One of the great things that's happened to me as a result of putting CoolDad Music out there is that I've met a whole bunch of really great people: people in bands, people I see at shows, and readers. We enjoy a beverage or two and talk about our mutual love of music, the local music scene, sometimes sports, and our favorite songs and records.
I thought it would be fun, therefore, to have some of my new (and some of my old, hopefully) friends chime in with what struck their fancy over the course of 2013. We've already heard from Mike V of The Everymen on his favorite albums. Next up is reader, show-attending buddy, and fellow cooldad, Scotch Larock, with his list of favorite songs of 2013. He, basically, liveblogs his 2013 playlist for us, which is always fun.
Take it away, Scotch...
"2013 Songs"
by Scotch LaRock
We used to do an email chain of favorite things this time of year. Slowly, over time, it faded away.
I was thinking about all of my Thanksgiving chores with an army of family set to descend on my home. This, of course, led to the realization that the year is coming to a close and will get a bow put on it pretty quickly. So I clicked on the playlist that I called "2013 Songs," because I'm really creative, and hit play.
These are the songs I slide into a playlist each year as a running diary of what I liked along the way. I roughly have the same rules as CoolDad. Right now, they're sorted alphabetically by artist, which I like because shuffle will remove the pressure of putting them in some sort of order or of trying to make them flow together. I don't need that pressure. Hey, don't put that pressure on me! I'll stick to shuffle.
My "2013 Songs" in review, on random:
Capital Cities – “Safe and Sound”
What a great, simple pop song. I think there was a two-week stretch where I could hear it playing in my head no matter what was going on. And the trumpet… Ha, that trumpet. My son heard it on the school bus. I think his driver is the guy from the Simpsons.
Dave Hause – “We Could Be Kings”
This song is so perfectly “Hausian,” that the video was shot at Asbury Lanes and features his buds. I'm in. I like all those things.
The Night Marchers – “All Hits”
Just a slab of braggadocious garage rock from John “Speedo” Reis of Rocket From the Crypt. Full disclosure, Rocket From the Crypt are the greatest band to have ever graced a stage. Give it up for the band!
Gates – “They See Only Shadows”
This is probably my favorite song of the year or, maybe, my favorite new find of the year or the thing most likely to make me feel half my age. I just really need to go see them live. If they play like their lives depend on it, then I just might start following them around like the Grateful Dead and selling grilled cheese sandwiches.
Owel – “Snowglobe”
Wow, this is kind of fitting right after Gates 'cause we're all next wave emo. I was emo when it was Elmo or emus or Emo Phillips or Finding Emo or this is just dreamy and makes me wanna see them live. Play with Gates so I don't have to leave the house twice. That's how emo I am.
Arcade Fire – “Normal Person”
For me, this is the gateway between where they were and where they are now. Plus, you know who they are. You have your own opinions. I'm not changing your mind. I just like to turn this up loud.
Superchunk – “FOH”
I pogo around the house and dust to this. Sing into a can of Pledge. Makes me feel like a rock star.
Tegan And Sara – “Closer”
Tegan or Sara or whoever wrote this song,... it burrowed into my brain. Lyrically reminded me of “The Logical Song” by Supertramp for excellent rhyming fun. See I'm old and can enjoy synthy.
The Front Bottoms – “Twin Size Mattress”
Forget what I said earlier, this song makes me feel half my age. Please let me shake a tambourine because I can't harmonize.
Lorde – “Royals”
Just read somewhere that this song is inspired by the Kansas City Royals. Now I try and imagine George Brett running all crazy out of the dugout from the Pine Tar Game. I don't see the connection, but inspiration comes from the strangest of places, even MLB for a teenage girl from New Zealand. She scared me on Jimmy Fallon, but that didn't stop me from humming the chorus.
Neko Case – “I'm From Nowhere”
Late at night. Scotch. Two fingers. Me, Neko, and harmonies from Kelly Hogan.
The Bronx – “Youth Wasted”
Once saw The Bronx at the Wonder Bar. Dude prowls the stage like a panther. I think there are people that were at that show that can't listen to them anymore 'cause they are still scared. Also keep in mind they are from LA and are also a mariachi version of themselves. Loud. Just listen loud. Saw them on a boat, too. This is turning into Dr. Seuss.
The National – “Graceless”
These guys are emo. There is so much dread and frustration packed in there that it's like that moment in High Fidelity when the realization happens: Do the records make me sad or do I listen to the records because I'm sad? Also, suits.
Jimmy Eat World – “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together (Taylor Swift)”
I have a real soft spot for the Jimmies, going way back to the glory days of late nights at Coney Island High. I love this song so much I wish it were theirs. Taylor Swift!!??!?!? Somebody upset that girl, oh boy.
Shout Out Louds – “Illusions”
I feel like this band and I are in a secret society together. I once saw them at Joe's Pub, they wore tuxedos and played wildly different interpretations of their songs. Yeah musicians! Also, they like the 80s a lot.
Girls Against Boys – “It's A Diamond Life”
Double bass expansion unit.
Frightened Rabbit – “The Woodpile”
These Scottish Rabbits are a band that I feel like is one episode of Grey's Anatomy away from being Snow Patrol; and I mean that in a good way, for them. Just feel like they are a really underrated rock band that could be much bigger with a little break from whatever little stroke of luck needs to happen. Do people watch that show anymore? I'm going to write a drama and feature them and get them the break I think they deserve.
Yo La Tengo – “Ohm”
They are an institution and you are doing yourself a disservice by not knowing why.
Clutch – “DC Sound Attack”
Ha. Back to back with Yo La Tengo. I love you, Randomizer. Clutch just keep going. It's like their 10th album. They are still touring machines. This song has dueling cowbells. They are just a heavy blues band that make you wish you owned a '69 Dodge Charger and had a few hundred miles to drive.
Haim – “Falling”
I fell for the hype. Stayed for the tune. I still like pop music. Also, funny after Clutch.
Felled Trees – “Get Me (Dinosuar Jr)”
Indie / hardcore / punk / emo / klezmer supergroup does Dinosaur Jr covers. This is my favorite Dinosuar Jr song sung by Garrett from Texas is the Reason. So many reasons why I love this.
Queens of the Stone Age – “I Sat By The Ocean”
Josh Homme's band played all over the world this summer at festival after festival. I streamed the heck out of anywhere I could find them. My ears perked up for this tune over and over again. Queens have evolved so much over the years. Saw them do an interview with a couple of kids. They talked about Celine Dion. Really.
And that ties in nicely to Sound City. Watch this documentary. Watch it because you got this far reading a bunch of nonsense from a guy that had no business writing his year in review.
Also, my son, peering over my shoulder, just asked me to mention The Bouncing Souls and The Gaslight Anthem, his two favorite things this year. And Titus Andronicus, too. Math.
So there.
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