Top 10 Desert Island Songs – Part 2
For those of you who missed the first five selections of my desert island song list, check it out here. And now for selection 6 – 10.
6. The Jayhawks – Settled Down Like Rain
I knew I needed to include a song by the Jayhawks, because I often find myself searching through my iPod for them and listening to a song or two…which turns into an entire album. It is difficult to pick just one song from their catalog, but I have chosen Settled Down Like Rain from Hollywood Town Hall. I’m not sure what it is about this song that makes is stand out for me. Maybe it’s the wonderful harmonies, the well-placed organ, or the fact that I enjoy singing along to it so much. I’m happy I got to see the Jayhawks live before the disbanded, even if it was after Mark Olsen left the band. Here’s to hoping they do a tour with all the original members sooner than later.
7. My Morning Jacket – Death is My Sleazy Pay
I was first introduced to My Morning Jacket back in 2001, while listening to David Dye of The World Cafe interview a music aficionado. He was discussing bands he thought had a chance to break out, and one of the bands he mentioned was My Morning Jacket. At the time, I was just starting to develop an appreciation for country/alt-country music, and was hooked on the latest releases from Steve Earl, Emmylou Harris, Whiskeytown and Ryan Adams. My Morning Jacket seemed like the perfect addition to help satisfy my new addiction to (quality) country influenced music. After a few listens to At Dawn, I knew I had discovered something special. This was evident once I heard Jim James’ voice. Add in the talent and chemistry of the other band members, and their ability to vary the style of their songs so effectively, and you have one of the best modern bands in my option. This track is a slow burning and mournful, as evident by the opening line.
“Some say, death is the easy way and I think they’re right. / ’cause nights tick by like a long week except when you stop by.”
The acoustic guitars, vocal harmonies and especially the harmonica give this song a beautifully sad energy.
8. Josh Clayton-Felt – Bigger Than Me
This is a song, and an artist that many of you may have never heard of. I don’t exactly recall how I became familiar with Josh. I may have read about his losing battle with cancer, or maybe someone sited his old band, School of Fish as an influence. Either way, I do remember purchasing this CD from a monthly music expo that I attended for many years. The price was only a dollar, so I can safely say that I got my money’s worth, and then some. I love everything about this song. The lyrics, his vocals, the funky creeping rhythms. In the song he explains his weakness for a woman who has him wrapped around her finger, and he can’t break free.
“You know the way to my street / you know the place where I sleep / you know what to say to knock me off my feet / yeah, it’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than me.
you know the lies that i’ll believe / you realize just what I need / you drop the word and you plant the seed / yeah, it’s bigger than me, it’s bigger than me again.”
9. Kate Bush – Deeper Understanding
Kate Bush is one of a kind. She has influenced many modern female (and male) artists, and with any luck, we haven’t heard the last from her. Deeper Understanding is a track from her 1989 release, The Sensual World. One of my favorite things about this album is the vocals of The Trio Bulgarka, a Bulgarian singing group that adds so much to the songs they are featured on. Deeper Understanding is one of the tracks they are featured on, which is one reason why I like the song. The lyrics, which focus on a person’s dependency on technology and computers for social interaction are very relevant in today’s world of Facebook, Twitter and all the other social networks. Considering this song was written in 1989, Bush obviously had an idea of where personal computers were heading.
“As the people here grow colder, I turn to my computer, and spend my evenings with it like a friend.”
10. Neko Case – I Wish I Was the Moon Tonight
There are few voices that I would rather hear than Neko Case’s. In a word, it is perfect. There are so many songs of her’s that I could have chosen, and for many reasons. I love her abstract lyrics, the moody melodies and interesting production. This particular track is actually rather straight forward, but find myself queuing it up more than her others. Her voice is not one that should be explained in words, so without further delay, give it a listen.
“Last night I dreamt I’d forgotten my name / ’cause I sold my soul, but I woke just the same.”
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