Liner Notes:
Any opening track to a well curated playlist(s) needs to be particular. It not only needs to sound like an opener, it needs to "feel" like one as it sets the tone . Little Simz's "Gorilla" was the obvious track this year. In fact, I wish I could sample the synth-filled bass line that cycles throughout the song and make as the "transition" between each song of this playlist.
This is the beginning of Chapter I.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
big art collector, silent investor, film director
Beatin' on my chest goin' apeshit, put him in the grave shit
Fame life what you make it, yeah, it is
All lyrics:
Sim Simma
Who got the keys to my bloodclaat Bimmer?
Big time driller, monkey to gorilla
Who is this woman that I'm seein' in the mirror?
Drink '42 and smoke cigar
Name one time where I didn't deliver
Silent figure
I was just on the ends, droppin' gems with my friends
I got a 3310 and a pack of blems
Then got the gold, full black, circle back again
Rappin' when nothin' progressive was happenin'
Ooh, pain tolerance, couldn't break us
Pay homage if you respect how we came up, cool (cool)
Tryin' to get to the paper
Hitter from Jamaica might do me a favor, true (true)
Big Simma dippin' ten toes in the ice cold river
Bank got bigger
Been a different species, tunes in the locker
Been waitin' to unleash these
It's a no show if you can't guarantee fees (no, no, no)
I ain't got one threat to consider
Heaven and Earth attached to one killer (one, one)
Rest in peace to Mac Miller, new Simz drop to shake the whole shit up
What's next? (Ayy)
We'll be here for months talkin' about prospects
Stayin' about my job, yes sir
When rain is against her I'm weather-resistant
On my polyester (grrah, grrah, grrah)
Run through the jungle, they should've never let her (woop, woop)
Cut and wounds, I hope never will fester
Mmh, yeah, big art collector, silent investor, film director
Beatin' on my chest goin' apeshit, put him in the grave shit
Fame life what you make it, yeah, it is
Cuttin' through the jungle in a all black fitted
Hat low, incognito livin'
Introvert, but, she ain't timid
My art will be timeless, I don't do limits (no)
Be very specific when you talk on who the best is
How can I address this?
Basically, the rest is almost like to me what a stain to a vest is
You ain't drop nothin' in my eyes I'm impressed with
Please, don't be offended (please)
But I'm not in the business of pretendin' (no)
I got lines if you wanna get rentin'
Go find the agony aunt and get ventin' (vent)
Stop floodin' my mentions with bullshit
Talkin' on Simz like she's someone you went school with, awkward (awkward)
From day, been a cool kid, rap stars hopin', the faith, I'm restorin'
Don't ask my opinion on shit
Cause to make you feel good about yourself is exhaustin'
I got bangers out in the world soarin'
And I got bangers in the vault I've been hoardin'
Yeah, true I got tennis in the mornin'
Before I start swingin' that man's gonna need a warnin'
Red light whenever I'm recordin'
Red light on the forehead of the informant
See, I'm the only one on gorilla
Simz is back here, just got realer, yeah
No choice now but to feel us
I know the streets will love it, like I brought Mike Skinner
Said, "Simmer down, little homie, simmer"
All that talk get you rubbed out quicker
I'm cut with a different scissor
From the same cloth as my dear ancestors
That's why this shit gives you the shivers, I'm that cold
Higher
Goin' higher
Higher
Goin' higher
Higher
Yeah, we are
Higher
Say what?
Hey, sound so special inside the world we live in
It's so rare to find it, huh
Huh, go peep that, yeah
It's about time
We got the just dues for the work
we put in over a decade in this bitch, you know
Yeah, man, woo
Say he never called another woman, "Mi Amor"
So, I opened up the way and now he adore
Did it on the wave, I don't play, get you sea sick
Charged up, fully barred up, I'm unleashin'
Liner Notes:
If you're a "Favorites" veteran, you'll know that Sufjan frequents the playlists and may very well be the "Favorites GOAT".
Excluding other genres, I just don't know if there is another (present-day) musician out there within the alt-indie space that has the compositional and lyrical talent, depth, and prolificacy than Sufjan — who also, along with both daughters Grace and Emily, happens to be a Hope College graduate.
One of the background vocalists said this about working with Sufjan on his 2023 release, Javelin:
"Being in the studio with Sufjan is like watching an alchemist at work. He creates a new realm, building our voices from a gentle choir, then morphing us into sirens raging from the sea."
Consider this an introspective continuation to Carrie and Lowell. While the latter intricately unpacked the death and relationship of his mother, Javelin is largely a tribute to his 14-year relationship with late partner, Evans Richardson.
But mourning another relationship has not been the only thing on Sufjan's mind. Just before the album's release, media and devoted fans alike were shocked by the news that Sufjan has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks a portion of the peripheral nervous system. Specifically, Sufjan is having to learn to walk again — not to mention rehabbing particular movements/muscles for playing instruments. (The progress is undetermined and ongoing.)
Historically, Sufjan has managed to keep his personal life, relationships, and sexuality quite private. So, when Sufjan announced the news regarding his health and the album's subject-matter, it provided quite the context for this album.
In short, it's therapy (for all of us).
This particular track, "Will Anybody Ever Love Me?" is appropriately rooted around the question itself — a question that could easily be brushed aside with an automated response. My hope is that we can refrain from this response for the next few minutes and simply ask the question.
This is the beginning of Chapter II.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Tie me to the final wooden stake
Burn my body, celebrate the afterglow
Wash away the summer sins I made
Watch me drift and watch me struggle, let me go
'Cause I really wanna know
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
For good reasons, without grievance
Not for sport (not for sport)
All lyrics:
Chase away my heart and heartache
Run me over, throw me over, cast me out
Find a river running to the west wind
Just above the shoreline, you will see a cloud
Tie me to a tiny wooden raft
Burn my body, point me to the undertow
Push me off into the void at last
Watch me drift and watch me struggle, let me go
'Cause I really wanna know
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
For good reasons, without grievance
Not for sport
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
In every season pledge allegiance to my heart
Pledge allegiance to my burning heart
Hello wildness, please forgive me now
For the heartache and the misery I create
Take my suffering as I take my vow
Wash me now, anoint me with that golden blade
Tie me to the final wooden stake
Burn my body, celebrate the afterglow
Wash away the summer sins I made
Watch me drift and watch me struggle, let me go
'Cause I really wanna know
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
For good reasons, without grievance
Not for sport (not for sport)
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
In every season pledge allegiance
To my heart (to my heart)
In every season pledge allegiance
To my heart (to my heart)
My burning heart
My burning heart
My burning heart
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
My burning heart
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
My burning heart
Will anybody ever love me? (Love me)
My burning heart
Liner Notes:
I saw JPEGMAFIA this summer wiith the kids (at Pitchfork) and was completely mesmerized by both the energy and talent — so much so I made my way to the front row by myself a couple of songs into the set. A general rule of thumb for all concert goers... the experience is always better from up-front. And for those who may disagree, I can certainly vouch that it is significantly different — particularly when you're the only 40 something your eye can see.
For those of you that listened to old-school hip-hop in the late 80s, you'll certainly recognize the "It Takes Two" nod via JPEG in the first verse. The song (and entire album for that matter) is a joint collaboration with Danny Brown, who is no less talented.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I wanna rock right now
Hittin' whippets and eating halal
Get to clippin' while whippin' these sounds
You get hit, you gon' sing like Bilal, uh
Back it up
See that bitch, I'm actin' up
'Cause something right here ain't adding up
All lyrics:
I know you want it
The thing that makes me
You know I'm just sayin' man, ah (what the guys, guys go crazy for)
Is it the car, the clothes, the money, the jewelry, the cribs, the drugs or the hoes?
Is it the ket', the meth, the weed, the lean, the molly, the boi or the blow?
You can get rocked like Chrisean
How you hating and broke, no fixin' 'em
Riding dick like these rappers are Sybians
Try to press 'em, they lost like Gilligan
I got Jay for my Bey
'Bout the money, call me Mr. Slate
Weirdo rap, I'm the numero ace
Put together like Danity Kane
Fuck your feelings, I'm stuck in my ways
Local niggas be stuck in they place
They don't say none of that shit to my face
'Cause they know I take shots like Klay
I wanna rock right now
Hittin' whippets and eating halal
Get to clippin' while whippin' these sounds
You get hit, you gon' sing like Bilal, uh
Back it up
See that bitch, I'm actin' up
'Cause something right here ain't adding up
Smack it up
One hunnid, ain't no wack in us
Push it to the maximum
I do what I want to
Stay you ain't no accident
Mashing 'em, knocking 'em out park
The way we smacking 'em, immaculate
If I'm in area, that's hazardous
Way out there we too far gone
Leave me alone when I get in my zone
Just fall back, I'ma put you on
Lost out here, can't find no home
Goin' up, so tap in
I'm about to take you for a spin
So buckle up
Nigga, we about to go in
Hands on the wheel no accident
Hands on the wheel no accident
Came through kicking doors off hinges
Look at him, he's so expensive
Make her hop all in my mentions
When she see it, so extensive
Set it up, I'ma knock it all down
Give me a ring, I give you rounds
Lost and found, when you hear that sound
I just wanna see you jump around
Welcome to my house of pain
Where you can get everything
Coming down like April rain
Yes, you may just say my name
Pull up on me, we outside
I'm about to take you for a ride
No one's safe, so run and hide
No one's safe, so run and hide
Let me tell you what I'm gon' do
Tell no lies, just tell your truth
I'm a big dog like Marmaduke
Park itself when I come through
Pull up and I'ma be outside
I'm about to take you for a ride
No one's safe, so run and hide
No one's safe, so run and hide
Milkshake brings all the boys to the yard
And they're like, it's better than your-
Right it's better than yours
I can teach you, but I have to charge
My milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Teach you, it's better than
Teach you, but I have to charge
My milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Teach you, it's better than
Teach you-
Milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Teach you, it's better than
Teach you, but I have to
My milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Milkshake, milkshake, milkshake, milkshake
Teach you, it's better than
Teach you, but I have to
My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard
And they're like, it's better than yours
Damn right it's better than yours
I can teach you, but I have to charge
I know you want it, want it, want it, want it
Liner Notes:
I spent some time in Dublin this fall with Grace and her girlfriend Jenny (see the liner notes for "End of the World"). Grace and I spent some time walking "Dublin Bay" — referenced in this song.
Lankum is a multi-instrumentalist Irish folk band from Dublin. It would be hard not to see the influence The Pogues have had (directly or otherwise) to any emerging Irish folk band.
Regardless, Lankum has captured that mysterious Celtic vibe that will truly mesmerize anyone willing to listen. I recommend finding yourself a quiet place to park your car one day, throwing your seat back, and listening to this song a couple times through. I may have done such a thing.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Why should I not love my love?
Why shouldn't my love love me?
Why should I not speed after her
Since love to all is free?
All lyrics:
Come you not from Newcastle?
Come you there far away?
Oh, met you not my true love
Who dwells near Dublin bay?
Why should I not love my love?
Why shouldn't my love love me?
Why should I not speed after her
Since love to all is free?
Her father, once my true friend
Now turns me from the door
Her mother owed me worthy
Now bids me love no more
Why should I not love my love?
Why shouldn't my love love me?
Why should I not speed after her
Since love to all is free?
Her squire, once my true friend
But now my rival be
While I, Willie, madly wail away
To sail the stormy sea
Why should I not love my love?
Why shouldn't my love love me?
Why should I not speed after her
Since love to all is free?
In spite of flame and danger
With her Willie, she will roam
My arms, her safe defenders
Her breast, my happy home
Why should I not love my love?
Why shouldn't my love love me?
Why should I not speed after her
Since love to all is free?
Liner Notes:
This is going to feel like we took a sharp turn here.
But did we?
Relationships are hard. They come with the full spectrum of volatile and irrational emotions.
And they require a bit of maturity... of therapy... SZA gets it.
Also, Kill Bill is on my all-time-favorites film list, so win/win.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I'm so mature, I'm so mature
I'm so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there's other men
I don't want none, I just want you
If I can't have you, no one should
All lyrics:
I'm still a fan even though I was salty
Hate to see you with some other broad, know you happy
Hate to see you happy if I'm not the one driving
I'm so mature, I'm so mature
I'm so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there's other men
I don't want none, I just want you
If I can't have you, no one should
I might
I might kill my ex, not the best idea
His new girlfriend's next, how'd I get here?
I might kill my ex, I still love him though
Rather be in jail than alone
I get the sense that it's a lost cause
I get the sense that you might really love her
The text gon' be evidence, this text is evidence
I tried to ration with you, no murders or crimes of passion, but damn
You was out of reach
You was at the farmer's market with your perfect peach
Now I'm in the basement, planning home invasion
Now you laying face-down, got me singing over a beat
I'm so mature, I'm so mature
I'm so mature, I got me a therapist to tell me there's other men
I don't want none, I just want you
If I can't have you, no one will
(I might)
I might kill my ex, not the best idea
His new girlfriend's next, how'd I get here?
I might kill my ex, I still love him though
Rather be in jail than alone
I did it all for love (love)
I did it all on no drugs (drugs)
I did all of this sober
I did it all for us, oh
I did it all for love (love)
I did it all of this on no drugs (drugs)
I did all of this sober
Don't you know I did it all for us? (I'll kill your ass tonight)
Uh, I just killed my ex (my ex)
Not the best idea (idea)
Killed his girlfriend next, how'd I get here?
I just killed my ex (my ex)
I still love him, though (I do)
Rather be in Hell than alone
Liner Notes:
I had the opportunity to see Kendrick and Baby Keem perform together a year and a half ago. This was no doubt one of the best shows I've ever seen.
For those of you that don't know, they are cousins.
And for those Bon Iver fans, if you listen closely, you'll hear a sample from the song "PDLIF".
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Huh, she's organic, skin is glowin', my heart is goin' (like wow)
Split personality, two phones, two emotions (like how?)
Girl, you get the notion
It's not hard to notice
All lyrics:
I don't buy much, I buy land, bro
Cologne, Germany
Four McDonalds, every time I land, bro
Big Jay Rocks in both hands, bro, and all that
And I'm best dressed, movin' forward, yeah
Tiny Taz Arn', yeah, all that, Compton cowboy, all that
Yeah, big protein
One-hundred and fifty grams of protein (uh)
Y'all gotta stop playin', bro, I swear, bro
Uh, we gon' fuck up the world
Excuse me, but is that your girl?
If she tell, that's a good referral
Heebee-jeebie talk crazy to me
But Kendrick know I like irregular girls
I'm not good with the regular girls
Damn near want a veteran girl
I just might change your life
We ain't wearin' no Giuseppe jeans
We ain't doin' none of normal things
Do you know what formal means?
Critics sayin' that I lost the plot
Principles, yeah, I'd rather not
Messi, 'bout to come in hot
'Dot, uh, we gon' fuck up the world
Excuse me, but is that your girl?
Didn't mean to possess your girl
Baby, I'm high-profile, don't ever tell 'em you met me, girl
They gon' think that you rep me, girl
5'7", I'm Messi, girl
I'ma pass you to Neymar, he got time for your bestie, girl
Niggas know that I'm best-dressed, too high-profile to access
I ain't even gotta fact check, all I'm wearin' is Wales Bonner
Feelin' good, I might wear no-
Matter of fact, let's stay platonic
I just fucked, ain't that ironic?
You could pick the bunk or bed
Either way, I'ma want some head
Messi live through me instead
We grew up 'round triflin' hoes
You ain't did nothin' that I don't know
It's cool, baby, I'm too high-pro'
I'm Baby Keem, I wouldn't call it close
Messi, get them girls off the stage, 'cause somebody's gonna get taken
Somebody's gonna invade on a one-on-one conversation
I'm ducked off from the world, I'm immersed in the PlayStation
And I ain't worried 'bout her, it's a thousand hers out waitin'
We gon' fuck up the world
Excuse me, but is that your girl?
Didn't mean to possess your girl
Baby, I'm high-profile, don't ever tell 'em you met me, girl
They gon' think that you rep me, girl
5'7", I'm Messi, girl
Famous, but I'm not for sale, why you tryna possess me, girl?
I mean, you know what upset me, girl
Was like that when you met me, girl
'Cause he'll put you in princess shoes
Elevate you, respect you too
Here's 10K, I'm in a sexy mood
Don't let the homies touch you, move
Yeah, niggas know that I'm best-dressed
Wear Martine when I board jets
They sardines and I'm big fish, eat caviar when I'm depressed
Take selfies, I'm in Czech Republic, Cornell, he gon' check the budget
Borrowed two-million from my cousin
Never gave it back, 'cause it's nothin'
Fuck it (yeah), new devotions (uh-huh)
Huh, keepin' focus, starship, is that a foreign? (A foreign)
Huh, she's organic, skin is glowin', my heart is goin' (like wow)
Split personality, two phones, two emotions (like how?)
Girl, you get the notion (aroused)
It's not hard to notice (yeah, yeah)
That's a deep, deep, deep, deep, deep ocean (that twat)
Shorty say she celibate, I'ma keep hopin' (she's not)
Shorty say she in love with me, I'ma be open (I'll try)
(And you w-, and you w-)
Messi, get them girls off the stage, 'cause somebody's gonna get taken
Somebody's gonna invade on a one-on-one conversation
I'm ducked off from the world, I'm immersed in the PlayStation
And I ain't worried 'bout her, it's a thousand hers out waitin'
Liner Notes:
My guess is that given a little time, this one will find its way into the "break-up" canon.
There are a few vampire references throughout this chapter. Rumor is that vampires got a new publicists this year.
As Def Leopard once said... "Love Bites".
Ouch.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I used to think I was smart
But you made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin' me dry, like a goddamn vampire
All lyrics:
Hate to give the satisfaction, asking how you're doing now
How's the castle built off people you pretend to care about?
Just what you wanted
Look at you, cool guy, you got it
I see the parties and the diamonds sometimes when I close my eyes
Six months of torture you sold as some forbidden paradise
I loved you truly
Gotta laugh at the stupidity
'Cause I've made some real big mistakes
But you make the worst one look fine
I should've known it was strange
You only come out at night
I used to think I was smart
But you made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin' me dry, like a goddamn vampire
And every girl I ever talked to told me you were bad, bad news
You called them crazy, God, I hate the way I called them crazy too
You're so convincing
How do you lie without flinching? (How do you lie, how do you lie, how do you lie?)
Ooh, what a mesmerizing, paralyzing, fucked-up little thrill
Can't figure out just how you do it, and God knows I never will
Went for me, and not her
'Cause girls your age know better
I've made some real big mistakes
But you make the worst one look fine
I should've known it was strange
You only come out at night
I used to think I was smart
But you've made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin' me dry, like a goddamn vampire
You said it was true love, but wouldn't that be hard?
You can't love anyone, 'cause that would mean you had a heart
I tried you help you out, now I know that I can't
'Cause how you think's the kind of thing I'll never understand
I've made some real big mistakes
But you make the worst one look fine
I should've known it was strange
You only come out at night
I used to think I was smart
But you made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin' me dry, like a goddamn vampire
Liner Notes:
The premiere roll-your-window-down-on-a-sunny-spring-day song from the favorites this year.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I need you, I need you
I always will
To break my back from bending
And mirror my sins
All lyrics:
Man like gods, throwing rocks around the room
Punching walls, smashing doors
Imma get who hurt you
I need you, I need you
I always will
To break my back from bending
And mirror my sins
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause for no one
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause for you
There's no one
Yeah no one
Like you
There's no one
Yeah no one
Like you
You scream grow up yet
You sit there frozen in time
I love you but you are bored
Say you have nothing to gain from this
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause for no one
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause
Lenny fights a cause for you
There's no one
Yeah no one
Like you
There's no one
Yeah no one
Like you
Liner Notes:
Noname is my favorite female rap artist.
With next-level word play, subtle shade, and level-setting awareness, Noname's brilliance comes though (seemingly) effortlessly here with her namesake.
This one is about independence while carrying a bit of "hurt" underneath it... the "Well, fine... I don't need you!" control move we make when feeling abandoned/hurt.
Been there. Guessing you have too.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Noname, where she came?
We could stand in the rain
Maintain a good life, we could fry plantain
Same day the airstrikes strike down Iran
I ran into the house with a blunt in my hand, let's smoke
I don't wanna see death no more, let's fight
They got the devil hiding in plain sight
That's you, that's me, the whole world is culpable
Why complacency float the boat the most?
All lyrics:
Itty bitty titty committee
The world with me, your girl with me
And I don't even really like pussy
That's the homie
Tony Island call Poseidon
Cry me a river, you could cry me a metaphor
A megaphone, screaming out
Dream about revolution, air pollution
Same solution, socialism
They ain't really fucking with my niggas though
Off the grid, we just love the community garden
Off the grid, you could be a martian 'round here
Settle down here, we could love, love
Drive up to the motherland and learn about what was
And if the world don't budge, then eat me out, sweetie
I wanna smile tonight, I only got one lap around the sun
And he going down tonight, yeah, yeah
So maybe I'm going down too
Yeah, maybe I'm going down too
Yo, I never need no man
I got a little bit of love and a couple of friends
Picture me rolling up the bud in the south of Sudan
Yo, I never need no, no, no
Yo, I never need no man
I got a little bit of love and a couple of friends
Picture me rolling up the bud in the south of Sudan
Yo, I never need no, no, no
Noname, where she came?
We could stand in the rain
Maintain a good life, we could fry plantain
Same day the airstrikes strike down Iran
I ran into the house with a blunt in my hand, let's smoke
I don't wanna see death no more, let's fight
They got the devil hiding in plain sight
That's you, that's me, the whole world is culpable
Why complacency float the boat the most?
I don't really get it, y'all ain't really with it
All that eat the rich, tax the rich, y'all ain't really about that shit
Bitch, if you want some money, you can say that
You deserve the payback 'cause niggas took everything
Let's go get that and take it to the hood though
Share it with community, we soldiers in plain clothes
Everybody got their role, don't be an opp
Everybody got their roles, I'm a play mine
Like Scooby-Doo in a haunted house
I see the ghost that they talking 'bout, I see the signs
Read in between the line at the crime scene
I ain't fucking with the NFL or Jay-Z
Propaganda for the military complex
The same gun that shot Lil Terry
Out west the same gun that shot some Samir in the West Bank
We all think the Super Bowl's the best thing
Go, Rihanna, go
Watch the fighter jet fly high
War machine gets glamorized
We play the game to pass the time
Go, Beyoncé, go
Watch the fighter jet fly high
War machine gets glamorized
We play the game to pass the time
Go, Kendrick, go
Watch the fighter jet fly high
War machine gets glamorized
We play the game to pass the time
Go, Noname, go
Coachella stage got sanitized
I said I wouldn't perform for them
And somehow I still fell in line
Fuck, I never need no name
I got a little bit of love and a memory lane
Picture me rolling up the bud, I don't play them games
Yo, I never need no, no, no
Uh, I never need no name
I got a little bit of love and a memory lane
Picture me rolling up the bud, I don't play them games
Yo, I never need no, no, no
Liner Notes:
While I wasn't officially sending out my "favorites" in 1998, I was making mix-CDs and Ani Difranco's "Little Plastic Castle" was on it.
I did get a chance to see her play live finally this past year with Emily and Ellie as she opened for Brandi Carlyle.
And while she did play this classic from the archive, it was NOT this version. When this came across my recommended songs this past year, I was quite surprised, but I loved it!
This remix comes courtesty of the Tune Yards.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
In a coffee shop in a city
Which is every coffee shop
In every city
On a day which is every day
All lyrics:
In a coffee shop in a city
Which is every coffee shop
In every city
On a day which is every day
I picked up a magazine
Which is every magazine
Read a story then I forgot it right away
And they say goldfish have no memory
I guess their lives are much like mine
And the little plastic castle
Is a surprise every time
And it's hard to say if they're happy
But they don't seem much to mind
(Yee-haw)
From the shape of your shaved head
I recognized your silhouette
As you walked out of the sun and sat down
And the sight of your sleepy smile eclipsed all the other people
As they paused to sneer at the two girls from out of town
And I said, "Look at you this morning
You are by far the cutest
But be careful getting coffee
I think these people want to shoot us
Or maybe there's some kind of local competition here
To see who can be the rudest"
(Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah)
People talk about my image
Like I come in two dimensions
Like lipstick is a sign of my declining mind
Like what I happen to be wearing
The day that someone takes a picture
Is my new statement for all womankind
And I wish they could see us now
In leather bras and rubber shorts
Like some ridiculous new team uniform
For some ridiculous new sport
Quick someone call the girl police
And, and file a report
(Yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, uh)
In a coffee shop in a city
Which is every coffee shop
In every city
On a day which is every day
Liner Notes:
Earl Sweatshirt is recognized as somewhat of a rap prodigy — having released his first track in the 7th grade and then having his first official release at the age of 16, thanks to Tyler the Creator (who produced his first album Earl). Earl Sweatshirt (who's real name is Thebe) is significantly influenced by his parents — who are both scholars in their own right. His mother teaches "Critical Race Theory" at UCLA and his father, Keorapetse Kgositsile, was a renowned South African poet and political activist.
His lexicon is subsequently quite deep. School is in session.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
What is the plan, fuck is you sayin'?
Lil' momma off Danity Kane
Been geeked up, how many days? Yeah
What is the plan, fuck is you sayin'?
How many bands I'm finna make?
All lyrics:
What is the plan, fuck is you sayin'?
Lil' momma off Danity Kane
Been geeked up, how many days? Yeah
What is the plan, fuck is you sayin'?
How many bands I'm finna make?
Feel like Diddy standin' in a bank
I feel like Diddy dancin' in the rain
You yappin', I'ma go in your face
Bruce Banner, how I handle the rage
(you wouldn't like me when I'm angry) yeah
Loose cannon, enemy of the state
Gene Hackman, we gettin' away
Two hammers, how we get in the safe, uh
Do damage in a critical way
Boof packin', we ship it away
You mad, got 'em feelin' the wave, yeah
Too bad, hunnid dollar eighths
If I don't got the time or the space
sixteen-passenger plane, uh
Sistine Chapel, I pray
Fish cheeks snap on a bait
Chipped teeth, snack on the prey, uh
Stampede crackin' the gates
Blow money fast just like a game
Go through the cash like it's a phase, uh
What is the plan, fuck is you sayin'?
Lil' momma off Danity Kane
Been geeked up, how many days? Yeah
What is the plan, fuck is you sayin'?
How many bands I'm finna make?
Feel like Diddy standin' in a bank
I feel like Diddy dancin' in the rain
You yappin', I'ma go in your face
Bruce Banner, how I handle the rage
(you wouldn't like me when I'm angry)
Loose cannon, enemy of the state
Gene Hackman, we gettin' away
Two hammers, how we get in the safe
Do damage in a critical way
Boof packin', we ship it away
You mad, got 'em feelin' the wave
Too bad, hunnid dollar eighths
If I don't got the time or the space
sixteen-passenger plane
Sistine Chapel, I pray
Fish cheeks snap on a bait
Chipped teeth, snack on the prey
Stampede crackin' the gates
Blow money fast just like a game
Go through the cash like it's a phase
Liner Notes:
When Anna moved out, it left some "empty spaces" — one of which was the living room, which simply had my piano in it. Phineas has been upping his game on the piano for the past year and has "officially" surpassed myself as the better pianist — particularly reading music, speed, complexity. It's impressive.
Anyway, he made the comment about how "grand" the piano sounded without any furniture in it and while I've added a few chairs, I've largely left it empty and converted it to a "music room" — including a full drum set courtesy of David Haskins.
I've now hosted a few different friends / musicians for various "jam sessions" over the past few months.
This song reminded me of some of these moments as it is certainly the most "jammy" song I came across this year. This is also perfect for any "summer playlist".
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Listen now you don't know what you've got
You left it to no choice what you got
What you got
All lyrics:
Don't you worry when the late stars at night
Light the way for sugar babies
I remember yesterday before their houses and their planes
Before they touched the hand of fate sugar babies
They want know how much they've changed
They wanna know how I feel about it
Do I think they seem the same
Or do I hear their voicеs talking to them
At the bar, don't forget lеs au revoirs les sugar babies
They saw me in the storefront standing still
They walked on by they couldn't chill
They'll say hello next time now maybe
Listen now you don't know what you've got
You left it to no choice what you got
What you got
Til that boy says where's your credentials
Now where's your credentials
Now where's your credentials
I want to know
Whoa
Whoa
I want to know
They wanna know how much they've changed
They wanna know how I feel about it
Do I think they look the same
Or do I hear their voices talking to them
Sayin where's your credentials
Now where's your credentials
Where's your credentials
I want to know
Whoa
Whoa
Hey
Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
Whoa
Liner Notes:
An unlikely collab that I couldn't resist. James Blake has appeared a few times on the favorites, but this is Travis Scott's debut (alongside 21 Savage).
I have Phineas to thank for keeping me rooted in the hip-hop scene — much of which is reflected throughout this collection.
The questions here are self evident, and persistent.
And familiar.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
All lyrics:
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
I don't blame you
You should be done with me
I don't blame you
You should be done with me
Why won't you even talk about it?
Or even hear about it?
Or even feel about it? (Metro)
Like the covers come off in the eve
We don't have to lie
We don't have to lie right here
And it's alright
I should've waited somehow
I shouldn't have pushed so hard
I always push too hard
And now it's just a blackout
And now it's just a blackout
(Somehow)
My mama always told me, "Put yourself first"
I don't really fall in love with women, man, 'cause love hurt
I hit a couple broads, I can't lie, I put my dick first
Now you runnin' 'round playin' payback and that shit hurt
I should've treated you better (21)
Used to deal with lames 'til she ran into a stepper (on God)
Big dawg Savage, I'm a Zone 6 repper (21)
Niggas throwin' salt, but the Draco came with pepper (straight up)
She say we ain't goin' nowhere 'cause all I do is sext her (on God)
Woah, never knew that I had to propose, no (21)
I was fine with you bein' one of my hoes, for sure (on God)
She said she seen us bein' somebody goals, what are those? (21)
I thought about givin' you the key to my heart, but it's froze
Where would you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where would you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where would you go now?
Now that you're done with me?
Where would you go now?
Now that you're done-
'Til further notice (ah-ah)
'Til further notice (ah-ah)
'Til further notice (we'll keep you posted)
'Til further notice (I'll keep you posted)
if energy makes energy
X-rated love, X-rated love
If energy makes energy, makes energy
X-rated love, X-rated love
You know the love was X-rated, it's how we made it
Drinkin' help balance the patience, watch how you take it
Can't keep no bitches, it's too dangerous, I been X-rated
Took everything up for the takin', I couldn't save it
See red and blues, I hit the pavement, got love, got vacant
She needed angles, I need angels, I'm fightin' Satan
Leave me faded, I feel painless, I go out gracious
I'm tryna feel a shade of greatness by celebratin'
Bring entertainment, goin' brainless, like goin' dumb on my hiatus
She fall more in love every time that I tip
I fade away every time that I-
Take a sip, I been goin' off the rip
I been bumpin' more Coldplay, the world cold as shit
I know one thing 'bout the old one, can't have more fun with it
Knew exactly how to roll one and how to tote a stick
Even if she at the shows, show she never let 'em hit
Always knew she always on one and I can bear with it
Yeah, I can bear with it
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done with me
Where will you go now?
Now that you're done-
'Til further notice
'Til further notice
'Til further notice (we'll keep you posted)
'Til further notice (I'll keep you posted)
Liner Notes:
Bright Eyes has made a bit of a comeback on the favorites over the past few years.
Oberst has gone a bit "electronic" with his latest projects, which I've appreciated.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Out of the blue
Saw you fall down the stairs
It was me pushing you
Innocence
Tell me the truth
Is that blood on your hands
Or just chocolate and fruit?
All lyrics:
One, two, three
One, two, three
Out of the blue
Saw you fall down the stairs
It was me pushing you
Innocence
Tell me the truth
Is that blood on your hands
Or just chocolate and fruit?
That isn't what I heard
This world went down in flames and man-made caves
An island of lepers
That's no kind of place to stay
Came into view
I just fly through the light
Like the dust in the room
Reminisce
Walk through the zoo
And I sweep up my dreams
With a pan and a broom
Not sure what comes after
Life just went down a drain of rainy days
Way up in the rafters
I float where the organ fades
If it's not all that important then why make a fuss at all?
Just whistle a tune
While you're digging a grave
On a hot afternoon
Happiness
Left here too soon
With a map and a bag
On a plane to Tulum
Best medicine's laughter
What a practical joke we have to play
Let's wait for the rapture
Man the phone banks, we're talking snakes
If it's not all that important then why make a fuss at all?
"Michael, everything's under control"
Liner Notes:
I'll admit. This is pushing the bounds of my pop-meter, but I had a deep appreciation for Indigo's struggle here.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Which way will I run when I want something new?
I don't feel at home in this house anymore
Which way will I run when I'm over you?
All lyrics:
When I was younger, younger and dumber
Built like a flower
You came to pick me from out of the city
You turned me sour
When I was younger, younger and prouder
I was nobody
You came to hurt me in all the right places
Made me somebody
Which way will I run when I want something new?
I don't feel at home in this house anymore
Which way will I run when I'm over you?
I don't feel at home in this town
Sometimes, I just don't wanna be alone
And it's not 'cause I'm lonely
It's just 'cause I get so tired of filling
The space all around me
And the love I feel is so powerful
It can take you anywhere
And the love I feel is so very real
It'll drag you down, oh, oh
Which way will I run when I want something new?
I don't feel at home in this house anymore
Which way will I run when I'm over you?
I don't feel at home in this town
When I was younger, younger and dumber
I didn't know better
Liner Notes:
I was at Pitchfork this summer with my kids awaiting Bon Iver's set when "Nation of Language" started playing this song. It was like New Order and The Cure had band sex and gave birth to this trio — who are, quite predictably, from Brooklyn.
And no, Jenni (Grace's girlfriend) and I searched long and hard to figure out if they actually sampled New Order's "Bizarre Love Triangle" but it's merely a similar bass line and synth arpeggios.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
You buried me
Right where I belonged
And still I'm waiting there
I'm waiting there
All lyrics:
You buried me
Right where I belonged
You buried me
Right where I belonged
And still I'm waiting there
I'm waiting there
I'm waiting there
On Division Street
I would like to find the answers I was always rudely denied
I would like to find the answers I was always rudely denied
A song so sweet
From back when I was born
The loving creak
Of floorboards by the door
Hopeful I waited, hopeful I called
But no one would answer at all
On Division Street
I would like to find the answers I was always rudely denied
I would like to find the answers I was always rudely denied
On Division Street
On Division Street
I would like to find the answers I was always rudely denied
I would like to find the answers I was always rudely denied
Liner Notes:
Co-written and co-produced alongside Jack Antonoff, this track is arguably Lana Del Ray's most progressive to-date. It's effectively two songs. Stay with it — if not just to hear the classic TR-808 that kicks in to help transitions us.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I'm a princess, I'm divisive
Ask me why, why, why I'm like this
Maybe I'm just kinda like this
I don't know, maybe I'm just like this
I say I live in Rosemead
Really, I'm at the Ramada
It doesn't really matter
Doesn't really, really matter
All lyrics:
I haven't done a cartwheel since I was nine
I haven't seen my mother in a long, long time
I mean, look at me, look at the length of my hair
My face, the shape of my body
Do you really think I give a damn what I do
After years of just hearing them talking?
I say I live in Rosemead
Really, I'm at the Ramada
It doesn't really matter
Doesn't really, really matter
Call him up, come into my bedroom
Ended up, we fuck on the hotel floor
It's not about havin' someone to love me anymore
This is the experience of bein' an American whore
Called up one drunk, called up another
Forensic Files wasn't on
Watching Teenage Diary of a Girl
Wondering what went wrong
I'm a princess, I'm divisive
Ask me why, why, why I'm like this
Maybe I'm just kinda like this
I don't know, maybe I'm just like this
I say I live in Rosemead
Really, I'm at the Ramada
It doesn't really matter
Doesn't really, really matter
Call him up, he comes over again
Yeah, I know I'm over my head, but, oh
It's not about havin' someone to love me anymore
No, this is the experience of bein' an American whore
I mean, look at my hair
Look at the length of it and the shape of my body
If I told you that I was raped
Do you really think that anybody would think I didn't ask for it?
I didn't ask for it
I won't testify, I already fucked up my story
On top of this, so many other things you can't believe
Did you know a singer can still be
Lookin' like a side piece at thirty-three?
God's a charlatan, don't look back, babe
Puts the shower on while he calls me
Slips out the back door to talk to me
I'm invisible, look how you hold me
I'm invisible, I'm invisible
I'm a ghost now, look how you hold me now
It's not about havin' someone to love me anymore (oh, okay)
No, this is the experience of bein' an American whore
It's not about havin' someone to love me anymore
No, this is the experience of bein' an American whore
This is the experience of bein' an American whore
This is the experience of bein' an American whore
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high (oh, my God)
Love me, if you love enough, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her you're fucking up big time
Your mom called, I told her you're fucking up big time
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high
Love me, if you love enough, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her, you're fucking up big time
Jimmy, you should switch it up, maybe light it up (yeah)
Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club (like)
Jimmy, if you switch it up, you should light it up
Jimmy, if you leave the house, find me in the club (surf's up)
Your mom called, I told her you're fucking up big time
But I don't care, baby, I already lost my mind
If you light it up, find me in the club
Your mom called, I told her you're fucking up big time
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, Jimmy ride
Jimmy, Jimmy, cocoa puff, Jimmy, get me high
Love me if you love enough, you can be my light
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Jimmy only love me when he wanna get high
Your mom called, I told her you're fucking up big time
Liner Notes:
A song about pretending.
A song about regret.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I could have been somebody who
You wanted to have around to hold
I should have jumped when you told me to
I wanna change but it's nothing new
All lyrics:
I could have been somebody else
But I've been out looking for me
It doesn't matter what I tell myself
For a moment there I swear I saw me
I went to meet to somebody new
Changed beneath the evening light
And she held me kind of like you do
I hope you know
I could have been somebody who
You wanted to have around to hold
I should have jumped when you told me to
I wanna change but it's nothing new
And if I grow, I'm gonna get so old
Will you hold me like you always do?
I used to be somebody else
And I'm still out looking for me
I go out and try to chase myself
Find someone that might restore me
I could have been somebody new
And I'm talking to myself again
But I don't know who I'm talking to
I think it's you
I could have been somebody who
You wanted to have around to hold
I should have jumped when you told me to
I wanna change but it's nothing new
And if I grow, I'm gonna get so old
Will you hold me like you always do?
I could have been somebody who
You wanted to have around to hold
I should have jumped when you told me to
I wanna change but it's nothing new
And if I grow, I'm gonna get so old
Will you hold me like you always do?
Liner Notes:
The second of two tracks in this year's compilation. As referenced earlier, I co-produced this album alongside Kelly a couple of years ago.
"The Blue" stood out to me the moment Kelly sent me the demo. Much like the prior track does for Lana Del Ray, this song showcases Kelly's own musical progression — her ability to intricately compose and unleash sounds that practically force you to "feel".
Lyrically, this song (and album for that matter) was, in part, prompted by a news release Kelly came across about the tragic story of a Chicago woman that took her own life in 2016. But Kelly's up to more than just the retelling of a tragedy here. "The Blue" opens a window into a psychological state that, sadly, many have become familiar with (including myself) — feelings of being overwhelmed, exhausted and entrapped.
Here's to all the feels.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I'm just trying to try.
All lyrics:
Father, my limbs are too tired
Are you tying them down?
Won't you swing from your porcelain cloud
Or allow me to drown?
City street prophet said I don't have much longer to cry
I'm on my balcony late at night,
Planning my final demise.
Ooooh, I'm just trying to try.
Ooooh, I'm just trying to try.
Ooooh, I'm just trying to try.
Ooooh, I'm just trying to try.
Ooooh, I'm just dying to die.
Ooooh, I'm just dying to die.
Liner Notes:
I mean... can you imagine someone rapping any faster?
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I'm just rhyming words I don't even know how to rap
All lyrics:
Tobi just do it
Ayo is that Mexican OT?
That good dope, got me, looking, just like Johnny Dang
Louis Vuitton umbrella when I walk through the rain
In the kitchen whipping chicken counting bread like Canes
Good dope got a Mexican looking like Johnny dang
Knee deep in muddy water still carrying my K
Right pocket got money left pocket cocaine
Bullet proof white Cadillac riding in a tank
Ima dirty bay baby from dirty bay with a dirty k
Slide down ya block light it up in flames
Chopping down the block while the lac doing jumping jacks
Smoking on a wood yellow timber like a lumberjack
Suppressor on a mac10 sounding like its bubblewrap
Throw the TV in the shower Ima give his ass a bubble bath
Yoppas and choppas lil bitch I got a whole lotta of that
With the steal imma kill yeh I got em falling back
Got me feeling like a baby just feening so where my bottle at?
I'm just rhyming words I don't even know how to rap
Every time they see me best believe I be flossed up
Got crossed up dick in the dirt then I bossed up
I be catching these plays, fuck around and get mossed up
I be eating the booty like salad get it tossed up
Pop trunk on a hater while we waving goodbye
I'm from Lonestar sipping lean with pecan pie
I don't play by respect for that we gon die
Time Is money so best believe Ima be on time
Louis Vuitton umbrella when I walk through the rain
In the kitchen whipping chicken counting bread like Canes
Good dope got a Mexican looking like Johnny dang
Knee deep in muddy water still carrying my K
Right pocket got money left pocket cocaine
Bullet proof white Cadillac riding in a tank
Ima dirty bay baby from dirty bay with a dirty k
Slide down ya block light it up in flames
In the lac smoked out
Long 4s poked out
Keep Ps in the drought
Getting money down south
Feeling like Johnny Dang
Got diamonds in my chain
Hit ya bitch in the guts with this big ol thang
I got ice on my neck like it's swollen
They cold than a bitch ya these diamonds look frozen
Real players get chose so you know that I be chosen
Got exotic in my pocket grab a slapwood and I roll it
I stay out the way don't be all in the mix
Call me for 7s don't call me for 6
I ain't selling no grams bitch come buy a zip
See the streets getting dry finna go and take a trip let's dip
Ay
Hold up wait a minute
If I get it then I spend it
When im in it can't pretend it
Keep it tinted with my business
Im relentless
Leave no witness
I got two rent houses and them bitches get rented
Bitch I been a boss for a minute
Louis Vuitton umbrella when I walk through the rain
In the kitchen whipping chicken counting bread like Canes
Good dope got a Mexican looking like Johnny dang
Knee deep in muddy water still carrying my K
Right pocket got money left pocket cocaine
Bullet proof white Cadillac riding in a tank
Ima dirty bay baby from dirty bay with a dirty k
Slide down ya block light it up in flames
I got ice all over my body looking like a snow man
Big rocks in the grill dancing like a slow jam
My chain so heavy I'm walking like an old man
Try me and you gone get tagged like a spray paint can
Smoking something from slow can I'm getting throwed
It's getting cold put on a coat my ice froze
Riding 4s I'm poking out on nice toes
Drive slow my trunk up and the lights glow
And I'm sitting so low to the ground I might scrape it
Nothing fake candy the paint I might flake it
Riding down 288 my top vacant
Thinking you gone run up on me then you mistaken
Getting baked braking em off leaving em stained
I came thru dripping a puddle you thought it rained
Everything flawless from the grills to the chain
I done spent lot of change now I'm looking like Johnny Dang
Louis Vuitton umbrella when I walk through the rain
In the kitchen whipping chicken counting bread like Canes
Good dope got a Mexican looking like Johnny dang
Knee deep in muddy water still carrying my K
Right pocket got money left pocket cocaine
Bullet proof white Cadillac riding in a tank
Ima dirty bay baby from dirty bay with a dirty k
Slide down ya block light it up in flames
Liner Notes:
Had the opportunity to see Big Thief again this summer. This was a new track at the time.
Again, there seems to be a small, but memorable, "vampire" theme this year.
(shrug emoji)
FAVORITE LYRIC:
You turn me inside out, and then you want me outside in
You spin me all around, and then you ask me not to spin
You say you wanna be alone and you want children
You wanna be with me and you wanna be with him
All lyrics:
Watching TV tired, bleeding on the bed
The milk has just expired, all the leaves are dead
I'm not quiet, you've been quiet, just receiving what you said
Reeling, feeding, feeling, filled by everything you fed
I see you as you see yourself through all the books you read
Overwhelmed with guilt and realizing the disease
You give me chills, I've had it with the drills
I'm nothing, you are nothing, we are nothing with the pills
I am empty 'til she fills, alive until she kills
In her vampire empire, I am
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
I see you there, rejecting all your earthly power
Protecting and dissecting 'til you've emptied every hour
We jumped into the pond and then come under the shower
You lay upon my pillow and you open like a flower
I wanted to see you naked, I wanted to hear you scream
Wanted to kiss your skin and your everything
I wanted to be your woman, I wanted to be your man
I wanted to be the one that you could understand
You give me chills, I've had it with the drills
I'm nothing, you are nothing, we are nothing with the pills
I'm empty 'til she fills, alive until she kills
In her vampire empire, I am
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
Well, I walked into your dagger for the last time
It's like trying to start a fire with matches in the snow
Where you can't seem to hold me, can't seem to let me go
So I can't find surrender and I can't keep control
You turn me inside out, and then you want me outside in
You spin me all around, and then you ask me not to spin
You say you wanna be alone and you want children
You wanna be with me and you wanna be with him
You give me chills, I've had it with the drills
I'm nothing, you are nothing, we are nothing with the pills
I am empty 'til she fills, alive until she kills
In her vampire empire, I am
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
Falling, yeah
Liner Notes:
A little shoutout to the "glory days" of playing games.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Too abstract for y'all to retrace
You all would be safe but y'all are deep fake
Too fake for me to waste time
Too two-faced for me to say "Fine"
All lyrics:
Okay, I'm too Black for y'all to erase
Shoot too straight for y'all to replace
Too abstract for y'all to retrace
You all would be safe but y'all are deep fake
Too fake for me to waste time
Too two-faced for me to say "Fine"
I'm the one-man army, Ason
The baseline is we just ain't the same kind
Gloves and mask off, time to blast off
Baton I'll pass off, rhyme your ass off
If we clash, I'll haul the trash off
Then haul the cash off and ball in Nassau
That's all, it ain't too much talk
All y'all chumps, it ain't enough chalk
Y'all thought the name was just Thought?
C'mon, I'm too strong for y'all to cut short
You see light like mine once a lifetime
When some young gun becomes an icon
But somehow they'll cut down the flight time
Unless they send that heat down the pipeline
My mind is hard to explain
Call y'all all aboard for this train
I float like a nautilus, mane
Damn, I love this glorious game
Ahh, pimpin' ain't dead, baby
Mackin' ain't dead, baby, ooh, these are the glory days
Pimpin' ain't dead, baby
Mackin' ain't dead, baby, I swear, these are the glory days
I might put my fur on and talk my shit
I might put my game on and take your bitch
I might put my fur on and talk my shit (My shit)
I might put my game on and take your bitch
Okay, I'm proof that we all should get free
Direct from the streets of S.P.
Who alone tryna be the next thing
For real, I'm just tryna be the best me, so
No gas, I'm high in octane
Which icon am I if not flames?
Goddammit, guess who not lame
And locked the block down before the blockchain
Stop playin', the stakes is too high
Some say life's a trip, then you die
Patience brings all things in due time
If you's a real one, well, that's a true sign
My time the valuable kind
Take these words to rendezvous by
Y'all style on the comical side
I drive psychological vibes
Seekers, keep this close to your chest
Weakness killed this culture, more or less
Your projects is such a snorefest
No paycheck, just exit stage left
My grind is hard to explain
I contain one marvelous brain
I float like a nautilus, mane
Damn, I love this glorious game
Ahh, pimpin' ain't dead, baby
Mackin' ain't dead, baby, ooh, these are the glory days
Pimpin' ain't dead, baby
Mackin' ain't dead, baby, I swear, these are the glory days
I might put my fur on and talk my shit
I might put my game on and take your bitch
I might put my fur on and talk my shit (My shit)
I might put my game on and take your bitch
These are the glory days
These are the glory days
I might put my fur on and talk my shit
I might put my game on and take your bitch
I might put my fur on and talk my shit (I might put my fur on and talk my shit)
I might put my game on and take your bitch (I might put my game on and take your bitch)
Liner Notes:
I would normally not even mention the context of "Space Invader" — presuming everyone is aware of the reference. But sometimes I forget that once owning an Atari 2600 with the Space Invader cartridge in the early 80s dates me quite a bit.
This song has all the traditional hallmarks of a great National song — nostalgic lyrics, a swelling ballad, meta-esque-reflections.
In particular, this one is asking the question we can't seem to escape... "What if?"
FAVORITE LYRIC:
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
All lyrics:
It's a calculation I made a mistake on
I never should have said it like I said it
It'll come to me later like a space invader
And I won't be able to get it out of my head
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette?
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
It was too romantic
It was sad and frantic
A paperback book in a storm drain
It could go number one if I copied anyone
From a melody that I wish I had
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette?
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
What if I'd never written the letter
I slipped in the sleeve of the record I gave you?
What if I'd stayed on the C train to Lafayette
What if we'd never met?
What if I'd only just done what you told me
And never looked back?
What if I'd only ducked away down the hallway
And faded to black?
It'll come to me later like a space invader
I won't be able to get it out of my head
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Why'd I leave it like that?
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Quarter after four in the morning
My heart's software gore
Why'd I leave it like that?
Liner Notes:
While this isn't pure jazz per say, it's close.
And I've decided I need more jazz in my life.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
'Cause if the heart pulls the rest up at the seams
Then that fist gon' grip something that could tip the balance beam for his
Beloved, paradise, jazz
All lyrics:
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Keep my braids)
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Braids for the summer, I'm less likely to falter
Gold fingertips rusted, now the color has altered
Deny food from the hand, matriarch is insulted
The house is crumbling, hurry out the backdoor bolting
The rubble recently reset my bones
Black skin to concrete, within it I feel at home
Surrounded by all my niggas, it's a feeling I missed
I was once nothing and then suddenly I was fixed
One filled with so much heat, praise sun 'fore I hit the street
'Cause if I loosen grip a little, results finna be bleak, oh well
Light escaping, tryna grab it at the wrist
I was once nothing, then a heart sprang out from the fist
Hellish and unkempt, lungs filled with ragged breath
Open mouth to speak, pop that boy 'fore he can step
'Cause if the heart pulls the rest up at the seams
Then that fist gon' grip something that could tip the balance beam for his
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Yeah)
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz, jazz, jazz
The sun lends cracks to both sides of my eyes
My gums still black, how else you tell that I lie?
Showing off my canines, glow too bright for the reverend
And though they all go, me and dawg might see different heavens
Time alone has never once been a crutch
The worst thing for a god is you realizing they can be touched
Saw me aiming at the heavens, sun can't give me a kiss
'Cause blacker-the-berry less likely, when he shoot he gon' miss
Wake up
Held you with my arms, I barely felt the beating
This a side of my heart I ain't really shown too many seasons
Running up those stairs, tryna catch you right before you leavin'
I ain't make it, I guess it all gon' happen for a reason
As I stand up on the balcony and look to the ground
Money kept me moving but the heart wasn't found
When I was standing on the edge about to fall off that cliff
What kept me on was looking up and seeing my hand in your grip, my
Beloved, paradise, jazz, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Jazz, jazz, jazz)
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Paradise, jazz, jazz)
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Jazz, paradise, paradise)
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Paradise, jazz)
Beloved, paradise, jazz (Jazz, Jazz)
Beloved, paradise, jazz
Liner Notes:
There are singer-songwriters in abundance these days (and on these favorites). But there are very few experimental/progressive rock bands that actually "rock" (as cliché as that may sound).
The Smile, which is Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead + Tom Skinner (drums), is undoubtedly one of these bands. And this song, is undoubtedly one of these songs.
Don't be scared by the song's length. Every second is worth it.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
The ground is coming for me now
We've gone over the edge
If you've got something to say
Say it now
All lyrics:
I'm changing down the gears
I'm slamming on the brakes
A vintage soft top
From the sixties
We're coming to a bend now
Skidding 'round the hairpin
A sheer drop down
The Italian mountainside
Time is kind of frozen
As you're gazing at the view
And I swear I'm seeing double
No one's gonna bring me down, no
No way and no how
I'm letting go of the wheel
'Cause it might be as well
It might be as well
I've got these slings
I've got these arrows
I'll force myself to
I've got these slings
I've got these arrows
I'll force myself to turn, turn
The ground is coming for me now
We've gone over the edge
If you've got something to say
Say it now
No one's gonna bring me down, no
No way and no how
I'm letting go
Of the wheel
Despite these slings
Despite these arrows
I'll force myself to
Despite these slings
Despite these arrows
I'll force myself to turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Turn
Liner Notes:
It's sweet. It's catchy.
But don't be fooled, it's a setup.
(see their follow-up on the next playlist)
FAVORITE LYRIC:
When the hard times come and the hard times stay
When they stick around and won't go away
When it seems there's nothing you can do or say
Nowhere you can turn
From the last breath of my first death
To this lifetime and lifetimes left
Congratulations, no regrets
It's true
I was born for loving you
All lyrics:
After the first stars formed, after the dinos fell
After the first light flickered outta this motel
1991, momma pushing like hell
Tangled in blood and vine
From my first steps to my first words
To waddling around looking at birds
To the teenage nightmare, mine and yours
Thank God we made it through
'Cause I was born for loving you
Just something I was made to do
Doesn't matter what dreams come true
I was born for loving you
Now we're here, but where is here?
Sometimes we both disappear
Into that shadow box of fear
That tiny old abyss
From the first kiss to the first fuck
I don't think it's just good luck
Take me to the back of your pick-up truck
Show me a thing or two
'Cause I was born for loving you
That's just something I was made to do
Doesn't matter what dreams come true
I was born for loving you
When the hard times come and the hard times stay
When they stick around and won't go away
When it seems there's nothing you can do or say
Nowhere you can turn
From the last breath of my first death
To this lifetime and lifetimes left
Congratulations, no regrets
It's true
I was born for loving you
That's just something I was made to do
Doesn't matter what dreams come true
I was born for loving you
Just something I was made to do
Doesn't matter what dreams come true
I was born for loving you
Liner Notes:
This trio that have all been equally represented on the favorites over the last 8 years (starting with Julien Baker's "Everybody Does" release in 2015... which actually would have fit perfectly on this particular playlist now that I think about it). And if you've been even a little bit of attention to the media (i.e. cover of Rolling Stone), you'll know they have pushed well beyond the underground alt-indie songwriters they once were.
While many will likely throw various projected insecurities their way as a result of their "mainstream acceptance" (update: speaking of, I just learned of their grammy win), I want to continue to recognize their talent, creativity, and maybe most importantly these days... their play. I've seen some combination of this trio a half-dozen times and if one this is obvious, they're loving life.
And if I'm to take any cues from their journey — embracing the essence of self reflecting, introspective, sometimes sad, music to get there... well, I'm in.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Once, I took your medication to know what it's like
And now I have to act like I can't read your mind
I ask you how you're doing and I let you lie
But we don't have to talk about it
I can walk you home and practice method acting
All lyrics:
Met you at the dive bar to go shoot some pool
And make fun of the cowboys with the neck tattoos
Ask you easy questions about work and school
I'm trying to be cool about it
Feelin' like an absolute fool about it
Wishin' you were kind enough to be cruel about it
Tellin' myself I can always do without it
Knowin' that it probably isn't true
I came prepared for absolution, if you'd only ask
So I take some offense when you say, "No regrets"
I remember it's impossible to pass your test
But I'm trying to forget about it
Feelin' like I'm breaking a sweat about it
Wishin' you would kindly get out of my head about it
Tellin' myself one day I'll forget about it
Knowin' that it probably isn't true
Once, I took your medication to know what it's like
And now I have to act like I can't read your mind
I ask you how you're doing and I let you lie
But we don't have to talk about it
I can walk you home and practice method acting
I'll pretend being with you doesn't feel like drowning
Tellin' you it's nice to see how good you're doing
Even though we know it isn't true
Liner Notes:
What an opening line...
FAVORITE LYRIC:
It's a life of delusion and love is the cure
Remember when it was for fun and for free?
All of my visions they danced around me
When you're young you'll live through Hell for the dream
But Hell is a real place
All lyrics:
I've been thrown to the wolves and they ate me raw
Worked both sides at the Shangri-La
Thrown back a few more and I mopped up the floors
It's a life of delusion and love is the cure
Remember when it was for fun and for free?
All of my visions they danced around me
When you're young you'll live through Hell for the dream
But Hell is a real place
I want a mirror not a piece of glass
We went a hundred down the highway
I been known to move a little fast
I'm a hunter for the real thing
My love is pure as the Universe
Honest as an ashtray
Baby it's fine, I'da blown your mind
But I guess I'm gonna give you space
Beautiful people, eternally young
City of Angels gets stuck in your lungs
So I don't check the weather in Texas no more
I just close my eyes
When you walk as a woman whose only known love
It's easy to miss the signs
You bowed down to me like I was sent from above
But who's in your bed tonight?
I want a mirror not a piece of glass
We went a hundred down the highway
I been known to move a little fast
I'm a hunter for the real thing
My love is pure as the Universe
Honest as an ashtray
Baby it's fine, I'da blown your mind
But I guess I'm gonna give you space
I want a mirror not a piece of glass
We went a hundred down the highway
I been known to move a little fast
I'm a hunter for the real thing
My love is pure as the Universe
Honest as an ashtray
Baby it's fine, I'da blown your mind
But I guess I'm gonna give you space
Baby it's fine, I'da blown your mind
But I guess I'm gonna give you space
Liner Notes:
If you didn't know, voice memos are "in".
And according to "pennies", relationships are "out".
FAVORITE LYRIC:
A torn up sweater
Hung in my closet
A memory of a shitty time
All lyrics:
I’m just a sweater
Hung in your closet
Forget about me
‘Till you get cold
A candy wrapper
Lost in your pocket
Something forgotten
And it's getting old
Why is it all on your terms it hurts me
Making me think I’m worth less than pennies
You remember my name when you're lonely
Starting to realize to you I’m only
Handwritten letters
You don't care to read
Rip open the card
And take the money
You take advantage
Of every part of me
Break my heart
And drain my batteries
Why is it all on your terms it hurts me
Making me think I’m worth less than pennies
You remember my name when you're lonely
Starting to realize that this is
(Oh )Worthless than pennies
(Oh) Starting to realize that this is only
Something I care too much about
Finally having second doubts
Have you ever wanted me around
When you weren't bored drunk or lonely
You really meant something to me
Now looking back I can't believe
I ever thought that this could be
Something more than only
A torn up sweater
Hung in my closet
A memory of a shitty time
A candy wrapper
Lost in my pocket
You've been forgotten
You were never mine
Liner Notes:
I think this is Samia's third year in a row to make the favorites. This one almost got left off, but Emily reminded me about it!
She's gone a smidge pop-py on this album, but I apparently can't complain amidst my own curations this year.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I don't wanna charm anyone this time
I don't wanna make anybody mine
Mostly it's just I don't wanna end up crying
All lyrics:
Getting all lit up about the outdoor malls
Baby, let me show you the synthetic pond
Couldn't we believe it was the hand of god
Making water boogie to a Ke$ha song?
You are so disarming with your honest smile
Tepidly confessing that you swallowed a fly
I just saw my whole life flash before your eyes
And I don't wanna charm anyone this time
Ooh, ooh
Ooh
Kissing you'd be kissing on the USA
I'd be so afraid of what your daddy'd say
I could fetishize you for the whole damn day
Flying while I'm lying that I hate LA
What if we could shut up for an hour or two?
Quiet, memorizing what the people do
Wouldn't have to try and find myself in you
I don't wanna charm you
I don't wanna make you mine
Half life of my mystifying
Isn't long enough for trying
I don't wanna charm anyone this time
I don't wanna make anybody mine
Mostly it's just I don't wanna end up crying
I don't wanna charm you
I don't wanna charm you
I don't wanna charm you
I don't wanna charm you
Liner Notes:
Upon first listen, "End of the World" sounds like it could be another Phoebe Bridgers side project, but Searows is the stage name of emerging artist Alec Duckart of the Pacific Northwest.
Alec acknowledges his parent's musical influence on him at an early age — introducing him to indie artists such as "Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, and Iron & Wine" throughout his childhood (you're welcome kids).
And whether it be his parents, the various musical influences, or Portland just keeping Portland "weird" — Alec, at age 23, is undoubtedly tapping into an emotional depth that most don't see for decades to come.
Personally, my appreciation for the younger generation(s) insight only grew this fall after spending some extended time with Grace (also 23) and her girlfriend Jenny in Dublin, Ireland — where they both live. Grace and I went on long walks around the city and I felt like I was continually taken back upon the realization that my own daughter's perspective and insight was beyond what I could see and understand myself.
Here's to the "End of the World" kind of days.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
And it's a damn shame, you're good at winning
And I can't handle when the fight runs out
When it's a chapter from the beginning
Crashing a boat into the front of your house
I know you don't like the sound
All lyrics:
I'm at the end of the world
Out of asking, out of patience
You know enough of the words
I was angry, you're forgiven
And does it get too hard
Bein' a good person every day of your life?
Does it get boring
Making a living out of the things you like?
Without the rain, you're in a bad mood
Or was it lightning? Or is it the wrong shoes?
And it's okay, I'm grateful to you
For letting me lose
And it's a damn shame, you're good at winning
And I can't handle when the fight runs out
When it's a chapter from the beginning
Crashing a boat into the front of your house
I know you don't like the sound
I ran away to the Golden State
Just to see if I could get back home
I know it's not what you thought I'd say
I'm hardly brave, I know
What-a you say to a brand-new ghost
I saw the end of the world last night
I ran to you
I say your name in the warmest way
I look for you when I do
Liner Notes:
This year's namesake is a cover of MGMT's fantastical original of the same name, which is arguably one of the best "summer songs"of all time. And it did make the annual favorites back in 2007.
As the story goes, this song was intended to be a throw-away song — the (once upon a time) college band's parody of life post-college (a.k.a. "Time to Pretend").
This cover done by Charlie Hickey stayed on the rotation throughout the year — maybe because it somehow retains its playful and captivating essence amidst being stripped down.
Or maybe because it's light-hearted construct actually hits a little too close to home?
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I'll miss my sister, miss my father
Miss my dog and my home
Yeah, I'll miss the boredom and the freedom
And the time spent alone
There is really nothing, nothing we can do
Love must be forgotten, life can always start up anew
...
We're fated to pretend
All lyrics:
I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling raw
In the prime of my life
Let's make some music, make some money
Find some models for wives
I'll move to Paris, shoot some heroin
And fuck with the stars
You man the island and the cocaine
And the elegant cars
This is our decision, to live fast and die young
We've got the vision, now let's have some fun
Yeah, it's overwhelming, but what else can we do?
Get jobs in offices and wake up for the morning commute?
Forget about our mothers and our friends
We're fated to pretend
I'll miss the playgrounds and the animals
And diggin' up worms
I'll miss the comfort of my mother
And the weight of the world
I'll miss my sister, miss my father
Miss my dog and my home
Yeah, I'll miss the boredom and the freedom
And the time spent alone
There is really nothing, nothing we can do
Love must be forgotten, life can always start up anew
The models will have children, we'll get a divorce
Find some more models, everything must run its course
We'll choke on our vomit and that will be the end
We're fated to pretend
(I say yeah, yeah, yeah)
We're fated to pretend
Liner Notes:
Mitski is no stranger to the annual favorites. And this year, it was between this track and her Lana Del Ray-esque track "My Love Mine All Mine", but I couldn't resist the composition of this one ("Bug Like an Angel").
In particular, the decision to pair the patient verses with the "angelic" swell in the chorus leaves... well, you decide.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Did you go and make promises you can't keep?
Well, when ya break them, they break you right back
Amateur mistake
You can take it from me
They break you right back
Break you right back
All lyrics:
There's a bug like an angel stuck to the bottom
Of my glass, with a little bit left
As I got older, I learned I'm a drinker
Sometimes a drink feels like family
Family
Hey, what's the matter? Lookin' like your sticker
Is stuck on a floor somewhere
Did you go and make promises you can't keep?
Well, when ya break them, they break you right back
Amateur mistake
You can take it from me
They break you right back
Break you right back
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh-ooh
When I'm bent over, wishin' it was over
Makin' all variety of vows I'll never keep
I try to remember the wrath of the devil
Was also given him by God
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh
Ooh, ooh, ooh
Liner Notes:
Apparently Katy asked her band to make the track like an Ed Sheeran song.
They refused.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
'Cause baby, you're a time-bound entity event, like me
And we're the party of the century
That makes you like a sunset
That makes you like a snowstorm
That makes you like a drought
That makes you like a war
All lyrics:
You think it's ethically suspicious
To bring someone into a world like this
But you've got the best smile anyone could ask to inherit
And baby, I know you're so good with kids
You're my worst survival strategy
Last safety match I've got to light up
Happy anniversary, I'm happy as I'll ever be
And I still wanna make love in this club
I've been stealing pies from windowsills
Double-triple backflip off the high dive
Bribing you back to me with sugar cubes
But is that really such a crime?
'Cause baby, you're a time-bound entity event, like me
And we're the party of the century
That makes you like a sunset
That makes you like a snowstorm
That makes you like a drought
That makes you like a war
Liner Notes:
As many of you know, I don't do "country". It's been a hard no in our house since day 1. I was informed Zach Bryan "does" country. Or, at least, he used to. While you can certainly still "hear it" lingering midst the doubled vocals, Bryan apparently made a decision to break beyond the genre on this album.
Of course, it doesn't hurt that he brought along king-of-indie-collabs Bon Iver / Justin Vernon on this track.
Here's to the numerous guys out there that have stepped in for support this year. I am forever grateful.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
But you stuck around when I was down
And I'll owe you all my days
Them boys of faith
Them boys of faith
High tide, it's been risin' up
I've been gettin' up with some boys I used to know
We're tryin' to get our pockets up
This year has just been movin' fuckin' slow
All lyrics:
High tide, it's been risin' up
I've been gettin' up with some boys I used to know
We're tryin' to get our pockets up
This year has just been movin' fuckin' slow
You were comin' out to Pineville, it was freezin' cold
I'm gettin' old by the day
You said it gave your heart somethin' to believe in
'Cause boys like us fade away
But you stuck around when I was down
And I'll owe you all my days
Them boys of faith
Them boys of faith
High tide, it's been risin' up
I've been gettin' up with some boys I used to know
We're tryin' to get our pockets up
This year has just been movin' fuckin' slow
You were takin' photos of me in Kentucky
Sayin' we were lucky for the light
Who've thought those things would find a billboard
Way out in New York at night
Thinkin' of the times that you didn't bat an eye
All those of times have shaped
Them boys of faith
Them boys of faith
High tide, it's been risin' up
I've been gettin' up with some boys I used to know
We're tryin' to get our pockets up
This year has just been movin' fuckin' slow
High tide, it's been risin' up
I've been gettin' up with some boys I used to know
We're tryin' to get our pockets up
This year has just been movin' fuckin' slow
Liner Notes:
This is the second appearance of Wye Oak on the favorites (the first being "AEIOU" in 2020).
It's an interesting question.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Did you really want to live a life every day like the last?
All lyrics:
It might be true
It might be easier for me, if not for you
I might be free
To live a life of some prolonged tranquility
Alone with my thoughts
My mind can do its wandering
A bed to die in
Did you really want to live a life every day like the last?
To make a trade of future promise for a hopeless past
Forget what you know
Afraid of what you want the most
A living ghost
Everyday like the last
Everyday like the last
Everyday like the last
Everyday like the last
Liner Notes:
Speaking of Bon Iver...
No, this is not "Holocene", but the beginning is damn close. This is not a coincidence. Rather, it is because "hazelton" was actually the precursor to Bon Iver's later work. Initially recorded between 2005 and 2006, "Hazelton" was first released on the album hazeltons, which was limited to just 100 handmade, hand-numbered CD-Rs. This track showcases Vernon's exploration of themes and musical styles that would later become central to Bon Iver's identity, particularly in the transition of "Hazelton" into the highly acclaimed "Holocene".
"Hazelton" and another track, "Liner," were recently shared by Vernon as part of the lead-up to the release of Epoch, a comprehensive box set that chronicles the journey of DeYarmond Edison, the band Vernon was part of before Bon Iver. This box set aims to document the musical and personal evolution of its members through an extensive collection.
This track is a small glimpse into the formative years of Vernon's career.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Saddle up, we're calling up the pain
Stilling doubt to single out the strain
You came, you saw, you sawed her brain
You cut out all the parts that held your stain
Still inclined, you're billing wine the blame
She's crying now, you're climbing down your claim
Sitting up, you've counting up your names
Is sin enough to bend 'em off the frame?
All lyrics:
Saddle up, we're calling up the pain
Stilling doubt to single out the strain
You came, you saw, you sawed her brain
You cut out all the parts that held your stain
Still inclined, you're billing wine the blame
She's crying now, you're climbing down your claim
Sitting up, you've counting up your names
Is sin enough to bend 'em off the frame?
You came, you saw, you sawed her brain
You cut out all the parts that held your stain
You clipped, you clawed, to no applause (weigh above)
You lost the will and bought the lye and gauze (weigh apart)
So tried to be somebody
So tried to be somebody (so fly to flee)
So tried to be somebody (so long and leave)
So hard to be somebody
So tried to be somebody (run, you wreck, and then you run) (you wreck, and then you run)
So far to feel somebody (you wreck, and then you run) (you wreck, and then you run)
So tried to be somebody (you wreck, and then you run) (you wreck, and then you run)
So hard to be somebody (you wreck, and then you run)(you wreck, and then you)
Liner Notes:
while billy woods caught the attention of a broader audience for this year's Maps album, he's no stranger to the hip-hop scene. in fact, billy woods is considered a legend in underground hip-hop.
the entire album is worth the listen — if for anything, the (seemingly) adhoc style in which woods writes. but don't be fooled. woods' intelligence runs deep — which, in part, trickled down from his parents who were both highly educated (i.e. his father was a phd marxist and prominent in zimbabwe's liberation war to independence).
in other words, this track may seem like a casual take on a "soft landing" but it is immersed with social commentary, biography, lyrical dissonance, and various nods — one of which is nina simon's "feeling good" throughout the refrain.
and if you're wondering, yes... "billy woods" is an all lowercase kind of guy.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
The worst people'll wiggle out the rubble
Maybe "Suicidal Thoughts" was the "Everyday Struggle"
For a brief, sweet, moment it was nothing in the thought bubble
From up here the lakes is puddles
The land unfold brown and green, it's a quiet puzzle
All lyrics:
Excuse me, uh, on those drinks?
It's 2:1:1 on the daiquiris
It ruins the whole day when my baby mother mad at me
Spliff could prolly jump your car battery
Birds-of-paradise in the menagerie
A single death is a tragedy, but eggs make omelets
Statistics how he look at war casualties
Killin' is one thing, what sticks is how casually
Nonchalant, 5 in the morning, what I grew up on
God bless this sweet home, my beloved heart
124 bluestone crouched on thin haunch
While I get dome from the living
Conch fritters crispin' in the kitchen
Grew gaunt in prison
My own warden, celly, and superintendent
Flaunt flagrant disassociation
Dissonant cadence
Free political dissidents from they cages
But leave 'em open
We got lists of names, pages and pages
Wouldn't want to waste the space the previous regime gave us
This message is to inform you your service will be suspended
For non-payment
Midnight ravens
Head in the loud clouds, both feet on the fuckin' pavement
Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on, you know how I feel
Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on, you know how I feel
My daily routine narrated by an Attenborough
Over the instrumental to "Keep It Thoro"
My chain banged glass ceilings, Joe Burrow
When the contract came, white man read while I sit, brow furrowed
Rappers leant out
2nd Amendment with the beam
It worked for William Burroughs
It could be nuclear winter with an earthquake
The worst people'll wiggle out the rubble
Maybe "Suicidal Thoughts" was the "Everyday Struggle"
For a brief, sweet, moment it was nothing in the thought bubble
From up here the lakes is puddles
The land unfold brown and green, it's a quiet puzzle
Before we take off, I call mom and say, "I love you"
Complimentary beverages
When we land, I text my ex and say-
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Amsterdam where the local time is 6:30
Please remain seated with your seatbelts fastened until the signs have been switched off
Any devices for messaging, calls, or internet access must remain switched off until-
Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on, you know how I feel
Birds flyin' high, you know how I feel
Sun in the sky, you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on, you know how I feel
-Smoking area
We hope you enjoyed your flight today and we thank you for choosing easyJet
On behalf of the captain-
Liner Notes:
This is the second (of two) Moose collaborations in this years collection. This one is reminiscent of Phoebe and Andrew Bird's collab last year — and yet distinctively poignant in its own right.
And while I'm attempting to not see anything as "wasted" these days, I'm continuously reflecting on whether I'm "wasting..."
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Used to want to make anyone feel something
Before I knew what's embarrassing
Now I'm wasted
Wasting all of my breath
Wasted again
All lyrics:
I'm staying north the sunset
Looking for a place to live
Have another drink to cloud my mind in my judgement
I don't wanna go out
Unless I find a pick-me-up
I was playing this bar a couple of times a month
Used to want to make anyone feel something
Before I knew what's embarrassing
Now I'm wasted
Wasting all of my breath
Wasted again
Standing in a parking lot
In the glow of a righted sign
Everyone I know is staying in tonight
And I've been here before
Screaming at a cellphone
Seems like a couple of months went by but it's years ago
I used to have the energy to get mad
Used to know how to say sorry
But now I'm back with none of that
And I'm wasted
Wasting all of my breath
Wasted again
Can't you feel it though?
Wheeled into a hospital, it's raw
It cuts right to the bone
I can't feel it now
I'd be full of Benadryl, it's soft
We'll see you in the morning
My friends are turning thirty
Playing down at the Silver Lake Lounge
I made that joke ten years ago, now it's going down
Going down, yeah, it's going down
Going down, yeah, it's going down
Going down, yeah, it's going down
Going down
I'm wasted
Wasting all of my breath
Wasted
I'm wasted
I'm wasting all I have left
Wasted, oh, no, again
Liner Notes:
So, I got arrested this year.
Not a statement I ever thought I'd write here or anywhere else for that matter.
Interestingly enough, when it has come up with friends and/or acquaintances — most feel the need to keep it quiet and/or avoid the matte — presuming I don't want anyone to know. I've thought about it, and I guess I just don't really care one way or another what other people know and/or think about me — particularly related to this incident.
I'll attempt to keep this as brief as possible, but all of of this went down the night of our first open house (March 2023) for Subourbon — the new private whisky bar I helped open this year. My business partner (Eric Schlickman) and I had very little sleep the prior two nights — staying up painting and getting the space ready. After the opening I drove about 40 minutes north to a birthday party for a friend of mine. And on my way back home, I struggled to keep my eyes open for the long drive.
Side note: I do own a Tesla, with autodrive, that most presume drives you whether you are asleep or not. But, Tesla will not drive if you aren't paying attention or have your eyes closed. But regardless, I was too tired to be driving and should not have made the long drive. No question - this was on me.
Anyway, the moment the car arrived at the house, it parked itself (on the street) and I subsequently fell asleep for a few minutes. Of course, the officer asked me if I had been drinking. And while I did have a few drinks over the course of the evening, I did not think I had too much to drive.
Now, to be fair... I almost always get asked if I've been drinking or if I'm high when I get pulled over anyway as "apparently" I look stoned all the time.
But long "short story" shorter, I took a field sobriety test and believed to have passed it easily, but the officer started aggressively questioning and threatening me and subsequently decided to arrest me on my front lawn (via 3 other officers) when I challenged his questions.
The whole point of me telling you this story is that the moment I was tackled to the ground, with my shoulder hitting the curb, and a knee on my back — I couldn't help but wonder how this would be going down if I was a black man, not in Glen Ellyn, and not in my own front yard.
And while I have no means of truly understanding what it means to be black in this country, for just a moment, I got a glimpse. I got to witness what it was like to feel judged from the onset, what it's like to have a reasonable conversation escalate very quickly, what it's like come face-to-face with someone abusing their authority and power (IMO).
I did take a breathalyzer. I was under the limit. I was still kept in jail for 3 hours. I was then asked to take a drug test. No drugs in my system. And yet I still spent almost 8 months and a LOT of money fighting the charges that remained in spite of these results.
This song is referencing the complicated and conflicting realities that often exist in our political and/or justice system. And I can, without a doubt, vouch for this, but not necessarily because of my arrest. Rather, I can speak to it based on the numerous court cases I had the opportunity to witness throughout this process. At one point, I counted 75 people that were going before the same judge I would be addressing. 72 of the people were black or brown skinned. 3 of them (one being me) were white.
The worst part of it was realizing that I was going to get out of it — and not just because the case was bullshit (I'm sure plenty of the other cases were too). But because I had the means and resources to get out of it.
This story doesn't fix the problem. And this song doesn't fix it either.
But I can tell you I think and act differently about the matter(s) now. And I hope that a greater awareness comes to us all — however this may show up in each of our lives.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
The mayor's a cop, the blues quadrupled up
The block is hot, shit, this how they chose to use the guap
With this amount of human laws
Could've been for schools or parks
All lyrics:
The mayor's a cop, the blues quadrupled up
The block is hot, shit, this how they chose to use the guap
With this amount of human laws
Could've been for schools or parks
Coats in the winter and the summer something to cool 'em off
Food and warmth 'cause once the leaves on the trees start falling off
People want me heat to keep their ears from falling off
Temperature dropped then back up to the top
From the deepest BK block back up to the Bronx
What you wanna hurry back for? Ain't journey that far
Nah, not getting off 'til the very last stop
And they appear as lost, the air is mad hot
I be mixing, quickly staring off, bearing mad 'grabb
Shit be busy with them scary thoughts, fear to ask God
I be thinking who gon' take the ball, don't care for mascots
Me and Wik' we 'bout to take it all, the years padlock
Just listen, this shit could break the fall
Be your last try on this mission
Shit be taking long and be the bad guys, baby villain
Finna break the walls and free the chastised, my nigga
We really in this, deeper than rap lines
The spliff it make my brain dissolve and even pass time
Even so Jesus know I needed that line
Weeded out my ego but, no, he can't lie
Only half the time it's only right, I need to have pride
While I laugh, cry trying to balance out both sides
If I capsized or if I go drought dry
Walk out the desert a martyr, the water baptized
From where I'm at, I must've been a'ight in my last life
That's right when I'm thrown back in the cast iron
City that's mine, they ask "Why? Wiki that's lies"
Ask MIKE, his songs be rallying up all sides
Nigga, trust, yeah, we having a bunch, the talk right
From the jump when you battle with trust, the fall high
But it's up, I done swam through the mud and tall times
Remember first lil' batch of that buzz, I called mom
It's your son, giving back for that love in a dark time
Too above it, too attached to that ruckus and hard grind
Gettin' numb, too much gas in my muzzle to guard pride
All them months through that map like I'm puzzled, bizarre rhyme
I stay in touch trying to tackle these struggles and scarred mind
All this bludgeon in my memory muscles and archive
It be tough, we be banking on luck for long life
When they ask me why I give it so much, we on ice
Must've thought it was dust, I lost sight
Saw a light on the darkest of nights, I caught fire
And know we calling your bluff, no off nights
Jaw tight, on the move for my blood, we hardwired
And, son, you could do it for hype, it's alright
All while we gon' do it for love, not titles
It's true, that's how I grew from them cuts and shark bites
War crimes when we loot for the bucks, the guap vital
Lot of people on my side need a piece of the pie
Slice lead to suffices that's why I'm not idle
That's why I be deep in the crisis, just tryna keep the lies
Stop deceiving when you know that's not like you
Liner Notes:
Feist once-upon-a-time did that iPod commercial. Now, she does (sad) lounge — quite beautifully I must say.
I have been captivated by the idea that "denial" is also romantic.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
So will I let it wreck me
Or wreck my dream of family?
Even denial is romantic
And that's romance's disadvantage
That sometimes we don't get to
Love who we are meant to
All lyrics:
Make it up as I go
That's all I can do when
Haven't got a clue when
I'll see you again
And when that day comes
And all I shouldn't say runs
Out before I stop it
'Cause I felt it as I thought it
We will struggle with the truth
That sometimes we don't get to
Love who we are meant to
Love who we are meant to
Drafting as I drift
I cannot write nor reckon it
So will I let it wreck me
Or wreck my dream of family?
Even denial is romantic
And that's romance's disadvantage
That sometimes we don't get to
Love who we are meant to
Well, maybe that you're a real man
Is what is in the way
'Cause the idea of the man I love
He's always loved me in his lonely way
What I can feel from my ideal love
Is also love
In a lonely way
Liner Notes:
The song "Petrichor" by Kipp Stone is a track from his album "66689 BLVD Prequel," which showcases some of his most personal work to date. The album, including "Petrichor," represents Stone's introspective journey, focusing on his internal world and emotional landscape. The lyrics of "Petrichor" delve into themes of self-reflection, the complexity of human emotions, and the search for clarity amidst life's challenges. Stone's approach to this album was notably unique, as much of it was freestyled, and he recorded the entire project by himself, emphasizing a deeply personal and introspective process. This approach allowed Stone to explore and express his thoughts and feelings in an unfiltered manner, contributing to the raw and authentic vibe of the track and the album as a whole.
The concept behind "66689 BLVD Prequel" is about Stone striving to become the best version of himself, using insights from his life and "unofficial" therapy sessions to navigate his path. The album signifies a journey of self-discovery and improvement, where Stone metaphorically "kills" off parts of himself and others that hold him back, aiming to adopt only the positive traits that push him toward his ideal self. The narrative of the album is a reflection on personal growth, with "Petrichor" fitting into this larger theme of introspection and evolution.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Dead in the water
'Cause we ain't like we were before, yeah
Lock up your sons and daughters
There's no one left to trust no more
I'm caught in your spiral in Petrichor
Ready for revival
I wanna be reborn
All lyrics:
I wanna be reborn
Petrichor on the floor of your mind
I'm sorry for this pain I caused
The rain I left behind
Petrichor, we're left paralysed
A battlefield of vortex we shattered from the fight
I've got an ache in my heart
Can't fix this hole in my head
Didn't think we could restart
Maybe we're better off dead
Dead in the water
'Cause we ain't like we were bеfore, yeah
Lock up your sons and daughters
Thеre's no one left to trust no more
I'm caught in your spiral
Can't find the cure
Ready for revival
I wanna be reborn
Suffocating, living in regret
Medicate me 'til there's nothing left ('til there's nothing left)
A perfect storm for suicide
A look into the other side
Tear me apart and I'll paint the walls red (I'll paint the walls red)
I've got an ache in my heart
Can't fix this hole in my heart
Didn't think we could restart
Maybe we're better off dead
Dead in the water
'Cause we ain't like we were before, yeah
Lock up your sons and daughters
There's no one left to trust no more
I'm caught in your spiral
Can't find the cure
Ready for revival
I wanna be reborn
I wanna be reborn
Wake up from your slumber at the gates of Hell
Break the lock and burn down your cell
The earth is quiet but the Mother's well
Internalise your healing
Eye of the storm will let it pass
Pick up the pieces, broken glass
Rain will fall but grow the grass
I wanna be reborn
Dead in the water
'Cause we ain't like we were before, yeah
Lock up your sons and daughters
There's no one left to trust no more
I'm caught in your spiral in Petrichor
Ready for revival
I wanna be reborn
I wanna be reborn
Liner Notes:
Local artist alert! Kara Jackson stems from Oak Park, where she began her career as a poet (becoming Chicago's Youth Poet Laureate and National Youth Poet Laureate). There was a debate between this track and Jackson's "Dickhead Blues" off of her "Why Does the Earth Give Us People to Love?" album, but this one seemed to incapsulate the space and vibe.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
So you've cried every night in your bed
So the plans worked better in your head
So the knife is your date for the night
And the pill is your thrill for a while
You'll miss out
You'll never wear those clothes out
You'll regret
The parties you've painted in bed
All lyrics:
It's hard to have patience when you're waiting on luck
Like a postal truck, like a postal truck
To bring you a love as tough as elephant tusks
No chance of rust, no chance of rust
When searching for a reason, he could only find one
He said you're just no fun, you're just no fun
If seeing you naked wasn't such a bargain
It would be a home run, it'd be a home run
I think I'm taken for granted
Every person that I've dated
Tells me I'm intimidating
Like a snake that's busy preying
I wanna be as dangerous as a dancing dragon
Or a steam engine, a loaded gun
Be loved for my hazard and a will to destruct
And isn't that just love, a will to destruct
Isn't that just love?
When you're no fun?
Isn't that just love?
So you've cried every night in your bed
So the plans worked better in your head
So the knife is your date for the night
And the pill is your thrill for a while
You'll miss out
You'll never wear those clothes out
You'll regret
The parties you've painted in bed
Don't feel sorry for showing up tardy
Don't be sorry for missing a party
'Cause somebody's party is missing you too
Liner Notes:
The first of two collaboration songs by "Rob Moose" — this one with the talented Brittany Howard.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I've been softened by kindness
Humbled by sorrow
I've felt deserted
I'm not finished
But fear will never stop me
I am not without worry
But that will never stop me
All lyrics:
I bend but never break
I am not finished
The fear will never stop me
To reach up
I will define strength divine
To figure this world out
It seems so big in this experience
It'w enough to blow me down
I bend but never break
I straighten my back
I breathe in deep
Here I am, in me
I crawl, I weep
I pray, I try again
I lift my head, I raise my chin
I crawl, I cry
I bend but I never break
I've been softened by kindness
Humbled by sorrow
I've felt deserted
I'm not finished
But fear will never stop me
I am not without worry
But that will never stop me
This world has tried to hold me down
I bend but never break
I bend but never shall I break
Liner Notes:
No, 1017 ALYX 9SM is not a radio station. It's the moniker of fashion-brand and creative director Matthew M. Williams (born in Evanston by the way for those from Chicagoland). This track, by Ethel Cain, is here, in part for its content, but also because I'm a smidge jealous that Williams figured out how to "play musician" by simply curating songs.
Um... is this not what I've been doing for 20 years?
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Look at me baby, dead in my eyes
It's the end of our holiday, but it isn't goodbye
Carry me with you all of the time
Eat of me baby, skin to the bone
Body on body, until I'm all gone
But I'm with you, inside
All lyrics:
My lips are still burnt from kissing your face
And feverish forehead the blood that you waste
I'm tired of this, watching it wash out of you
I beg you to stay just 'til tomorrow
I'll clean up the bathtub and we'll leave the state
Mouth open, silent and blue
And in the heat, it searched for you
You were the one I'd have starved with
'Til I can't hold out no more
You were the one I'd come looking for
Over and over and over again
Look at me baby, dead in my eyes
It's the end of our holiday, but it isn't goodbye
Carry me with you all of the time
Eat of me baby, skin to the bone
Body on body, until I'm all gone
But I'm with you, inside
Liner Notes:
I "think" this is Isakov's first appearance on the favorites. He's been recommended to me over the years and I never quite found a song that I wanted to listen to multiple times (one of my litmus tests). However, this one kept my attention for whatever reason(s)... Not so much the obvious metaphor Isakov is playing with here, but the idea of a love being "untested" and "never rested" certainly prompted questions.
The outro was familiar to me.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
So take me however I seem to be, haunted I know
Our love got lost out there
Arm in arm, we'll light our torches
And search the fields behind the houses
Our love is hungry and cold
All lyrics:
Our love was untested, never rested
Slipping through our city fingers
Always dressed up, but never picked up
Watch every headlight cruising past our door
Oh oh oh
Who's gonna pick us up?
Oh oh oh
The night is starting to ache
Oh oh oh
Who's holding the reins?
Oh oh oh
And that sonar satellite that sings to us in Universe
We're just hard stone but so easily broken
Like crumbling ruins off the coast of Spain
Oh oh oh
I'll keep watch tonight
Oh oh oh
When the coyote come
Oh oh oh
I'll be your watchman
Oh oh oh
While they're just flashes
They're just flashes
So take me however I seem to be, haunted I know
Our love got lost out there
Arm in arm, we'll light our torches
And search the fields behind the houses
Oh oh oh
Our love is hungry and cold
Oh oh oh
Here in the first snow
Oh oh oh
Leave a trail of stones
Oh oh oh
So we can make it back
Oh oh oh
Our love is hungry and cold
Oh oh oh
Our love is hungry
Liner Notes:
I'll assume you are familiar with Sharon Van Etten. But if you're not familiar with Lonnie Holley (who is 73 years of age), he's worth the deep dive. Foremost, Lonnie is a visual artist who only "recently" immersed himself into the independent music scene. And yet with only 7-ish years of music production added to his prolific creative career, his output is not only impressive — but quite respected amongst fans and critics alike.
Listen up.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
But humans I want to tell you
We all don’t have but a little while
But a little while
To get somewhere
All lyrics:
None of us have
None of us have
None of us have
But a little while
None of us have
None of us have
None of us have
None of us have but a little while
Throughout our years of working
Throughout all our eras
We all’ve been struggling
To get somewhere
But humans I want to tell you
We all don’t have but a little while
But a little while
To get somewhere
We all struggle
Along the way
The definition of gone
The definition of gone
Is when we look around for our friends
And they are not here any longer with us
But none of us have
None of us have
None of us have but a little while
A little while
None of us have but a little while
None of us have but a little while
None of us have but a little while
For us to be gone
None of us have
Liner Notes:
Speaking of Kelly... she introduced me to The Antlers a decade ago. This song stayed on rotation late-summer / early-fall this year.
I can appreciate its open-posture for the uncontrollable forces that shape our existence.
It's patient... it swells in and out... like a tide. :)
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I was young when the water was rising
But didn't drown
Every tumbling wave capsizing
Knocked me around
That was the first time I learned that
Time and tide wait for no one
All lyrics:
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
I was young when the water was rising
But didn't drown
Every tumbling wave capsizing
Knocked me around
That was the first time I learned that
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
I got stuck when the water receded
Dropped in the sand
It was tempting to read as defeated
Throw up my hands
But I was once more reminded
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
Staring out from the edge of erosion
At what the tide took back
Floating off where the moon meets the ocean
Whatever I lack, well I'm not swimming out after it
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
Time and tide wait for no one
Wait for no one
Wait for no one
Liner Notes:
I originally had the opening track of this playlist, "Will Anyone Ever Love Me?", and this one (it's companion piece) flipped as the opener/closer. But once I listened to the playlist in its entirety, I realized that this was truly the perfect place to close our last chapter.
Here, there is a sense of surrender. A sense of responsibility. And an acknowledgement that love actually has no ending.
The End.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
No more fighting
No more talking shit
Do as I say not as I give up
Not as I've failed to live
In the future there will be
A terrible cost
For all that we've left undone
Deliver me from everything
I've put off
And all that we've lost
I will always love you
But I cannot live with you
All lyrics:
No more fighting
No more talking shit
Do as I say not as I give up
Not as I've failed to live
In the future there will be
A terrible cost
For all that we've left undone
Deliver me from everything
I've put off
And all that we've lost
I will always love you
But I cannot live with you
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
Hold me closely
Hold me tightly lest I fall
Hold me closely
Hold me tightly lest I fall
Hold me closely
Hold me tightly lest I fall
Hold me closely
Hold me tightly lest I fall
No, I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all
I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all
I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all
No, I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all (I don't wanna fight at all)
I don't wanna fight at all
Liner Notes:
A couple of years ago, I walked into the studio with Kelly (formerly i.e. kokoro) and Brok Mende (of Chicago-based "Friends of Friends Studio") to help produce this album. It's not the first time I had the opportunity to collaborate with Kelly, but this one was my favorite.
Kelly has many talents... mesmerizing vocals, creative composition, and one of the best lyricists / writers I've encountered — the latter of which is true outside of music as well. And, she can be quite funny (sometimes).
This is the first of two songs in this year's compilation.
"Stupid idiot" is an internal struggle — a roller-coaster of emotion and thought that you are sure to experience here.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Stupid idiot
Now you've made your bed
You've done all the damage you can do
So take some time and think it through again
You're a marionette
Do a dance so they can't penetrate
The darkest day
The deepest game
All lyrics:
Stupid idiot
You've done it again
You had time to make it right
But then you put our hope in foxholes
You forget
You're a statuette
In a city where they feast on bullets
Buying time where you can't pay the rent
Stupid idiot
Now you've made your bed
You've done all the damage you can do
So take some time and think it through again
You're a marionette
Do a dance so they can't penetrate
The darkest day
The deepest game
When they put you in the hospital that night
And they tried to clip your ankle
What a sight to behold!
Stupid idiot
Are you better yet
Can you make it out alive
Or will you quit just like you always have?
Will they notice when
Your trail's gone cold
The city sounds will tell your story, then.
Liner Notes:
I was predominantly a fringe admirer of Billie and Phineas until I got to experience the duo (and they really are a duo) at Lollapalooza this summer. Here's what surprised me...
Their chemistry. Her energy. And... her energy.
Speaking of being a bit surprised, how about that Barbie movie?
Billie debuted this song at Lolla that evening and a perfect fit for "Time to Pretend".
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I'm not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I'm made for
All lyrics:
I used to float, now I just fall down
I used to know but I'm not sure now
What I was made for
What was I made for?
Takin' a drive, I was an ideal
Looked so alive, turns out I'm not real
Just something you paid for
What was I made for?
'Cause I, I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday, I might
Someday, I might
When did it end? All the enjoyment
I'm sad again, don't tell my boyfriend
It's not what he's made for
What was I made for?
'Cause I, 'cause I
I don't know how to feel
But I wanna try
I don't know how to feel
But someday I might
Someday I might
Think I forgot how to be happy
Something I'm not, but something I can be
Something I wait for
Something I'm made for
Something I'm made for
Liner Notes:
Sorting out "who we are" on our own is tough. Sorting out who we are in the midst of another relationship, healthy or otherwise, can make it even harder. This is, in part, due to our tendency to want to make matters either/or. And I'm not sure it's that simple.
We are not a lot of things.
We are a lot of things.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
I'm not a rag doll
With which you can always play
I'm not a house key
A key that you can always change
I am your love
I am your lover
I am your friend
All lyrics:
I'm not your mother
I'm not your brother
I am not your son
I'm not your keeper
Your debt collector
I am not a puppeteer pulling strings
I'm not a rag doll
With which you can always play
I'm not a house key
A key that you can always change
I am your love
I am your lover
I am your friend
Your friend
Yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah, oh
Yeah, oh
Yeah, yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Liner Notes:
Speaking of Ireland...
This track is not from Boy Genius' recent, highly acclaimed, record... the record. (Stay tuned for that feature.)
Rather, this is tribute song to the late Sinead O'Conner, who covered the traditional Scottish/Irish hymn back in 2002.
"The Parting Glass'" history goes back to the fifteenth century and was sung in tandem with serving a guest a "parting glass" before they headed out on their travels. Kind of like a modern day "roadie" you could say.
I think I'm going to have Emily and I learn on the piano and we'll start making this the "last call" song at Subourbon.
And in the spirit of the song, this feels like the appropriate place to close this chapter.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
Of all the comrades that e'er I've had
They are sorry for my going away
And of all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all
All lyrics:
Of all the money that e'er I spent
I spent it in good company
And of all the harm that e'er I've done
Alas, it was to none but me
For all I've done for want of wit
To memory now I can't recall
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Oh, if I had money enough to spend
And leisure time to sit awhile
There is a fair maid in this town
Who surely has my heart beguiled
Her rosy cheeks and ruby lips
I own, she has my heart enthralled
So fill to me the parting glass
Good night and joy be with you all
Of all the comrades that e'er I've had
They are sorry for my going away
And of all the sweethearts that e'er I've had
Would wish me one more day to stay
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all
Good night and joy be with you all
