Hello friends! Today I thought I'd share another Tinkercity Playlist with you. While nothing hot off the presses, these are songs that have held the test of time and remain true in my heart and ears. I hope they do the same for you!
Lovechild // Daniel Lanois
"Lovechild" is a beautiful and slow starter from Lanois' 2007 record, Here Is What Is (also a remarkable documentary film that I highly suggest for anyone who loves music, and the making of art in any form). "Lovechild" eases into the atmosphere like the slow smoldering smoke of a hazy long-gone campfire in the morning's hue. Garth Hudson's (The Band) remarkable piano contribution to the introduction of "Lovechild" is nothing short of it's own beautiful universe within another. Hudson roams the wide landscape of dark and deep classical prose all the way to Dave Brubeck musings. Hudson's piece is as inviting is as the song itself.
Daniel Lanois has a talent for all things vibe. He is insistent on creating a mood that is as deep as one could be. His pedal steel guitar flows in after the introduction inviting an incredible groove between drummer Brian Blade and the rest of the band. Echoes of sound fall on further echoes of what could be the future of the song. Nothing in Lanois' production is over the top in any way -- as if the pure musicality of beauty could be rain falling down upon the listener. It sparkles with warmth and class --- "Lovechild" and Here Is What Is, in my opinion, is some of the finest work Lanois has done. It's certainly one of my favorite pieces from his catalog.
Good Intentions Paving Co. // Joanna Newsom
Have you ever listened to a piece of music and were instantly transported to somewhere else? Maybe it's a part of your past, a memory that is sweet and kind, yet somehow transcends time and place? That was the very experience I felt when I first heard "Good Intentions Paving Co." from Joanna Newsom. Newsom, who burst onto the scene as a freak-folk meets Americana harpist, has a unique voice musically and literally in the best of ways. "Good Intentions Paving Co." was released in 2010 on Newsom's record Have One On Me. It's the kind of song that begs you to take a walk through it's green and tall fields, the type of material that reminds you of how good music can be if "it's allowed" to just be itself!
There's a sweet cowpoke yearning in this song, pushed ever along by Newsom's unique vocal vibrato. Major soul exists within the pieces of this track, tugging at every inch of my heart. It's a simple and beautiful adventure into a literal and metaphorical universe. There are many levels to "Good Intentions Paving Co.", down to the satirical title itself --- it's the type of song that pulls you back again and again.
Pretty Pimpin // Kurt Vile
"Pretty Pimpin" is the first cut and single off Kurt Vile's 2015 B'lieve I'm Goin Down, a critically well received and fan favorite piece of sardonic indie-rock. Vile, while no stranger to crafting interesting music, was a former member of the band The War On Drugs and has 6 solo records under his belt dating back to 2008. Vile invokes this incredibly musical slacker/genius vibe throughout the whole record and "Pretty Pimpin" is a prime example of that essence.
"Pretty Pimpin's" main lyrical content that cycles throughout the entirety of the song, showcases Vile's self awareness and longing to be someone other than the perception of himself. It's the tale of yearning to find one's truest portrait when in actuality, the truth is right there in front of us --- in the mirror. Vile creates the perfect element of storytelling in metaphor, all with the simple stroke of understated power. "Pretty Pimpin" is an anthem for the modern world of individualism and the stresses of trying to attain such clarity.
I woke up this morning
Didn’t recognize the man in the mirror
Then I laughed and I said, “Oh silly me, that’s just me”
Then I proceeded to brush some stranger’s teeth
But they were my teeth, and I was weightless
Just quivering like some leaf come in the window of a restroom
I couldn’t tell you what the hell it was supposed to mean
But it was a Monday, no a Tuesday, no Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
Then Saturday came around and I said "Who’s this stupid clown blocking the bathroom sink?"
All he ever wanted was to be someone in life that was just like
All I want is to just have fun
Live my life like a son of a gun
I could be one thousand miles away but still mean what I say
Losers // The Belle Brigade
Taking one step further into the world of all things anthemic would certainly leave you at the footsteps of the barn burning simple "Losers" from the Los Angeles natives The Belle Brigade. Contained on their self titled record released in 2011, Losers is the epitome of the fight song of the underdog. It's the kind of moment that makes you want to pull up your bootstraps, join in on the battle and take shit from no man --- it's the voice of every person who's had enough of the pain in trying to fit in with popular culture. It's the realization that happiness and freedom is only unattainable when we choose not to take it. When you've had enough and decide to take action -- this is the kind of song you want on repeat... I certainly do.
There will always be someone better than you
Even if you're the best
So let's stop the competition now
Or we will both be losers
And I'm ashamed I ever tried to be higher than the rest
But brother I am not alone
We've all tried to be on top of the world somehow
'Cause we have all been losers
I don't wanna be laid down
No I don't wanna die knowing
That I spent so much time when I was young
Just trying to be the winner
So I wanna make it clear now
I wanna make it known
That I don't care about any of that shit no more
Don't care about being a winner
Or being smooth with women
Or going out on Fridays
Being the life of parties
No, no more, no
There will always be someone worse than you
Sister don't let it get to your head
'Cause you won't be on top of the world so long
In constant competition
This ain't about no one in particular
But I could list a few
I'm removing myself from the queue
Don't care about being a winner
Or being smooth with women
Or going out on Fridays
Being the life of parties
Don't care about being harder
Or being Daddy's favorite
Or if you think I'm a mimic
Or if I am a loser
Don't care about being a winner
Or being smooth with women
Or going out on Fridays
Being the life of parties
Don't care about being harder
Or being Daddy's favorite
Or if you think I'm a mimic
Or if I am a loser
No, no more
No more
No more
No more
No more
No more