Liner Notes:
If you are a regular to the "favorites"... you'll know that the first track is an incredibly important selection and placement.
I'm an introvert myself and there is an attraction to this song for this reason alone, but back to "opening tracks"...
come on... just listen. Perfect.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
There's a war (there's a war)
The kingdom's on fire, the blood of a young messiah
I see sinners in a church, I see sinners in a church
Sometimes I might be introvert
There's a war inside, I hear battle cries
Mothers burying sons, young boys playing with guns
The devil's a liar, fulfil your wildest desires
Now I don't wanna be the one to doctor this
But if you can't feel pain then you can't feel the opposite
The fight between the Yin and Yang's a fight you'll never win
I study humans, that makes me an anthropologist
I'm not into politics but I know it's dark times
Parts of the world still living in Apartheid (there's a war, there's a war)
But if I don't take this winner's flight that's career suicide
Though I should've been a friend when your grandma died
I see the illness eat my aunt laying in her bed
I see her soul rising as her body gets closer to death
Find a way, I'll find a way
The world's not over
I will make it, don't you cry
In God we trust
'Cause we're not alone
I need a license to feel (I can't feel)
Internal wounds and I'm not tryna be healed (no I don't, no I don't, no)
I sabotage what we are trying to build
'Cause of feelings I keep inside but it's time to reveal (reveal, reveal)
I hate the thought of just being a burden
I hate that these conversations are surfaced
Simz the artist or Simbi the person?
To you I'm smiling but really I'm hurting
I dedicate my life and gave my heart over twenty-something years
Left wondering how I even feel
Or was it was even worth it?
I bottle up and then spill it in verses
One day I'm wordless, next day I'm a wordsmith
Close to success but to happiness I'm the furthest
At night I wonder if my tears will dry on their own
Hoping I will fulfil Amy's purpose
Angel said, "Don't let you ego be a disturbance"
Inner demon said, "Motherfucker, you earned this"
Like they strip you of everything you're deserving
Realize there is a prison in us, we are conditioned as fuck
Man, it's like they can't sleep 'til our spirit is crushed
How much fighting must we do? We've been fearless enough
All we see is broken homes here and poverty
Corrupt government officials, lies and atrocities
How they talking on what's threatening the economy
Knocking down communities to re-up on properties
I'm directly effected, it does more than just bother me
Look beyond the surface, don't just see what you wanna see?
My speech ain't involuntary
Project with intention straight from my lungs
I'm a black woman and I'm a proud one
We walk in blind faith not knowing the outcome
But as long as we're unified, then we've already won
Find a way, I'll find a way
The worlds not over
I will make it, don't you cry
In God we trust
'Cause we're not alone
And so it begins
The base is an amalgamation of everything
Rules are not to be played by rebels
The story of never ending
Your introversion led you here
Intuition protected you along the way
Feelings allowed you to be well balanced
And perspective gave you foresight
The top of the mountain is nothing without the climb
Only the strong will survive
Only the strong will survive
Alone but not lonely
Your truth unveils with time
As you embark on a journey
Of what it takes to be a woman
Liner Notes:
A cover collab with Bon Iver and Flock of Dimes... of a Glenn-Copeland tune? Yes, please.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Welcome the spring, the summer rain
Softly turned to sing again
Welcome the bud, the summer blooming flower
Welcome the child whose hand I hold
Welcome to you both young and old
We are ever new, we are ever new
Liner Notes:
This song sounds like every other War on Drugs song – outdoor-Americana-summer-driving-music.
This is not a bad thing.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
I was lying in my bed
A creature void of form
Been so afraid of everything
I need a chance to be reborn
I never wanted anything
That someone had to give
I don't live here anymore
I went along the wind
When I think about the old days, babe
You're always on my mind
I know it ain't like I remember
I guess my memories run wild
Like when we went to see Bob Dylan
We danced to "Desolation Row"
But I don't live here anymore
But I got no place to go
Beating like a heart
I'm gonna walk through every doorway, I can't stop
I need some time, I need control, I need your love
I wanna find out everything I need to know
I'm gonna say everything that there is to say
Although you've taken everything I need away
I'm gonna make it to the place I need to go
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
Time surrounds me like an ocean
My memories like waves
Is life just dying in slow motion
Or getting stronger everyday?
I never took our love for granted
You never left me wanting more
But you'd never recognise me, babe
I don't live here anymore
Beating like a heart
I'm gonna walk through every doorway, I can't stop
I need some time, I need control, I need your love
I wanna find out everything I need to know
I'm gonna say everything that I need to say
Although you've taken everything I need away
I'm gonna take you to the place I need to go
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
Beating like a heart
I'm gonna walk through every doorway, I can't stop
I need some time, I need control, I need your love
I wanna find out everything I need to know
I'm gonna say everything that I need to say
Although you've taken everything I need away
I'm gonna take you to the place I need to go
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
We're all just walkin' through this darkness on our own
Liner Notes:
No, it's not Chance.
And no, it's not Kanye either.
And while it will sound like both make an appearance, this is a multi-colab led by IDK – who I was introduced by my nephew Ben... solid talent.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha, ha
(Blrrt!) Doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo
Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha, ha
Ayo
Bitch, you ain't never been naked on the seashore
Put money on your head, spend the rest up in Dior
Paris, me and Don C sittin' front row
Elephant drum on the forty, she ain't Dumbo
Hole in your forehead, I'm talking jumbo
I'm feeling like Shawn, I might shoot a 1-0
Please no sparklers, baby I'm a legend
Standin' on the couch Ace bottle and a Desert
Riddle me this, riddle me that
Got the whole world and why we exist finally mapped
The rich kids get all the girls and all the ass
While the broke boys walk with the world, kickin' they back, yeah
She say she want a five-star meal (yeah)
If it come with head then it's a five-star deal
She say, shit, she just tried to hit me with a slap
I blocked my face with my hand, now it's a dap
No strings attached, I ain't tryna be a puppet, ya heard?
I'd rather be stung by bees than be fuckin' with birds
I say this shit all the time until I'm touchin' her curves
Or 'til it's time to pet the pussy like purr
Fecto, her fur, retro, her weave
Petro, her heels, Dries, don't fuck up the dress code
She don't need a nigga for shit, she got her own
But if he say he tryna pay, she like, "I ain't sayin' no"
Roses are red (yeah) violets are blue (ayy)
"Do you want me for money?" He found out when she said, "I do"
Too late (yeah) the pussy game too great
The pussy game too great, the pussy game too great (I said)
Roses are red (yeah) violets are blue (ayy)
"Do you want me for money?" He found out when she said, "I do"
Too late, the pussy game too great
The pussy game too great, the pussy game (crazy)
Prada boots with the Nico Louis suit
Ain't got no job but I stay sharp (yeah)
Can't pay my rent 'cause all my money's spent
But that's okay 'cause I'm still fly, da-da, da-da
Damn (damn) showboatin', gettin' greedier (greedier)
Doin' shows for feds on social media (social media)
Wikipedia (Wikipedia)
Man, these hoes gettin' greedier, gettin' needier
Doin' stunts for the media, cloutin' serious
Bad bitch, yeah, but the mind state is hideous
(Is the head right?) Brain like encyclopedia
Man, that ass look good with your Brazilian lift
The money like that shit, we tryna wife that shit
Might "first class on a Delta flight" that shit
Off tops, I ain't even have to write that shit, yeah
Lamar Odom with the stroke, girl, you got my dick
(Ha-ha, ha-ha-ha-ha, hard)
You like a Uber when you ride, I might buy your ass a
(Car-car, car-car-car-car, car)
Roses are red, violets are blue
"Do you want me for money?" He found out when she said, "I do"
Too late, the pussy game too great
The pussy game too great, the pussy game (crazy)
Prada boots with the Nico Louis suit
Ain't got no job but I stay sharp (yeah)
Can't pay my rent 'cause all my money's spent
But that's okay 'cause I'm still fly, da-da, da-da
Showboatin', gettin' greedier (greedier)
Doin' shows for feds on social media (social media)
Wikipedia (Wikipedia)
Ayo
Every Ertuğrul Bey need a Halime Sultan
To establish a tribe and build masjid roofs on
My life (my life) my sacrifice, my prayer and my death
Is all for the one God who spareth me breath
You could try and lie to yourself about the times
The war between God and Satan for altered minds
In the age of social media, Twitter, YouTube
Google and Wikipedia, pearls get tossed to swine
You stick with Dr. Fauci, I'm runnin' with Dr. Wesley
I'll never let the CDC come and finesse me
I never let the fake news from the press distress me
Even though the Devil would love to Malcolm X me
It's him again, with the tint skin tone breaching brimstone
Until the man of sin get everything that was meant for him
Just know one thing
And that's Allah sent me here to be King
Liner Notes:
I'm in and out of the hip-hop scene, but Phineas has kept me apprised. Tyler seemed to be his own live show of the year... I forwent the show, but enjoyed the album.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Hey, Ms. Parker
Wait, wait, wait, wait
Somethin' like (uh-oh)
I just cut some fresh lemons, where's the sugar?
Lemon in my 'ade, lemon in my ears, call 'em boogers
Rather six feet 'fore I'm ever seen with you niggas (hold up)
Yeah
What it is? It's that nigga T, skin look colored in (woo)
Ridin' in, double-double R, that's that Cullinan (yeah)
Pullin' in that four hundred grand, I just ordered this (yeah)
Switzerland, Lake Geneva, where I spend my summer in (true story)
GOLD Le FLEUR, that's Gianno shoe, what I'm runnin' in
Earlobe look like headlights on a minivan (Gangsta Grillz)
I'm so motherfuckin' dead-ass, I need some Timberlands (woo)
I battle any man, Uzi Vert, don't think they understand (yeah, yeah)
Uh (skrrt, cool), double C on my feet
Double G on my freak (ooh), Louis V by my brick
She wan' kick it with me, she better eat it then leave (leave, whoa)
She try save all the plates but keep eatin' my meat
We can't see none of 'em, grow, she keep eatin' my seeds (woo)
Got a E and a B on the back of the CT
I'm done with the 12, got a V16
Uh, say the money comin' in, yeah, that's true
The more money I get, I don't wan' sex you
Can't think about the last time that I text you
It's probably when sidekicks had them belt loops
Sign my John Hancock on a bitch every time I check you
Just like a brand new Lamb', I wreck you, uh
So if it's mine, it's yours, woo, woo, woo
Ride to the dinner tapin'
Out of time and imagine her in the exit
Last year, more than what Google say my net is
I got cheddar with the chef in the tinted exit (like whoa)
Uh, uh, uh
It's the double P, I rock double C
Man, I run them beats like you run in cleats
Man, come to me, you want somethin' to see
This internally flawed, that's a double Vs
What troubles me is you couple me
With these subtle fleas tryna double league
Hornet trapped in the hive
Of a motherfuckin' bumblebee
They just got the closest picture of the fuckin' sun surface, that was us
Got the LaFerrari, park that bitch just for one purpose, catchin' dust
My Secret Service carry mops, you call 'em street sweepers, back you up
Tat' you up then add you up, then give you a cover like Adwoa
If the shit's fake, I don't respect it
It's clickbait and that's distaste like a shit shake
What a difference your wrist make when it's Richard-made
Hungry eyes tend to fixate like a empty stomach for a fish plate
Shit-faced, get this straight, this is truck wheels, deck, grip tape
Ride to the dinner tapin'
Out of time and imagine her in the exit (why you even talkin' to us?)
Last year, more than what Google say my net is (God damn)
I got cheddar with the chef in the tinted exit
Uh, uh, uh (bitch)
Liner Notes:
Such talent.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Something's in the-
Something's in the air right now
Like I'm losing track of time
Like I don't really care right now, but maybe that's fine
You weren't even there that day
I was waitin' on you
I wondered if you aware that day was the last straw for me and I know
I sent you flowers
Did you even care?
You ran the shower and left them by the stairs
Ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh, ooh
Ay-ay-ay-ay, ay, ay
Thought you had your shit together, but damn, I was wrong
You ain't nothin' but a lost cause
And this ain't nothin' like it once was
I know you think you're such an outlaw
But you got no job
You ain't nothin' but a lost cause
And this ain't nothin' like it oncе was
I know you think you're such an outlaw
But you got no job
I used to think you were shy
But maybe you just had nothing on your mind
Maybe you were thinkin' 'bout yourself all the time
I used to wish you were mine
But that was way before I realized
Someone like you would always be so easy to find
So easy (so easy)
He-hee, mm-mm-mm, mm
Gave me no flowers
Wish I didn't care
You'd been gone for hours
Could be anywhere
Ooh, ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh
Ah-ah-ah-ah-ah
Thought you would've grown eventually, but you proved me wrong
You ain't nothing but a lost cause
And this ain't nothing like it once was
I know you think you're such an outlaw (yeah)
But you got no job
You ain't nothing but a lost cause
And this ain't nothing like it once was
I know you think you're such an outlaw (think you're such an outlaw)
But you got no job
What did I tell you?
Don't get complacent
It's time to face it now, na-na, na-na, na-na
What did I tell you?
Don't get complacent
It's time to face it now, na-na-na
Liner Notes:
I didn't realize there were two Van Etten songs on the Favorites this year until I was doing this writeup. But this one honestly feels more like 2021 Fiona Apple. And appropriately so, Apple and Van Etten weave their brashly mesmerizing vocals together as if they are one.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Chained
To the wall of our room
Yeah you chained me like a dog in our room
I thought that's how it was
I thought that we were fine
Then the day was night
You were high
You were high when I was doomed
And dying for
With no light
With no light
Tied to my bed
I was younger then
I had nothing to spend
But time on you
But it made me love
It made me love
It made me love more
It made me love
It made me love
It made me love more
Do what you said
The words she said left out
Over unto the sky where I'll soon fly
And she took the time
To believe in
To believe in
What she said and
She made me love
She made me love
She made me love more
She made me love
She made me love
She made me love more
More
More
More
More
More
More
More
More
More
More
More
Liner Notes:
Have you read and/or listened to Brandi's new biography? It's called Broken Horses: A Memoir and is 100% worth the time. (Note: I recommend the audio book as she reads it – plua she plays a few tunes in between chapters.
Pure talent.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Come back now, even if you call me out
You might be angry now, of course you are
I'm scared to, didn't mean to take it out on you
I know I always do, you're the strongest person in the room
Turn back time, help me to rewind and we can
Find ourselves again
It's not too late
Either way, I lose you in these silent days
It wasn't right
But it was right on time
Don't look down, I can feel it when your heart starts pounding
It's beyond your control, you know it is
It's getting to the point where I can't carry on
I never held my breath for quite this long
And I don't take it back, I did what I had to do
It's not too late
Either way, I lose you in these silent days
It wasn't right
But it was right on time
It's not too late
Either way, I lose you in these silent days
It wasn't right
But it was right on time
Liner Notes:
I'm pretty sure that every year FKA Twigs has released something, it has landed on the Favorites.
I'm consistently impressed.
Also, this sounds like it should have been on the new Bond film.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Nobody feels the pain behind the love you show
Nobody feels the burden that is yours alone
If when the morning comes you're not with me (destiny)
I know that you'll return with destiny
Only you can truly understand
The measure of a hero is the measure of a man
(I wanna kiss it better, the measure of a man)
The measure of a man
(I wanna kiss it better, the measure of a man)
Your body bears the scars of every man I know
So softly I wanna kiss it better, the scarlet letter
To me you don't belong
If when the morning comes you're not with me (destiny)
I know that you'll return with destiny
Only you can truly understand
The measure of a hero is the measure of a man
(I wanna kiss it better, the measure of a man)
The measure of a man
(I wanna kiss it better, the measure of a man)
It's the manners that make a man
But the hammers that break a man
Damn, they wanted to see me broke
But I flipped the script and I broke the pen
Young and wealthy
Don't let it overwhelm me
I still give thanks, still can't tell me
Nothin', the system failed me, I still bounced back
I run this ting, got a lot of endurance
What you know about drastic measures?
I married the hustle
Me and the game like Harry and Meghan
Some man in my hood too jealous
Why do you think that we carry a weapon?
Take time and trust the process
Life's a game of chess, not checkers
Told bro that, "You gotta stop stressin'
Gotta stop thinkin' you won't get through it
It's all in your mind, I failed a couple of times
I got up and got back to it"
Only (only) you can (you can) truly (truly) understand
The measure (measure) of a (of a) hero is the measure of a man
The measure of a man
Only you can truly understand
The measure of a hero is the measure of a man
The measure of a man, ohh
Liner Notes:
Favorite female hip-hop artist.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
How you get closer to love?
How you lemonade all your sadness when you openin' up?
How you make excuses for billionaires you broke on the bus?
I need niggas around me rollin' up and smokin' me up
Because, because a rainforest cries
Everybody dies a little
And I just wanna dance tonight
And I just wanna dance tonight
Ah, yeah
He my little baby Medusa, tippin' the juice up
I go back and forth in an Uber, travel for two months
I'm the emptiest hallelujah, open my chest up
It's a rabbit inside my hat, angel all dressed up
Lookin' to bless up at the milk and the honey gates
I make money for money sake, I been writin' a hundred days
Took the wretched out the earth and called it baby Fanon
I know my shoulder blades are shattered wings that carry me home
I said baby, come on, you know this flesh is only temporary, brittle as bone
Why don't you empty out your love for me, then chisel the stone?
These are ten black commandments, a property loan
'Cause every bladed grass of earth, we don't actually own
"I am the I am", says Sam, am I?
The universe bleeds infinity, you got one life
Uh, yeah, how you get closer to love?
How you lemonade all your sadness when you openin' up?
How you make excuses for billionaires you broke on the bus?
I need niggas around me rollin' up and smokin' me up
Because, because a rainforest cries (cries)
Everybody dies a little (everybody dies a little)
I just wanna dance tonight
I just wanna dance tonight (I just wanna dance tonight)
If you think you love me, then bury me when the sun up
Faded with the homie, he pearlin' another blunt up
Talkin' to Muhammed like, "Niggas don't really trust us"
Dyin' on stolen land for a dollar like that ain't fucked up
It's fuck they money, I'ma say it every song
Until the revolution come and all the feds start runnin'
Fuck a goodwill hunting, this is brand new murder
Revolutionary suicide, then close the curtain
You ain't seen death, I can hear the blood on the moon
These niggas put a flag upon it, all they do is consume
Only animal that ravage everything in its path
They turned a natural resource into a bundle of cash
Made the world anti-black, then divided the class
Now the rich niggas is rich niggas with your bread
Really bitch niggas with big figures, some cokeheads
These bitches is cokeheads, man (uh), fuck a billionaire, nigga
How you get closer to love?
How you lemonade all your sadness when you openin' up?
How you make excuses for billionaires, you broke on the bus?
I need niggas around me rollin' up and smokin' me up
Because, because a rainforest cries (cries)
Everybody dies a little (everybody dies a little)
I just wanna dance tonight (dance)
I just wanna dance tonight
Liner Notes:
What a great title. What a great voice. What a great song.
And if you're wondering what a "chemtrail" is... it's the smoke streak left by planes in the sky, which conspiracy theorists believe are poisonous chemical agents dispersed by the government.
This one goes out to Grace (you'll know why).
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
I'm on the run with you, my sweet love
There's nothing wrong contemplating God
Under the chemtrails over the country club
Wearing our jewels in the swimming pool
Me and my sister just playing it cool
Under the chemtrails over the country club
Take out your turquoise and all of your jewels
Go to the market, the kids' swimming pools
Baby, what's your sign?
My moon's in Leo, my Cancer is sun
You won't play, you're no fun
Well, I don't care what they think
Drag racing my little red sports car
I'm not unhinged or unhappy, I'm just wild
I'm on the run with you, my sweet love
There's nothing wrong contemplating God
Under the chemtrails over the country club
Wearing our jewels in the swimming pool
Me and my sister just playing it cool
Under the chemtrails over the country club
Meet you for coffee at the elementary schools
We laugh about nothing as the summer gets cool
It's beautiful how this deep normality settles down over me
I'm not bored or unhappy, I'm still so strange and wild
You're in the wind, I'm in the water
Nobody's son, nobody's daughter
Watching the chemtrails over the country club
Suburbia, The Brentwood Market
What to do next? Maybe we'll love it
White picket chemtrails over the country club
My love, my love
Washing my hair, doing the laundry
Late-night TV, I want you only
Like when we were kids under chemtrails and country clubs
It's never too late, baby, so don't give up
It's never too late, baby, so don't give up
Under the chemtrails over the country club, yeah (you're born in December and I'm born in June)
You're born in December and I'm born in June (under the chemtrails over the country club, yeah)
My Cancer is sun and my Leo is moon
My Cancer is sun and my Leo is moon
Liner Notes:
While this is Valeri June's first appearance on the yearly Favs, she is no stranger to the industry – making music since the early 2000s. June hails from Memphis and has one of the more captivating voices I've hard in some time. Thanks to Ben Peterselli for the rec.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Oh, I, I don't know
How long I'll stay
And oh, I, I can't tell
You lied that way
So if you can believe it
Since the day we first met
I've had not one regret
Darling, don't you forget
So if you can believe it
Times I's lost, I's upset
I gambled, thought I'd lost it
Having you in my life was a sure bet
If you can believe
If you can believe it
Held tight, felt right
They give, they take
We've had our fights
Both made mistakes
So if you can believe it
Since the day we first met
I've had not one regret
Darling, don't you forget
So if you can believe it
Times I's lost, I's upset
I gambled, thought I'd lost it
Having you in my life was a sure bet
If you can believe (oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
If you can believe (oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
If you can believe (oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
If you can believe (oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
(Oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
(Oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
(Oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
(Oh, I, oh, I, oh, I)
And oh, I, I don't know
How long I'll stay
Liner Notes:
I'm hoping that Ben Gibbard and Jimmy Timberello (a.k.a. "The Postal Service") get their royalties as the intro of this track is working the same vibe as their "Nothing Better" intro.
But numb... yes, been there.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Oh, baby, baby
Wanna give you a chance
Let me show you a brand-new dance
Not for everybody
It's a way to romance
Just watch me do it
You call it
Shaking out the numb
Let me feel something
Shaking out the numb
Shaking out the numb
Give me hot water
Give me freezing air
Give me the gossip
And a reason to care
Shaking out the numb
Shaking out the numb
Not as easy as your ABC's
Gotta move your body like a kid, you see
Only pay attention to you and me
Forget about the breaking and the heat
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Let me feel something (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Let me feel something (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb
Shaking out the numb
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake
(Shake out the numb)
Dancing pins and needles then
Up there moving with your friends
Shaking to remember
Shaking to pretend
Shaking to believe in
Shaking to forgive
Shaking for the force
Shaking through the sea
Shaking for your mother and your father, dizzy
Shaking for the faking
Shaking for babies
Shaking for the shaking
Shaking set you free
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake (shaking set you free)
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake
Shake, shake, shake, shake (shaking set you free)
Shaking out the numb
Let me feel something
Shaking out the numb
Shaking out the numb
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Let me feel something (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Let me feel something (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb (shake, shake, shake, shake)
Shaking out the numb
Liner Notes:
Home Video was the favorite album of the year... and with the most rotations. Thus, Dacus gets two slots on this year's favorites... this being the first.
For those who didn't grow up in the evangelical tradition, "VBS" = "Vacation Bible School" – which I did my fair share of participation. Plenty of shivering familiar memories emerged throughout this song... plus, it's just a great song.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
In the summer of '07 I was sure I'd go to heaven
But I was hedging my bets at VBS
The preacher in a t-shirt told me I could be a leader
Taught me how to build a fire and to spread the word
In the evening everybody went to worship and weep
Hands above our heads, reaching for God
Back in the cabin, snorting nutmeg in your bunk bed
You were waiting for a revelation of your own
Sedentary secrets like peach pits in your gut
Locked away like jam jars in the cellar of your heart
Waiting to be tasted and ultimately wasted
You were gonna win me over from the start
Your poetry was so bad
It took a lot to not laugh
You said that I showed you the light
But all it did in the end
Was make the dark feel darker than before
Your dad keeps his sleeves down through the summer for a reason
Your mother wears her makeup extra thick for a reason
When I tell you you were born and you are here for a reason
You are not convinced the reason is a good one
While you're going to sleep your mind keeps you awake
And it makes your heart beat fast and loud
There's nothing you can do but the only thing you found
Playing Slayer at full volume helps to block it out
Poetry was so bad
It took a lot to not laugh
You said that I showed you the light
But all it did in the end
Was make the dark feel darker than before
Dark feel darker than before
Dark feel darker than before
Liner Notes:
No it's not the same artist you just heard, but is there not a similar and particular vocal quality shared by Bergman and June? Two different people (I think DWH and Thom?) sent this album to me earlier in the year and I was immediately drawn in.
While Bergman doesn't position herself in any particular faith-based music scene, this may be the most overtly Christian/spiritual album ever featured here. Bergman suggests this sentiment emerged out of a long stay in a New Mexico monastery after learning of her father and step mother's death (during a performance) due to a drunk driver. This song came out of this time.
On a more personal note, there is a nod to my all-time favorite hymn and lyric, "Come Thou Fount", here... "Prone to wander..."
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
FATHER WHEN I'M LOST
I COME TO YOU
YOU WILL FAIL ME NOT
YOU WILL NOT FORSAKE ME
THOUGH I WALK IN SHADOWS I WON'T BE AFRAID
I WILL FEAR NO EVIL
FOR YOU WALK WITH ME
THOUGH I'VE SEEN SO MANY SORROWS
I SHALL NOT BE MOVED
GLORY HALLELUJAH
I WILL PUT MY FAITH IN YOU
WHEN YOU ARE SCARED
REACH OUT YOUR HAND
TALK TO THE LORD
TALK TO THE LORD
IF YOU ARE SAD
HE'LL DRY YOUR TEARS
TALK TO THE LORD
TALK TO THE LORD
HE WHO MAKES THE FLOWERS FACE THE SUN
AND ALL THE CREATURES SING
HE CAN MAKE THE HEAVENS RAIN
ALL THE CARPENTERS AND FISHERMAN
WE ALL BELONG TO HIM
JESUS IS OUR FRIEND
I AM PRONE TO WANDER
AND I HAVE GONE ASTRAY
LORD YOU ARE MY SHEPHERD
WON'T YOU LEAD ME TO YOUR GATES
WHEN YOU ARE SCARED
REACH OUT YOUR HAND
TALK TO THE LORD
TALK TO THE LORD
IF YOU NEED A FRIEND
CALL ON HIS NAME
TALK TO THE LORD
TALK TO THE LORD
IF YOU ARE THANKFUL AND YOU NEED TO SING
REACH OUT TO HEAVEN
TALK TO THE LORD
IF YOU ARE SAD
HE'LL DRY YOUR TEARS
TALK TO THE LORD
TALK TO THE LORD
Liner Notes:
While not a stranger to the favorites, I was re-introduced this year via David Bazan and (hopefully) a forthcoming collab.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Starlight seeping in, creeping in
To my eye
Like the love that you held in yours
It feels so good, it makes it worse
With my hand towel
On your bed in the morning
Meditating was a quiet help
Your solid heart
Creeping out through the breath
And your body
Do we want to talk about
The year we did without?
And you can’t say anything now
A solid heart
And these days
All the sirens and city
Keep me awake like a bad dream lately
But I get, maybe, what I get
For leaving in the first place
Do we want to talk about
The year we did without?
And you can’t say anything now
A solid heart
A solid heart
A solid heart
Liner Notes:
There are a handful of artists present this year that are throw-back bands... Low being one of them – formed my senior year in high school (93), Low made a splash in the mid-90s low-fi indie rock scene and falls into a similar vein as frequent Favorites artist Pedro the Lion/David Bazan... who's first solo EP, Fewer Moving Parts' album cover was designed by Low band member Zak Sally.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
When you think you've seen everything
You'll find we're living in days like these
They say you only take what you bring
Maybe that's just the way they speak
Know that I would do anything
Is it something that I can't see?
Everybody just chased by dreams
That's why we're living in days like these again
It isn't something you can choose between
It isn't coming in twos and threes
Always looking for that one sure thing
Oh, you wanted so desperately
No, you're never gonna feel complete
No, you're never gonna be released
Maybe never even see, believe
That's why we're living in days like these again
Again
Again
Again
Again
Again
Again
Liner Notes:
Arlo was featured last year on the favorites with "Eugene", which also happens to be on this album.
Btw, sucks to be Charlie.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Charlie drank it 'til his eyes burned
Then forgot to eat his lunch
Pain was built into his body
Heart so soft, it hurt to beat
Oh, wouldn't it be lovely to feel somethin' for once?
Yeah, wouldn't it be lovely to feel worth somethin', huh?
I know you can't let go
Of anything at the moment
Just know it won't hurt so
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much
Charlie melts into his mattress
Watching Twin Peaks on his ones
Then his fingers find a bottle
When he starts to miss his mum
Wouldn't it be lovely to feel somethin' for once?
Yeah, wouldn't it be lovely to feel worth somethin', huh?
I know you can't let go
Of anything at the moment
Just know it won't hurt so
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much
Charlie started seeing stars so stuck on the new Jai Paul
Said my clothes are sticking to me and I can't quite see my walls
Started dreaming of a house with red carnations by the windows
Where he didn't feel so small so overwhelmed by all his flaws
I know you can't let go
Of anything at the moment
Just know it won't hurt so
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much
I know you can't let go
Of anything at the moment
Just know it won't hurt so
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much
I know you can't let go
Of anything at the moment
Just know it won't hurt so
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much forever
Won't hurt so much
Won't hurt so much
Liner Notes:
A Regina Spektor cover...
But it's true... nobody does.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one laughs at God when the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one's laughing at God when it's gotten real late
And their kid's not back from that party yet
No one laughs at God when their airplane start to uncontrollably shake
No one's laughing at God when they see the one they love
Hand in hand with someone else and they hope that they're mistaken
No one laughs at God when the cops knock on their door and they say
"We've got some bad news, sir"
No one's laughing at God when there's a famine or fire or flood
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party when listening to a good God-themed joke, or
Or when the crazies said He hates us
And they get so red in the head you think they're about to choke
But God can be funny
When told He'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious, ha-ha
Ha-ha
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they've lost all they've got
And they don't know what for
No one laughs at God on the day they realize
That the last sight they'll ever see is a pair of hateful eyes
No one's laughing at God when they're saying their goodbyes
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party when listening to a good God-themed joke, or
When the crazies said He hates us
And they get so red in the head you think they're about to choke
But God can be funny
When told He'll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one's laughing at God in hospital
No one's laughing at God in a war
No one's laughing at God when they're starving or freezing or so very poor
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
No one's laughing at God
We're all laughing with God
Liner Notes:
For a second, I thought that I could free myself.
But... from what? From who?
Instead... I free you from me.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Do you think you could free me from the man I've been?
Do you see me now, do you see me then?
Could you clear my cache momentarily?
For just one sec, free me from me
Free me from your limiting ideas of me
Free me from the version you prefer I’d be
When you grew tall and I fell short
Drop injunctions and clear the court
Forgive the debt that I've accrued
For just one sec, free me from you
I free you from the person I was sure I knew
I free you from a reputation you outgrew
I free you from behavior I еxpect to see
And my interpretation of history
'Causе I boxed you in unconsciously
And I saw you as I thought you ought to be
But by loving you imperfectly
For just one sec, I free you from me
Liner Notes:
For whatever reason, this song was first on my "LISTEN 2021" playlist... and so I heard it... a lot!
Whether it's repetition or the lyrics or composition or that ARY is Norwegian, I'm drawn in.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
If your heart is a doorway
But there's nobody home
Should I say you'll be ok
Though I know you won't
Like the heat of the moment
Wouldn't burn anymore
And I could be lying and you wouldn't mind it at all
Love will grow deeper than pain ever could
Feel the roots interlace round your heart
Lay down your guard, open your scars
Now that I feel it I want you to know
That I'm no longer scared of the dark
If that is where you are
After all, the further away
I only ever think about you more
Like a moth to a flame
There are nights when you wake me
In forever ago
It was all just a bad dream
I don't even have to let you go
And the way you embrace me
It's inevitable
That the moment I wake every part of me breaks
And I'm left in a pile on the floor
Love will grow deeper than pain ever could
Feel the roots interlace round your heart
Lay down your guard, open your scars
Now that I feel it I want you to know
That I'm no longer scared of the dark
If that is where you are
After all, the further away
I only ever think about you more
Like a moth to a flame
That's all we are
A moth to a flame
I won't be far
You'll find me again
That is all we are ever gonna be
So are you ever gonna talk to me
Oh talk to me and be with me
Baby tell me you will, hey
After all, the further away
I only ever think about you more
Like a moth to a flame
Liner Notes:
A Vic Chestnut cover.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
I am a man
I am self aware
Everywhere I go, you're always right there with me
I flirted with you all my life
Even kissed you once or twice
To this day I swear it was nice
But clearly, I was not ready
When you touched a friend of mine
I thought that I would lose my mind
But I found out with time
That really, I was not ready
No, no
Oh death, oh death, oh death
Really, I'm not ready
Oh death you hector me
And decimate those dear to me
You tease me with your sweet relief
You are cruel, and you are constant
When my mom was cancer sick
She fought but then succumbed to it
But you made her beg for it
Lord Jesus, please, I'm ready
Oh death, oh death, oh death
Really, I'm not ready
No, no, no
Oh death, oh death, oh death
Clearly I'm not ready, no
Oh death, oh death, oh death
Clearly I'm not ready
Liner Notes:
Relationships are complicated.
Hell, humans are complicated.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
If I could have every thought
As though for the first time
I'd never get sick of
The patterns of my mind
But I am stuck
I am stuck
If things go my way
I'll stay in this room
Where tonight I want to lay
Kissing someone new
With a familiar face
I can't replace
Because remembering, no
It hasn't been enough
It's like the partial glow
A bright flower gives off
At night
Color imprecise
What if I told you
It'll all just end the same?
And then turned to you
Showed you my game
You'd believe I'm stuck
'Til I get ahold of
A stranger to remind me
I don't contain the world
It is outside, can't I see?
And in it, I'm this lucky girl
And how to play my role
'Til I get too old
By then remembering, oh
It better be enough
I'll be covered head to toe
In the faded flower patterns of memories
Of nights like these
Of good times passed
I'll be home at last
And I will give
Myself a fucking break
If things go my way
I'll stay in this room
Where again I want to lay
Kissing someone new
Who tells me
Something pretty
So that I too
Can feel like someone new
Liner Notes:
Okay, it's a smidge "poppy" - but you still like it, don't you?
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Oh
We almost got away, we cut it close
The city's getting loud
If I choke, it's only 'cause I'm scared to be alone
Been trying to work it out, you should know
I would do whatever you wanted
We don't have to leave the apartment
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
Livin' in a movie I've watched and
Funny, 'cause you couldn't have called it
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
Oh
The train was cold, we left Connecticut
We stayed a couple hours
Our clothes matched enough to throw me off a bit
Your phone was playing "Towers" and I
I would do whatever you wanted
We don't have to leave the apartment
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
Living in a movie I've watched and
Funny, 'cause you couldn't have called it
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
And I need you sometimes
We'll be alright
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
And I miss you some nights
We'll be alright
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
And I would do whatever you wanted
We don't have to leave the apartment
Met you at the right time
This is what it feels like
Liner Notes:
Back in 2017, this song went on the favorites. It's by the Fleet Foxes (original song here). Faye Webster covers it here (in 2021).
Why again, you ask?
Because it's still a timely and intricate ask.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
How could it all fall in one day?
Were we too sure of the sun?
If you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me
Who knows what State is in store?
If they all turn, will you run?
If you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me
When I need to, I'll keep time on you
Wide oceans roar
A frightened fool stokes heatless fire
But if you need to, keep time on me
If you need to, keep time on me
How could it all fall in one day?
Were we too sure of the sun?
If you need to, keep time on me
Liner Notes:
This one is dating me (or you)... as if you think Edie Brickell is some new artist, you're off by about 30 years. Her Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars album (circa 1988) was one of the first "CDs" I owned. In fact, I would argue she is one of the foremothers of the indie-female-pre-lillith-fair-scene. Also, she performs with Steve Martin – yes, the comedian. Also also, she's married to Paul Simon.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
Late at night at the bowling alley
Motown and cold beer
She was keeping score with a pencil behind her ear
She knew there was something not
Quite right, but she could not resist him
Took him home and held on tight
Hugged and kissed him
Never hid his desire to be free
That made him more appealing
Lit a fire underneath a kindling feeling
She made up her mind he was the one
Wanted more than a good time and fun
Used her powers of persuasion
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Hard-headed woman
All the signs and the symptoms were right there
Of a stormy ill-fated love affair
They went in with eyes wide open
He was never her type, but he made her laugh
Inspired belief in a better half
Left her dreaming and kept her hoping
Then she carried his baby like a torch
Got married and then they got divorced
She always felt the fates gave her no choice
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Hard-headed woman
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Hard-headed woman
Some people see it coming
But instead of running
They step in the path of a hurricane
Charging like a bull
Rushing like a fool
Stepping on the track of a freight train
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Hard-headed woman
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Stubborn love
Hard-headed woman
Hard-headed woman
Hard-headed woman
Liner Notes:
Matt and Kim went back to the 60s with an 80s synth.
This is a cover of a Leslie Gore song (which was produced by the great Quincy Jones) in honor of National Women's Day...
Here's Kim sharing why they chose to cover this one:
This song has always resonated with me lyrically, ever since I was a kid. My dad raised me to not take shit from anyone and live the life I want to live. It breaks my heart when girls come up to me after a show and say, ‘It’s so cool to see a woman play drums, I kinda never thought I could!’ I tell them, ‘That’s fucked up! You can do whatever you want!'
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
You don't own me
I'm not just one of your many toys
You don't own me
Don't say I can't go with other boys
And don't tell me what to do
Don't tell me what to say
And please, when I go out with you
Don't put me on display
You don't own me
Don't try to change me in any way
You don't own me
Don't tie me down 'cause I'd never stay
I don't tell you what to say
I don't tell you what to do
So just let me be myself
That's all I ask of you
I'm young, and I love to be young
I'm free, and I love to be free
To live my life the way I want
To say and do whatever I please
Liner Notes:
I guess Cat Power is following Angel Olson in this context.
And go ahead, ask me.! "Who is one of the most "mesmerizing" (think "angel-ic") artists you listen to?"
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
When I think of angels, I think of you
Your rusty-brown hair and the things that you do
I heard you'd left, no, it couldn't be true
When I think of angels, I think of you
Godspeed, you angel, wherever you go
Although you have left, I want you to know
My heart's full of sorrow, I won't let it show
I'll see you again when it's my time to go
When I think of angels, I think of you
Your rusty-brown hair and the things that you do
I heard you'd left, no, it couldn't be true
When I think of angels, I think of you
When I think of angels, I think of you
Liner Notes:
A couple of years ago (pre-Covid), I saw Boy Genius. Lucy played a solo set. She did this song – by far the most "raw" and honest song I've heard in some time.
It's reminiscence of Death Cab's "Styrofoam Plates"... so good... and soooooo sad.
FAVORITE LYRIC:
All lyrics:
You hung up the phone
And I asked you what was wrong
Your dad has come to town
He'd like to meet
I said "You don't have to see him"
But for whatever reason you can't tell him no
So we meet him at a bar
You were holding my hand hard
He ordered rum and coke
I can't drink either anymore
He hadn't seen you since the fifth grade
Now you're nineteen and you're five-eight
He said "Honey, you sure look great
Do you get the checks I send on your birthday?"
I would kill him
If you let me
I would kill him
Quick and easy
Your nails are digging
Into my knee
I don't know
How you keep smiling
I love your eyes
And he has them
But you have his
'Cause he was first
I imagine my thumbs on the irises
Pressing in until they burst
I clear my throat
And say we ought to get home
He offers us a ride
I reply "No, that's alright"
And when we leave
You feel him watching
So we walk a mile in the wrong direction
I would kill him
If you let me
I would kill him
Quick and easy
Your nails are digging
Into my knee
I don't know
How you keep smiling
I don't know
How you keep smiling
I don't know
How you keep smiling
I wanna take your face between my hands and say
"You two are connected by a pure coincidence
Bound to him by blood, but baby, it's all relative
You've been in his fist ever since you were a kid
But you don't owe him shit even if he said you did
You don't owe him shit even if he said you did"
