In a first for my annual music countdown, this was a student recommendation. Teachers can improve their standing with students if they can get into some of the things that students are into—but I usually have difficulty getting into their music. Here is a delightful exception. 
#30DaySongChallenge, No. 7: A Song to Drive To
“Radar Love” by Golden Earring
#SongsOfMy2018, No. 1: “Familj” by Dungen
“You are my family!”
Title: Familj
Artist: Dungen
Album: Tio Bitar
Release: Kemado Records, 2007
Posted: February 18, 2018
#SongsOfMy2018, No. 7: “Silent Lucidity” by QueensrĂ¿che
“If you open your mind for me, you won’t rely on open eyes to see.”
Title: Silent Lucidity
Artist: QueensrĂ¿che
Album: Empire
Release: EMI, 1990
Posted: August 1, 2018
#SongsOfMy2018, No. 8: “Lose Your Smile” by Beach House
“Dreams maybe do come true.”
Title: Lose Your Smile
Artist: Beach House
Album: 7
Release: Sub Pop, 2018
#SongsOfMy2018, No. 9: “Suedehead” by Morrissey
“Why do you come here, and why do you hang around?”
Title: Suedehead
Artist: Morrissey
Album: Viva Hate
Release: Sire Records, 1988
Posted: April 15, 2018
Mikaela Davis: Casimir Pulaski Day
“…and the cardinal hits the window.”
I heard this one yesterday while sweeping the grounds around the swimming pool at the Surf 16 Condo/Motel in North Wildwood. My friend Ariel suggested the artist. When this song later came up in the YouTube auto-play rotation, I had to drop it here right away. Please find six minutes and a quiet space today to listen to this song and reflect on your blessings and on the beauty of this short life. Read more
Morrissey: Tomorrow
“The one thing that I ask of you is one thing that you’ll never do: Will you put your arms around me?”
Tomorrow ends the Morrissey segment of my #LastDayAtAKA series. Yes, I took quite a hiatus back there to wrap up the 2017-18 school year and get through the 2018 summer session for my grad school. I might take another hiatus in the fall once I begin teaching full time, but today is all about Tomorrow. Read more
Morrissey: I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday
“Please wait. Don’t lose faith.”
I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday is another highlight of Your Arsenal. It provides a bright and hopeful contrast to the previous Seasick, Yet Still Docked. It is said to have been inspired by Ziggy Stardust-era David Bowie, which is reasonable considering guitarist Mick Ronson’s involvement with both projects. Read more
#SongsOfMy2017, No. 2: ‘Pink Lady Lemonade, You’re From Inner Space, Part 4’, by Acid Mothers Temple & The Melting Parasio U.F.O.
Pink Lady Lemonade is the only new-to-me band discovery I’ve made all year that had any sort of lasting effect. The band had piqued my interest many a year ago, while shopping at a.k.a. music in Center City. Read more
