Here are a few songs I’ve been inspired by of late that I thought you might enjoy.
Cherish - Kool and the Gang
Thanks to Rob Hamilton for sending this to me, and for the many other inspiring pieces he continues to share.
When I first received this, I wasn’t entirely sure whether it was a joke I wasn’t tuning into.
Sometimes songs that are so squarely fixed in an era, or have the added filter of sounding of a city or country from that era, are difficult for me to hear for the great songs they may be. This could be said of some ‘80s BritPop for me. For my sister, it’s The Beatles. Period. Haha. Except…I’m serious1.
And I get it. In 10 years, will people be stopped at the door of “cursive singing” wondering how to get in? I think some of us already are.
With Kool and The Gang’s Cherish, my way into the song was through these lyrics:
I often pray before I lay down by your side
If you receive your calling before I awake
Could I make it through the nightCherish the love we have
We should cherish the life we live
Sometimes, all you need is a pin prick you can follow to the source of light.
Also, that’s a pretty undeniable melodic hook.
Nick Cave - “Waiting for You”
John Raham, the producer for my upcoming record, showed me this one.
This album was written in the wake of the death of Cave’s son. The following is taken from a letter Cave wrote in response to a fan. You can find the full letter, and more, in his archive of heartbreaking, hilarious and profound fan-correspondence letters, The Red Hand Files.
And maybe, Amber, you are right and Ghosteen is haunted. Perhaps the songs became a kind of free-floating conversation with the spirit world, buoyed up by the absence of the ones we love. Perhaps the ghostly forms of the departed are all around us, magnetised toward the act of creation. Perhaps they see that to be alive and upon the earth, at this time and against all the odds, is the most rare and coveted of things, and to be making art such a singular and fortuitous privilege, that they just wanted to come along for the ride.
Perfume Genius - “Whole Life”
The first track from an incredible album. The music so perfectly supports the sentiment, arc and reveal of Michael Hadreas’ lyrics. I also love the operatic, Orbison-like flourishes. A beautifully hopeful song.
Tobias Jesso Jr. - “Can We Still Be Friends”
A great songwriter from North Vancouver. Tobias only ever released one album, Goon. Now he is one of the most in-demand songwriters for the pop stars of the day. Many of those Adele tunes you love so much you can also thank Tobias for.
Patterns - “Laura Marling”
The first single from Laura Marling’s new album which is set for release in October. I’ve listened to this song half a dozen times already. I want to say this song is beguiling but I’m not sure that’s the right word. I’m entranced, or maybe hypnotized by it. With each listen the lyrics pull me in closer and subtly shift in meaning.
Intimate, fragile, celestial.
If you find yourself in Seattle this coming Friday, I will be playing at the Sea Monster Lounge from 8 - 9pm. I’d love to see you.
love,
David
In the last five years, this statement has become less and less true. But for many years, she held it aloft as a badge of honour.
Beautiful, David.