George Maple - Hero

I've actually been listening to this song pretty regularly for a while now ... surprised it wasn't on here already. Well, let's set the record straight.

See the world in colour, tell me everything's ok.

"Hero" by George Maple from her 2017 album Lover

U.S. Girls - Rosebud

I don't know what I like more: the song or the birbs. That's ok, both are great.

A cage holds you
We've all got one we call home
In the event of a 9-1-1
Who holds the key is what you need to know

...

You and you alone

...

(What is your Rosebud, you've got to know)

"Rosebud" by U.S. Girls from the 2018 album In A Poem Unlimited

Sloan - The Day Will Be Mine

After over 25 years, Sloan releases their twelfth album 12. I'm always excited to hear new stuff from them. I don't think it's just for nostalgia's sake. I can always count on them to produce something to pick me out of the rut. Thanks guys. Really appreciate all you do.

One day I'll wake up new and knowing. The sun will shine. And the day will be mine.
...
Just some time is all I need to turn it around.
...
Put me on a postcard, mail me back home.

"The Day Will Be Mind" by Sloan from their 2018 album 12.

Alvvays - Not My Baby

It just dawned on me that ... I have a lot of break-up music. No, I don't think it's some subtle expression of some suppressed desire. I think the appeal stems from something a bit broader: the notions of loss and acceptance. I think I ultimately relate to these emotional states more than anything. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not trying to make any general declarations of my psychological well-being. But sometimes I do find an all-too-familiar void wrapping around me with its icy, paralyzing grip. Maybe these songs remind me that these feelings are ultimately facets of the human experience and help propel me a little from my stand-still. Or, whatever.

"Not My Baby" by Alvvays from their 2017 album Antisocialite (live version from Adult Swim)

Lucy Dacus - Night Shift

You know, I have a pretty stable life now, routine seems to prevail consistently. But, still, I find myself still drawn the cathartic songs. And this is a beautiful one. The lyrical build-up to the refrain and then the vocal/instrumental explosion during the refrain was truly a moving experience the first time I listened to this. I don't have relational issues right now but I guess the message of longing is universal enough such that I can appreciate it even from my current vantage point.



"Night Shift" by Lucy Dacus from her 2018 album Historian