Right up front here — let’s talk about what it means to “recommend” and my approach to a list of songs I wouldn’t ever, ever ever ever recommend. I don’t recommend a song because I think it’s objectively one of the best songs ever documented. Simple artistic admiration doesn’t stir…

#3—Aphex Twin Maybe you’ve heard of the guy. Mad genius. Thinks in binary. I might have mentioned him in passing during a past episode of #365Songs. Cornwall’s Richard David James reimagined the future of electronic music. When Aphex Twin released his full-length debut Selected Ambient Works 85–92, he’d already become a cult…

Midnight in a Perfect World — DJ Shadow Because that nefarious novelty band Caption Obvious and the No Duhs got so much traction from their last song sponsorship (Tears for Fears’ “Head Over Heels / Broken”), they passed the collection plate around for a second turn. …

Dancesparc (Every Day It’s Tomorrow) — Martha and the Muffins If you know Martha and the Muffins, you know “Echo Beach,” which, if I’m not entirely misremembering was really the only song from this Toronto-based new wave outfit that really charted in the States. You’ll often find their name lumped into the “one-hit wonder” lists of the 80s. Sidenote: Fuck…

Broken Heart — Spiritualized Writing song recommendations has a life of its own. I have this list, you see, and on this list is a flow of song titles I’ve considered for the highest honor — mention during the #365Songs playlist. …

Bossa Antigua — Paul Desmond I don’t listen to enough bossa nova. Consequently, I don’t recommend enough bossa nova. In general, there’s not enough bossa nova-ing happening today. Tell me — and tell me honestly — does a good bit of bossa nova not improve your mood? I was all set to share a cut…

2 Wicky — Hooverphonic I meditated on memory when I shared Underworld’s Born Slippy (Nuxx). I’m thinking a little more clearly today, so let’s not take that particular acid-trip again. I would, however, like to dwell in this wonderland for at least one more recommendation. While I wasn’t on the #365Songs beat from the…

Strobelite Honey — Black Sheep Listen here dear, step to the rear Find yourself a seat, buy yourself a beer Eat some pretzels, go play some videos Thank you for your time honey, but hoe, I gotta go When Black Sheep released A Wolf in a Sheep’s Clothing in 1991, we were all singing “The…

As You Are — Travis Sometimes these stories take detours, hitting distant beats along the way, winding as they do through our consciousness. Last night I attended my first concert since I saw Devotchka on September 29th, 2019. More than two years ago. Asking “How is this real life?” feels too routine, if not altogether…