Wednesday, April 18, 2018

five songs I'm listening to now, volume IV.

About two and a half months ago, I started a new job right here in Luverne. It’s different in about a thousand ways, one of which being my new commute. My 40-minute commute to Sioux Falls has shrunk to two minutes. Two. And that’s awesome… except that my lack of commute has really cut into my podcast and music listening time. So it’s been a while since I’ve had one of these lists for you.

Nevertheless, I return to you with another edition of the five songs I’m listening to right now.

Polaroid – Imagine Dragons
Let’s be honest: I can’t stop listening to Imagine Dragons in general right now. My current favorite Pandora station is Imagine Dragons radio. I’m not ashamed. Of all the spectacular Imagine Dragons options out there, “Polaroid” is at the top of my list right now. Not too long ago, I listened to it eight times in a row while running various short errands around town. That’s ridiculous, and that’s how much I love it.

One Last Time – Hamilton
Like the rest of the world, I am happily obsessed with Hamilton. I could listen to all of those songs forever and ever until I die, but the one that is particularly meaningful right now is “One Last Time.” If you’re unfamiliar, this song finds George Washington telling Alexander Hamilton that he is not running for another term as president. It’s a bittersweet song about leaving behind something wonderful and important, but moving on to the next stage in life. I was listening to Hamilton a lot during my last weeks at my job at Siouxland Libraries, and “One Last Time” came on as I was making my last morning commute on my last day. I cried my eyes out.

3rd Planet – Modest Mouse
This is one of those songs that I listened to a few times about fifteen years ago and then more or less forgot about… until Pandora decided I should hear it again. I went to a Modest Mouse concert with my friend Sarah in September and have been listening to plenty of Modest Mouse since then, but “3rd Planet” is my favorite right now. It’s the background instrumentals: I can’t get enough of them.

This River Is Wild – The Killers
Speaking of concerts I went to with my friend Sarah, we saw the Killers in January: easily the best show I’ve ever seen. Sarah’s favorite Killers song is “This River Is Wild,” which isn’t too well known – and, much to her surprise, was played at the concert. I have since gained a deep appreciation for this song, and every time I listen to it, it brings me right back to the Xcel Center and the excitement and the room filled with joy.

Ophelia – The Lumineers
I think we can all agree that Cleopatra is a fantastic album, and a fantastic song in its own right. However, “Ophelia” is on my must-play list at the moment. I just wish it wasn’t so short: it tricks me every time with its shortness. Oh well: all the easier to hit the “repeat” button and start all over.

THE END. I hope you found something that you enjoyed listening to, as well. Until next time!