Keeping 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.
Showing posts with label Bronze Radio Return. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bronze Radio Return. Show all posts
Much of my (new) musical listening this year was focused on albums from some of my favorite artists. In years past, there are three in particular that would have yielded at least two songs for this list. But I'm going to stick by my recent practice of just listing one song from each artist this year -- well, with one half-exception. Which will be explained when appropriate.
23. I Hear the Ax Swinging by the Ghosts of Vroom (a.k.a. Mike Doughty).
"Don't you wait, it won't be for sure I'm a Cadillac, you aimless DeSoto
Deep, deep on the pillow sleep
You're in a blue state, don't scratch the rough."
Apparently, Mike had the grand idea of getting Soul Coughing back together after all these years. Equally apparently, the other former members of SC were unimpressed with the idea. So Mike enlisted his long-time collaborator Scrap Livingston and recorded the material as Ghost of Vroom. Whatever Mike wants to call himself, I'm a fan.
24. Track Mud by Wild Pink.
"Track mud
Soil everything you touch
Just come home now
The rain will wash away the stains
You mean well with your hand covered in their dirt
Just come home now
The rain will wash away the stains."
A lovely little song about forgiveness or a homecoming, or maybe both. Have seen Wild Pink on some real "best of" lists for 2021. Pure coincidence, I assure you.
25. Alaska by Little Hurt.
"And some Chinese restaurant in San Fransisco
My fortune told me I'm on the wrong road
Well, life's a game, yeah, I need the cheat codes
And I hate the snow ...
But I think I'll dye my hair and I'll move to Alaska
Grab all of my money, guitar, and a jacket
Drivin' outta town, maybe wave if I pass ya
Sorry but
I had to move to Alaska."
A great summer song ... even though it's about moving to Alaska. First heard on my significant other's SiriusXM (for her the one millionth time, for me the first, at the time). The official video's very amusing ... but unfortunately I can't link it here. Go hereinstead.
26. Right There Beside You by Bronze Radio Return.
"I'll be here a long time
I'll be in it for as long as you like
And no matter what you and I do
Whatever comes next, I'll be right there beside you."
I'm guessing that BRR is an acquired taste. Here's my credit card.
27. I Will Overcome by Welshly Arms.
"I know a change will be comin'
The sun will shine again
So I'm gonna hit the ground runnin'
I know, yeah I know
The best days are ahead."
All of us could use some optimism (particularly now) couldn't we?
28. Walk on Water by Kaleo.
"I feel stronger, I feel stronger than I used to
Oh, my feet, don't know my feet don't touch the ground
I don't worry, I don't worry any longer
'Cause when your heart dies, your soul cries out for more."
Not the first time on the list for the boys from Iceland (who sound like they could be from Mississippi). My guess is this is a religious song, sung from the perspective of Christ. But I could be completely wrong ...
29. Missing Piece by Vance Joy.
"I've been waiting for the tides to change
For the waves to send you my way
I see you darling but you pixilate
It gets hard to take these days."
Been a while since Vance made the list. How better to do it in 2021 than with a COVID-19 song?
30. Better Man by Caleb Hawley.
"I've got to
Forgive myself for
What the others can't
Take this matter
In my own hands
So I can
Mold myself
Into a better man
'Cause a better man is what I am."
New blue-eyed soul from Caleb. A welcome, self-affirming (or empowering?) addition to his catalogue.
31. Child of Love by We the Kingdom (feat. Bear Rinehart of NEEDTOBREATHE).
"I'm gonna climb a mountain
I'm gonna shout about it
I am a child of love."
I am not, as a rule, a fan of contemporary Christian music. I am, however, a fan of this song. Deal with it, by heathen brothers and sisters.
P.S. These guys and gals can rock (and sing).
32. I Need Some of That by Weezer.
"Even if we blow up
We're never gonna grow up
'Cause this is where it's at."
So, one of two new additions to the blog version of this list, due to various foibles in the Facebook version. A fun "looking back on times past" song that, as an old guy, I certainly appreciate.
33. Help Me to Feel Again by Judah & The Lion.
"This is not the end
Maybe with our feelings
Let's try to feeling them
So my heart don't you know
Healing starts when the unraveling unfolds."
Yep, another COVID song. "Healing starts when the unraveling unfolds."
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.
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.
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.
As always, thanks for indulging me in my pursuit of new music - or, in this case, not so new.
26. Rollercoaster by Bleachers.
"We took the bones out from the road
Those endless nights that we traveled we stole
You let your clothes fall to the floor
And lit a fire while I waited for more."
Bleachers made the list four times in the decade, but this song, number 28 in 2015, 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.
27. This Life by Vampire Weekend.
"Baby, I know hate is always waiting at the gate
I just thought we locked the gate when we left in the morning
I was told that war is how we landed on these shores
I just thought the drums would all be loud warnings."
Since This Life 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 2013 and their cover of "I'm Goin' Down" topped my favorite covers of 2019). 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.
28. Grand Canyon by The Wind + The Wave.
"Don't die, you're just a baby, yeah you're way too young
You haven't lived till you've been to the Grand Canyon
It's the damndest thing
Oh, it's the damndest thing."
My favorite song of 2016, "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 "Raising Hands Raising Hell Raise 'em High."
29. Some Nights by fun.
"Well some nights, I wish that this all would end
'Cause I could use some friends for a change
And some nights, I'm scared you'll forget me again
Some nights, I always win, I always win."
While I declared it my third favorite song of 2012, 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).
30. Cumberland Gap by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit*.
"I ain't cut out for war, unless I know what I'm fighting for
And there's nothing here but churches, bars, and grocery stores.
Ain't much money in the old-time mandolin
So I cash my check and I drink 'til I'm on my ass again."
My second favorite song in 2011, Delta Spirit seems to have fallen off the map, but according to the band's website, they are touring this spring.
32. Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men*.
"There's an old voice in my head
That's holding me back
Well tell her that I miss our little talks."
Little Talks is another former top song (in 2012) 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.
33. Light Me Up by Bronze Radio Return.
"If you’re feeling good
Is all I need to know‘
Cause you light me up
Oh, you light me up."
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 number 13 in 2015.
35. Sprawl II (Mountains beyond Mountains) by Arcade Fire*.
"They heard me singing and they told me to stop
Quit these pretentious things and just punch the clock
Sometimes I wonder if the world's so small
Can we ever get away from the sprawl."
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.
36. Gold Rush by Death Cab for Cutie*.
"Now that our haunts have taken flight
and been replaced with construction sites
oh, how I feel like a stranger here
searching for something that's disappeared."
Another frequent list occupant ("Black Sun" was number 22 in 2015, "You Are a Tourist" number 12 in 2011), Ben Gibbard's lament to urban renewal was both the antithesis of Sprawl II, number six in 2018, and my favorite Death Cab song of the 2010's.
37. Pretty Pimpin' by Kurt Vile.
"I woke up this morning
Didn’t recognize the man in the mirror
Then I laughed and I said, 'Oh silly me, that’s just me.'"
If Kurt truly has a disassociation problem, he is the most connected person every to suffer from it. Pretty Pimpin' was Number 7 in 2015, and has done nothing but grow on me since.
38. Riptide by Vance Joy.
"There's this movie that I think you'll like
This guy decides to quit his job and heads to New York City
This cowboy's running from himself
And she's been living on the highest shelf."
Also a former number one song (in 2014), Riptide 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.
39. Seventeen by Sjowgren.
"If you want a second to breathe
I'll give you all of my love
I'll give you all that you need
Don't worry
I'm not in a hurry
Not going nowhere
I'm not going nowhere, yeah."
A four-time list denizen (twice in 2018, with "High Beam" at number 15 and "better off" at 29, and "Now & Then," 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 ...
40. Don't You Look Back by Augustines.
"All right
This kiss ain't got no hope
But I'm gonna get it right
This kiss ain't got no hope
You see
We go up then down again
This'll be the end."
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. Don't You Look Back was my third favorite song of 2014, followed by Nothing to Lose But Your Head (number 23, also in 2014), and This is Your Life (27th on the list in 2016).
41. Motion Sickness by Phoebe Bridgers.
"I hate you for what you did
And I miss you like a little kid
I faked it every time but that's alright
I can hardly feel anything
I hardly feel anything at all."
"It's time to give a little to the
Kids in the middle, but oh 'til it falls
Won't bother me."
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. Feel It Still was my eighth favorite song in 2017.
43. Bondurant Women by The Texas Gentlemen.
"There was a genuine act of celebration
On the corner of the freight train station
And the sweating man gave a benediction
Said you're looking for a giant (?) foundation."
Another from 2018 (Born in Love was number 10), 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.
"I used to feel so strong, now I feel like a loser
This truth is hard to speak, but I could use the freedom
Oh, I can't do this all alone."
Another from last year's list, Quarter-Life Crisis 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.
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 fourth favorite song in 2014.
49. Crying Wolf by Caleb Hawley.
"You always said you wanted me to be honest
So I made u a promise to tell u the truth
I thought you'd understand so that's why I said it
But now I regret it
Baby what are we gonna do?"
No list of mine would be complete without at least one blue-eyed soul song. Crying Wolf was number 18 in 2015.
50. basking in the glow by oso oso.
"Cut me up, I've said enough
Learned this lesson far too much
It'll only bring you down
Carrying someone around
In your head, in your head."
The last on the list from 2019 (basking in the glow was number five) and the last ... period.
My list continues with some familiar faces from last year and lists farther in the past. And some great new bands as well.
12. Someone New by Hozier.
"There's an art to life's distractions,
To somehow escape the burning weight, the art of scraping through.
Some like to imagine,
The dark caress of someone else, I guess any thrill will do.
The last of the artists on this year's list that also appeared on last year's. The perfect juxtaposition to "Take Me to Church" where he was literally worshipping a woman. And this year, "any thrill will do." My favorite line in the song, and maybe of any single line in any song this year, however, is "love with any stranger, the stranger the better."
13. Light Me Up by Bronze Radio Return.
"And when you feel right
I'm electrified
'Cause you light me up
Oh, you light me up.
So tell me how ya feeling tonight
Tell me how ya feeling tonight."
Another one of those songs that doesn't wow you with intellectual lyrics but is just so catchy you want to hear it over and over. And the video matches the song - I can almost hear Kevin Bacon yell "Let's Dance!" near the end.
14. Talking Backwards by Real Estate.
"And I might as well be talking backwards.
Am I making any sense to you?
And the only thing that really matters.
Is the one thing I can't seem to do."
After the <ahem> less than monogamous themes of the previous two songs, a more poignant love song. Or love lost song.
15. Waitress by Hop Along.
"I call you enemy.
'Cause I'm afraid of
What you could call me.
The world's gotten so small and embarrassing."
A song about relationships and social media and awkward chance meetings. Made all the more evocative by Frances Quinlan's tired, sad, frenetic, evocative voice. The last artist this year that you'll hear more from in the next installment of the list.
16. Living the Dream by Sturgill Simpson.
"That old man upstairs always wears a crooked smile.
Staring down at the chaos he created.
Said son if you ain't having fun, just wait a little while
Momma's gonna wash it all away
She thinks mercy's overrated."
Seriously, is that not a ridiculously perfect stanza? The only way it could possibly be improved is by the way Simpson delivers it.
17. Lifted Up (1985) by Passion Pit.
"Oh well, how many years has it been now?
How many days went to waste?
Now the rain and the thunder are clashing.
The Sun's go a smile 'cross the face."
Yes, listening to this song after the last, much like watching the video, could lead you "to potentially experience seizures." I didn't make that up - watch the video - and note the warning.
18. Crying Wolf by Caleb Hawley.
"Well I got no time to talk about it.
I said that I'm sorry
And I'm movin' on.
Just pretend that those words we said never happened.
Let's go back to laughin'
And getting along."
This year's blue-eyed soul entry. Love the Motown sound.
19. 4th and Roebling by The Districts.
"Sunshine, I believe we're headed the right way
But then again, I can't quite tell for sure.
'Cause we're running to the west to let our hands touch down
Where you left me in the dark so long before."
This year's "sounds like The Strokes" song.
20. Mr. Rodriquez by Rayland Baxter.
"Yesterday morning, I was walking around
Me and Mr. Rodriguez on the wrong side of town.
The streets were all empty and the houses all burned down
He reached in his pocket and he pulled out a crown.
And he said:
'You're so much like me, boy
Step outta your dream.
Watch 'em all gather 'round boy,
It's your turn to be king."
Saw him at a great Mountain Stage with Craig Finn, among other fine artists. Rayland rocked the house that night.
Rayland Baxter at Mountain Stage. Lighting is great for concert-going, not so much for cell phones that you're not supposed to use the flash with. (photo by me)
21. Black Sun by Death Cab for Cutie.
"There is a role of a lifetime;
And there's a song yet to be sung.
And there's a dumpster in the driveway
Of all the plans that came undone."
Kind of like rubbernecking a car wreck with the obvious references to Ben Gibbard's failed relationship, sad and cathartic. But then now-departed guitarist Chris Walla cranks up a fantastic, angry solo and takes it to a different dimension entirely.
Honestly, I had never seen the video when I first wrote the car wreck line.
22. Gone by Jr. Jr.
"I've made up my mind,
over and over.
Keep pressing rewind,
but I'm getting older.
Tried every door,
don't know who I'm looking for.
And I've made up my mind,
over and over."
I had always hope to hear a song by Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. that I liked enough to include on the list. I heard this one and thought "this is it!" Then they went and changed the name of the band to just Jr. Jr. Ah well, it's still good enough to make the list.
