Monthly Music Fix 2023 09
My ninth monthly installment of my new(ish) music playlist of 2023 | 10(ish) awesomely curated new songs
“I think our feet are gonna slip. I think our hands are gonna shake. I think our eyes are gonna cry. I think our hearts are gonna break. Maybe we'll never lighten up. Maybe this isn't gonna quit. I think it's never coming back. Maybe we've always been like this”
A quick turnaround with a bunch of new music. Lots of really good stuff was released in the past couple months. With new albums from The National, Wilco, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sufjan Stevens. I tried to get them all covered in this list. Plus add to that I just discovered the awesomeness of Neal Francis and the chillness of Jill Scott and we’ve got a pretty full list already.
A quick note, I’ve created playlists in both Apple and Spotify this week. The song links will still be Spotify, but there will be an Apple playlist option at the end. Lots of long songs on this list. Only one song clocks in at under 4 minutes and many songs are over 6. Settle in.
Laugh Track - The National (ft. Phoebe Bridgers)
The National's second album of the year is an exceptional release, and while I haven't had the chance to fully digest it yet, one track in particular, which seems to be delving into the complexities of the end of a relationship, has resonated with me. The poignant lyrics reflect a sense of impending doom, as the singer laments the instability of the situation, and it leaves me contemplating the bittersweet nature of human connections and the enduring impact of such experiences. The emotional depth of this song encapsulates the band's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships in their music.
“I think our feet are gonna slip. I think our hands are gonna shake. I think our eyes are gonna cry. I think our hearts are gonna break. Maybe we'll never lighten up. Maybe this isn't gonna quit. I think it's never coming back. Maybe we've always been like this”
Levee - Wilco
Wilco's latest album is truly a gem that resonates with the band's earlier work, notably reminiscent of the Sky Blue Sky era. The album boasts an incredible sound, and I highly recommend giving it a listen. This particular track, while leaning toward the heavier side, features Jeff Tweedy's exceptional songwriting and musical prowess. The guitar work is particularly noteworthy, and the overall vibe of the song creates a captivating atmosphere that draws you in. The introspective lyrics (highlighted below) add depth to the song, inviting contemplation on the complexities of modern life and the choices we make in navigating it. Wilco's ability to blend meaningful lyrics with compelling instrumentation is showcased beautifully in this track.
“I love to take my meds. Like my doctor said But I worry. If I shouldn't instead.”
Space Invader - The National
The National's "Space Invader" showcases their signature talent for crafting emotionally charged and intricate music. The track's standout feature is undoubtedly the intense and extended musical outro, during which lead singer Matt Berninger's subdued and enigmatic mumbles add an intriguing layer to the composition. This drawn-out musical coda serves as a cathartic release, allowing the listener to immerse themselves in the sonic landscape, creating a deeply immersive and contemplative experience.
“What if I'd never written the letter”
“It was too romantic, it was sad and frantic”
Pittsburgh - Wilco
This absolutely sounds like Sky Blue Sky era Wilco. I don’t really know what Jeff is singing about in this song. But, like much of Wilco its not totally specific about anything and could be about whatever you want it to be about. Its poetic. And it just sounds like the sorta music you want to listen to while doing whatever around your house on a Sunday afternoon.
“I empty my suitcase. In the street in the rain. Time slows like a new Van Gogh. Setting fire to the frame Oh, I'm a flag where the wind won't blow. I'm a kid that never grows. My body lays, never taken away. Is it too true for me to know?. Oh, no. Am I gone. Before I go?”
Changes, Pts. 1 & 2 - Neal Francis
I saw Neil Francis live during an Hardly Strictly Bluegrass night show. It was awesome. He grooves so much. So much musical talent. I moved and danced and nodded my head. It was fantastic. This is probably his most popular song and I have to say that it just rocked live. And a great message.
“Changes, running through my life. And you get farther, and farther behind me. But I'm not answering. For anything I did anymore (oh, no). Changes, running through my life. And it gets harder and harder to find me. But I'm not living. The way I did anymore (oh, no).”
Soul Capturer - Animal Collective
Animal Collective also dropped a new studio album. Its pretty excellent. I love the whole vibe of the album. It’s a great example of their pop sensibilities combined with their art-rock sensibilities.
This song sounds awesome, with distorted vocals discussing themes of following someone (or something) you shouldn’t follow. This about how bad the Soul Capturer. The Soul Capturer is not a good person. Seems like they are constantly hurting you. Seems like the Soul Capturer is whatever captures your soul and misguides you.
“Soul Capturer, it knows no feeling. Soul Capturer puts you in a cell. You’ll lose your mind, going blind. Changing sides every time. Soul Capturer leads to your demise.”
A Long Walk - Jill Scott
Was recently introduced to Jill Scott and this song. I dig the entire vibe of this song and the whole notion of just hanging out with someone. Sorta Just Breathe-esq in its theme. I love walking. I love taking long walks. This is about getting to know someone over a long walk.
“Let's take a long walk around the park after dark. Find a spot for us to spark. Conversation, verbal elation, stimulation. Share our situations, temptations, education, relaxations. Elevations, maybe we can talk about Revelation 3:17. Or maybe we can see a movie. Or maybe we can see a play on Saturday (Saturday). Or maybe we can roll a tree and feel the breeze and listen to a symphony. Or maybe chill and just be, or maybe. Maybe we can take a cruise and listen to the Roots or maybe eat some passion fruit. Or maybe cry to the blues. Or maybe we could just be silent.”
Shit Talk - Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan released a heartbreaking album dedicated to his partner who recently passed away and in doing so came out. This is a heavy album. No doubt about it. If you are down for the heaviness, please dig in. The heavy heartbreak is felt throughout the album. This song is about realizing the end result is happening regardless. And resigning yourself to the bad ending.
“No more fighting. I've nothing left to give. I've nothing but atrophy. Did I cross you? Did I fail to believe in positive thoughts? Our romantic second chance is dead. I buried it with the hatchet. Quit your antics. Put them at the foot of the bed. And set it, on fire. I will always love you. But I cannot look at you.”
Making the Bed - Olivia Rodrigo
Olivia dropped an album of mid 90s angsty pop. I dig it. I have loved Olivia Rodrigo since Little 33Forever introduced me to her. This album is great. If you love mid 90’s angsty pop rock you will dig this album. In this discovers that age old realization that everyone has to realize through experience. Getting what I want does not necessarily make me happy.
“Want it, so I got it, did it, so it's done…I thought it, so I said it, took it 'cause I can….I got the things I wanted, it's just not what I imagined”
“I'm so tired of bein' the girl that I am. Every good thing has turned into somethin' I dread. And I'm playin' the victim so well in my head. But it's me who's been makin' the bed.”
Magicians From Baltimore - Animal Collective
Magicians… is an intriguing musical journey, stretching over nine minutes, and it's shrouded in a degree of enigmatic complexity. While its exact meaning remains elusive, it seems to evoke a sense of mysticism and introspection. The title raises questions about whether the "magicians" alluded to are, in fact, the members of Animal Collective themselves, suggesting that they possess a unique ability to conjure and manipulate sonic landscapes.
The song presents a darker and more enigmatic vibe compared to some of the band's other works, incorporating elements of art rock and avant-garde experimentation. Yet, amidst its inherent weirdness and complexity, it maintains a captivating groove, drawing the listener into its intricate musical tapestry.
The lyrics suggest a yearning for a connection, a conversation about the unspoken or the unresolved. The mention of Baltimore could hold significance, perhaps symbolizing a return to a place of personal or emotional significance.
In essence, "Magicians From Baltimore" is a musical enigma that invites interpretation and reflection. It showcases Animal Collective's penchant for pushing the boundaries of music, blending artistry and obscurity in a way that keeps listeners both perplexed and engaged.
“Call me when you. Get back to Baltimore. We'll talk of things new. It might seem things are fine. But trouble takes its own time. And sometimes people too.”
Bonus Songs
I couldn’t resist adding these awesome songs from artists I’ve already heavily featured on this list.
Evicted - Wilco
"Evicted" by Wilco is a captivating tune that exudes a feel-good quality, making it an ideal choice for weekend relaxation or even for adding a pleasant backdrop to mundane chores like mowing the grass. The song's lyrical content, set against its upbeat and vibey sounds, explores the theme of a fading love, delivering a sense of bittersweet nostalgia that resonates with the listener. The lyrics convey a poignant reflection on the end of a romantic relationship, further enhancing the emotional depth of the song.
“I'm nevеr gonna see you again. I'm evicted. From your heart. I dеserve it.”
A Running Start - Sufjan Stevens
This song offers a unique perspective on the inception of a relationship, laden with a sense of foreboding and melancholy, which contrasts with the usual sense of joy and optimism associated with the beginning of love. This poignant juxtaposition hints at a deeper narrative within the album, suggesting that the artist is acutely aware of an impending, ominous conclusion to this love story. The lyrics add layers of mystique to the song, invoking vivid imagery that underscores the complexities of love and its potential for both beauty and turmoil.
“I see the light upon the lake. The silver moon, the water snake. A pair of eyes, a gentle breeze. Forgotten tales, a wild beast.”
Cousin - Wilco
"Cousin" by Wilco is a standout track on the album, showcasing the band's musical prowess. Its fast-paced rhythm and alluring melody might initially mask the underlying darkness that permeates the song. Jeff Tweedy's poignant lyrics reveal a sense of conflict and unresolved tension within the narrative.
It's worth noting that the song also benefits from the exceptional guitar work of Nels Cline, the band's lead guitarist. Nels Cline's role in "Cousin" adds a layer of complexity and depth to the song. His intricate guitar riffs and solos interweave with the music, contributing to the overall sonic richness and intensifying the emotional resonance of the track. This collaboration between Cline and the band is a testament to the musical synergy that has long defined Wilco's sound.
“Led by light. You can't divide. When your red lines. Get crossed with mine. I object to you. Our deal's un-struck.”
Goodbye Evergreen - Sufjan Stevens
Sufjan Stevens' poignant song is a raw and deeply emotional exploration of the profound loss of his lover. The mournful tone and the cacophony of instruments within the song serve as a metaphor for the tumultuous whirlwind of emotions that accompany such a heartbreaking experience. The dissonance and chaos in the music mirror the disarray of feelings that can consume someone when dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The lyrics resonate with a deep sense of sorrow and despair. The metaphorical language and vivid imagery in the lyrics convey the feeling of inner turmoil and guilt, as well as a desperate longing for release from the anguish.
In capturing the profound and complex emotions that accompany the loss of a loved one, Sufjan Stevens' song becomes a poignant and evocative musical tribute to the profound human experience of grief and heartache.
“Something just isn't right. I cut from the inside. I'm frightened of the end. I'm drowning in my self-defense. Now punish me. Think of me as what you will. I grow like a cancer. I'm pressed out in thе rain. Deliver me from thе poisoned pain.”
Theia - King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
"Theia" by King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard is a mesmerizing track that combines dancey rock rhythms with captivating soundscapes, creating a sense of wonder and spaciousness. The song's unique blend of musical elements adds to its overall allure, making it a captivating sonic experience.
The song's lyrics allude to a cosmic event - the collision of Earth with a hypothetical planet named Theia. According to the Giant Impact Hypothesis, it is believed that Theia, a planetesimal, collided with the early Earth, leading to the formation of the moon. The lyrics touch upon the notion of destiny and the interconnected fate of Theia and Earth. They paint a vivid picture of this celestial collision, symbolized by "Theia it did impact," and the subsequent creation of the moon, metaphorically described as "the silver cord did snap." The song takes the listener on a journey, both musically and thematically, into the realms of cosmic events and spiritual rebirth, extending beyond the boundaries of earthly existence.
“Theia, a force of destiny. Fate intertwined with that of earth. A ticking clock of new reality. A spiritual rebirth. And when Theia it did impact. The silver cord did snap as well. Leaving the soul to sail on. A journey beyond which that we dwell.”
Check out the playlist below on both Spotify and Apple Music.