Happy to see the symposia active again, and joyful to see it stirred by the spirit of Josh and his love of music. See is my key word so far - I have not yet clicked the links on Dan and John’s lists, but I am eager to give them a listen.
But first: here (hear!) is my own new list of songs. I still pull up old songs from earlier lists, and I have all of Josh’s S2L2A3 compilations in my shuffle, but this year’s list compiles a DJ’s dozen of songs produced and discovered only in the last year. I am a dinosaur, still listening to CDs and albums, but I have appreciated being kept fresh by the monthly samplers of new music offered by MOJO and Uncut magazines. I also like going to other people’s year-end lists - even Barack Obama put one out this year, over 30 songs long! Again (and again!), I look forward to listening to what all of you are offering to the mix.
1.
Boys In The Better Land - Fontaines DC. MOJO named this Dublin group the best new band of 2019. Note their reference to “a James Joyce novel.” The album, Dogrel, is said to be an instant classic, but so far I have only listened and listened to this song.
2.
Hey, Ma - Bon Iver. A voice from the not too distant past, and to me it sounds fresher and more real. Can’t say I understand much of the lyrics yet, but there is a call to “call your ma” now and then! .
3.
Cuz I Love You / Truth Hurts / Juice - Lizzo. Maybe don’t call your ma with some of the lyrics to this set, but you gotta love the voice, the saltiness, the boldness of this Mpls mama. Even NPR had to lay off the mute button for this, one of their “tiny desk concerts.” Hallelujah!
4.
Supernature - Modern Nature. This is actually an EP remix of
a 4 minute song, so I’ll offer both links. I like the 12 minute version, a fine example of how music can soothe the soul.
5.
Jonny - Faye Webster. More accessible lyrics here. The words were what pulled me in (“I want to ...get over how my dog is my best friend and he doesn't even know what my name is”), but I also love the horns and strings. Here’s the track and
the reprise, both on Atlanta Millionaire’s Club.
6.
Muddy - Jamila Woods. One (and only one) more song that starts a little salty. But, please, listen past the first bleep or two. This Chicago artist will catch you! Her album, Legacy! Legacy!, is her own S2L2A3 list of sorts, attributing each track to individual inspirations (e.g., Frida, Eartha, Baldwin), including this one to the father of Chicago Blues.
7.
Ballad of the Hulk - Bill Callahan. This artist had MOJO’s album of the year, Dream River, a few year’s back, so I was eager to hear another offering from him this year. Characteristically simple but poetic, consciousness streaming but story telling, with easy chords and a baritone narration.
8.
Last Straw - Nerija. And now for something completely different. Good old fashioned modern sound from an all female London band that won several newcomer awards in 2016 and 2017. Josh would approve of adding some jazz to the mix!
9.
Walk Through Fire - Yola. Title track to a debut album that garnered four grammy nominations this year. I’m told this song is based on a true flame escaping story, but it stands on its own as what should become a classic “fire of love” allegory song. Maybe a prompt for your song group, Dan?
10.
Leviathon - Nick Cave. I will admit that Cave is a little bit too deep and cerebral for me sometimes, and yet his lyrics can be starkly simple. He is definitely an artist, and, I think, a good balance to this list.
11.
Western - Black Midi. Another newcomer from Britain, and be prepared, what starts with a simple walking pace song sidetracks into a whirlwind about a minute thirty in. But keep with it, the pace will return. Reminds me of old days Genesis or King Crimson.
12.
Every Last Coffee Or Tea - 75 Dollar Bill. Instrumentality at its best, and on that note I offer you the 11 minute album track and
a 4 minute clip of the artists at work. Interestingly, they sell their album only as cassette or digital, no CD. I’m confused!
Now, let me get back to those other lists!
- Jon
