Blue Moon Playlist Review Club - Season 2 - Episode 32 - threespires - Could have been a Contender (pg 472)

It's a Family Affair
This was an enjoyable playlist to listen to as there were no songs that didn’t work with me. This was also fun to come up with selections, well done on another great concept, @threespires. I knew and well enjoy 3 of the first 5, especially “Thank You” and “Whipping Post”. I enjoyed the Thompson brothers song “Persuasion” with the well done complimentary vocals. The standout to me was “Emmylou” from First Aid Kit. I recall this song when already exploring their catalog when they were nominated for a prior playlist, and this was the pick for me.

The Big Winner
"Homesick" – The Finn Brothers, the harmonies and instruments on this song were especially strong.

My top other new tracks (not yet heard in some or no particular order):
  • “Calendars and Clocks” – The Coral, in the same genre as lots of other bands I like, so planning to check them out further, another Out on blue 6 special I typically don’t know, yet appreciate.
  • “Believer/Pretender” – Sons of Bill, something good to come out of Charlottesville, this indie band might be the 2nd most famous band to emerge, nice atmospheric sound, will ignore where these bandmates went to university ;-)
  • “Space” – Biffy Clyro, these guys never disappoint, a very nice ballad changeup from them.
  • “May the Road Rise” – The Walls, some good indie I had missed, good use of the piano at the end
  • “N.I.T.A” – Young Marble Giants, nice chill and somewhat eerie sounding song, strong but subdued vocals, keys, and guitar make this one
  • “He’s Fine” – The Secret Sisters, very nice country and Americana vibe
  • “Six Weeks, Nine Wells” – Field Music, another 2024 offering, not even mentioned on a top 10, but a good song
  • “Trippin’ on Down” – The Brothers Comatose, good bluegrass sound
  • “Sunshine on Leith” – The Proclaimers, a good playlist ending from these folk twins

Top tracks I knew but enjoyed listening to again (in some or no particular order):
  • "Slow Sun" – The Maccabees, this band went out at the top, now coming back with a strong yearning from fans, very strong bass line makes this song along with the haunting guitars and vocals.
  • “Rebellion (Lies)” – Arcade Fire, even better experienced live as I have already noted
  • “Strawberry Letter 23” – The Brothers Johnson, always takes me back to those roller skating days of youth
  • “Mean Street“ – Van Halen, if you are going to highlight the brothers, this guitar heavy song with a good drum background surely qualifies. Dance, baby…
  • “The Grand Illusion” – Styx, the first album that I remember hearing from this band, loved it as a kid, RIP John, and keep rocking and being yourself, Chuck Panozzo
  • “I And Love And You” – The Avett Brothers, classic of theirs from this North State band
  • "Cities On Flame" – Blue Oyster Cult, no cowbell needed to this classic rocker
  • “I Think It’s Going To Rain” – UB40, not my favourite band or genre, but this chill song worked for me, loved the sax here
 
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Lots of very likeable songs with a mostly fairly chilled sound and very little, if fact nothing, that jarred (which might be a first). Of the unfamiliar I particularly enjoyed:

  • Field Music – who I’ve now checked out a bit
  • Secret Sisters – superficially similar to my FAK pick but in reality, a nice counterpoint
  • The Brothers Comatose – Trippin on Down was an apt title
  • Mewithoutyou – though it did sound familiar already
Quite a few older familiar songs and a couple of bands I don’t regularly listen to but really should find time to, in The Maccabees and The Coral – in the case of the latter there’s a number of mid-career albums that I don’t think I’ve ever heard. I should also try to find more time to listen to Dawes.

And Kudos to OoB6 for digging out the Young Marble Giants track.
 
threespires said:
Had completely forgotten they existed, might be misremembering but weren't they one of those bands that there was a bit of hype around but then not much came of it?
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Still gigging away. Had some minor hits and I believe stormed off a radio programme or TV programme because the presenter made a comment on their weight. As I said fairly inoffensive indie pop
 
threespires said:
Lots of very likeable songs with a mostly fairly chilled sound and very little, if fact nothing, that jarred (which might be a first).
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I really did like them all.
threespires said:
Of the unfamiliar I particularly enjoyed:
  • Mewithoutyou – though it did sound familiar already
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It's their most accessible 'hit', so perhaps you have. I gave it a bonus point to include given it was off their Brother/Sister album given the thread theme.

I'll be back at 5pm GMT for the next round, so there's still time for others to chime in.

You won't want to be at work trying to come up with ideas for the next one. Although I'd argue perhaps your outie would get some inspiration from your innie on what's to come. ;-)
 
The Human Condition
The human condition is a term that describes the nature of being human, including the positive and negative aspects of life’s experiences. This can include aspects of human nature like personality, experiences, birth, learning, emotion, morality, and death.

Being a fan of such songwriters as John Prine, Jason Isbell, Jim James, Andy Hull, and others, I tend to gravitate towards songs like these that seek to describe the challenges and joys of life and meaning within.

Hopefully this topic brings forth a few songs that have meaning for you on this subject.

Here are a few songs I’m particularly fond of…

“I Remember Everything” – John Prine
Sometimes remembering the things you have and the memories you’ve made, even the most minute, go a long way towards happiness. John Prine, better than most, could eloquently capture the value to remember the important things to both hold onto and convey forward to those that mean the most to us. This was the last song Prine recorded before he died in 2020 and was released in June of that same year. Here Prine looked back on the good moments in his life–the small things that add up to a greater existence and appreciation.


“Watershed” – Indigo Girls
Another contender for one of my favourite Indigo Girl songs, this 1990 track explores the idea that not everyone will be in our lives for as long as we expect, and we need to be prepared for life’s challenges. This also stresses the need to be kind to ourselves and to feel our emotions as we navigate life’s choices.

You’ll never fly as the crow flies, get used to a country mile.
When you’re learning to face the path at your pace
Every choice is worth your while.


“Cold Dreaming” – Doves
2025 new music alert! A song about forgiveness, standing up to the struggles of life, looking for strength. This band always delivers with the brothers Williams taking the lead on this song that has really inspired me in its short availability just released earlier this month. Another reason I didn’t nominate this or them for the Family Affair, the lyrics of this song fit this playlist better, especially after last week’s presidential transition.

God knows it ain't easy
But I can't live my days in fear


“The Elevator” – Guster
One of my favourite songs off their latest album from 2024 (#1 on my list in that thread), this is a powerful song that is a testament to the beauty of shared experiences and the emotions of parting ways. Written from the perspective of a parent to their child, it is a reminder of the bittersweet and unavoidable passing of time and the memories within.

Let me go
Here comes the elevator
I hoped I’d never say it
But I’ll miss you when I’m gone


“The Garden” – Rush
Their final song on their final album. I’d argue that Neil saved his best for last in this song that really captures life and living in the metaphor of a garden and tending to it. Although this album had concepts that were based on a dystopian narrative, the lyrics of this song can be viewed as applying to life and how to live it here.

The measure of a life is a measure of love and respect
So hard to earn, so easily burned
In the fullness of time
A garden to nurture and protect
It's a measure of a life


 
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Black&White&BlueMoon Town said:
The Human Condition
The human condition is a term that describes the nature of being human, including the positive and negative aspects of life’s experiences. This can include aspects of human nature like personality, experiences, birth, learning, emotion, morality, and death.
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'A man's a man for a' that.'

Good theme. Have a few immediately off the top of my head, but will actually listen to the 5 first, and see where it goes from there
 
Out on blue 6 said:
The one thing I can say about my old man is he had a great record collection. I remember seeing the album this is from in it and even though I'm not a huge fan myself necessarily I appreciate he's written some great songs. This is about addiction.

Neil Young - Needle And The Damage Done
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A powerful song off the classic album Harvest, another 'you could hear a pin drop' when played live. Thanks. One could mine that album for a couple that would fit this playlist theme. ;-)
 
I think this might have originally been the B-side for one of the BITUSA singles. It's too good for a B-side and eventually appeared on the Tracks boxset. A simple enough story of a guy struggling when he came home from Vietnam but the chorus is a fitting cry for help for anybody who has been through a trauma.

"Shut Out The Light" - Bruce Springsteen
 
I've mentioned this song more than once but don't think I've actually nominated it. It's ostensibly about a parent child relationship but I think it speaks beyond that into all sorts of relationships. We can overcomplicate life but this doesn't.

The One Who Knows - Dar Williams
 
Coatigan said:
'A man's a man for a' that.'

Good theme. Have a few immediately off the top of my head, but will actually listen to the 5 first, and see where it goes from there
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Burns could write eloquently about the human condition but a trip to the museum in Ayr suggested to me that his personal life mantra was if it moves shag it.
 
threespires said:
Burns could write eloquently about the human condition but a trip to the museum in Ayr suggested to me that his personal life mantra was if it moves shag it.
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Probably, he was a bit of a shagger wasn't he. Lads days. Which of the two museums? There are others elsewhere too, they can be quite different.

Yeah it is actually a bit frustrating that there nobody has done a good enough (for my liking) version of that song/poem. Eddi Reader's is ok, but I feel I can do better for the playlist.

There seems to be a very Scottish thing though with this theme, quite a few with songs on it.
 
Coatigan said:
Probably, he was a bit of a shagger wasn't he. Lads days. Which of the two museums? There are others elsewhere too, they can be quite different.

Yeah it is actually a bit frustrating that there nobody has done a good enough (for my liking) version of that song/poem. Eddi Reader's is ok, but I feel I can do better for the playlist.

There seems to be a very Scottish thing though with this theme, quite a few with songs on it.
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We've been to the birthplace one in Alloway and then walked down to the cottage part; not managed to get to the one in Mauchline yet.

In answer to your last question, a more crass person than me might suggest Celts have a more poetic nature which allows them to ponder existential matters whereas Anglo Saxons like to fight and set fire to shit, though in fairness though they could make a good brooch too.
 
RobMCFC said:
I think this might have originally been the B-side for one of the BITUSA singles.
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It was, and I think this was one of the last 45s I ever bought. I was the B-side to the BITUSA song itself. What a contrast in sounds and the "other side of the theme". I think I bought the single for this song as I already owned the album.
RobMCFC said:
It's too good for a B-side and eventually appeared on the Tracks boxset.
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Yes, all those B-side gems from that time period and others finally made it to Tracks, and what a collection that is on its own.
RobMCFC said:
A simple enough story of a guy struggling when he came home from Vietnam but the chorus is a fitting cry for help for anybody who has been through a trauma.

"Shut Out The Light" - Bruce Springsteen
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So many songs from Bruce could qualify. I didn't feel right not including one from him in my initial set, but I figured someone, maybe others, would step up. Well chosen track.
 
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