🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Old Things Never Die" by Smidley →

If your life were a movie, what would its theme song be?

Killer record. Killer lyrics:

Have I been dodging the column for years for nothing? Have I been bleeding a stone or is there life in lumber? Do some things just take a long time? Is this a dam or a river? I guess I've made up my mind Some things just go out with a whimper Some things just wither in the sunshine Let myself slip in the rhythm of a dead drum I thought the snares would stay tight But now I see the light and I know Some things just go out of style

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Lights Burn Dimmer" by Fred again.. & Jamie T →

A song from a genre you didn’t think you’d like—what changed?

There aren’t too many genes I don’t like at least some sub-genre or take, besides maybe classical and EDM.

I did even like the Fred again.. song from Naz Hamid’s recent Crucial Tracks interview so I guess I will go with that…

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Black Dress" by Keo →

How do you discover new music, and what’s the latest gem you’ve found?

Been challenging to find new stuff since Brooklyn Vegan ended, Stereogum went to subscribers only for a lot of content, Pitchfork and Northern Transmissions seem to be hit or miss if they even post reviews some weeks... I've come to rely on AlbumOfTheYear.org (AOTY) to give me an overview of all of the albums released each week.

So, my current set up is: Apple Music New Releases view, Albums.app release feed, AOTY, then random things I see elsewhere like YouTube.

This one is actually an AOTY find, as I didn't see it on the Apple New Releases prior to listening. Anyway, the record is pretty solid: 90s influenced grunge/alt rock.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "On My Way Back Home" by Band of Horses →

What is a song that feels like home to you?

First night back home after 30 days of 24/7 care of my dad. Can’t believe it’s finally here.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "A car wash and a new pair of pants" by Lizzy McAlpine →

What song do you associate with the current season?

Fall this year is Lizzy McAlpine. Somber, chill tunes perfect for a cold weekend morning.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Stop Whispering" by Radiohead →

And the feeling is that there's something wrong 'Cause I can't find the words and I can't find the songs

Stop whispering, start shouting

Such a good album.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "I Know!" by Swapmeet →

What’s a song you’ve had on repeat recently?

One of those records from this year that I think about all the time. Got the misses hooked too.

So good.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Enough" by Emma Ruth Rundle →

Working through all that new music from last Friday. This one just had a review go up on the blog.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Crush On Eternity" by WILLOW →

What’s your favorite collaboration between artists?

Mei Semones contributes to this song and takes it to another level.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Reprovisional" by Fugazi →

Which song would you use to introduce yourself to someone new?

Always Fugazi. It's the ultimate test.

In other words not to get it wrong Pointless to walk, past time to run Secured under the weight of watchful eyes Lulled to sleep under clear, expansive skies

Somewhere in these prying hearts Conflicting history tears us apart and We hope we won't get what we deserve Behind the targets in front of all the people we serve

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Open Season" by Rachel Rose →

Been spending an embarrassing amount of time doomscrolling the internet while taking care of my dad. But I heard this song while doing it and it’s pretty solid.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Sun Has Set" by beabadoobee →

New music Friday!

The new beabadoobee is slightly uneven, but this song is really good.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "All Stick & No Carrot" by Deadguy →

Share a song that represents your current mood.

Told what to buy while they all steal Made to hustle for my next meal Told to work while being broke Told to speak while being choked

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Hated Because of Great Qualities" by Blonde Redhead →

This album came on shuffle the other day and I forgot how good Blonde Redhead is/was…

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "My Adidas" by Run-DMC →

What was the first album you ever bought? Pick your favorite song off that album.

I've answered this before the prompt connection system was in place, so will definitely share my first album again... Run DMC's Raising Hell -- the first cassette I bought with my own (10th birthday) money – purchased at K-Mart in Lockport, NY shortly after release in 1986.

Absolutely got me into hip hop and changed the direction of my life.

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "Pin Up Boys" by Westside Cowboy →

Share a song that got you through a difficult time.

The new Westside Cowboy album has been that for me the last few weeks.

Just infectious.

Pull me aside, are you tryna kill me, boy? You learn your limits and you stay that way You think I'm like one of your pinup boys You learn your lessons and you stay

🎶 Crucial Track for today: "I'm the One" by Descendents →

What song reminds you of your first love?

With the benefit of hindsight, my first love wasn't until I met my wife. Everything before that was silly. Our first date was the Descendents, touring for this album in March of 1997. On our 20th wedding anniversary we saw the Descendents in Buffalo again. So yeah, this is our band. And yeah, I'm pretty lucky. 😍