America Is Weird and So Are You

As a parent, I approach so-called children’s music cautiously. To get my parental seal of approval, music made for children should accomplish three things: serve as good background music for playtime; be listenable enough for both parents and children in the car; and make each one a better person for having listened to it. Pete Seeger’s Circles & Seasons gets my seal of approval. 

While I have my doubts whether Seeger intended Circles & Seasons to be a children’s record, I find approaching folk music as children’s music enhances my enjoyment of it. The songs on this album are wonderfully eclectic and each song better than the last resulting in a very satisfying listen. Adults may find the opening track “Garbage” kind of depressing but kids won’t. This is music that respects children, respects their intelligence, and fills the nursery with both fun and dignity. 

Seeger has not always been my cup of tea but this record is tea I can drink and then ask for seconds. It’s late Pete Seeger- he was around 60- and the old folkie gets production assistance from his fellow Weaver, Fred Hellerman. There is warmth and humanity in this record. For those who find the music weird, so what? America is weird and so are you. Children are innocent and don’t possess our adult hang-ups. Pete and Fred understand this. Their shared love for music and people shines through. Grade: A-

Listen to the album on Spotify...

... or check out the album on YouTube

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Recommended Links:

Harry Belafonte and Arlo Guthrie Induct Pete Seeger into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

The Man Who Invented Funk

Remember box sets? 30 years ago this month, James Brown’s box set Star Time landed in stores. While I have owned at least a dozen JB studio album, live performance, and compilation CDs over the years, I never got around to purchasing Star Time which is widely considered to be the definitive James Brown retrospective. Old school funk was making a big comeback in the early ‘90s perhaps due in part to Star Time but also thanks to the growing popularity of rap which robbed so many ‘60s ‘70s, and ‘80s funk artists blind through its use of sampling (stealing). Legal online streaming has allowed me to at last gain access to Star Time and, if you really want to, you can use Google to find the box set’s photos and liner notes before spending five hours absorbing it all (I already know enough about the man and his legacy).

More of a funk reference book or dictionary than an album one listens to in one play, Star Time breaks down James Brown’s enormous output into pretty much chronological order with each of the four discs representing a distinct period in the artist’s musical development. The lyrics are not so important- with Brown it’s all about how his voice and music make you feel. Many of these songs taught me to dance and whereas some R&B- like Motown- tried to serve as crossover music to cut into the “white” market, Brown never sugar-coated his uniquely Southern American and yes African sound. By the late ‘60s, JB was moving beyond tasty funk and going full on primal trance, tapping into something deep that grabs you by the gut and pulls you onto the dance floor. This is serious funk and is definitely not for amateurs.

One pleasant surprise for me was how much I enjoyed the first disc which highlights JB’s earliest stuff from the ‘50s and ‘60s. I also forgot just how jazzy Brown's music can get at times but in a good way since his top shelf backing bands are always tight. The only complaint I have about Star Time is its length: when am I going to have the time and stamina to listen to it again? Still, it’s nice to know Star Time is there for posterity. How does one grade a dictionary? For those pressed for time, you can settle for the poor man’s Star Time- 20 All-Time Greatest Hits!- which was released later that same year. Just be careful about playing any of JB’s music- whether alone or with others- as it may cause a serious funk dance party to break out. Now that is some physical exercise I can get behind! Grade: A

Listen to the music on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

James Brown on David Letterman

James Brown's Greatest Dance Moves

Play It Again, Jean IV – Part 2

“Gospel music is the music of good news and in these days there just isn’t any. Good news in today’s world is like a fugitive, treated like a hoodlum and put on the run. Castigated. All we see is good-for-nothing news. And we have to thank the media industry for that. It stirs people up. Gossip and dirty laundry. Dark news that depresses and horrifies you. 

On the other hand, gospel news is exemplary. It can give you courage. You can pace your life accordingly, or try to, anyway. And you can do it with honor and principles. There are theories of truth in gospel but to most people it’s unimportant. Their lives are lived out too fast. Too many bad influences. Sex and politics and murder is the way to go if you want to get people’s attention. It excites us, that’s our problem.” 

– Bob Dylan, 2020 

Nat King Cole

01. Dramarama – “Scenario” (1985) from New Faves 04/04/2021

One gets the feeling these Jersey boys thought they might be the next Beatles- the lyrics are better than most anything else happening in 1985- but alas, Dramarama were pretty much ignored outside L.A. and have since been relegated to cult classic status. 

02. The Boo Radleys – “There She Goes” (1993) from Good Time Boys III –  Part 2

At the turn of the century, a fellow Peace Corps Volunteer in Bulgaria turned me onto the So I Married an Axe Murderer soundtrack. There is something heartwarming about Brits emulating American music’s handclaps and Beach Boys style vocals. Is it sacrilege to say I like this better than the La’s’ original?

03. The Shins – “Gone for Good” (2003) from Alternative Grab Bag VIII

Despite average material, I like the way these guys demonstrate total commitment to the song and mix in ‘60s, folk, and country elements.

04. Future Islands – “Dream of You and Me” (2014) from New Faves 04/04/2021

Reminds me of a beach vacation. How refreshing to like a contemporary song that is actually popular! 

05. Nat King Cole – “Harlem Blues” (1958) from New Faves 04/04/2021

Nothing special here- just, pure, empathetic, life-affirming talent. When I was a kid, I think we may have had a vinyl copy of The Nat King Cole Story in our basement. 

Ween

06. Big Star – “When My Baby’s Beside Me” (1972) from Power Pop Heaven III

All the themes of rock & roll in one song. Is this the first utterance of the word “shrink” in popular music?

07. Spirit – “Nature’s Way” (1970) from Playlist: Psychedelic Laundromat

“Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better.” – Albert Einstein

08. They Might Be Giants – “I’m Your Boyfriend Now” (2007) from What’s the Alternative? IV – Part 3

I like the way the singer informs his partner that- just in case there is any doubt- “I’m your boyfriend now” and then proceeds to share his likes/hobbies. In my experience, you’d be surprised how many people need this kind of thing spelled out for them!

09. Scott Walker – “30 Century Man” (1969) from What’s the Alternative? III – Part 2

I really enjoy the guitar in this song as well as the mystery of what the hell this guy is singing about.

10. Ween feat. David Sanborn – “Your Party” (2007) from What’s the Alternative? IV – Part 4

I think with this song, Ween is imagining what it would be like to be a person who enjoys smooth jazz, trying to see the world through their eyes, and expressing their thoughts however vacant and clone-like.

11. Future Islands – “Seasons (Waiting on You)” (2014) from New Faves 04/04/2021

I have no problem with artists reinterpreting ‘80s synth pop and I celebrate and enjoy this song for what it is. In fact, bring on the synth pop renaissance! If the opening sounds familiar then you may be thinking of that ‘90s Underworld song that appeared on the Trainspotting soundtrack which- while I didn’t care for the movie- I had a copy of at one time and enjoyed.

12. The Divine Comedy – “Have you Ever Been in Love” (2010) from What’s the Alternative? III – Part 1

This ode to pop standards and musicals (think Cole Porter) demonstrates you don’t have to possess amazing vocal chops since it is the song- not the singer- and the best are usually well written enough to ensure any person- no matter their singing and dancing abilities- can pull it off and be entertaining.

13. Sagittarius – “Song to the Magic Frog (Will You Ever Know)” (1968) from In Praise of Sunshine Pop II

While living in Saudi Arabia, I used to drive around our neighborhood in the late afternoon and early evening with my baby son to take in the desert landscape while listening to this song which enchants me, takes me up to the clouds, and conjures childhood memories of warm summer days under the shade of trees, sunlight glinting through the leaves. My son would often pass out in his car seat. 

14.  Travis – “Why Does It Always Rain on Me?” (1999) from In the Shadow of the Police – Part 2

I think I first heard/saw this song on MTV Europe in Bulgaria in 2000. Travis always struck me as the most mellow of the Britpop bands and hewed most closely to the singer-songwriter tradition. Even the lyric “Is it because I lied when I was 17?” somehow reminds me of those oddly titled ‘70s young adult novels meant to entice kids such as Mom, the Wolf Man, and Me, The Cat Ate My Gymsuit, and I Am the Cheese. I remember Travis also did solid covers of both Joni Mitchell and Britney Spears songs.

15. Tom Petty – “Square One” (2006) from New Faves 03/18/2021

Even longtime Petty fans probably ignored this album upon its release but I like this song’s honesty. While I’m happy for all those rockers who, after decades of abuse, get clean and sober, few of them talk about the permanent damage done to their brains, bodies, and souls. Given all his wealth, travels, and famous friends, I wish Petty had hung around longer to write an autobiography. But, in the end, it’s just each of us standing before God to account for our lives- and none of that other stuff really matters. 

Tom Petty

16. The Beatles – “Paperback Writer” (1966) from Playlist: Psychedelic Laundromat

The great explosion of Western art and music in the 1960s, including the Beatles who created new musical movements with each single they released, reminds me of a quote from one of my favorite movies, My Dinner with Andre (1981) when Andre tells Wally: “See, I think it’s quite possible that the 1960s represented the last burst of the human being before he was extinguished and that this is the beginning of the rest of the future now, and that from now on there’ll simply be all these robots walking around, feeling nothing, thinking nothing. And there’ll be nobody left almost to remind them that there once was a species called a human being, with feelings and thoughts, and that history and memory are right now being erased, and soon nobody will really remember that life existed on the planet.”

Traffic

17. Kate Royal, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Edward Gardner – “Orff: Carmina Burana: In Trutina” (2007) from Classical Music Faves IV

For me, classical music like this can be the perfect escape from my troubles and remains a pocket of light in my life for which I am thankful. 

18. The Killers – “The Way It Was” (2012) from What’s the Alternative? IV – Part 3

I think this song would have sounded right at home on night time radio circa 1985.

19. The Beatles – “Got to Get You into My Life” (1966) from Playlist: Psychedelic Laundromat

For years this was one of my least favorite Beatles songs but now is one of my favorites which may be further proof that McCartney’s Beatles compositions may stand the test of time better than Lennon’s. 

20. Traffic – “Dear Mr. Fantasy” (1967) from Playlist: Psychedelic Laundromat

Amazing how ‘60s British bands like Traffic took American blues and made it their own with such far out and wonderful results. Hope you have enjoyed this year’s round up of my favorite songs. Thanks for stopping by, stay safe, and hope to see you next year! – The Jean

The Beatles   

 

“In this COVID thing, I’ve equated it, you can’t really equate it, but I’ve likened it to my parents in the war in World War II. Imagine the upheaval in their lives, and you’re all getting blown up. And yet, they made their way through it. Well, the ones who survived. Their attitude was so positive. And the songs and everything was so uplifting. You know, this great British spirit kind-of thing. And so I tend to think if they could get through that, which they did, and a good period followed it, then we’ll get through this. I don’t know how, because I’m not a medical person. But I have faith in people who do know how. And we’ll come out the other end.” 

– Paul McCartney, 2020

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

Echo in the Canyon – Trailer

My Dinner with Andre (“Pockets of Light”)

Play It Again, Jean IV – Part 1

It’s been four year since my first time and I’m still blogging. Seems longer somehow. Time once again to look back and revisit some of my favorite songs from the past year. Enjoy!

Columbo

01. Classics IV – “Traces” (1969) from Oldies: Pass the Fritos IX

I know I’ve been watching too many Columbo episodes when the protagonist’s words in this song immediately raise my suspicions he may have committed murder. The song also has for me that certain California Sound- I can almost feel the sunshine and hear the Pacific Ocean (though Classics IV were apparently from Atlanta by way of Jacksonville). Still, the haunting melody, soothing strings, and above average sax solo- I’ll take it all, thank you very much. BTW- You already know their big hit, “Spooky”.

02. Cracker – “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” (1992) from New Faves 04/04/2021

I guess as a high school senior and lead singer for Twinkie Force I was not listening to radio much when this song hit number one on the modern rock charts (whatever that is) in the spring of ‘92. Was this a dig at grunge and how serious and mopey music was becoming in the early ‘90s? The singer laments he has more use for Frank Sinatra than whatever else was happening in music at the time. I hear you.

03. Alkaline Trio – “She Lied to the FBI” (2013) from New Faves 04/04/2021

Nothing fancy. Just a catchy title, catchy song, and voilà. It’s not that hard, people.  

04. Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band – “Night Moves” (1976) from Playlist: Classic Rock: Choice Cuts

Bryan Adams has reportedly said this Bob Seger classic was the inspiration behind “Summer of ‘69”. Why does it seem all the great love affairs take place in summer? Must be something deep inside us. Took me nearly 50 years but I am finally coming to appreciate the music of Bob Seger. Bob Seger!

05. The Beatles – “Eleanor Rigby” (1966) from In Search of Baroque Pop

“Ahhhh, look at all the lonely people.” I have this vision of long ago watching something about the Beatles on TV and “Eleanor Rigby” playing over disturbing black and white footage of Beatlemania with all the girls screaming, crying, and trying to get closer to the Fab Four. “All the lonely people. Where do they all come from?” “We’re more popular than Jesus,” John Lennon got criticized for saying at the height of Beatlemania. 14 years later, one of those lonely people found and murdered him.

06. Nat King Cole – “Nature Boy” (1961) from Jean’s Jazz: Smells Good IV

Such a strange and lovely song. Cole recorded an earlier version in 1948 but I prefer this one.

Gordon Lightfoot

07. The Doors – “People Are Strange” (1967) from Playlist: Psychedelic Laundromat

We don’t choose which music influences us- especially when we’re young- and, for better or worse, the Doors’ music was a big influence on me during my early teenage years. During some lame ninth grade superlatives ceremony at school, I was voted and awarded most original hairstyle (I had a shaved head) and when my female counterpart and I were called on stage to receive our awards (she had kind of a short bob hairdo), this song was playing. I grew my hair out. She later shaved her head.

08. Gordon Lightfoot – “Christian Island (Georgian Bay)” (1972) from Blue Jean Rock Poets V – Part 1

Lightfoot’s Canadian summer holiday fantasy with Silverheels (great name). You can almost smell the perfume and cigarette smoke and hear the empty booze bottles rolling around below deck. 

09. Loudon Wainwright III – “Your Mother and I” (1986) from Playlist: Folkies

“Your mother and I are both feeling bad.” This is kind of like Raffi for adults. I could almost hear and imagine Raffi covering this song. Maybe?

10. John Gorka – “The One That Got Away” (1990) from Playlist: Folkies

Recorded more than 20 years before the Civil Wars song of the same name. 

11. Manassas – “It Doesn’t Matter” (1972) from Classic Rock: Choice Cuts VII

Something kind of chilly and spooky about this song that makes me want to put it on a Halloween mix. To me the sound of this supergroup- led by Stephen Stills- well represents the apex of  FM classic rock. Cool album cover- cold day at the Manassas train station, I guess. The front and back album covers are actually one photo. I’ve heard good things about this double album- might be worth a listen.

12. Harper and Rowe – “On the Roof Top” (1967) from In Praise of Sunshine Pop III

Nothing fancy, just straight ahead, catchy, exciting AM pop recorded back when you could write, record, and have a hit single in the charts all in a matter of weeks- and then be forgotten in even less time.

13. KC and the Sunshine Band – “Please Don’t Go” (1979) from New Faves 03/18/2021

One nice thing about living in the Caribbean is radio is still popular here, the DJs are entertaining, and you can hear everything, including local sounds, while driving around the island. I think I heard this ‘70s song for the first time while driving home from work a few months ago and it’s become a new favorite. 

14. The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows” (1966) from Playlist: In Praise of Sunshine Pop

I think it was April 1996. I was going through a really tough time at college- away from home- and this album was one of the few things that brought me comfort. While it may be overrated, I think Pet Sounds is one of the best proper albums of the ‘60s (Brian Wilson advises people to listen to it with headphones in the dark). Also, I’ve always felt a sort of kinship with Brian Wilson since, among other things, we share the same first name- and my mom’s maiden name is Wilson. Recently, I got sucked into watching a guilty pleasure marathon of Big Love for which  “God Only Knows” is the opening theme song.

15. Ween – “Boys Club” (1994) from What’s the Alternative? IV – Part 3

Ween were never known for having any taste which leaves me wondering why Gene and Dean left this one off their magnum opus, Chocolate and Cheese, before the song surfaced 10 years later on an outtakes compilation, Shinola, Vol. 1. Fun but weird (this is Ween after all), “Boys Club” makes me smile yet also fills my mind with creepy, yellowed images similar to the below Walker Brothers album cover. 

16. Bruce Springsteen – “Thunder Road (Live)” (1975) from New Faves 04/04/2021

Bruce Springsteen was huge in the ‘70s- fans and critics saw him as rock’s savior- and it’s not hard to hear why on this live recording from a ‘75 concert in London. When news broke of Springsteen’s 2020 alcohol arrest in New Jersey, Twinkie Force was considering reuniting (virtually) to record an album of all new material and so I wrote a song called “Tequila Road” in honor of the Boss- which will probably never get recorded. “Call Little Steven, call Barack Obama, call Jeep, get me out of this.”

17. Loudon Wainwright III – “The Acid Song” (1986) from Playlist: Folkies

One of those songs everyone should hear at least once. LSD was legal in the United States until 1968 but just because something is legal does not mean it’s good for you. “Think twice before dropping acid.”

18. Neil Diamond – “Brooklyn Roads” (1968) from Channeling AM Pop – Part 1

In addition to sharing the same birthday, sounds like Neil Diamond and I shared a similar childhood. In this song, I can identify with the singer’s fond childhood memories of love, happiness, and family, and bad memories of school where exasperated teachers and administrators told my parents I was gifted, yes, but also dreamy and unruly. Yet even as a little boy I knew I was going places in my mind and imagination that my detractors could not even fathom. Looking back, I probably should have been in a Montessori school where I’ve heard the education is more student directed. Instead, to save me from boredom and daily indignity, I was removed from public school and placed in Catholic school.

Rosey Chan

19. Lack of Afro – “The Basis” (2009) from New Faves 03/18/2021

I don’t know what this is, but more songs like it, please!

20. Rosey Chan – “Infinity” (2021) from Classical Music Faves V

I abandoned piano lessons while still in Catholic school but I still like to tickle the ivories on my mother’s piano. While I don’t know how to play, people say the melodies I produce on the piano are gloomy and dramatic. I can relate to what Rosey Chan is doing in this song. Moving from key to key, chord to chord, it may seem random at first, and you’re not sure what’s coming next, yet somehow it all works affectively.

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: Classic Rock: Choice Cuts

A continuing celebration of my favorite classic rock songs. Updated. Enjoy!

Bob Seger

01. Neil Young – “Pardon My Heart” (1975)

02. Crosby, Stills & Nash – “You Don’t Have to Cry” (1969)

03. Bob Dylan and the Band – “All Along the Watchtower (Live)” (1974)

04. Bob Seger – “Against the Wind” (1980)

05. The Beatles – “Day Tripper” (1965)

06. Bruce Springsteen – “Thunder Road (Live)” (1975)

07. Bryan Adams – “Summer of ‘69” (1984)

08. Fleetwood Mac – “Landslide” (1975)

09. Bob Seger – “Old Time Rock and Roll” (1978)

10. Bob Seger – “Night Moves” (1976)

11. Manassas – “It Doesn’t Matter” (1972)

12. Paul McCartney – “Early Days” (2013)

13. Traveling Wilburys – “End of the Line” (1988)

14. The Kinks – “Celluloid Heroes” (1972)

15. Bob Seger – “Rock and Roll Never Forgets” (1976)

16. Warren Zevon – “Werewolves of London” (1978)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: Folkies

A continuing celebration of my favorite folk songs. Updated. Enjoy!

Simon & Garfunkel

01. Simon & Garfunkel – “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy) (Live)” (1970)

02. Simon & Garfunkel – “Mrs. Robinson” (1968)

03. Simon & Garfunkel – “Bookends” (1968)

04. Simon & Garfunkel – “Bridge Over Troubled Water” (1970)

05. Peter, Paul and Mary – “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face” (1965)

06. John Gorka – “Love Is Our Cross to Bear” (1987)

07. John Gorka – “The One That Got Away” (1990)

08. Loudon Wainwright III – “Your Mother and I” (1986)

09. Loudon Wainwright III – “White Winos” (2001)

10. Loudon Wainwright III – “The Acid Song” (1986)

11. Loudon Wainwright III – “Unhappy Anniversary” (1986)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: Psychedelic Laundromat

A continuing celebration of my favorite psychedelic songs. Updated. Enjoy!

The Beatles

01. The Beatles – “Got to Get You into My Life” (1966)

02. The Doors – “People Are Strange” (1967)

03. The Yardbirds – “For Your Love” (1965)

04. Sagittarius – “Song to the Magic Frog (Will You Ever Know)” (1968)

05. Donovan – “Hampstead Incident” (1967)

06. Bob Dylan – “Desolation Row (Alternate)” (1965)

07. The Beatles – “Paperback Writer” (1966)

08. Jefferson Airplane – “Volunteers” (1969)

09. The Brogues – “I Ain’t No Miracle Worker” (1965)

10. Spirit – “Nature’s Way” (1970)

11. Donovan – “Widow with a Shawl (A Portrait) (Live)” (1967)

12. The Beatles – “Strawberry Fields Forever (Take 4)” (1966)

13. Traffic – “Dear Mr. Fantasy” (1967)

14. Nancy Sinatra and Lee Hazlewood – “Sand” (1968)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: Byrds of a Feather

A continuing celebration of my favorite Byrds songs. Updated. Enjoy!

The Byrds

01. The Byrds – “You Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere” (1968)

02. The Byrds – “Mr. Tambourine Man (Live)” (1970)

03. The Byrds – “The World Turns All Around Her” (1965)

04. The Byrds – “Here Without You” (1965)

05. The Byrds – “Your Gentle Way of Loving Me” (1969)

06. The Byrds – “Tulsa County” (1969)

07. The Byrds – “Deportee (Plane Wreck at Los Gatos)” (1969)

08. The Byrds – “Chimes of Freedom” (1965)

09. The Byrds – “Set You Free This Time” (1965)

10. The Byrds – “Goin’ Back” (1968)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: Cheer Up, Sleepy Jean

A continuing celebration of my favorite Monkees songs. Updated. Enjoy!

The Monkees

01. The Monkees – “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow)” (1967)

02. The Monkees – “Through the Looking Glass” (1969)

03. The Monkees – “Listen to the Band” (1969)

04. The Monkees – “Daydream Believer” (1967)

05. The Monkees – “You Just May Be the One” (1967)

06. The Monkees – “Love Is Only Sleeping” (1967)

07. The Monkees – “Apples, Peaches, Bananas and Pears” (1966)

08. The Monkees – “She Makes Me Laugh” (2016)

09. The Monkees – “Sunny Girlfriend (Live)” (2019)

10. The Monkees – “She’ll Be There” (1967)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Playlist: In Praise of Sunshine Pop

A continuing celebration of my favorite sunshine pop. Updated. Enjoy!

The Beach Boys

01. The Beach Boys – “Good Vibrations” (1966)

02. The Turtles – “Me About You” (1967)

03. The Beach Boys – “God Only Knows” (1966)

04. The Association – “Everything That Touches You” (1968)

05. The Mamas and the Papas – “Twelve Thirty (Young Girls Are Coming to the Canyon” (1967)

06. The Mamas and the Papas – “Safe in My Garden” (1968)

07. The Mamas and the Papas – “My Heart Stood Still” (1966)

08. The Beatles – “Octopus’ Garden” (1969)

09. Harpers Bizarre – “Witchi Tai To” (1969)

10. Sagittarius – “Song to the Magic Frog (Will You Ever Know)” (1968)

11. The Left Banke – “She May Call You Up Tonight” (1967)

12. The Beach Boys – “Our Prayer” (1966)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

New Faves 04/04/2021

Marxism got one thing right- economics drives history. If people want mind-blowingly good music on a large scale like we saw in the 20th century then the music business must adapt to the new landscape- where listeners call the shots- and increase profit incentives for artists and songwriters. Otherwise, it’s going to be near impossible for anyone to round up the next cream of the musical crop, make millions off them, and ensure they are known to every living soul- even if they are the next Beatles, Frank Sinatra, or Bob Dylan. As we all know, the richest artists aren’t necessarily the most talented and I doubt I would recognize the names of any of today’s newest and wealthiest musicians. Will there ever be worldwide musical superstars such as we saw in the 20th century whose talents deserve such riches and fame? 

Mandrill

Not every artist becomes rich and famous and it’s hard to make art when you’re working three jobs and scraping to survive. For consumers to be able to enjoy the best of what is out there, artists need an economic incentive to expend energy, time, and capital on writing, recording, and performing- and some way for their music to reach potentially millions of listeners. Though the 20th century saw many artists getting ripped off (even the big names), it was a great time for consumers of music as well as artists and producers. Time to be great again. We have nothing to lose but the pop slop that continues to offend and send each of us scurrying to our separate corners of the Internet (and has been doing so for the past 25 years). Here are some of my favorite most recent musical discoveries. Enjoy- and Happy Easter!

Cracker

01. Alkaline Trio – “She Lied to the FBI” (2013)

02. Arab Strap – “The Shy Retirer” (2003)

03. Bruce Springsteen – “Thunder Road (Live)” (1975)

04. Dramarama – “Scenario” (1985)

05. Nat King Cole – “Harlem Blues” (1958)

06. Cracker – “Teen Angst (What the World Needs Now)” (1992)

07. Kelly Hogan – “Papa Was a Rodeo” (2000)

08. The Postal Service – “Sleeping In” (2003)

09. Future Islands – “Seasons (Waiting for You)” (2014)

10. Future Islands – “A Dream of You and Me” (2014)

11. Mandrill – “Fencewalk” (1973)

12. The Monkees – “Through the Looking Glass” (1969)

13. The Peppermint Trolley Company – “I’ve Got to Be Going” (1968)

14. Judy Collins – “Michael from Mountains” (1967)

15. Yo La Tengo – “Detouring America with Horns” (1992)

16. Damien Jurado – “Letters & Drawings” (1999)

17. M. Ward – “To Go Home” (2006)

18. Josh Rouse – “Dressed Up Like Nebraska” (1998)

19. The Bevis Frond – “He’d Be a Diamond” (1991)

20. Mickey Newbury – “I Don’t Think Much About Her No More” (1969)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

Paul Simon Fans Cry Foul When NBC Op-Ed Calls Him a ‘Footnote’ to Bob Dylan