If it weren't for the presence of Steely Dan, I'd say I actually like all of these songs. It's not you; it's me. But even then, if my own personal hell were to come to fruition, and I were forced to listen to nothing but a Steely Dan song the rest of my life, "Hey Nineteen" might be my choice.
Anyway, since I liked all of the "new-to-me" songs, I'm gonna mention 'em all.
The Dark End of the Street - James Carr - I shouldn't admit this, but despite knowing many versions of this song, I'd never listened to this one. Wow. Now I can't listen to the rest anymore.
Don't Follow - Alice in Chains - This was not what I expected it would be. Loved it, except the last minute or so where it lost me a little. Would happily re-listen to the rest anytime.
Chaos Streams - Son Volt - I've always listened to a lot more Uncle Tupelo than Son Volt. Why?? This song is fabulous.
Comfy in Nautica - Panda Bear - I've listened to some of Panda Bear's stuff and always liked it, so I'm not sure why I haven't delved more deeply. This had a fantastic Beach Boys vibe, but with a lot of interesting twists.
Smooth Criminal - Alien Ant Farm - I'll admit I was
very skeptical of this cover, but I think it really worked.
Angel from Montgomery - Bonnie Raitt - see "Smooth Criminal." I thought, why cover a song that's pretty much perfect as is? But she did more than a fine job.
Ashokan Farewell - Jay Unger - Haunting and beautiful. I can only imagine how much more I might love it if I'd seen the documentary series. As a stand-alone, it's amazing anyway.
Red Lite, Green Lite, TNT - Kix - I think this one might be a little familiar. Enjoyed it a lot, particularly the guitar solos. Great energy.
Heavy is the Head - Zac Brown Band, Chris Cornell - Not paying attention to what I was listening to, I thought, "Whoever this is sounds like Chris Cornell." Duh. Some of the lyrics were pretty bad, but still a great rocker.
I Do - Lisa Loeb - I knew this song once it got going, but didn't remember it from the title. If I were to have a crush on a female musician, Lisa Loeb might come second to all-time-favorite Aimee Mann. She has a thing about her, and this song is great.
Beyond - Leon Bridges - Sooooo, I misread what was coming up as Leon Russell, and I was really confused when the song started.
Beautiful voice. I LOVED the line, "Do you think I'm being foolish if I don't rush in?"
Tell Me When to Go - E-40 and Keak Da Sneak - Lots of fun and another one where I really loved the lyrics. This beginning part drew me in and wouldn't let me go: "Ooh. Jesus Christ had dreads, so shake em. I ain't got none, but I'm planning on growing some. Imagine all the Hebrews going dumb. Dancing on top of chariots and turning tight ones."
Ain't That Nothin' - Television - Technically not a song I don't know, but an album I always forget to listen to in favor of
that other one. Happy to have this reminder that the band was much more than just that other one.
SpottieOttieDopaliscious - Outkast -
Grooooooooooovy. Loved every bit of this, especially the horns.
...The End's Not Near - The New Year - OK, so OH loves The New Year and I've undoubtedly heard this many times, but...sometimes I tune out, ya know? This was such a beautifully mellow contrast to the songs before it. Breath of fresh air (even though I loved the others, too).
Misled - Kool & the Gang - Fine, I know this one, too, but didn't realize it from the title. Such fun, and seems prescient of online dating, doesn't it?
for them. They write deep material but something about their hopefulness in the face of bleak situations brings a smile to my face. Almost always. Because their heart is in the right place.
