So, So... So Far (?0?0 edition)

Big winds of change continue barreling down, causing us to brace, to wake up to the inevitable that is confronting us; it's in our face. What will you do, to do what's right? Challenges are ominous yet able to be overcome. Together is how we bring love and awareness into the light. Obvious injustices and loss have rendered this year a depressed point on history's calendar, and perhaps on our own as well. Let's do our best to stay up. 

This year has changed us. If the world gets too heavy, remember to also care for yourself. Place yourself in sound and listen to the vibrations that will heal, inspire, or cause you to think. Music is constant and relentless in its abilities, so much so, that it can soothe our souls and even guide us into action.

Below is a short list of the music I've found captivating throughout the last five months. Back in August I dropped my first half list of favorites. Checkout these artists, maybe they'll catch your ear. Support live arts and performance venues if at all possible. Who doesn't long for concerts or a play? I'll stop rambling, here are the best tune makers of the 2nd half. Those with an * are my top picks. 

So, So... So Far 2020 \\\\

Jeff Tweedy - Love is the King \ These Songs: "Gwendolyn," "Bad Day Lately"

* Marika Hackman - Covers \ A favorite album from the year. "Playground Love," "All Night"

* Adrianne Lenker - Instrumentals \ Sharp, delicate, room for thought, all in two songs

Emily A. Sprague - Hill, Flower, Fog \ Imagery, coherent, portal-like, deeper than

Ana Roxanne - Because of a Flower \ Soft, induces listening, atmospheric, lucid, thematic

Leslie Mendelson - If You Can't Say Anything Nice... \ Talented, unheralded, capable, range

Nels Cline - Share the Wealth \ Depth, a willingness to go, frenzied yet measured

Justin Bieber - Changes \ He can sing, does Drake better than Drake, "Yummy"

Tobe Nwigwe - Cincoriginals \ Vision, purpose, immense creativity, timely, "Cujo," "Wildlings"

Best EP's \\\\

Yo La Tengo - Sleepless Night \ "It Takes A lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry"

* Tobe Nwigwe - Pandemic Project \ "I Need You To," "Try Jesus"

Experiencing music can be an outlet, here's to finding yours. Maybe some reflection will show that this year wasn't entirely terrible, and that some good was gleaned from the last twelve months. Have fun, stay safe, and be good to one another. There's only one way to go in the New Year — ahead.

Cheers,

80choices

It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

Mood Music |

Yo La Tengo | "It Takes a Lot to Laugh..." | Sleepless Night EP

Exciting new-old music from an underrated American band. It never hurts when covering one of the greatest songs of all time, while also delivering it beautifully new. Thanks YLT.

80choices.

Hardly Strictly is Heavy Hitting

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass | Oct. 3rd, 4th & 5th

This year's Hardly Strictly lineup is way beyond impressive (only three weeks to go). Those who are willing to brave the masses within Golden Gate Park are sure to be rewarded. It's one of those years where attending all three days could become a reality, in which case you sacrifice some sanity.

October 3rd—I'm excited to see are Ryan Adams*, John Prine, and Thao & The Get Down Stay Down.

October 4th—I will definitely be glued to Dave Rawlings Machine*. I would also enjoy catching Jason Isbell, Chris Isaak*, Justin Townes Earl, and Built to Spill if at all possible. Considering I'll have to post up wicked-early at the stage hosting Rawlings Machine, I'm probably going to be camped at one stage.

October 5th—I will be geared-up to hear Jeff Tweedy* perform with his son Spencer. Bela Fleck and his wife, Abigail Washburn, also play on Sunday.

TBD—Other performers who've yet to announce their day (at time of publishing) are, Lucinda Williams*, Yo La Tengo, Deltron 3030 & the 3030 Orchestra*, Cibo Matto, and The Apache Relay. Be sure to check out the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. Below is an audio sampling of what to expect. Enjoy.

Lucinda Williams | "Can't Let Go"



Ryan Adams | "Oh My Sweet Carolina"



Chris Isaak | "Wicked Games"



Deltron 3030 | "Virus"



* those I most want to see.

eightychoices.

Yo La Tengo

Fade was released earlier in the new year and i'm stoked on how great this album is. it feels as if Yo La Tengo has re-tapped into their yesteryear sounds, while freshening it up simultaneously. i'm particularly fond of the opening track Ohm (video below), as well as the third track, Well You Better. ten crafty songs knit their way into a tidy 46 minutes. the time line should not discourage you, Fade is not lacking. one of new jersey's finest has once again created a record that allows us to look out, into the everything, from their keen point of view. they are currently on tour and will be playing a free show at amoeba's in san francisco this saturday, january 19th, at 3pm!



if you're really digging on the track shown above, check out this link and click on tweak.
~eightychoices