Sometimes I get weird thematic ideas for playlists, and this week inspired by Brandi Carlile’s Grammy performance (see below), I put together this mix of songs that are uplifting but also sad. Because, apparently that’s a genre I like a lot.
The Tide – Niall Horan feat. The RTÉ Concert Orchestra
It’s not surprising to anyone who knows me/follows my Instagram and saw the trek my boyfriend and I took last fall to Niall play in deep Jersey, so I was pretty excited to see today that he released a new version of his album Flicker today with the backing of the Irish TV station RTÉ’s in house orchestra. The original album is lovely, but we thought he and his band were much better live than in studio and I think these versions of these songs show a part of why.
Where Do Broken Hearts Go – One Direction
Since we now have two former members of One Direction on this list, let’s end it with a classic. Have a great weekend!
There is so much new music from artists I love that came out today, that I’m actually kind of overwhelmed, but I did manage to make you all a mix anyway. (Mostly of new stuff, some older that I was reminded of. You can listen to it on Apple Music here!
Red Bull & Hennessy – Jenny Lewis
Tim described this to me this morning as “exceedingly Stevie Nicks,” which makes it exceedingly for me.
Merry Happy – Kate Nash
If U C My Enemies – Rubblebucket
Overexcited – Guster
I used to listen to a lot of Guster, I haven’t in a long time, but this popped up in my “For You” playlist and I got very confused because they aren’t British, but he is singing this with a British accent. But also, it’s catchy…so…enjoy?
Small Victories – Lemon Twigs
King of the Dudes – Sunflower Bean
Don’t Lie To Me – Big Star
Breathe – Backstreet Boys
My Instagram followers already know that I am un-ironically loving the new BSB album (what can I say, they were implanted in my brain at a very impressionable age).
you only live once – isaac gracie
Why is this video just an image of not isaac gracie? Your guess is as good as mine.
This was the first performance from the Reputation era that I really fell in love with (“Look What You Made Me Do” is not my fave song). So, I’m glad I could find a video, even if it strangely cropped.
Second Wind- Maren Morris
Cheerleader – St. Vincent
Bloodbuzz Ohio – The National
“I still owe money to the money to the money I owe” is one of my favorite lyrics of all time.
Still Life – I’m With Her
Kiwi – Harry Styles
Sinking Sands – Sunflower Bean
Somebody Told Me – The Killers
Bad Idea – Katharine McPhee and Eric Bergen
(Obviously this sounded better in the acoustics of a theater, but I really love the score from this show, and McPhee was SO GOOD in the title role.)
Mirrors – Niall Horan
Funnily, this means we have the closing encore songs from both of the former members of One Direction I’ve seen play live this year on the list this week.
As always, you can listen to the whole list on Apple Music here. And this week’s not available to stream is:
I know, I’ve shared this song here before, but it’s still one of my favorites, and I’m going to see them live again in a few weeks, and can’t wait to dance like crazy to this.
High Hope – Glen Hansard
Roman Holiday – Olivia Chaney
Cannibal Resource – Dirty Projectors
Pills – St. Vincent
Slip Away – Perfume Genius
I have a confession, I didn’t love Perfume Genius’s set at Boston Calling, in fact this was the only song that made it to the playlist, which means this will be my only chance to share this not great photo I took.
Sign of the Times – Harry Styles
The Man – The Killers
I legit did not like this song until I saw it live, and now I kind of love it, which shows you the power of Brandon Flower’s stage presence.
(Just a reminder, that this was my show! That’s why I’m using this video despite the not perfect sound. Also, our view was a little different from the upper deck.)
We Are Never Getting Back Together – Taylor Swift
Unintentional juxtaposition of pop stars I promise. (And of course, this one‘s not about the above anyway.)
Persevere – Gang of Youths
This was the first show I went to this year, and therefore this song was the first time I cried at a concert this year.
Paying My Way – Glen Hansard
See You Around – I’m With Her
Blue Ridge Mountains – Fleet Foxes
Curse of the !-5 Corridor – Neko Case
Shot at the Night – The Killers
That’s A Lifestyle – Dirty Projectors
As always, the whole list is here for those of you with Apple Music. But not everything is available, even through Apple, so here’s this week’s live bonus:
It’s a banner day in this series – there’s no Taylor Swift on this list! (To be honest, “End Game” did come up on shuffle while I was putting this together, but it was already included so, we are Swift-less this week.)
When You Were Young – The Killers
The Rio Grande – Kacy & Clayton
Shelter – Olivia Chaney
Song of Good Hope – Glen Hansard
Give a Little – Maggie Rogers
(I’m a little obsessed with her right now, and am happy for her that her SNL performance went so well, but also having some hipster feelings about loving her before John Mayer posted about her on Instagram…)
The Mariner’s Revenge Song – The Decemberists
I’ve seen/participated in this twice this year, here’s what the whale looked like at an outdoor festival:
Memoria – Sunflower Bean
Soliloquy – Joshua Henry
Unfortunately couldn’t find a good quality live version, but it was truly astounding to hear him sing this in person. This is also the first theater song to pop up on the list! I know it may seem incongruous, but this was one of the best musical moments of my year!
(And yes, I know the gender dynamics of this song/this show are retrograde and way more than problematic, but also, I love this song.)
Fool’s Errand – Fleet Foxes
Since We’re Alone – Niall Horan
As always, you can listen to the whole playlist, with new additions from I’m With Her from last night! on Apple Music. But not everything is available even from the Apple monolith, so here’s this week’s live only bonus (also from Niall, but I swear I use a random number generator to pick these):
Drag Me Down – Niall Horan’s touring band version
For those of you who don’t know, this is a One Direction song, but Niall plays it like he’s trying to channel Duran Duran. (Credit for that reference to my boyfriend. Also credit to him for coming to the middle of nowhere New Jersey to a Niall Horan show with me.)
Sorry about the weird cropping, I’m posting this version specifically for the way the editing turned the lyric from “if a man talks shit” to “if a man talks…then I owe him nothing” which I think most women in the world can appreciate.
(I kid, I know, #NotAllMen. Not even all the ones I know.)
Dance For You – Dirty Projectors
Burn It – Sunflower Bean
The rare, semi-decent concert shot taken by me
Brunswick Stew – Kacy & Clayton
This is a real, old-fashioned folk song, which means it’s really fucking dark. You’ve been warned.
Seven Nation Army – Jack White
Spaceman – The Killers
Hip Hop Kids – Portugal. The Man
Calling Cards – Neko Case
(This version includes my love Kelly Hogan, who unfortunately was not on this Neko tour – though I have seen them sing together live and it’s magic.)
