Weekly Playlist (10/24/2024)

Photo Courtesy of Frank Zappa Official Instagram

“Stratosphere Blues / I Believe In You” – Billy Strings

Amazing songwriter, singer, and already a guitar legend at 32, Billy Strings has made waves in the music industry stretching far beyond bluegrass music. Billy Strings is in contention to be my favorite artist of the last 15 years, and songs like “Stratosphere Blues / I Believe In You” are just one of the reasons. I was lucky enough to see this song’s live debut a couple of weeks ago in Indianapolis (just one of many Billy Strings concerts I’ve attended), and it’s been on repeat since.

“Portrait of Tracy” – Jaco Pastorius

Jaco Pastorius is one of jazz fusion / jazz rock’s all time great bass players. Being a member of Weather Report, Jaco Pastorius was a pioneer within the genre. “Portrait of Tracy” is a beautiful bass solo from Jaco’s debut studio album, the self-titled Jaco Pastorius. If you liked this song, I highly recommend checking out the rest of Jaco’s solo work and his work with Weather Report.

“Muffin Man” – Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa, while often primarily known for his goofy lyrics, is a definitive genius when it comes to the guitar and composing music. Ranging from creating psychedelic rock, jazz rock, and avant-garde orchestral music, Zappa is as masterful a musician as he is eclectic. “Muffin Man” is one of my favorites, coming off of his album Bongo Fury, a collaboration with Captain Beefheart. A goofy song about a man who loves muffins, the song has one of his most legendary guitar solos and is a great showcasing of what Zappa is all about: goofy lyrics with complex music.

“How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” – Al Green

With hits like “Love and Happiness,” “Let’s Stay Together,” and “Tired of Being Alone,” it’s heart not to say Al Green is one of the greatest soul singers of all time. Up there with the likes of Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding, Al Green’s powerful vocal range is incredible to listen to. “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart” is one of his softer tunes, but it’s been on repeat for me, especially with the recent rainy weather.

“Willie O” – Poor Creature

If you have read any past weekly playlists, you’ll already know that I am a huge fan of folk music. Whether it’s American, English, Scottish, or Irish folk music, there is something beautiful about the age and history behind many of the traditional songs. Poor Creature is the side project of Ruth Clinton (Landless) and Cormac MacDiarmada (Lankum), members of two of the most experimental Irish folk bands operating out of Dublin currently. Clinton’s beautifully soft vocals and MacDiarmada’s droning fiddle creates an atmospheric, haunting version of the old Irish folk tune “Willie O.”

“Trees and Flowers” – Strawberry Switchblade

Strawberry Switchblade were a colorful addition to goth music in the mid-1980s, but only released a handful of singles and one full length album. This version of “Trees and Flowers” comes from their 1982 demo and has since become their most popular song. A soft, lofi rock song about the singer’s own agoraphobia, if you are a fan of The Cure or Cocteau Twins, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.