Alternative Grab Bag VIII

I don’t know what to say about the recent attack on the U.S. Capitol except it was a disgusting display of ignorance, hatred, and violence. But really, who can be surprised when people who believe in Big Foot, UFOs, and Elvis sightings get involved in politics and run amok? Not only do these gullible false patriots and domestic terrorists prefer looser gun laws over safer schools, they also believe crackpot conspiracy theories and celebrate the Confederacy and Nazi Germany- two racist, anti-democratic powers whose horrors the United States of America had to eradicate through years of bloody conflict. I understand some Trumpers feel forgotten, but they really need to return to reality and remember our history.

James McMurtry

Rather than serving as a harbinger of bad things to come, my hope is America uses this shameful and tragic incident as a clarion call to reject such garbage and each of us stands up for what is decent- especially in our own backyards- as we continue to strive for A More Perfect Union. My late December survey of indie/alternative music continued into the new year and now seems as good a time as any to keep celebrating more of my favorite alternative songs including indie/alternative, new wave, adult alternative, punk, and even alternative country and alternative folk. Enjoy- and God Bless America!

Willie Nelson

01. The Dead Milkmen – “Dean’s Dream” (1985)

02. James McMurtry and the Heartless Bastards – “Out Here in the Middle (Live)” (2003)

03. Crooked Fingers – “Sleep All Summer” (2005)

04. Craig Finn – “Maggie I’ve Been Searching for Our Son” (2015)

05. Elvis Costello – “(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding” (1978)

06. Porno for Pyros – “Kimberly Austin” (1996)

07. Tom Waits – “San Diego Serenade” (1974)

08. Badly Drawn Boy – “Magic in the Air” (2000)

09. Bob Mould – “Heartbreak a Stranger” (1989)

10. Lou Reed – “New Sensations (Live)” (1997) 

11. Gorky’s Zygotic Mynci – “Spanish Dance Troupe” (1999)

12. James McMurtry – “Long Island Sound” (2015)

13. Rancid – “Wrongful Suspicion” (1998)

14. Willie Nelson and Calexico – “Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)” (2007)

15. The Mr. T Experience – “Ba Ba Ba Ba Ba” (1996)

16. PJ Harvey – “You Said Something” (2000)

17. Dar Williams – “The Christians and the Pagans” (1996)

18. The Shins – “Gone for Good” (2003)

19. Superchunk – “Break the Glass” (2018)

20. Joan Osborne – “You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go” (2017)

21. The Clash – “English Civil War” (1978)

The Clash

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...