Perfectly Defining Tunes

Summary

The article discusses a personal selection of songs that resonate with the author's current state of mind and life experiences.

Abstract

In a reflective piece, the author delves into the power of music by sharing a list of songs that encapsulate their identity and emotions at a particular moment in time. The selection, prompted by a challenge from Paul Combs, includes tracks from artists like Kacey Musgraves, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Vampire Weekend, Wilco, Sly and the Family Stone, and bonus tracks from Neil Young and The Beatles. The author describes how each song has impacted them, from the sinus-opening effect of Kacey Musgraves' "Love is a Wild Thing" to the nostalgic longing evoked by Wilco's "The Late Greats." The article is not just a list but a journey through the author's memories, feelings, and the soundtrack of their life, inviting readers to consider their own defining tunes and share them in return.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for Kacey Musgraves' ability to convey wistfulness and different forms of love in her music.
"Heads Will Roll" by Yeah Yeah Yeahs is highlighted as a song that fulfills a dream and provides a much-needed lift during tough times.
The author suggests that the soundtrack of "Ted Lasso," including Vampire Weekend's "Harmony Hall," significantly enhances the series' emotional impact.
Wilco's "The Late Greats" evokes a sense of longing for past experiences and the desire to witness the band live again.
Sly and the Family Stone's "Everyday People" is recognized for its cultural significance during a tumultuous time in 1969 and its message of unity and love.
The author feels a personal connection to Neil Young's "The Old Laughing Lady" and The Beatles' "There's a Place," though no explicit commentary is provided for these bonus tracks.
The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to engage with the content by sharing their own personal song selections.

At this particular moment

He’s at it again, our pal Paul Combs, issuing prompts and making us think about the music of our lives — this time, the five or six songs that “perfectly define us”:

I’m not a perfectionist, so I can’t claim the perfect part of the prompt, but in considering which songs to select, I opted for ones that have invaded my early morning Saturday consciousness, as I battle a head cold (negative Covid test, thank goodness), and drink another wonderful cup of Red Rooster coffee (Starr Hill Stout Blend).

I don’t know what tomorrow’s list would look like, but as for today — a beautifully sunshiney day in the mid-southland, I feel these tunes, and so I’ll provide a link and a bit of context as we go.

“Love is a Wild Thing,” Kacey Musgraves from Golden Hour (2018). I don’t need to explain again why I love this artist so much, do I? Critical Country described her sound yesterday as Pop Country (or was it Country Pop?), and sure, it is a pop sort of sound. But she manages a perfect wistfulness as she considers different forms and ways of expressing/packaging love. And I swear, as I meditated in a steaming hot bath last night, this song opened up all my sinuses and my heart (I keep seeing home and especially Tuscaloosa). Again. I linked a live version, but also listen to the version on that album because the accompaniment at the end registers both soft and hard on my Richter scale.

“Heads Will Roll,” Yeah Yeah Yeahs, from It’s Blitz! (2009). I finally got to dance to this one at my sister-in-law’s 70th birthday bash last summer. I was the DJ, too, and while our crowd hadn’t heard this — except for my daughters and maybe two others — we spilled on out there and another dream came true. When I need a lift, there’s always this song…and Karen O! Plus, I think I chanted the title from 2016–20 many times and so hope I don’t have to rev that particular context up again. [Also love “Maps” but here I go cheating again]

“Harmony Hall,” Vampire Weekend from 2019’s Father of the Bride. Rewatching season one of Ted Lasso, I commented last night that as much as I love the series — and I do, I really do — I wonder if I would love it as much without the sensational soundtrack, and the tunes, carefully curated to enhance certain moods. I commented about this again to my wife, and…And then, as Ted is suffering from signing his divorce papers, having panic attacks, and finally guiding AC Richmond to a victory over Liverpool (60 years in the making), “Harmony Hall” plays and I think of life and love and “living like this” and definitely not wanting to die. Maybe if academic departments start trying to “assess” death, it would get scared or traumatized, or bored, and go away.

“The Late Greats,” Wilco from A Ghost Is Born (2004). “The best song will never get sung/The best laugh never leaves your lungs….” Well yeah. I linked the version from 2005’s Live Aid, but no matter when or where, this song makes me long for another time, another place, another venue, please, to see/hear Wilco again. 18 years and counting: it may be late but never grows old.

“Everyday People,” Sly and the Family Stone, from 1969’s Stand! Watching Sly on the 1971 documentary, I realize how difficult it was for him to rev up for these precious performances like the one on The Dick Cavett Show. Of course, the drugs were partly responsible, but when you think you’re holding the whole world of Funk and Soul on your shoulders, sure, everybody must get stoned. 1969 was even crazier, and so a racially mixed band was what the world needed right now. Love sweet love.

And these bonus tracks, without commentary: Neil Young’s “The Old Laughing Lady” and The Beatles’ “There’s a Place.” Just had to be.

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