Kendrick Lamar’s got a lot to say on his new record. But what really stopped me on my first listen was asking, “Is that Eckhart Tolle talking too?!” Spoiler: it is. On my first few passes, I think Kendrick has done it, yet again. If you need a quick intro to Tolle, read this (“Feel … Continue reading Sunday Music: Kendrick’s “Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers”
Category: Sunday Music
Sunday Music: Walk On
I’m on a Neil Young kick lately (this happens from time to time, probably a product of listening to tapes of him as a kid and thinking “I like this, but I don’t really get this,” and now I finally feel like I get it). “Walk On” was one of the first songs I really … Continue reading Sunday Music: Walk On
Sunday Music: Jazz At Harvard with Wynton Marsalis
Did you know Wynton Marsalis’ Harvard lecture series, “Hidden in Plain View” is on YouTube? I didn't. Get some music. Get some philosophy. Get some of that Marsalis magic in your soul. I was lucky enough to see him give a masterclass circa 2004. Now, I’ve seen my share of music masterclasses and most of them … Continue reading Sunday Music: Jazz At Harvard with Wynton Marsalis
Sunday Music: Rip It Up
It’s the roots of rock and roll. At some point I ended up with a CD copy of Little Georgia Peach. It’s all on there. All the history, the swagger, the magnetism. It’s the sound of teenage rebellion, exploration. It’s the sound of freedom, even if it’s freedom in a constrained world. Well, it's Saturday … Continue reading Sunday Music: Rip It Up
Sunday Music: “I Want You” by Marian Hill
I have an incomplete playlist from last year and it has “I Want You” by Marian Hill on it. I love the synthy faux horn noises. I love how the staccato parts of the beat wrap around the punctuated stutters in the vocal line. And, I love how they bleed back and forth between totally … Continue reading Sunday Music: “I Want You” by Marian Hill
Sunday Music: Playlist for April 2022
I teased this the other day - here’s a mix for April 2022. You can listen on Spotify or Apple Music. Here are my liner notes: “Ur Mum” by Wet Leg. Irreverent slacker rock done right. I love a song that both hurts and makes you laugh. It’s the end of a relationship, it’s time … Continue reading Sunday Music: Playlist for April 2022
Sunday Music: PUP’s “Habits”
I’m still working through PUP’s new album, THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND, but I’m liking it more than I expected. Of my first “I want to hear that again” songs, is “Habits.” It’s a relationship bit, but it’s not. At least not the relationship you’re thinking of. If you’ve ever wrestled with something or had to … Continue reading Sunday Music: PUP’s “Habits”
Sunday Music: Revisiting Buena Vista Social Club
I’ve been on a music documentary kick and revisiting some old favorites. Buena Vista Social Club may not have turned me onto Latin jazz in the 1990s, but it certainly cemented my appreciation. Rewatching the film the other weekend, it’s such a different experience with another 20+ years of life in the rearview. Ry Cooder … Continue reading Sunday Music: Revisiting Buena Vista Social Club
Sunday Music: Ukraine’s Got BARS (With Alyona Alyona)
I don’t know much of anything about Ukraine. We’re all learning fast these days, but with the focus on geopolitics, it can help to zoom out and think more broadly about culture too. Not to have a hotter take than the next guy or gal on what’s going on, but because these are people, with … Continue reading Sunday Music: Ukraine’s Got BARS (With Alyona Alyona)
Sunday Music: She Is My Everything (NYC Edition)
A friend (h/t Ryan M) sent this in. I’m automatically cautious about John Prine covers, but it’s in very capable hands here with Bill Callahan and Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Prine’s songs are always beautiful and interesting because of their imperfections. It takes a special artist to recreate and/or reimagine those imperfections so that they’re not … Continue reading Sunday Music: She Is My Everything (NYC Edition)