Songs I Heard This Week (9/16/16)
There is probably no more beautifully depressing song than this. Brian Wilson’s farewell to a life lived and an era passed. I relate to it in my own personal way as well, but it especially comes to mind as the night’s grow cold and the leaves are showing signs of change. Even when you do all you can to make the most of summer, it’s gone before you know it. From the album, ‘That’s Why God Made The Radio’, which is perhaps the last Beach Boys outing with all the surviving members. Too bad it didn’t last, but it did provide an opportunity for Brian Wilson to gift us a handful of truly memorable tracks, including this one.
I guess this follow-up song would give an indication that I am suffering from a bit of melancholy. That’s not altogether untrue, though I do very much love fall and am looking forward to the coming months. Heck, I even enjoy winter! But there is something darker and colder about these months, which is captured here by The Lucy Show, a desperately under-rated band.
So I’ve been on a huge Ocean Blue kick lately and this song is definitely one of my favorites from the 2013 album ‘Ultramarine’. There is something very blue about the lyrics that seems to be about getting older and wiser. The opening line appears to reference the single from their debut album, ‘Drifting Falling’ (see next) and it also brings to mind the mood and lyrics of ‘Til I Die’ by the Beach Boys.
The Ocean Blue is just a great bands with countless wonderful songs, but I selected this one as well because the video really puts me in a Fall mood. It also brings me back to just after my husband and I got married and discovered their music. We were living on the beach in Virginia at the time and were able to catch them live for free at a festival right across the street. It was such a memorable night in our young lives.
Here is another song that brings to mind the darker months. It effects me on multiple levels. The music is breathtaking, but when I think of the Blue Ridge Mountains I immediately think of my honeymoon. We were 18 years old and before everyone used the internet to plan trips, my new husband and I just hopped in the car and headed for the mountains, no plans and no reservations. We had an incredible time, touring Blue Ridge Parkway and exploring nearby towns. It was just the beginning of our many grand adventures.
I discovered John Proulx while listening to my jazz station on Pandora. I was immediately taken with his easygoing style, which brought to mind the late, great Chet Baker. Soon after moving to Grand Rapids I found out he was actually from this area and would be doing a show at an upcoming fundraiser. It was an awesome night and his performance was top notch! Unfortunately, he didn’t play this jazz cover of the theme from Disney’s Alice In Wonderland. As a huge Alice fan, I think it’s quite apparent why it is my favorite, but I love his entire album, ‘Moon & Sand’, which is can be found on.
