Today’s song is from Soundgarden’s frontman, Chris Cornell. Cornell wrote “The Keeper” for the 2011 film, Machine Gun Preacher. The song appears on the film’s soundtrack and on Cornell’s 2011 live solo album, Songbook. Though […]
Category: Genre: Rock/Alternative
Tuesday Tunes – “Soul One” by Blind Melon
Blind Melon is best known for their 1992 hit single, “No Rain,” but this band’s catalog is full of hidden gems that slipped under the radar. This week’s song is one of those gems – “Soul One.”
Tuesday Tunes – “Dollar Signs” by Aspen Hourglass
This week’s tune comes from Colorado-based math-rock band Aspen Hourglass. I stumbled across their music last fall and became an instant fan after watching “Veil of Anxiety” on YouTube. One thing was immediately clear: members Grayson Erhard (lead vocals/guitar), Elvin Holderfield (piano/synthesizers), and Sean Hanson (drums/backing vocals) are all extremely talented musicians.
Tuesday Tunes – “You Avoid Parties” by The Posies
The first Tuesday Tune of 2015 comes from one of my favorite bands, The Posies. “You Avoid Parties” appears on the band’s second album, Dear 23, released by DGC Records in 1990.
Dear 23 is one of my favorite albums and since the first listen, I’ve considered “You Avoid Parties” a standout track, largely due to its great vocal harmonies and well-crafted lyrics. Its story is told in second person and every verse reveals a new layer of the narrative. I’ve always thought this song described someone’s struggle with depression as they gradually pull away from the people and things they once enjoyed. Each thing this person avoids – parties, fathers, and thinking – remind them of who they used to be. In particular, the following lyrics stand out to me:
Tuesday Tunes – “Let Me Sleep (It’s Christmas Time)” by Eddie Vedder & Mike McCready
Today, I’ve chosen this beautiful live performance from Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder and Mike McCready. It’s especially fitting since tomorrow is Christmas Eve and today is Eddie’s 50th birthday. “Let Me Sleep” was originally released […]
Tuesday Tunes – “Belle Epoque” by Lieutenant
Today’s second tune comes from Lieutenant – or as you may know him – Foo Fighters bassist Nate Mendel. Recently, Mendel announced that he will release a solo album in Spring 2015 under the name […]
Tuesday Tunes – “Lonely Man” by Alpha Rev
Today’s first tune comes from Alpha Rev, an alternative rock band based in Austin, Texas. “Lonely Man” is featured on the band’s third album, Bloom, released in 2013. This song has a country feel, making it a little different than most Alpha Rev songs and the rest of the album, but it works well here. “Lonely Man” is a simple, yet painful story – a man describes his choices to put work ahead of his family, how those choices lead to the dissolution of his marriage, and how he’s living the life of a lonely man as a result. It’s almost a cautionary tale; it feels as though the man is sitting beside you at the bar and warning you, “Don’t make these mistakes unless you want to end up alone like me.”
Musically, what stands out the most to me are McPherson’s vocals. His emotions are so raw and present in this song, especially toward the end. He doesn’t simply tell the story, he feels every word of it. It sent a chill or two down my spine.
Tuesday Tunes – “Go Malachi” by J. Roddy Walston and the Business
“Heavy Bells” was almost featured this week as it’s been stuck in my head for the past three days, but instead, I opted for a song that I consider one of J. Roddy Walston and the Business’s most underrated gems. “Go Malachi” is the final track on the band’s first full-length album, Hail Mega Boys, released in 2007. Through some of the most poignant lyrics I’ve ever heard, the song describes the dissolution of a marriage resulting from the wife’s unfaithfulness. Interestingly enough, in the Bible, Malachi 2:10-16 deals with divorce. I can’t help but wonder if that’s what inspired the song title.
Tuesday Tunes – “Congregation” by Foo Fighters
On Monday, November 10, 2014, Foo Fighters fans around the world (myself included) rejoiced with the release of Sonic Highways, the band’s eighth studio album. In honor of its release, this edition of Tuesday Tunes is dedicated to one of my favorite tracks, “Congregation.”
Tuesday Tunes – “Dirty Second Hands” by Switchfoot
Choosing just one song to feature from Switchfoot was pretty tough. I’ve listened to their music for most of my life and I enjoy their entire catalog. I’ve always admired the transparency of their lyrics, as well as their willingness to tackle spiritual and social themes.
Between the Notes 