Jennifer Brown thank you.

The more I read of you the more I wish to echo your compliment of me back at you. Trying to accurately describe what it is in a writers words that resonates, that hits the mark just so, can often be as grating to read as it is difficult to write, so I will instead quote you.

If you’re on Spotify, I created a playlist called Goodbye Friends. It’s collaborative, so if you have a Spotify account, you can add to it.

I will also recreate it here for those without Spotify.

This is my send-off, shhhh, just let it happen. Listen to the music and feel all the feels.

That thing that hits the mark just so? It’s in the equitable balance you hit right there, a balance I’ve seen often enough to render it not a fluke. It is so on tone I could hear you speak it as I read your invitation to embrace emotion and loss, messy as they are, through this communal musical indulgence. You offer that with an exquisite restraint, realized for what it is only upon reflection.

Thanks.

So, on to my playlist? Resisting cartwheels of explanation over my musical choices, I’ll just say that eccentric is no doubt an understatement.

Hold On — Alabama Shakes

Behind Blue Eyes — The Who

Kind And Generous — Natalie Merchant

A Long December— Counting Crows

She Sells Sanctuary — The Cult

Young Americans — David Bowie

Sinnerman — Nina Simone

Georgy Girl — The Seekers

Blister In The Sun — The Violent Femmes

Sweet Jane — Cowboy Junkies

Chasing Cars — Snow Patrol

Thank You — Dido

Everybody Hurts — REM

Joey — Concrete Blonde

Someday Soon — Judy Collins

What’s Up — Four Non Blondes

I Don’t Want To Talk About It — Indigo Girls