What song do you associate with your favorite book or movie?

The Last Ring by The Appleseed Cast immediately came to mind. The book (and movie I guess) it reminds me of is actually a whole saga: Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien. The song isn't specifically about LOTR but the cover makes me think "hobbit", the album it's on is titled The End of the Ring Wars and the song is about a last and lost ring. All said - I don't think it's weird that LOTR comes to mind.

I already did a track from this album (Marigold & Patchwork) because it's a great album that really tracks/encapsulates the move of midwest emo into post-rock. It's definitely worth a listen if you haven't.

What's a song that makes you want to learn an instrument?

Creed by Rich Mullins immediately came to mind. Rich is very much an artist from my youth. My dad knew him and we went to a number of his shows before his passing. One thing about him was how amazing of a musician he was. My junior high brain remembers thinking "wow he's got 30 instruments on the stage he's going between."

I picked Creed because it shows off a really unique instrument: the hammered dulcimer. It's not something you hear in music every day but is really lovely. If I could, I'd learn it.

Note/Content Warning: Rich Mullins is a religious artist and Creed is a faith based (christian) song that leans heavily into those themes. I would say he's got a really unique perspective - he frequently critiqued the church, gave almost all of his money away and moved to a Navajo reservation because he "just got tired of a White, Evangelical, middle class perspective on God..." This article covers his perspective pretty well.

Share a song that makes time feel like it's standing still.

I don't really know why but the first song that came to mind with that prompt was Dear Deadly by Creeper Lagoon. It's an anthem from the late 90s that still feels relevant. Maybe that's why I thought of it - I can enjoy it today just as much as when it came out and I even feel drawn into that time. But who knows?

What's your favorite opening line from any song?

Does love have an open door Welcome stranger Give us your tired and poor All those in need

Oh Dreamer by The Brilliance

I love the challenge and sentiment. We should be people of welcome. Hospitality and gift should drive our actions. Immigrants, refugees, asylum seekers, displaced peoples, etc should be safe in our spaces.

Describe the perfect song for a road trip and why it works.

There are lots of songs that fit the bill for this. The one I'm picking is somewhat out of left field I think (based on what I normally post) but I think it's a fantastic windows down, wind rustling through your hair, driving along a wide stretch of open road sort of song. It's 1979 by The Smashing Pumpkins. It reminds me of trips to the lake with friends in high school and college and just being carefree. If you are compiling a playlist for your next trip - add it!

I'm taking a (brief?) break from the prompt to share a song that's been a calming presence the past few days. It's World Waits by Jeremy Enigk. This is from one of his solo albums and is quite different from the music that the bands he fronts (Fire Theft and Sunny Day Real Estate) makes - it's calmer and more singer/songwriter driven. I really enjoy and think you might as well if you decide to take a listen.

What song makes you feel understood when no one else does?

Holocene by Bon Iver came to mind pretty quickly. It's melancholic beauty that gives ways to hope. In something of a paradox,

At once I knew I was not magnificent

is challenged by the possibility inherent in

And I could see for miles and miles and miles

It's stark truth, comfort, visibility, possibility all rolled into a matching soundscape.

What's a song you initially disliked but now love?

I think I’ve mentioned this elsewhere but this whole lovedrug album fits. This particular song stands out in the “hate to love” journey I’d say. Do check it out!

What song feels like a secret between you and the artist?

February is a lesser known Mineral song. It originally released on a vinyl single in 1996 and it's one of my all time favorite songs. I find it to be incredibly moving. The lyrics suggest a forgiveness and reconciliation that leads to joy. The music does a great of mirroring this in the melancholy start that breaks way to a celebratory guitar heavy ending. It's all around beautiful. If you are a fan of midwest emo - definitely check it out.

What song makes you think of your childhood home?

Boston's More Than A Feeling came to mind pretty quickly. Growing up my brother and I would "fight" with my parents for control of the radio on long road trips (which happened multiple times a year). Our parents agreed and "Name That Tune" based off of what was on the radio (drivers choice) was the battleground. That battleground was 60s/70s rock, mostly. Eventually we got real good. And by that point we knew just how good a lot of that classic rock is. Anyways, Boston was always a hit and it makes me think of growing up.