Monthly Music Fix 2024 03
A curated list of ten (10) newish songs with song meanings and descriptions
There is so much good music coming out in 2024. I can’t even keep track of it all. I am for sure missing awesomeness. But, I am hearing lots of things I love and dig and most of all, it all sounds amazing. Should we take a moment and appreciate that production capabilities of producers and sound engineers nowadays. The music, vocals, and arrangements sound amazing. The production value is really top notch.
All in Good Time - Iron & Wine, Fiona Apple
Iron & Wine, the moniker of singer-songwriter Sam Beam, crafts an intricate tapestry of sound characterized by whispery, tender vocals that seem to float on a breeze of intimate storytelling. His lyrics, rich in poetic imagery and evocative of deep, often introspective themes, invite listeners into a carefully constructed world where every word carries weight. The overall tone of Iron & Wine's music is one of melancholic beauty, blending folk's acoustic simplicity with a depth of emotion that resonates long after the last chord fades.
This song should be nominated for a Grammy and played at the Grammy’s. Its that good. Fiona’s vocals on this song are killer. Sam Beam’s aged and tender voice mixes so well with Fiona’s. The lyrics reflect the end of a long, hard fought relationship and all that goes with that. They come together and they come apart throughout the song. I suppose thats how long relationships last and then vanish. All in good time.
“All in good time, I gave it my best. I was alone 'til I found myself. Grew up to be a man more or less. All in good time. All in good time, I drifted away. I ran my mouth 'til I'd nothing to say. You broke my heart, then I was okay. All in good time.”
365 - Waxahatchee
I’ve been a fan of Waxahatchee since American Weekend came out in 2012. "American Weekend" stands as a monument to the raw, unfiltered essence of lo-fi indie music, its sparse arrangements and acoustic simplicity echoing the intimate bedroom recordings of yesteryear. Its unvarnished sound, reminiscent of the boombox recordings by John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats, adds a layer of authenticity and earnestness that's both vulnerable and compelling. Katie Crutchfield's introspective songwriting and candid vocal delivery on this album create a personal narrative that's as haunting as it is beautiful, capturing the listener with its minimalist approach.
This is Katie processing a rough relationship. I think the notion of 365 days is how long since the relationship ended or began to end. And now they are sitting at the end of the year and Katie is processing all that was the relationship. The relationship was exhausting. It was uncomfortable. It was not a fun relationship. But the narrator stuck with it to save the other person. That never works.
“Three-hundred and sixty-five days. Tell me you're a wounded soldier. Ya ain't had much luck but grace is. In the eye of the beholder. I had my own ideas but. I carried you on my shoulders anyways, ooh. And I stopped picking up all your phone calls. Take a shot at decency. If i heard your voice on the other line. Unceremoniously. The shadows of a lie or a state of emergency. I've been run down, ooh.”
Midwest - Vacations
Vacations, an Australian indie band, crafts a sun-drenched blend of dream-pop, jangle pop, and lo-fi indie rock, marked by jangly guitars and smooth, ethereal vocals. Their music offers a nostalgic yet fresh sound, rich with themes of love, loss, and introspection, set against an irresistibly groovy backdrop. This juxtaposition of upbeat melodies with contemplative lyrics positions them as a notable presence in the indie scene, inviting listeners into a reflective, yet vibrant musical experience.
I’ve been hearing this song a lot on XMU on SiriusXM. Its about a relationship that is coming to an end. And the narrator doesn’t want it to end. So, he is reminding his current and soon to be ex lover that he wants to keep the relationship going.
“We're starting at the finish line. Turn away, say otherwise. You're always on my mind. 'Cause I miss you. As I don't want you to go.”
Sadie - Got Babe
Goth Babe, the project of musician Griffin Washburn, encapsulates the quintessential indie vibe with a unique blend of lo-fi surf rock, dream pop, and electronic elements, creating a sound that's both ethereal and grounding. His music is heavily influenced by the laid-back lifestyle of the Pacific Northwest and California, where the natural landscapes—from misty forests to sunlit beaches—seep into his melodies, rhythms, and lyrical themes. Washburn's DIY ethos and love for the outdoors are reflected in his production style, merging a sense of wanderlust with introspective lyrics, making Goth Babe's sound a tranquil soundtrack for both adventure and contemplation.
Another song I’ve been hearing a lot on XMU. This song is about his dog missing him and he is missing his dog while he is traveling on tour.
“My Sadie's at home. I've only got a few days to go. Her father's alone. I'm coming home, I hope that you've been. Sweet, run around. And please, run around.”
Light On - Dehd
Dehd, hailing from the vibrant music scene of Chicago, embodies a raw and compelling fusion of post-punk and garage rock, marked by an unmistakable groove that's both minimalist and infectious. The band's dynamic is significantly shaped by the interplay between the distinct vocals of Emily Kempf and Jason Balla, whose exchanges range from harmonious blends to spirited call-and-response, adding a layer of emotional depth and complexity to their sound. This vocal interplay, combined with their gritty, lo-fi aesthetic, crafts a sound that's as much about the energy and tension between the members as it is about their shared musical journey, encapsulating the essence of their Chicago roots with a universal appeal.
This song just grooves. I love the surf rock vibe. I love how you want to move and bounce while listening to this song.
“Every day, every night, I will leave a light on. What you want, what you need, it won't be a problem. Where you at-at-at? Let me know, I'll follow. Every day, every night, I will leave a light on. What you want, what you need, I won't be a problem. When you knock-knock-knock, babe, it ain't no bother.”
Love Of A Girl - Avett Brothers
The Avett Brothers, formed by siblings Scott and Seth Avett along with Bob Crawford and Joe Kwon, hail from Concord, North Carolina, and have carved a distinctive niche in the American folk-rock and bluegrass scene. Known for their harmonious blend of country, bluegrass, punk, pop melodies, and heartfelt lyrics, the band's sound is a reflection of their diverse influences and Southern roots. Their energetic live performances and authentic storytelling have endeared them to a wide audience, showcasing a musical brotherhood that transcends genres. And, they are back.
This is a fun little song with speedy vocals describing all the thing that we all do for the love of a girl.
“I got regret, soul debt. Gotta get one hit. Sunlit, unfit. Still owe my alma matter. Nightmare, slow throwin'. Haymakers underwater. Gotta get my hair right. Love you, goodnight. Gotta get cleaned up. Pressed up, dressed up. Sun down comes around. Find me with my head down. Toes turned in with my hands in my pockets. Like a present day. Hesitatin' Huckleberry Finn.”
Nostalgia - Yot Club
Yot Club, the indie project known for its dreamy, lo-fi bedroom pop sound, characterized by catchy melodies, laid-back vocals, and a DIY aesthetic that captures the essence of youthful nostalgia and introspection, is a favorite of mine. I’ve been sharing their music since I discovered them a couple of years ago.
This song is about the feeling that nostalgia can provide balanced by the fact that nostalgia is generally considered not cool in indie circles.
“Nostalgia, it follows you. I never meant to let that feeling go. Thoughts are gone, insomnia. I never meant to learn the hard way.”
Running -Pearl Jam
Pearl Jam is about to release their twelfth studio album. Its apparently full of rockers that give the sense of a return to the days of ten. I for one loved Gigaton and I think its my favorite late stage Pearl Jam record. But, I am looking forward to this new album.
This rocker from Pearl Jam…well it rocks. I love the fast paced nature of the song that conveys an unrelenting urgency. Hence, running.
“Dictator, love hater. Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel ain’t no fun. Now I'm lost in all the shit you're flushing. Victrola, controller. Lost in the tunnel and the tunnel's getting funneled. Likе the sewage in thе plumbing. 'Cause we left the fucking water running.”
Loud Bark - Mannequin Pussy
Mannequin Pussy, hailing from Philadelphia, navigates the sonic landscapes of punk, shoegaze, and indie rock with an explosive yet nuanced energy. Fronted by Marisa Dabice, the band's sound is defined by its dynamic shifts—from aggressive, in-your-face punk anthems to delicate, introspective melodies—showcasing their versatility and emotional depth. Their raw, candid lyrics, paired with the band's intense live performances, create a visceral experience that captures the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
I love how she screams. I love the energy. I love the way this song sounds. I love the build. I love the emotion. So much goodness in this song.
“Not a single motherfucker who has tried to lock me up. Could get the collar round my neck. Or find one that's big enough. I’m a waste of a woman. But I taste like success. I keep all of my sugar where I know you like it best.”
Sadness As A Gift - Adrianne Lenker
Adrianne Lenker, the lead singer for Big Thief has released an excellent solo album that I am just now processing. This is for sure the hit from the album. Its an excellent song about learning to embrace the sadness that you experience.
The lyrics convey themes of acceptance and healing from a romantic separation. Hoping that someday you will be able to get back in contact with this person and see the sadness of your separation as a “gift” instead of a burden, appreciating that it shows the amount of love and devotion that was put into that relationship.
Even still, the sadness would feel too heavy to hold, too heavy to keep with you– as stated later in the song.
“Leaning on the windowsill. You could write me someday, and I think you will. We could see the sadness as a gift and still. Feel too heavy to hold.
Snow fallin'. I try to keep from callin'. Watch the spring turn to winter. Fireflies all frozen.”
Bonus Tracks
Dream Job - Yard Act
Broken Man - St. Vincent
Check out the playlist below and the Apple Music Playlist Here