Playlist Round Two
A bit more focused.
When I first started this Substack, I added an entry that looked into my “Liked” playlist on Spotify. The aim of that was to show the randomness of music that can be enjoyed, and though it wasn’t comprised of my favorite tracks or artists necessarily, the playlist was a reflection of years of interest and curiosity.
This playlist is more tightly curated, more concentrated on much of the music I’m listening to right now. I wouldn’t say I’m genre focused, though much of what I’ve been listening to fits the folk and indie rock vibe. My current listening history spans from jazz to electronic, blues to classical, but these are the artists that have seen the most recent rotation. You can find the Spotify playlist at the bottom, but they’re also available on all streaming platforms.
Hebron Shane
The first artist I want to showcase is a good friend of mine. I listen to his music, not just because he’s my friend, but because I genuinely enjoy it. I’ve also been able to see behind the scenes on how he works. The massive amount of effort that it takes as a one man band to play almost all of the parts and have such high production value is incredible. Maybe I can do a behind the scenes at what that looks like at some point.
Same Spot in Heaven
“I know it sounds crazy, but I think I’m gonna marry you.” This songs speaks to the power of connection you can have to someone. Even if the rest of the world would say you’re insane to believe it, that the odds seem so far against you, it’s destined.
Digging All Day, Digging All Night
This is from his most recent album, “Hard to be a Rebel”. It’s a Bonnie and Clyde story, two criminals and a treasure that they’ve hidden away. Though the law and everyone wants to find it, they’ll be digging all day and digging all night. I love the way the chorus stays the same, but takes on a new meaning in every instance.
Dangerously Low
“She’s in my veins, she’s in my bones.” There are some people that seem live inside you, and if they left, you’d feel as if you would simply cease to exist. That’s pretty heavy, but that can definitely be the feeling. Hebron would say there’s an angst to love sometimes. “Dangerously Low” features tasteful guitar work that seems to be of signature of his best work.
The Lone Bellow
The Lone Bellow is a trio that has such a great sound, even as it has changed over the years. Loud and lush harmonies were featured in their early work while a new kind of atmosphere takes over their most recent outings.
Green Eyes and a Heart of Gold
This is an example of the loud and lush. With a driving beat, the song pushes with energy. I would love to have the ability to sing like this. I grab this one for the music and harmonies alone.
Watch Over Us
An emotional plea to God and reflecting on family seems to be the theme of this one. Our families are never perfect, and sometimes we see issues transcend generations, even if we tell ourselves we want to go a different way. We get beat down and broken through life, but we still have our blessings.
No Getting Over You
A departure from the sound of the previous tracks, the atmosphere of this song has its own personality. While the intro alone had me hooked, it was Kanene’s fragile voice that keeps bringing me back to this track. You can think you’re over someone, you’ve done the work to move on, but even the smallest reminder can send you back.
Mumford & Sons
My mind hears melody and rhythm before it hears lyrics, though, for my own songs, I write lyrics first. I wonder why that is? Mumford & Sons latest album ,“Prizefighter,” took a couple listens to grow on me, but boy did it when I really started to focus. The lyrics take on an abstract and poetic nature, but the overall messages are understood. I’m looking forward to seeing them in concert this June.
Run Together
“I can dream on my knees. When I am empty, then I am free. But, when we run, we run together. When we’re apart, we fall apart. I will love you now and ever. You’re the start.”
You could ascribe this to human relationships, but I think this one goes much higher. Prayer is where I dream as well. What do I see for life? How do I approach the Creator of the universe in that pursuit? Life only works when we’re running together.
Conversation with my Son (Gangsters and Angels)
I’ve had talks with my daughter and I’ll have them with my son when he’s old enough. This world and our lives are broken - that’s just fact. Kids are going to wrestle with society, and we need to have these important conversations with them. None of us are perfect and we can’t even pretend to be. Through it all, we have to show grace to others as we’re shown grace.
“But love your crooked neighbor with your crooked heart.” What more can we do?
I’ll Tell You Everything
We all wear masks, even around the ones we love. When we remove them and fully unload our inner selves, what effect does that have?
“And in the end, I’ll tell you everything even if it keeps you awake. And in the end you’ll know me for everything, how far I bend before I break.”
Blue Water Highway
This band came up through a Spotify radio list generated to be similar to The Lone Bellow. I’m always excited to find new and upcoming artists through the curated radio stations, and this is no exception.
Keep My Mind Off You
My daughter asked why so many songs are about love. I told her that many times, love can’t be described in any other way. Speaking about love can sound weird, silly, embarrassing, and even dangerous. But when you put it to music, all of that seems to be allowed. This song isn’t weird or taboo, but it’s that same idea that’s been present with many of the tracks that people record — someone living inside your head and heart and not being able to let them out. How else are you going to process it?
This Blue Water Highway track has a great hook and vibe, which makes me put it on a repeated playlist.
“There’s a hook in my heart oh honey when you pull me to you. There might as well be nobody else in the room. ‘Cause I can’t keep my mind off you. I can’t keep my mind off you.”
Marcus King
Dirt
Personal flaws, a history, things about you that you wish weren’t true but they are. This is great song material, and Marcus has written an extremely catchy tune to go along with it. Superior musicianship shines with Billy Strings on guitar in this gritty, bluesy, bluegrass track. While I’ve only selected this song for the list, the entire album, “Darling Blue,” is worth a listen.
“Don't believe all that ya hear
And half of what you read
'Bout that dirt, you might've heard bout me
Nobody walks through hell alone
And comes back lookin' clean”
If any of these struck a chord with you, leave a comment! Music is best when it connects us and allows a conversation to start, leading to more songs shared and new artists found.