More songs like these?
July 18, 2011 10:06 AM Subscribe
"Papa Was a Rodeo" by Magnetic Fields. "Home" by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes. What other songs are like these in the way these are like each other?
I love this question. Try Wagon Wheel by Old Crow Medicine Show.
posted by bonheur at 10:14 AM on July 18, 2011 [3 favorites]
posted by bonheur at 10:14 AM on July 18, 2011 [3 favorites]
Best answer: Firstly, this is vague. In what way do you think these are alike?
I'm curious about whether the OP will agree on this, but I agree they're alike and here's how I'd define why (and I like them both a lot too):
They both convey a sort of pre-nostalgia, like they're missing something that isn't gone yet. They're both sort of echo-y production-wise. Both display a comparatively complicated and intimate, yet sweet, view of love that you don't see a lot of in pop music.
Both have a musical arc that gathers a lot of muscular tension slowly and is then released.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 10:24 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm curious about whether the OP will agree on this, but I agree they're alike and here's how I'd define why (and I like them both a lot too):
They both convey a sort of pre-nostalgia, like they're missing something that isn't gone yet. They're both sort of echo-y production-wise. Both display a comparatively complicated and intimate, yet sweet, view of love that you don't see a lot of in pop music.
Both have a musical arc that gathers a lot of muscular tension slowly and is then released.
posted by A Terrible Llama at 10:24 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'd start with The Mountain Goats.
Note: This is a canned response I use for all music-recommendation questions. Also, I think it's right. You should start with "No Children" or "Broom People.")
Also, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" by Stars. Or, really, anything by Stars.
posted by schmod at 10:26 AM on July 18, 2011 [5 favorites]
Note: This is a canned response I use for all music-recommendation questions. Also, I think it's right. You should start with "No Children" or "Broom People.")
Also, "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead" by Stars. Or, really, anything by Stars.
posted by schmod at 10:26 AM on July 18, 2011 [5 favorites]
In what way do you think these are alike?
Well, they're both genre pastiches -- rather overtly for "Papa," less so for "Home" -- done straight, but with a modern sensibility, a far-reaching narrative (years upon years) and a sense humor (wrestlin' gators in/falling out of a window)
posted by griphus at 10:27 AM on July 18, 2011
Well, they're both genre pastiches -- rather overtly for "Papa," less so for "Home" -- done straight, but with a modern sensibility, a far-reaching narrative (years upon years) and a sense humor (wrestlin' gators in/falling out of a window)
posted by griphus at 10:27 AM on July 18, 2011
Also, the Magnetic Fields' Fear of Trains.
posted by griphus at 10:30 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by griphus at 10:30 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: I think these are nothing like Decemberists or Jens Lenkman, both of which I think are okay but a little *too* something else ... not twee because I like twee (B&S, Aislers Set, Camera Obscura), but like boring.
I think the nostalgia idea, maybe the pastiche concept is on the right track?
posted by dame at 10:37 AM on July 18, 2011
I think the nostalgia idea, maybe the pastiche concept is on the right track?
posted by dame at 10:37 AM on July 18, 2011
Well, someone has to chime in saying they much prefer Kelly Hogan and the Pine Valley Cosmonaut's version, so that can be me - but, to agree with schmod, I believe that they both have a melancholy, conversational or storytelling quality to them with some rueful humour.
They make me think of Dave Alvin and Rosie Flores' "Goodbye Again" (I prefer the album version to this, but can't find it.) And somehow, Porter and Dolly's "The Last Thing on My Mind" (there are less-produced versions out there - this was just the first one I could find).
posted by peagood at 10:42 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
They make me think of Dave Alvin and Rosie Flores' "Goodbye Again" (I prefer the album version to this, but can't find it.) And somehow, Porter and Dolly's "The Last Thing on My Mind" (there are less-produced versions out there - this was just the first one I could find).
posted by peagood at 10:42 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
I kind of think I get what you're getting at (and I like both of the named songs in the question), and if genre isn't important as wistfulness, I'd suggest Aimee Mann (maybe something like Little Bombs or High on Sunday 51?) and, based solely on a cover of a Radiohead song, David Bazan's Black Cloud.
posted by psoas at 10:50 AM on July 18, 2011
posted by psoas at 10:50 AM on July 18, 2011
Try James McMurtry. His dad wrote Lonesome Dove, Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, and lotsa other good novels. The writing gene was passed on.
posted by Benny Andajetz at 10:57 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Benny Andajetz at 10:57 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Tin Hat Trio's instrumental track Bill (click the preview button) fits the wistful/nostalgia button for me.
posted by rtha at 11:04 AM on July 18, 2011
posted by rtha at 11:04 AM on July 18, 2011
does he love you? by rilo kiley. i dunno, i also like kind of story songs.
posted by ultrapotato at 11:05 AM on July 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by ultrapotato at 11:05 AM on July 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Forgive me if I'm way off, but what about Hayden?
Bad as they Seem
In September
posted by davey_darling at 11:06 AM on July 18, 2011
Bad as they Seem
In September
posted by davey_darling at 11:06 AM on July 18, 2011
I'd object to your exclusion of Jens Lekman, although that's possibly because I've seen his (absolutely, stunningly fantastic) live show.
Like many live performers, there's a bit of banter between songs. Eventually, you start to realize that his setlist is actually a narrative linked by the stories and anecdotes that he tells between the songs. It's pretty great. (He's also a really nice guy. His stage persona is not an act.)
I'm sure that Bright Eyes has a few songs that work along these lines. "Bowl of Oranges" and "At the Bottom of Everything" come to mind.
Oh, and just a general recommendation for Josh Ritter.
posted by schmod at 11:09 AM on July 18, 2011
Like many live performers, there's a bit of banter between songs. Eventually, you start to realize that his setlist is actually a narrative linked by the stories and anecdotes that he tells between the songs. It's pretty great. (He's also a really nice guy. His stage persona is not an act.)
I'm sure that Bright Eyes has a few songs that work along these lines. "Bowl of Oranges" and "At the Bottom of Everything" come to mind.
Oh, and just a general recommendation for Josh Ritter.
posted by schmod at 11:09 AM on July 18, 2011
More Smog: Dress Sexy at My Funeral, Strayed (some might prefer Kelly Hogan's version)
posted by hydrophonic at 11:21 AM on July 18, 2011
posted by hydrophonic at 11:21 AM on July 18, 2011
My first thought is Bright Eyes's Bowl of Oranges, but another of his songs may be a better fit for all know.
posted by General Malaise at 11:21 AM on July 18, 2011
posted by General Malaise at 11:21 AM on July 18, 2011
Are you specifically looking for male/female narrative duets?
You might be interested in John Prine's work with Iris Dement, and the April Stevens/Nino Tempo version of "When the Deep Purple Falls."
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:29 AM on July 18, 2011
You might be interested in John Prine's work with Iris Dement, and the April Stevens/Nino Tempo version of "When the Deep Purple Falls."
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 11:29 AM on July 18, 2011
I think you're wrong to dismiss Jens Lekman out of hand, and I would recommend specifically I Saw Her in the Anti-War Demonstration.
posted by telegraph at 11:56 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by telegraph at 11:56 AM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
None of those mentioned below perform with that wink of irony that your magnets do. They rather perform as a tribute to days passed, so hard to say if this is what you want.
I think the closest (and most sincere) combo would be This is Us by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. Related but not a duet: "Send me an angel" by John Prine. Again sincere, but a little funnier.
Without the humor and from a newer generation (and so much sadder!) but still with an old-time feel you might be interested in Cat Power's Good Woman and Ryan Adam's Dear John - both duets about losing a lover.
Though perhaps not as much on the duets and love songs, Nick Cave has a way of reaching back in time an revising. In particular his album of Murder Ballads which are essentially remakes of some of the songs you'd find on The American Folk Anthology, consisting of songs from the early 1900's.
As I get farther and farther away from what you're actually looking for I have two diverging suggestions: The Oh Brother Where Art Though soundtrack of re-made and made-up folk songs. Also old Bruce Springsteen who built his early career on spirituals - more recently this includes the Seeger Sessions where you can hear the rousing "Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep No More."
Okay, okay! I'm cutting myself off.
posted by jander03 at 12:22 PM on July 18, 2011
I think the closest (and most sincere) combo would be This is Us by Mark Knopfler and Emmylou Harris. Related but not a duet: "Send me an angel" by John Prine. Again sincere, but a little funnier.
Without the humor and from a newer generation (and so much sadder!) but still with an old-time feel you might be interested in Cat Power's Good Woman and Ryan Adam's Dear John - both duets about losing a lover.
Though perhaps not as much on the duets and love songs, Nick Cave has a way of reaching back in time an revising. In particular his album of Murder Ballads which are essentially remakes of some of the songs you'd find on The American Folk Anthology, consisting of songs from the early 1900's.
As I get farther and farther away from what you're actually looking for I have two diverging suggestions: The Oh Brother Where Art Though soundtrack of re-made and made-up folk songs. Also old Bruce Springsteen who built his early career on spirituals - more recently this includes the Seeger Sessions where you can hear the rousing "Oh, Mary, Don't You Weep No More."
Okay, okay! I'm cutting myself off.
posted by jander03 at 12:22 PM on July 18, 2011
Oh, but I didn't suggest Tom Waits because I thought it was too obvious, but who am I to assume?
posted by jander03 at 12:24 PM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by jander03 at 12:24 PM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
I'm not sure if others would agree, but I'd put Mermaid Avenue on the same CD as those songs.
posted by maryr at 12:48 PM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by maryr at 12:48 PM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I have "Papa was a rodeo" in a playlist with
"Lua," sung by Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch and
"The Giant of Illinois," sung by Andrew Bird.
Both of those are on the "Dark Was the Night" compilation, fyi.
For some reason any one of those three makes me think of the other two, so maybe that's what you're going for here.
posted by chalkbored at 1:20 PM on July 18, 2011
"Lua," sung by Conor Oberst and Gillian Welch and
"The Giant of Illinois," sung by Andrew Bird.
Both of those are on the "Dark Was the Night" compilation, fyi.
For some reason any one of those three makes me think of the other two, so maybe that's what you're going for here.
posted by chalkbored at 1:20 PM on July 18, 2011
How about "Weightless Again" by The Handsome Family.
posted by borkencode at 2:03 PM on July 18, 2011
posted by borkencode at 2:03 PM on July 18, 2011
While You Were Sleeping--Elvis Perkins
Trouble In The Fields--Sarah Harmer and Jason Euringer
Small Time Blues--Pete Droge and Elaine Summers; this song was featured in a brief scene (longer clip here) in Almost Famous and was supposed to be an homage to Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:19 PM on July 18, 2011
Trouble In The Fields--Sarah Harmer and Jason Euringer
Small Time Blues--Pete Droge and Elaine Summers; this song was featured in a brief scene (longer clip here) in Almost Famous and was supposed to be an homage to Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 2:19 PM on July 18, 2011
Best answer: Seconding Hayden. Also: Julie Doiron.
"Home" has a bit of an Arcade Fire thing about it, too.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:24 PM on July 18, 2011
"Home" has a bit of an Arcade Fire thing about it, too.
posted by Sys Rq at 2:24 PM on July 18, 2011
Response by poster: Thanks everyone. As I go through and find songs I like, I'm marking those as best answer.
posted by dame at 2:38 PM on July 18, 2011
posted by dame at 2:38 PM on July 18, 2011
"Home" often makes me think of the Loretta Lynn/Jack White duet "Portland, Oregon" that came out several years ago.
posted by pineappleheart at 2:45 PM on July 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
posted by pineappleheart at 2:45 PM on July 18, 2011 [2 favorites]
Short story collection: Jim White, 'A Perfect Day to Chase Tornadoes
posted by Haruspex at 5:42 PM on July 18, 2011
posted by Haruspex at 5:42 PM on July 18, 2011
try Old Crow Medicine Show or The Felice Brothers
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:47 PM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
posted by Lovecraft In Brooklyn at 5:47 PM on July 18, 2011 [1 favorite]
I love both of those songs and can see what they have in common...sort of. Both have call and response, verse/chorus/verse sing-along-abilty, and lyrics invoking slightly old-fashioned, country imagery. Along with the longing...
A few to try...
While you said they're not really Decemberists types, have you listened to "Yankee Bayonet"? That particular song seems to fit the bill, though I can understand why most wouldn't. It's really great...
If you're not opposed to Bright Eyes, perhaps Poison Oak?
Seconding Bonnie Prince Billy's "New Partner".
posted by troublewithwolves at 12:44 AM on July 19, 2011
A few to try...
While you said they're not really Decemberists types, have you listened to "Yankee Bayonet"? That particular song seems to fit the bill, though I can understand why most wouldn't. It's really great...
If you're not opposed to Bright Eyes, perhaps Poison Oak?
Seconding Bonnie Prince Billy's "New Partner".
posted by troublewithwolves at 12:44 AM on July 19, 2011
They just played this on the radio here today. It's so much like "Home" it's scary: Of Monsters and Men/Little Talks. (Except: Icelandic!)
posted by audacity at 4:26 PM on September 13, 2011
posted by audacity at 4:26 PM on September 13, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
Secondly, take a shot at trying these songs out in Pandora. See what comes up.
Thirdly, my best guesses based on such little information make me think you should try listening to the Decemberists or to Jens Lekman. Both have songs that are very narrative but kind of tongue-in-cheeky, which are the qualities I ascribe to the songs you mention.
posted by greta simone at 10:13 AM on July 18, 2011