This week has been full of music and surprises. I don’t want to jinx it, but it’s been a good week in many ways. I’m tackling a stack of reports though, and the best way to arm myself is with today’s Top 5 Music Obsessions. Maybe you could use the sonic-arsenal of 5, too.
Top 5 Music Obsessions – June 14, 2018
Listen on Spotify and YouTube – follow and listen along for the entire week
1. “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James
“And, baby, and, baby,
baby, I’d rather be blind, boy,
than to see you walk away, walk away from me.”
Etta’s voice in this slays me.
If I ever stumble upon a time machine I would use it to go back and see live music (and talk to my grandfather again). One of the “live” I’d want to time travel back to see would be Etta singing this one.
2. “I’m Blue (The Gong Gong Song)” by The Ikettes
“I can’t sleep at night for thinking of you.
(Every night about 2 my love for you comes tumbling down).
I can’t stand being here alone.”
I was sent this one today. So damn good. The song insists that you turn the volume up and pay attention. Dancing is optional, but good luck trying not to move.
3. “Touch, Feel and Lose” by Ryan Adams
“But I never wanted to be your rolling train.
I never wanted to be your dancin’ shoes.
I just wanted you to love me.”
One of my favorite artists (and now a Denver weatherman – haha). When thinking of what songs are my favorite Ryan songs this one always comes up in my Top 5.
4. “If We Were Vampires” by Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
“If we were vampires and death was a joke,
we’d go out on the sidewalk and smoke,
and laugh at all the lovers and their plans,
I wouldn’t feel the need to hold your hand.
Maybe time running out is a gift,
I’ll work hard ’til the end of my shift,
and give you every second I can find,
and hope it isn’t me who’s left behind.”
This song = instant tears. It’s so beautiful.
5. “Dark End of the Street” by Cat Power
“At the dark end of the street,
that’s where we always meet,
hiding in shadows where we don’t belong,
living in darkness to hide our wrong.
You and me,
at the dark end of the street.”
I’ve decided that there is not a version of “Dark End of the Street” that I’ve heard that I don’t love. Chan Marshall/Cat Power’s version is definitely in that category.
Top 5 Music Obsessions – Week of June 13, 2018
Thank you music. Thank you for new music introductions and smiles. Thank you, Etta James, The Ikettes, Ryan Adams, Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit, and Cat Power.
ah, I love how you included etta james. Forever a huge fan of hers.
thanks for sharing! if you get a chance I would really appreciate it if you could check out my art/music blog! it’d mean a lot! https://rawdumplings.wordpress.com/