"In this tough time, music can comfort us + bring us together."
- Michelle Obama; also the official stance of this newsletter
Follow the Hear Hear playlist to stream all the songs and artists referenced here.
That (admittedly fluffy) quote from the former first lady came in a tweet, as she teamed up with DJ D-Nice for a dance-and-register-to-vote quarantine party. As this depressing situation continues, it has been heartening to see music as a source of comfort — through livestreams, playlists, and new albums alike. It’s also nice to see leaders who understand the value of music and culture — two days later, Michelle shared one of Yo-Yo Ma’s #SongsofComfort.
Yesterday, I saw the terrible news that legendary singer-songwriter John Prine was in critical condition with Covid-19 symptoms. (He is stable today, but still hospitalized.) In the months to come, as more stories like this emerge, we certainly will need music to comfort and unite us. Prine’s music should be part of that soundtrack — let’s listen together.
Pitchfork checked in with 32 artists on the music they’re turning to for comfort now. I was particularly happy to see these two artists get a shoutout:
Tasha, a Chicago singer-songwriter with a serene, calming voice and dreamy, comforting songs. Julie Byrne (who has a serene voice herself) shouted out the “power and softness” of Tasha’s music.
Young Guv, a burst of sun-soaked power-pop for your days inside. Dirty Projectors frontman David Longstreth says he’s been spinning the band’s underappreciated double-album from last year.
Follow the Hear Hear playlist to stream my favorite tracks from both.
Two other recommendations that have been helpful in these crazy times…
Joni Mitchell’s live album from 1974, Miles of Ashes. I’d never heard this one before, but saw it recommended twice (by PUP guitarist Steve Sladkowski and music writer Dan Ozzi) as helpful quarantine music. Nice live cuts of “Circle Game,” “Both Sides Now” and other Joni gems.
Christine and The Queens’ single, “People I’ve Been Sad.” Jia Tolentino called this song her “emergency medicine” in the latest Popcast and I’m hooked. It’s modern and vibey — with Chris’ trademark synthy, electro-pop sound — yet still timeless and soulful.
WFUV’s Stress-Free Soundtrack. The DJs at essential NYC public radio station WFUV made this mix of music that’s bringing them peace of mind. It’s full of gems from Wilco, Vampire Weekend, Ella Fitzgerald, Cat Power and more.
Women Quarantine Wednesday is a great new weekly playlist from indie-rocker pronoun, featuring her fave artists of the moment. This week’s edition features Caroline Rose, Jay Som, Snarls, Frances Cone and more.
Hamilton Leithauser put together this playlist of songs with “out-of-tune guitars” and it has a few I’ve never heard before from Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Bob Marley. Leithauser also has two more excellent singles, and I added ‘em to the playlist.
Speaking of Bob Dylan, his new 17-minute song about JFK’s assassination references 66 other songs, and NPR Music’s Bob Boilen and Ann Powers made a playlist cataloging them all. I’d recommend streaming Dylan’s new tune first, and following along with the song titles in the playlist.
Funky sounds from a wide range of artists that somehow all fit together. This playlist seamlessly flows from Tame Impala and Blood Orange to The Clash and Wings to Gambino and Tierra Whack. Curated by reader Lauren Pappas, it’s perfect for working-from-home or just dancing on your own.
Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong covered “I Think We’re Alone Now,” giving a nice refresh to an old classic. (A song I first heard in the classic trailer for 10 Cloverfield Lane.)
The expertly curated r/indieheads subreddit is putting together a livestream festival on April 1 and 2, and the lineup is stacked. (Playlist here.) I’ll be tuning into this one.
New York Magazine’s Craig Jenkins wrote a nice piece about the emerging livestream culture, and what it could/should mean for the music industry going forward.
Finally, these pictures of Times Square really got me. Stay safe, everyone, and let me know what else you’ve been listening to.