14 Comments
User's avatar
Janice's avatar

I might as well name a couple: B.B. King, "The thrill is gone"; and Dire Straits, "The Sultans of Swing". And, sure, why not, Carl Orff, "Der Mond". There are the songs FROM a time; and there are the songs we personally discover, IN a time .

When a great singer brings to us, again, a great song from out of the past, history is lighted up.

John Barleycorn Must Die

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History Explored's avatar

Great selection Janice and I love your “history is lighted up” remark - totally agree !

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Lincoln Bjorkman's avatar

More. Please. Please, please, please us all.

I would add anything John Hiatt, Dylan’s “Blind Willie McTell” to your great shoutouts,, Tom Perry’s “Wildflowers,” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Harrison All Things Must Pass and Miles Davis “Birth of the Cool.” And since you stop at 2010, I’ll add Bon Iver because he’s Bon Iver. Kinda hurts not to have Bruce or Prince or Aretha or Bowie either.

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History Explored's avatar

Great selection - I like them all. I can’t believe I left George Harrison out! What about Here Comes The Sun, how did I skip that? Bruce is on my list, love his stuff! I will have to share my Paul McCartney story one day …

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Lincoln Bjorkman's avatar

You better share your Paul story with me! And the beauty of your ramble is you can’t possible mention everybody, even your own favorites. You remain a great catalyst. Thank you!

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Marty (KC) Kanter-Cronin's avatar

You had me at Tom Waits.... Jockey Full of Bourbon, or any song from Rain Dogs... or Closing time..... Or.... So many always playing through my head. great post David!

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History Explored's avatar

Thanks Marty!

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Nikole Miles's avatar

My soundtrack also ends circa 2010... interesting. There is a show called "the Witcher", based on a video game (bear with me) which was based on a set of books set in a type of fantasy medieval period, where a bard writes some very catchy tunes about the hero and sings them in pubs all over the countryside - spreading the word and making both the hero and the songs famous. I think of that in response to your question. Music is such a memory trigger, I can't imagine a time without it being an integral part of who we are.

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History Explored's avatar

Thanks Nikole - I haven’t seen The Witcher, I’ll have to check it out. Best regards David M

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Mary's avatar

Wonderful list of artists and songs.

Andrew Bird is someone I find myself listening to a lot.

He’s been celebrating the release of his album ‘The Mysterious Production of Eggs’ twenty years ago by playing songs from the album on Substack these past few weeks.

One in particular is a favorite of mine and always feels relevant when there’s so much uncertainty and anxiety that goes along with it. It’s called Tables and Chairs.

https://youtu.be/UjKpHnF_sRg?si=xTMobQQAZdpuEnmq

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History Explored's avatar

Hey thanks Mary - just listened, lovely thoughtful song. Never heard it before but it’s now going into the playlist - best regards David M

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Mary's avatar

Glad you enjoyed it!

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Andrew Granskog's avatar

Good stuff there

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LudwigF's avatar

Thank you; this takes me back….

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