Weekly Playlist (10/3/2024)
Photo Courtesy of Kris Kristofferson Official Instagram
Bryce Russell | Arts & Entertainment
“Almost Independence Day” – Van Morrison
One of the most celebrated singer-songwriters of all time, Belfast-born artist Van Morrison is probably most well known for his enduring 1967 hit “Brown Eyed Girl,” but there is much more to this artist than that song. “Almost Independence Day” is the 10 minute epic that closes out his 1972 classic Saint Dominic’s Preview, the last of a near perfect four album run that began with 1968’s Astral Weeks. “Almost Independence Day” is a meandering journey of a song that takes the listener down the summery California coast.
With true country coming back to the forefront in the likes of outlaw / country folk inspired artists like Tyler Childers and Zach Bryan, country music is in the midst of a resurgence following the vapid “bro country” movement that dominated the 2010s with artists like Florida Georgia Line and Luke Bryan. Washington born Zach Top is bringing back the lost sound of 80s and 90s smooth country, reminiscent of George Strait and Keith Whitley. His song “I Never Lie” is about the classic country theme of missing an old flame, and sounds like it could have been an unearthed Randy Travis song from the early 90s.
“I’m In Love With A Girl” – Big Star
Founders of power pop Big Star, led by singer Alex Chilton, came and went in the 1970s, releasing only three albums between 1972 and 1978. Though not garnering much commercial success at the time, Big Star was a precursor to the alternative sound that exploded in the 80s with bands like the Cure and the Replacements. “I’m In Love With A Girl” shows the group’s soft, simple, acoustic sound that seems way ahead of its time.
“Time Will Tell” – Gregory Alan Isakov
Folk singer-songwriter Gregory Alan Isakov has been on repeat for me this week, and it was hard to come up with just one song to share, but I knew it had to be from his excellent 2013 album The Weatherman. “Time Will Tell” is a great introduction to Isakov’s heartfelt lyrics and soft voice that will instantly set your mind at ease.
Arguably one of the most successful folk groups of the last 15 years, Fleet Foxes is known for their ethereal sound and stunning harmonies. “Silver Dagger” is an American folk ballad of unknown origin, but with it dating back to at least 1820, it most likely has roots in Britain as well as in America. Fleet Foxes’ arrangement of the song is my favorite, and is heavily inspired by the Joan Baez version from 1960. This version adds that classic Fleet Foxes harmony/echoing sound to it, with it still feeling timeless.
“Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” – Kris Kristofferson
I’ll end this week’s playlist with a classic from American country songwriter Kris Kristofferson, who passed away this past Sunday. Best known for his enduring songs like “Me and Bobby McGee” (which was a big posthumous hit for Janis Joplin) and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” (which was first recorded by Johnny Cash), Kristofferson was also an actor and successful artist himself. He was a contemporary of country music legends like Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash, and Willie Nelson, and is also well known as a member of the 1980s country supergroup the Highwaymen, which was made up of all four of those artists. Considered one of the greatest American songwriters of the 20th century, Kristofferson will be remembered as a legendary voice in country music.