them something to see<br />
Hey, look, I raised my hand first!<br />
Why didn't you call on me?"<br />
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Likely the most obscure of any song on this year's list, if the now 228 views of the video are any indication of popularity. Seems like a feminist anthem from my read of the lyrics. And I'm just fine with that.<br />
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<b>24. It Doesn't Matter Why by Silversun Pickups.</b><br />
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"You want to read our minds (We know)<br />
Is It better on the other side? (No)<br />
Will it help you sleep at night? (It won't)<br />
And it doesn't matter why we're known<br />
We're just known."<br />
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Not sure if the "other side" is the thin veil between life and the after-life, or if it has a more earthly meaning (the band's relationship with its fans?). At any rate, it's a Silversun Pickup song, and if they've got a new one, it will generally find its way onto my list.<br />
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<b>25. Yolk in the Fur by Wild Pink.</b><br />
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"'Cause they you wrapped up tight<br />
In a disposable life<br />
Yeah they ate your lunch and sold you dinner<br />
On credit."<br />
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Like a little symphony - from some guys in flannel shirts (and in the video, a drummer in a Buffalo Bills t-shirt).<br />
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<b>26. Future Me Hates Me by The Beths.</b><br />
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"Future heart break, future headaches<br />
Wide eyed nights late lying awake<br />
With future cold shakes from stupid mistakes<br />
Future me hates me for, hates me for."<br />
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How can you not like a song with that title? While you're at it, also check out The Beths' Little Death. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuzlZWvTU2I">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuzlZWvTU2I</a><br />
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<b>27. Newspaper Gown by Damien Jurado.</b><br />
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"Our friends think we're lovers<br />
Or so I have heard<br />
And they try for confessions<br />
And I say not a word<br />
So we let them keep guessing<br />
'Til they figure us out<br />
Our made-up wedding<br />
In your newspaper gown."<br />
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The quietest song on this year's list, Jurado was part of the best Mountain Stage I saw this year. Two others from that show have songs further up the list.<br />
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<b>28. Landslide by Beirut. </b><br />
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"If you ever return<br />
In a wonderful form<br />
Don't you wait out the storm<br />
Just pull roots and move on."<br />
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A lovely song about ... death? Or a more earthly departure?<br />
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<b>29. I Dare You by The Regrettes. </b><br />
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"There're stains on your sweater<br />
You think you know better<br />
But you're a child, and it's kinda wild<br />
That you're the one that brings the sun."<br />
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This year's entry in what seems like the annual "sounds like The Strokes" category. Except for the female singer, of course.<br />
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<b>30. Saw Lightning by Beck (with Pharrell Williams).</b><br />
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"I held my head up<br />
And it struck me down<br />
Down to the ground<br />
It struck me down, struck me down<br />
Struck me down to the ground."<br />
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Beck's been on this list about as long, and as frequently, as anyone. There's obviously a reason for that ...<br />
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<b>31. Sway by Tove Stryke.</b><br />
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"Baby, are you tied up?<br />
I don't wanna know now<br />
Are we gonna stay up?<br />
Are we gonna get out this crowd?"<br />
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Apparently this song was featured in the FIFA 19 video game. That is not where I first heard it (duh). Added bonus: Ms. Stryke (her real name, btw) is Swedish. Likely fits neatly into my "Guilty Pleasures" playlist long term.<br />
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<b>32. Superbike by Jay Som. </b><br />
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"Now you're waiting in the light<br />
Patiently to my surprise<br />
(Somebody tell me)<br />
I pick up the superbike<br />
Going 80 in the night<br />
(Somebody tell me)."<br />
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Superbike by Jay Som. Recommended to me by both my friend Charlie and my comely spouse, Jay Som is actually Melina Mae Duterte who really does record in a studio in her bedroom - can't get any more "bedroom pop" than that.<br />
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<b>33. Darkness by Pinegrove.</b><br />
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"Well, I know it's been a long time coming<br />
I'm angry and I know that's weak<br />
And I'm longing out that open window<br />
For whatever it is I seek."<br />
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In this year's Facebook poll of what song should be last on the list, but first in our hearts, the boys and girls from New Jersey won out. If you want to check out the other two nominees, they were St. ("Saint" or "Street"?) by Restorations and Lo/Hi by The Black Keys.</div>
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We'll be back soon with a very solid middle children list of songs 12-22.Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-52653345040777996712019-11-08T20:53:00.000-05:002020-01-17T17:08:18.831-05:00Favorite Cover Songs of 2019<div style="text-align: justify;">
In my never ending quest to bring you the best new songs of the past year, I was struck by one thing: there have been a lot of good cover songs lately. Since I'm not inclined to include covers in my list (Mates of State's Second Hand News in 2010 -- before I started posting the list here -- and Dwight Yoakam's <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/12/favorite-songs-of-2013-songs-21-30.html">Dim Lights, Thick Smoke</a> are, I believe, the only exceptions) and because there are so many good new songs (and artists) this year, I decided to do a separate list for covers as an appetizer for this year's forthcoming favorite songs list.</div>
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So what makes for a good cover in my opinion? I'm not sure. I don't want a "remake" but I am admittedly sometimes am offended when a song strays too far from the original as well. I suppose the list itself speaks for what I'm looking for in a good cover -- and it does not necessarily include the requirement that I loved, or even liked, the original.</div>
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Two caveats about these songs: (1) one is not a cover but rather an "original"; and (2) I bent my rules a little and there are several that were released in 2017 (but for the most part I didn't hear them until 2019). Enjoy boys and girls!</div>
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1. <b>I'm Goin' Down</b> by Vampire Weekend.</div>
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"I pull you close now, baby, but when we kiss, I can feel a doubt</div>
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I remember back when we started</div>
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My kisses used to turn you inside out</div>
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I used to drive you to work in the morning</div>
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Friday night I'd drive you all around</div>
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You used to love to drive me wild, yeah</div>
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But lately girl you get your kicks from just driving me down</div>
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Down, down, down."<br />
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What do you get when you combine The Boss with one of my favorite indie bands? "That's gold, Jerry. Gold!" Apparently VW has covered this song in one form or another since 2010. But it's the stripped down version recorded for <a href="https://wfpk.org/2019/vampire-weekend-im-goin-down-spotify-single/?fbclid=IwAR0zWsMxWKhfrZHEZMi3_K2znzsQtQVm27HeYMjRJmQSWRfFHT4dYl3E0Gk">Spotify this year</a> (for you fellow old folks, click words to take you there -- it's a link -- that's why it's orange) that got my attention and propelled it to the top of my covers list for 2019.<br />
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2. <b>Dancing in the Dark</b> by Lucy Dacus.<br />
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"Stay on the streets of this town<br />
And they'll be carvin' you up alright<br />
They say you gotta stay hungry<br />
Hey baby, I'm just about starvin' tonight."<br />
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Yep, another Springsteen song at the top. Given my admiration for both <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-1-10.html">The Boss</a> and <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">Lucy</a> <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2019/01/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-1-11.html">Dacus</a>, it was inevitable that her cover of Dancing in the Dark would end up near the top of this list. This version is loyal to The Boss's original, but has a little extra something ... maybe it's the drums and the guitar. Or the female voice?<br />
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3. <b>Love Yourself</b> by Dashboard Confessional.<br />
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"For all the times that you rain on my parade<br />
And all the clubs you get in using my name<br />
You think you broke my heart, oh girl for goodness sake<br />
You think I'm crying on my own well I ain't<br />
...<br />
My mama don't like you and she likes everyone."<br />
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Love Yourself by Dashboard Confessional. That's right, a Justin Beiber cover, you got a problem with that? To be fair, Ed Sheeran got a writing credit on it too. That last quoted line alone is worth the price of admission.<br />
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4. <b>The Twist</b> by Wintersleep.<br />
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"Lets pretend I'm attractive and then<br />
You won't mind, you can twist for a while<br />
It's the night, I can be who you like<br />
And I'll quietly leave before it gets light."<br />
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The first of several songs on the list from "Tiny Changes" a collection of covers by various artists of Frightened Rabbit's The Midnight Organ Fight. Some of the covers fall a little flat for me, but others are a perfect celebration of Scott Hutchison and his music. This is one of my favorite Frightened Rabbit songs, particularly the above lyrics. Wintersleep turns Scott Hutchison's funny but sad version into an anthem that is every bit the equal of the original.<br />
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5. <b>Manic Monday</b> by Prince.<br />
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"Have to catch an early train<br />
Got to be to work by nine.<br />
And if I had an airplane<br />
I still couldn't make it on time."<br />
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This is the "original" alluded to in my above - not actually a cover but Prince's version of a long-enjoyed song from the album "Originals." The Bangles, of course, recorded it first.<br />
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6. <b>Whole Wide World</b> by Cage The Elephant.<br />
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"When I was a young boy<br />
My mama said to me<br />
'There's only one girl in the world for you<br />
And she probably lives in Tahiti.<br />
I'd go the whole wide world<br />
Go the whole wide world just to find her."<br />
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With a nod to Will Farrell in Stranger Than Fiction, this is probably my favorite cover of the Wreckless Eric original.<br />
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7. <b>Old Old Fashioned</b> by Josh Ritter,<br />
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"I'll turn off the TV<br />
It's killing us, we never speak.<br />
There's a radio in the corner<br />
It's dying to make a scene."<br />
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Another song from the Tiny Changes album, this one re-imagines Frightened Rabbit's waltz across the carpet as a honky tonk stomp.<br />
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8. <b>Dancing in the Moonlight (It's Caught Me in The Spotlight)</b> by Alt-J.<br />
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"When I passed you in the doorway<br />
And you took me with a glance<br />
Should've been on that last bus home<br />
But I asked you for a dance."<br />
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I like it when an artist can take a song and turn it into something different entirely (much like Aretha Franklin did to Otis Redding, or, to me anyway, The Band did to Springsteen with its rendition of "Atlantic City"). Here Alt-J turns Thin Lizzy's middling "Dancing in The Moonlight" into a lovely quiet ballad. And "it's alright, alright."<br />
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9. <b> I Melt With You</b> by Surfer Blood.<br />
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"I'll stop the world and melt with you<br />
You've seen the difference and it's getting better all the time<br />
There's nothing you and I won't do<br />
I'll stop the world and melt with you."<br />
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One of my all time favorite early alternative (pop punk?) songs, Surfer Blood's cover is, to me, the right mix of faithfulness to the original and an update 37 (holy mackerel, 37???) years after it was first released.<br />
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10. <b>Rosalita (Come Out Tonight)</b> by Big Head Todd and The Monsters (with John Popper).<br />
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"But now you're sad, your mama's mad<br />
And your papa says he knows that I don't have any money<br />
Oh your papa says he knows that I don't have any money<br />
Oh your daddy says he knows that I don't have any money<br />
Well, tell him this is his last chance<br />
To get his daughter in a fine romance<br />
'Cause a record company, Rosie, just gave me a big advance."<br />
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Along with the Frightened Rabbit theme throughout the list this is the other: The Boss. Big Head Todd and The Monsters' rendition of Rosalita (Come Out Tonight), with some help, from John Popper of Blues Traveler fame, still seems as rebellious and raucous as the original. But while the harmonica is nice, but I still miss Clarence's sax ...<br />
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11. <b>My Backwards Walk</b> by Manchester Orchestra.<br />
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"I'm working on my faults and cracks<br />
Filling in the blanks and gaps<br />
And when I write them out they don't make sense<br />
I need you to pencil in the rest."<br />
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The final song of the list, and the final one from "Tiny Changes." Manchester Orchestra's version of My Backwards Walk is one of those that strikes the right chord(s) for me between homage and interpretation. Plus you can never grow tired of hearing Hutchison's plaintive line "you're the sh!t and I'm knee deep in it."</div>
Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-15096900710705398402019-01-02T21:00:00.000-05:002020-03-17T09:20:52.974-04:00Favorite Songs of 2018 - Songs 1-11<div style="text-align: justify;">
As indicated in the <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2018/12/favorite-songs-of-2018-songs-12-22.html">last installment</a> of this year's list, I believe the top 11 (and actually 13) songs this year are particularly strong. As befits both of the previous posts, my favorite song this year is a breakup song, sung by my favorite new (to me) artist of 2018 - Lucy Dacus. I hope you enjoyed this year's list as much as i enjoyed listening, compiling, and bringing it to you!</div>
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<b>1. Night Shift by Lucy Dacus.</b><br />
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"You've got a nine to five, so I'll take the night shift<br />
And I'll never see you again, if I can help it<br />
In five years I hope the songs feel like covers<br />
Dedicated to new lovers."<br />
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Since I first heard this song early in 2018, it was near the top of my favorites, and ended up perched above all of the others. Great lyrics, perfectly constructed, building to a crescendo of fuzzy noise, which I think is a positive sign - Lucy's ready to move on. I've actually seen Night Shift at or near the top of "real" music critics' best songs of the year lists, but, as always, I assure you that is purely coincidental. </div>
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<b>2. Bodys by Car Seat Headrest.</b><br />
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"Everybody's swinging their hips<br />
Everybody's giving the waitress tips<br />
Everybody's dancing all of the dances<br />
Everybody's dancing every dance now (alright)."<br />
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Second best concert I saw this year, this one with my spouse and Richmond family. Will Toledo is a genius. But I think I've already told you that.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Car Seat Headrest, Carrboro, NC 9/21/18 (photo by me)</td></tr>
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<b>3. Let Me Down Easy by Gang of Youths.</b><br />
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"Honey, it's no secret that I've been losing my way<br />
In the weirdest of moments and stupidest of ways<br />
But, hey, I'm still young and it's gonna be okay<br />
I've got solipsism, baby, and I brought lemonade."<br />
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The lemonade reference works off of an earlier part of the song where frontman David Le'aupepe sings that "not everything is easy as making lemonade." This is the <a href="https://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-1-11.html">second time in two years </a>that solipsism makes an appearance in lyrics on the list - hope that says more about our current times than me personally.</div>
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<b>4. Ben Franklin's Song by The Decemberists.</b><br />
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"I'm the only American the French want to see<br />
They call me a genius, I can't disagree<br />
They have guns, they have funds<br />
They can set us free<br />
Invest in my reputation."<br />
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What's not to like about a song co-written by Lin-Manual Miranda and Colin Meloy? Miranda wrote the lyrics for Hamilton, but it didn't make the cut for the show. He gifted them to Meloy, who put them to music and in turn gifted it to us. For a music loving history major, it can't get much better than that.</div>
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Big profanity warning on this one, kiddos.<br />
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<b>5. Bondurant Women by The Texas Gentlemen.</b><br />
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"There was a genuine act of celebration<br />
On the corner of the freight train station<br />
And the sweating man gave a benediction<br />
Said you're looking for a giant (?) foundation."<br />
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Love the percussion in this song. No lyrics that I could find, so I did the best I could. Suggestions are welcomed, particularly with the uncertain word above (maybe "jive" instead of "giant?").</div>
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<b>6. Gold Rush by Death Cab for Cutie.</b><br />
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"Digging for gold in my neighborhood<br />
For what they say is the greater good<br />
But all I see is a long goodbye<br />
A requiem for a skyline."<br />
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A requiem indeed for Ben Gibbard's Seattle neighborhood. I know, I know, a lot of us in Wild and Wonderful would love to have Ben's problems. But still, gentrification does come with its issues, in a "you kids get off of my lawn!" kind of way that I think he acknowledges as well.</div>
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<b>7. How to Socialise and Make Friends by Camp Cope.</b><br />
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"And I heard it from a friend<br />
That he talks to the primary school kids through the fence<br />
Yeah, you shoulda seen his book collection<br />
It was all 'how to socialise and how to make friends'<br />
Yeah I guess we both got our problems<br />
And areas to improve<br />
And I know one of mine is to go a night without sympathising with you."<br />
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As you might guess from the spellings, Camp Cope ain't from around here. Australia, to be exact, is their home. But the raw emotion heard in many of their songs, including this one, is universal.</div>
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<b>8. Not Abel by Hop Along.</b><br />
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"And yet it was not Abel but Cain who got to hear<br />
The voice that for so long had been a stranger<br />
Not one word of all the time they spent growing up brothers<br />
Even love, yes, even love, yes even lose<br />
Something to lose."<br />
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Starts out sounding like many Hop Along songs (which I believe to be a good thing), albeit with a less personal theme than most (indeed, the story of Cain and Abel). Then the last minute and a half take it to a whole new, sublime, level, kicked off by a classic rock guitar and bass line.</div>
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<b>9. Fast Talk by Houses.</b><br />
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"So maybe heaven is a ghetto with no bad blocks<br />
Shangri-La dealers at the bus stops<br />
And maybe god is just a cop that we can fast talk<br />
So if you're guilty and you know it, put your hands up<br />
'Cause karma's just a different word for bad luck<br />
And what if death is just another pair of handcuffs?<br />
Then we'd better run."<br />
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Heard this song first (and repeatedly) while on vacation in late summer with my better half on Sirius. The above lyrics are among my very favorites of the entire year.</div>
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<b>10. Born in Love by Horse Feathers.</b><br />
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"So color came from grey<br />
It's gone from worse to good then great<br />
Something realigned<br />
Was it destiny and not fate?"<br />
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Yep, an honest-to-goodness love song! Sung by a guy in a Carhartt cap and denim shearling vest, no less.</div>
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<b>11. Once in My Life by The Decemberists.</b><br />
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"Oh for once in my<br />
Oh, for once in my life<br />
Could just something go<br />
Could just something go right?"<br />
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Very different from most of Mr. Meloy's songs, when I first heard it I thought of it as more of a secular prayer than an ordinary song. I think the video, and Colin's notes about the video, confirm my feelings.</div>
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And, yes, we end this year's list with yet another song from The Decemberists. I'm an aged fanboy, what other defense do I have?</div>
Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-40439434086608466282018-12-19T20:17:00.000-05:002018-12-21T07:57:11.852-05:00Favorite Songs of 2018: Songs 12-22And the list rolls on, with the often (unfairly) overlooked middle kids (which happens to include the band Middle Kids ... ). And, unsurprisingly, The Decemberists.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYkzyqtjKhkXBZoeGRlsBmYYCk3sVQXVKoA556lOurS4LsFQ_gEGkmPC0VlmtCi2N2VvpVe4zbpVHj1lU_FFU5pDNUkk01oG-yVbWf6JGdcmUGXn7J5Af0555REh7Py9d9-wpnnh3eqA/s1600/11038995_10153143295268548_886024621748461433_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="988" data-original-width="1317" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAYkzyqtjKhkXBZoeGRlsBmYYCk3sVQXVKoA556lOurS4LsFQ_gEGkmPC0VlmtCi2N2VvpVe4zbpVHj1lU_FFU5pDNUkk01oG-yVbWf6JGdcmUGXn7J5Af0555REh7Py9d9-wpnnh3eqA/s320/11038995_10153143295268548_886024621748461433_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Colin Meloy and The Decemberists in concert (photo by me)<br />
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<b>12. Nonbeliever by Lucy Dacus.</b><br />
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"You deal an unspoken debt<br />
No kindness without wanting something back<br />
What do I owe you? What did I forget?<br />
Are we even after all of that?"<br />
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Nonbeliever in God? In a (human) relationship? In self-worth? I'm not exactly sure. But I'm not a nonbeliever in Lucy; she has a beautiful voice, can construct a great song, and can play a mean guitar.</div>
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<b>13. The Heart Is a Muscle by Gang of Youths.</b></div>
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"I wanna be loved, I wanna be whole again</div>
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So tuck my hair behind my ears and touch my soul again</div>
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The window is wide, the post unfulfilled</div>
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And I just ask you to be patient if you'll have me still."</div>
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Every year my list contains an invisible dividing line between the songs I like and those I really, really like. This year that line starts here. Songs 13-2 are, in my humble opinion, exceedingly good and pretty much interchangeable (number 1 has been number 1 since early in 2018 and has budged since). Gang of Youths was recently in D.C., and I'm very sorry I missed them. The video will give you a good idea as to why.</div>
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<b>14. Easy Enough by Pinegrove.</b></div>
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"All my limits have held me back</div>
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I hold my head and I let it ask</div>
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Why</div>
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I'm altogether down</div>
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And when will it end now?</div>
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Back after a year-long, self-imposed hiatus (you can read the long, strange story <a href="https://pitchfork.com/features/article/reckoning-with-pinegrove/">here</a>) the kids from Jersey are back with a new record. Thank goodness for that.</div>
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<b>15. High Beam by Sjowgren.</b></div>
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"And I don't wanna spend a lifetime</div>
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Worried about the sidelines</div>
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What other people are say about me</div>
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About me</div>
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About me."</div>
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Their second appearance on this year's list (and the fourth overall, I believe) as the mystery band from San Fran has stepped up what seemed to be a slow drip of their great music.</div>
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<b>16. Dancing's Not a Crime by Panic!At the Disco.</b></div>
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"Dancing, dancing, dancing's not a crime<br />
Unless you do it without me<br />
Unless you do it without me."<br />
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Go ahead, laugh, I can take the heat. And do repeatedly from family and friends for my fondness for this band (which roughly places me 45 years pre-my current age and seemingly forced to defend the "!" in its name). I dare you to listen and not bebop just a little while you do.<br />
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<b>17. Mistake by Middle Kids.</b><br />
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"You're standing out in the rain, tonight<br />
Like you got something to say, to God<br />
And you got a debt to pay back<br />
For something you did way back</div>
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You wanna make it okay."<br />
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These Kids made last year's list as well (as did Cold War Kids, absent this year). I believe the title of the song is exactly what it's about - a mistake that someone made, maybe a long time ago. I'm okay with that (the straightforwardness, not necessarily the mistake).<br />
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<b>18. We All Die Young by The Decemberists.</b><br />
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"And in this dream, Bill Tecumseh Sherman<br />
Glowered at the foot of my bed<br />
He was long and lean, he spoke in perfect German<br />
And I recorded all that he said<br />
Yeah, I recorded all that he said<br />
<br />
And he said:<br />
'We all die young<br />
We all die young<br />
We all die young<br />
We all die young."<br />
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More lyrical magic from the "hyper-literate" Colin Meloy and his band. While I'm including a "live" recording of the song here, check out the studio version as well. Definitely a touch of Pink Floyd in the children joining in on the chorus.<br />
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<b>19. In a River by Rostam.</b><br />
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"We are swimming with no clothes on<br />
In a river in the dark<br />
And I am holding on to you, boy<br />
In the faint light of the stars."<br />
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One of several songs on this year's list either recommended by or heard for the first time with my comely spouse. I love the music in this song, which borders on orchestral.</div>
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<b>20. How Simple by Hop Along.</b></div>
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"Don't worry we will both find out</div>
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Just not together."</div>
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One of my favorite couplets (if that term can apply to two, non-rhyming verses) of the year. Matched by the year's best album name "Bark Your Head Off, Dog."</div>
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<b>21. Motion Sickness by Phoebe Bridgers.</b></div>
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"I'm on the outside looking through<br />
You're throwing rocks around your room<br />
And while you're bleeding on your back in the glass<br />
I'll be glad that I made it out<br />
And sorry that all went down like it did."<br />
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I love the imagery of "emotional motion sickness."<br />
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<b>22. Causing Trouble by Saint Sister.</b><br />
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"But honey I know you<br />
We dance to Elvis in the kitchen<br />
At least we used to<br />
And honey you know me<br />
We danced from Belfast to the Basin<br />
When you sang And it Stoned Me<br />
Well, it stoned me.'<br />
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A harp, two beautiful voices, and a Van Morrison reference? Yes, please.<br />
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Stay tuned for my Top 11 songs, coming soon!</div>
Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-18883896893299321852018-12-10T22:33:00.001-05:002018-12-10T22:33:36.408-05:00Favorite Songs of 2018: Songs 23-33<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year in music was full of highs and lows for me. The highest of the highs was getting to see one of my favorite bands, Frightened Rabbit, in concert in Chicago. The band made a brief tour in honor of the tenth anniversary of the release of their album The Midnight Organ Fight, the album that FR singer, songwriter, and frontman Scott Hutchison credited during the concert as the one that told them that they "might be able to make a living doing this."</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott Hutchison (center) and his FR bandmates in Chicago<br />
(photo courtesy of me).</td></tr>
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The low was when, less than two months later, Scott Hutchison took his own life. He was 36, seemingly at the height of his career and in the prime of his musical life. Even a casual listener of FR's songs could not mistake the references to depression and suicidal thoughts that ran through nearly all of the band's five albums. But it was still a shock, particularly to me since Hutchison seemed in such a good place during the concert. His last public words, in a Tweet, summarize all that was good about him and all that is so terribly awful and unrelenting about depression: "Be so good to everyone you love. It's not a given. I'm so annoyed that it's not. I didn't live by that standard and it kills me. Please hug your loved ones. I'm away now. Thanks."</div>
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I soldiered on after that shocking event and once again dedicated myself to bringing to you my favorite songs of the past year. You will, as always, recognize several of the artists here from past years. You will, with very few exceptions, have never heard them on your local Top 40 radio station. But I hope that you enjoy many of them, and perhaps go to see at least one of them if/when they come to your town.</div>
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<b>23. Drink About You by Kate Nash.</b><br />
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"I'm sick and tired of being such a hypocrite<br />
I'm kinda over being over it all<br />
I think I hate yourself<br />
I think I hate me even more<br />
I can't remember what happened before."<br />
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Kate has always been a favorite in our family. Her clever, witty lyrics are usually amusing and always thoughtful. One of several break-up songs on this year's list (and in fact this edition of the list).</div>
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<b>24. About You by G Flip.</b><br />
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"Yeah, we got crazy, yeah, it did phase me<br />
When you just went and took off<br />
Yeah, I know I pushed you<br />
Didn't think you'd follow through and leave me on the rocks."<br />
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Another break-up song that perfectly captures the yin-yang of feelings that go with it. Which, I believe, purposefully matches her black and white sneakers in the video.</div>
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<b>25. Ancient Names (Part I) by Lord Huron.</b><br />
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"Far out past the astral plane<br />
I cast you back from whence you came<br />
Cosmic ash and blackened brain<br />
I call you by your ancient names."<br />
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Our boys from the Mitten State seem to have taken a turn from pseudo-cowboy rock to Raymond Chandler-esque indie noir with their latest album (maybe my first hint was its name, "Vide Noir"). No official video or official concert video for this one as far as I can tell, so let your imaginations run wild with fortune tellers and soothsayers.</div>
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<b>26. Without Applause by Horse Feathers.</b><br />
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"Mama's here and nothing can be done<br />
No other thought meanwhile something thaws<br />
Dad to rise, there to fix something<br />
It's not the drinking but the worry that does him in."<br />
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First heard this band on KEXP, one of my favorite radio stations. A song, I think, about the daily grind for working for a living and the toll it takes not only on the wage earner, but on his/her loved ones as well.<br />
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<b>27. Fell In Love by The Pollies.</b><br />
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"Fell in love with the one I love<br />
When she's starin' back at me.<br />
Fell in love with the one I love<br />
And now she gives her love to me."<br />
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The Pollies were high on this list a few years ago with the politically charged "Jackson." "Fell In Love" is less dramatic as far as subject matter goes, but certainly not as far as musicianship goes. </div>
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<b>28. Give Yourself A Try by The 1975.</b></div>
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"And what would you say to your younger self?</div>
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Growing a beard's quite hard</div>
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And whiskey never starts to taste nice</div>
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And you'll make a lot of money, and it's funny</div>
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'Cause you'll move somewhere sunny and get addicted to drugs</div>
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And spend obscene amounts on f**king seeds and beans online."</div>
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A sneaking feeling that The 1975 are becoming (or at least trying to become) this generation's The Beatles. Ambition is sometimes a bad thing, but for me not in this instance.</div>
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<b>29. better off by Sjowgren.</b><br />
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"I'm down low and I'm nothing without you<br />
I'm better off to stay, I'm better off to say<br />
I'm better off with you."<br />
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Kind of a love song, kind of a regretful "I can't help but be in love with you" song. Sjowgren has appeared several times before on the list, but each time they've given a little more of a hint of who they might actually be. I'm fine with the mystery, as long as they keep making great music.<br />
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<b>30. Plimsoll Punks by Alvvays.</b><br />
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"When I chip through your candy coating<br />
You're stuffed with insulation<br />
Just strawberry ice cream floating<br />
With a sprinkle of indignation."<br />
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Yes, Alvvays (pronounced, of course, Always). Saw them when they opened for The Decemberists a few years back. They sound like an '80's girl group (The Go-Go's?), but with better musicianship (including a fuzzy grunge guitar) and much sharper lyrics.</div>
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<b>31. Call It Dreaming by Iron & Wine.</b><br />
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"'Cause the sun isn't only sinking fast<br />
Every moon and our bodies make shining glass<br />
Where the time of our lives is all we have<br />
And we get a chance to say<br />
Before we ease away<br />
For all the love you've left behind<br />
You can have mine."<br />
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Finally! An honest-to-gosh love song instead of a broken love song. Also saw Iron & Wine, many moons ago now, and frontman Sam Beam appeared to be trying to turn them into a "jam band" (I believe my line at the time was "trying to be another Phish - don't bite"). Nice to see him back to doing what he does best.</div>
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<b>32. Quarter Past Midnight by Bastille.</b></div>
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"We keep on running</div>
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Running through a red light</div>
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Like we're trying to burn the night away</div>
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Away-way, oh, away-way oh</div>
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Why are we always chasing after something</div>
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Like we trying to throw our lives away?</div>
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Away-way, oh, away-way oh."</div>
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Dan Smith, Bastille's lead singer, has a great voice. And if you're a list regular, you know that I'm a sucker for big choruses.</div>
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<b>33. Everybody Lost Somebody by Bleachers.</b><br />
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"I waited 'til the night was over<br />
Cursed the sun for coming up all over<br />
Cashed the checks I had, I didn't own<br />
Standing on the corner, God I wonder when<br />
I'll give myself a break (hey)."<br />
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The winner in Facebook voting for this year's number 33 song. It appears that in this song our boy Jack Antonoff is beating himself up, instead of allowing others to do it as seems to be a frequent theme in Bleachers' videos.</div>
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So that's it -- the first 11 songs from my favorites of 2018. Stay tuned for the next 22. And while you're waiting for the next installment, hug someone you love. For me, and for Scott.</div>
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Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-35019888746686890172017-12-30T23:41:00.001-05:002019-08-27T08:04:29.488-04:00Favorite Songs of 2017: Songs 1-11<div style="text-align: justify;">
As another year draws to a close, so too does our list. I hope that you've found some new artists to enjoy (or perhaps avoid) in the coming years. I believe that this year's list is particularly strong, especially at the top.</div>
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<b>1. Old Friends by Pinegrove.</b></div>
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"Walking out in the nighttime springtime</div>
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Needling my way home</div>
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I saw Leah on the bus a few months ago</div>
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Saw some old friends at her funeral.</div>
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My steps keep splitting my grief</div>
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Through these solipsistic moods</div>
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I should call my parents when I think of them</div>
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Should tell my friends when I love them."</div>
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When I discovered this song nearly a year ago, it immediately went to the top of my list and has stayed there ever since. The lyrics are perfect -- sad and hopeful, smart and simple, contemplative and life-affirming. The language advisory at the start of the video? Completely legitimate.</div>
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<b>2. Die Young by Sylvan Esso.</b></div>
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"I had it all planned that way before you met me</div>
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Was gonna leave early and so swiftly</div>
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Maybe in a fire or a crash off a ravine</div>
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People would weep: 'How tragic, so early.'</div>
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I was gonna die young</div>
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Now I gotta wait for you, hun."</div>
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A lovely, albeit slightly twisted, love song. All credit to my comely spouse for first discovering this song and these artists for me. The original version (from the excellent album "What Now") is fantastic, but the "live" version here is, I believe, even better (and I highly recommend the EP "Echo Mountain Sessions" as well). That voice! That sax!!</div>
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<b>3. Love Is Mystical by Cold War Kids.</b></div>
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"Oh, can't you hear the future is calling</div>
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For heaven's sake</div>
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It's either hell or high water</div>
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Let's get outta this place." </div>
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I'm a graduate of the "you can never go wrong with hand claps and a 'woo hoo hoo' chorus" school of music appreciation. The other half of the dueling Kids on this year's list (joining Middle Kids from <a href="http://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-12-22.html">the last post</a>).</div>
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<b>4. Shark Smile by Big Thief.</b></div>
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"It came over her at a bad time</div>
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Riding through Winona down the dotted line</div>
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Held us gunning out</div>
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Ninety miles down the road of a dead end dream.</div>
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She looked over, with a part smile</div>
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Caught up in the twinkle, it could take awhile</div>
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And the money pile on the dashboard fluttering."</div>
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A beautiful and sad song. Big Thief singer and guitarist Adrianne Lenker described it in a press release as "the story of a car accident in which one dies and one lives. She recalls her lover leading up to the moment of the wreck, wishing she'd been taken into the next realm, too."</div>
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<b>5. Off She Goes by Bad Suns.</b></div>
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"Where, where do you go</div>
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When the light leaves your eyes?</div>
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And you're just out of reach</div>
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Like a tree-bound kite</div>
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What's on your mind, as you're staring behind?</div>
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And I'm on my own in your arms tonight</div>
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Yeah I'm on my own in your arms tonight."</div>
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Not the most profound song on this year's list. But maybe the catchiest.</div>
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<b>6. Unforgiving Girl (She's Not A Single Version) by Car Seat Headrest.</b></div>
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"This isn't sex</div>
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(I don't think)</div>
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It's just extreme empathy."</div>
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As you may have guessed from <a href="http://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2016/12/favorite-songs-of-2016-songs-1-11.html">last year's list</a>, I'm a big fan of Car Seat Headrest. The above lyrics may be my favorite couplet (if that term can be applied to three lines) of any song this year. Besides, how can you not like a group whose front man (Will Toledo) looks more like McLovin than Russell Hammond?</div>
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<b>7. a million other things by pronoun.</b></div>
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"but you gotta come home</div>
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(come back baby, come back first)</div>
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you gotta come home first</div>
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(come back baby, even if it hurts)</div>
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cuz there's a million other things we could do in the world</div>
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there's a million other things we could do in the world."</div>
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According to Spotify, the song that I listened to more than any other in 2017. I have to admit, when I went looking for a song to lift my spirits at the end of a long day, or to sing along with on the ride home, it was "a million other things" that, more often than not, I went looking for.</div>
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<b>8. Feel It Still by Portugal. The Man.</b></div>
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"We could fight a war for peace</div>
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(Ooh woo, I'm a rebel just for kicks, now)</div>
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Give in to that easy living</div>
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Goodbye to my hopes and dreams</div>
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Start flipping for my enemies</div>
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We could wait until the walls come down."</div>
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Guessing this is the most played/heard song on this year's list. It was all over playlists/streams/satellite radio this summer. I never got tired of it (although my spouse did).</div>
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<b>9. The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness by The National.</b></div>
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"I thought that this would all work out after a while</div>
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Now you're saying that I'm asking for too much attention</div>
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Also no other faith is light enough for this place</div>
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We said we'd only die of lonely secrets."</div>
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Typical brilliance from one of my favorite bands. I love the guitar work on this song.</div>
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<b>10. Never Been Wrong by Waxahatchee.</b></div>
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"I spent all my time learning how to defeat</div>
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You at your own game, it's embarrassing.</div>
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I walk around like</div>
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This is the last strike</div>
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I love being right</div>
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Especially with you."</div>
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Rock lives, thanks in large part over the past year to female-led bands. This ain't your Daddy's Go-Go's. The woman with the pink Fender can play!</div>
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<b>11. Gwan by Rostam.</b></div>
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"And all of these dreams</div>
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Keep coming back to me slowly, slowly.</div>
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And sometimes I laugh </div>
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When I think about how well you know me</div>
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Yeah, you know me."</div>
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I like the lyrics (about maturation and friendship, I think), but the instrumentation in this song is what takes me to a quiet, happy place every time I listen.</div>
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If you don't want to wait for my list starting in November 2018, feel free to check out the great new music at All Songs Considered, KEXP, or our local community radio station WTSQ. Or you can follow me on Spotify and see if you can figure out what will be on my list next year.</div>
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Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7949762897185664917.post-12770589253010849082017-12-17T21:34:00.000-05:002019-10-12T00:51:38.851-04:00Favorite Songs of 2017: Songs 12-22Without further ado, songs 12-22:<br />
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<b>12. Hope the High Road by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit.</b><br />
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"I've heard enough of the white man's blues<br />
I sang enough about myself.<br />
So if you're looking for some bad news<br />
Well you can find it somewhere else.<br />
Last year was a son of a bitch<br />
For nearly everyone we know.<br />
But I ain't fighting with you down in a ditch<br />
I'll meet you up here on the road."<br />
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To be clear, when I called Isbell the new poet laureate of Appalachia in my<a href="http://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2017/12/favorite-songs-of-2017-songs-23-33.html"> last post</a>, it was MY version of Appalachia to which I was referring.</div>
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<b>13. Now & Then by Sjowgren.</b><br />
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"Some things had changed<br />
But others stayed the same and you,<br />
You had your stories.<br />
Some different stories<br />
I left behind."<br />
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I don't know much more about the artist than I did in 2015 when their (her?) song "Seventeen" was <a href="http://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2015/12/favorite-songs-of-2015-songs-1-11.html">high on my list</a>. But they appear to enjoy the mystery. As long as they keep making music like this, that's okay with me.</div>
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<b>14. Fashion by The Royal Concept.</b><br />
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"'Cause I love the way you wear on me<br />
And you fashion is so wild and free<br />
Honey, loving you ain't easy<br />
But I'm not gonna leave ya<br />
No no<br />
So baby put your dope ass crazy fashion on me."<br />
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The boys from Sweden are also a past member of the list, <a href="http://huddlestonbolen1.blogspot.com/2013/01/favorite-songs-of-2012-songs-1-10.html">albeit five years ago</a>, with a song that reminded me of The Strokes (and Phoenix). "Fashion" puts me more in mind of a certain Purple Icon of Pop who passed away last year. Even if their music continues to be a bit derivative, as long as it sounds like this, I say "vive la sameness."</div>
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<b>15. I Dare You by The xx.</b><br />
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"I get chills<br />
Heartbreak multiplies<br />
I'm on a different kind of high.<br />
A rush of blood is not enough<br />
I need my feelings set on fire."<br />
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Just a plain ol' lovely love song.<br />
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<b>16. Then Again by Pinegrove.</b><br />
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"Wakin' in an unusual town<br />
every morning this September.<br />
You could sleep it off and leave it all<br />
but in the morning you remember."<br />
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Along with Jason Isbell, the other artist with two songs on this year's list. Pinegrove's album "Cardinal" is my favorite of 2017.</div>
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<b>17. Near to the Wild Heart of Life by Japandroids.</b><br />
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"I was destined to die dreaming<br />
When one day, my best friend<br />
With passion and pure provocation<br />
Summoned me and said<br />
'You can't condemn your love<br />
To linger here and die<br />
Can't leave your dreams to chance<br />
Or to a spirit in the sky.<br />
May your heart always be ardent<br />
Your conscience always clear<br />
And succumb to the city and surrender, baby<br />
I'll be waiting here."<br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">If you ever get the chance, go see Japandroids live. It's astonishing how much (excellent) sound can come out of two guys, a guitar, and a set of drums.</span><br />
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<b>18. Fighting a Ghost by Matt Hires.</b><br />
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"What do you say<br />
when your heart's not in it?<br />
What do you do<br />
when there's no new beginning?<br />
How do you start<br />
When you've forgotten how to finish?"<br />
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I've really liked Matt Hires for quite a while now, particularly his voice and the little bit of disgust or outrage boiling just below the surface, even if he's just singing about lost love.<br />
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<b>19. Slip Away by Perfume Genius.</b><br />
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"Don't look back, I want to break free<br />
If you'll never see 'em coming<br />
You'll never have to hide.<br />
Take my hand, take my everything."<br />
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In a year of angst and equivocation, there was at least one simple love song that I liked a lot -- and this is it. And those drums ...</div>
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<b>20. Holding On by The War on Drugs.</b><br />
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"Now I'm headed down a different road, yeah<br />
Can we walk it side by side?<br />
Is an old memory just another way of saying goodbye?"<br />
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Highway songs are common, particularly in the U.S. Somehow, The War on Drugs managed to make the genre uniquely their own in this song.<br />
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<b>21. Edge of Town by Middle Kids.</b><br />
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"I got all muddled up and journeyed to the edge of town<br />
And then the road cracked open, sucked me in and I went down<br />
I'm standing face to face with the kind of the underground<br />
Some things just don't add up, I'm upside down I'm inside out."<br />
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This Aussie group toured with Cold War Kids this summer. Talk about the ultimate vacation for the Kids!</div>
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<b>22. Don't Take the Money by Bleachers.</b><br />
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"Will we fight, stay up late?<br />
In my dreams I'm to blame<br />
Different sides of the bed<br />
Roll your eyes, shave my head<br />
Now we're stuck in the storm<br />
We were born to ignore<br />
And all I got is a chance to just sit<br />
(Baby love me you've got me, runaway)."<br />
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Proof that pop songs aren't necessarily devoid of meaning (or self-examination). Yes, that's Lorde you hear singing - she co-wrote "Don't Take the Money" with Bleachers' Jack Antonoff. And yes that appears to be Maeby Funke commiserating with Jack at the start of the video (and presiding over his "The Graduate" like wedding at the end). And finally, yes, Jack seems to regularly get his butt kicked in Bleachers videos.</div>
Kevin Nelsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18394008209982866194noreply@blogger.com0