Help me build a "quiet desperation"-themed playlist...
May 25, 2013 4:56 AM Subscribe
I'm looking to build a playlist of songs with the theme of "quiet desperation." What songs would you suggest for such a playlist?
My current state of affairs, both in the real world and inside my own head, has left me in the mood to listen to sad songs with a particular feeling to them, described expertly by Pink Floyd in the lyrics to "Time" as "quiet desperation." My rough idea for songs that belong in this playlist include tunes that:
- describe a certain state of melancholy, particularly loneliness but not exclusively this
- doesn't resolve the melancholy or attempt to propose that it can even be resolved; is more of a statement of the facts of the situation.
Of course, the aforementioned "Time" itself fits the mold. Other songs I have in the playlist currently are:
- Sara Watkins's "When It Pleases You"
- Brandi Carlile's cover of the Cohen standard "Hallelujah"
- The Statler Brothers's "Flowers on the Wall"
- Wilco's "Poor Places"
To help pad it out a bit when I'm driving to work, I've also added the following songs, though they only sort of fit the mold:
- The Verve, "Love is Noise" - not exactly "quiet"
- The Primitives, "Empathize" - not exactly "desperation" though it has a certain something to it that I appreciate
The playlist currently trends in the alt-country, neo-bluegrass genre. This isn't intentional and I would like to span across several genres... maybe those cats just know this feel a little better.
Now happily (?) taking suggestions for additional songs for the list. I've also seen the previous "make me cry playlist" posts and will be checking the responses in those out as well. If it gets long enough, I'll make a public YouTube playlist out of it or something.
My current state of affairs, both in the real world and inside my own head, has left me in the mood to listen to sad songs with a particular feeling to them, described expertly by Pink Floyd in the lyrics to "Time" as "quiet desperation." My rough idea for songs that belong in this playlist include tunes that:
- describe a certain state of melancholy, particularly loneliness but not exclusively this
- doesn't resolve the melancholy or attempt to propose that it can even be resolved; is more of a statement of the facts of the situation.
Of course, the aforementioned "Time" itself fits the mold. Other songs I have in the playlist currently are:
- Sara Watkins's "When It Pleases You"
- Brandi Carlile's cover of the Cohen standard "Hallelujah"
- The Statler Brothers's "Flowers on the Wall"
- Wilco's "Poor Places"
To help pad it out a bit when I'm driving to work, I've also added the following songs, though they only sort of fit the mold:
- The Verve, "Love is Noise" - not exactly "quiet"
- The Primitives, "Empathize" - not exactly "desperation" though it has a certain something to it that I appreciate
The playlist currently trends in the alt-country, neo-bluegrass genre. This isn't intentional and I would like to span across several genres... maybe those cats just know this feel a little better.
Now happily (?) taking suggestions for additional songs for the list. I've also seen the previous "make me cry playlist" posts and will be checking the responses in those out as well. If it gets long enough, I'll make a public YouTube playlist out of it or something.
I'd definitely drop some Nick Cave in there, probably from The Boatman's Call (songs I'd pick: Into My Arms; People Ain't No Good; or (Are You) The One I've Been Waiting For) or And No More Shall We Part (songs: And No More Shall We Part; Hallelujah; or Darker With The Day).
I'd look at Tom Waits as well.
Specific songs:
Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead
Sunday Morning Coming Down as performed by Kris Kristofferson
Lord, Can You Hear Me by Spiritualized
Pissing in the Wind by Badly Drawn Boy
Not Dark Yet by Bob Dylan
If you're inclined, memail or drop a link to the playlist in the comments. I'd love to hear what you come up with.
posted by gauche at 5:21 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
I'd look at Tom Waits as well.
Specific songs:
Motion Picture Soundtrack by Radiohead
Sunday Morning Coming Down as performed by Kris Kristofferson
Lord, Can You Hear Me by Spiritualized
Pissing in the Wind by Badly Drawn Boy
Not Dark Yet by Bob Dylan
If you're inclined, memail or drop a link to the playlist in the comments. I'd love to hear what you come up with.
posted by gauche at 5:21 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
The High Violet album by The National.
posted by mlle valentine at 5:28 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by mlle valentine at 5:28 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I'd add a lot neofolk; there are so many songs that fit the "quiet desperation" and "melancholy" criteria, plus nostalgia, loneliness and acceptance of all that.
Death in June (i.e. Doubt to nothing, Fall apart), In My Rosary (Winter, All we have), Rome (To die among strangers, We who fell in love with the sea, Hope dies painless)... Diary of Dreams, Sol Invictus, Darkwood, half the genre fits your criteria.
Deine Lakaien - Wasted Years, Michale Graves - Where the sky ends, Crying on a Saturday Night (from his solo acoustic album, not the Misfits version).
posted by MinusCelsius at 5:40 AM on May 25, 2013
Death in June (i.e. Doubt to nothing, Fall apart), In My Rosary (Winter, All we have), Rome (To die among strangers, We who fell in love with the sea, Hope dies painless)... Diary of Dreams, Sol Invictus, Darkwood, half the genre fits your criteria.
Deine Lakaien - Wasted Years, Michale Graves - Where the sky ends, Crying on a Saturday Night (from his solo acoustic album, not the Misfits version).
posted by MinusCelsius at 5:40 AM on May 25, 2013
Pretty much anything from Nick Drake but perhaps Day is Done to choose one song.
posted by epo at 5:40 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by epo at 5:40 AM on May 25, 2013
"Helpless" by Neil Young. What a great classic song of this type.
And anything by Cowboy Junkies
posted by third rail at 5:43 AM on May 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
And anything by Cowboy Junkies
posted by third rail at 5:43 AM on May 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
I can't believe nobody already mentioned Bleecker Street by Simon and Garfunkel, to my mind that's the quintessential expression of the feeling you're talking about. They also do a number of other songs which I think are appropriate to this mood, such as The Boxer and Song For The Asking.
Seconding Nick Drake.
posted by fearnothing at 5:44 AM on May 25, 2013
Seconding Nick Drake.
posted by fearnothing at 5:44 AM on May 25, 2013
Lyrically "Shop Vac" by Jonathan Coulton would fit the bill, although the music sounds more upbeat than the lyrics would suggest.
posted by Ipsifendus at 5:51 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by Ipsifendus at 5:51 AM on May 25, 2013
The Cranberries, 'Linger'
Pink Floyd,'Wish You Were Here'
The Verve, 'Bittersweet Symphony'
Everything But The Girl, 'Missing'
posted by Salamander at 5:54 AM on May 25, 2013
Pink Floyd,'Wish You Were Here'
The Verve, 'Bittersweet Symphony'
Everything But The Girl, 'Missing'
posted by Salamander at 5:54 AM on May 25, 2013
Ghost - indigo girls
posted by pearlybob at 5:58 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by pearlybob at 5:58 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
Godspeed You Black Emperor's entire oeuvre, really.
posted by empath at 6:11 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by empath at 6:11 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Don McGlashan: Queen of the Night (refers to this incident, with some artistic licence). Also, A Thing Well Made by the same artist (again, a footnote to a historical incident).
Somewhat less dark and more direct: Commuter Love by The Divine Comedy, and Stringing me Along by Jess Chambers.
posted by pont at 6:16 AM on May 25, 2013
Somewhat less dark and more direct: Commuter Love by The Divine Comedy, and Stringing me Along by Jess Chambers.
posted by pont at 6:16 AM on May 25, 2013
The National is definitely the right band for melancholy desperation—it's their bread and butter. I agree with the recommendation of their album High Violet, but I actually like their earlier stuff even better. "Ninety Mile Water Wall" is, I think, the song you really need to hear. It's even a little bit alt-country-flavored.
I also recommend Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" for some pretty serious desperation. You might want to check out the whole Nebraska album, in fact.
Other, more country-ish possibilities:
Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho and Lefty"
Son Volt's "Methamphetamine"
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss's "Please Read the Letter"
(I really love this kind of stuff.)
posted by honey wheat at 6:18 AM on May 25, 2013 [4 favorites]
I also recommend Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" for some pretty serious desperation. You might want to check out the whole Nebraska album, in fact.
Other, more country-ish possibilities:
Townes Van Zandt's "Pancho and Lefty"
Son Volt's "Methamphetamine"
Robert Plant & Alison Krauss's "Please Read the Letter"
(I really love this kind of stuff.)
posted by honey wheat at 6:18 AM on May 25, 2013 [4 favorites]
"Brasilia Crossed with Trenton", Bob Mould, Workbook
Actually the entire album might fit the bill, give it a listen.
posted by trunk muffins at 6:21 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Actually the entire album might fit the bill, give it a listen.
posted by trunk muffins at 6:21 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Peter Schilling, Major Tom
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4rXbSnk2ng
the adele song someone like you
posted by Jacen at 6:23 AM on May 25, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4rXbSnk2ng
the adele song someone like you
posted by Jacen at 6:23 AM on May 25, 2013
Lucinda Williams - Lonely Girls
Lucinda Williams - Fruits of my Labor
Lucinda Williams - Ventura
Bob Dylan - Not Dark Yet
posted by mrmarley at 6:35 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Lucinda Williams - Fruits of my Labor
Lucinda Williams - Ventura
Bob Dylan - Not Dark Yet
posted by mrmarley at 6:35 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
This version of Love Will Tear Us Apart destroys me. But I think the original would fit the bill, too.
posted by hannahelastic at 6:38 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by hannahelastic at 6:38 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I Think It's Going To Rain Today, as sung by Nina Simone
posted by ChuraChura at 6:44 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by ChuraChura at 6:44 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Hurt by Nine Inch Nails. The Johnny Cash version is also great.
posted by shelleycat at 6:45 AM on May 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
posted by shelleycat at 6:45 AM on May 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
Neil Young's ditch trilogy (Time Fades Away, Tonight's The Night and On The Beach) is what you're after - side 2 of On The Beach in particular.
posted by porn in the woods at 6:51 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by porn in the woods at 6:51 AM on May 25, 2013
Quiet desperation is a strong suite of Mark Eitzel's.
No Easy Way Down
Western Sky
Blue and Grey Shirt
posted by vers at 6:58 AM on May 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
No Easy Way Down
Western Sky
Blue and Grey Shirt
posted by vers at 6:58 AM on May 25, 2013 [3 favorites]
I think most of Broken Social Scene's "You Forgot it in People" fits this description, but especially I'm Still Your Fag.
posted by telegraph at 7:10 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
posted by telegraph at 7:10 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
Walking Man by James Taylor. He even says as the first line, "Moving in silent desperation...".
posted by droplet at 7:14 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by droplet at 7:14 AM on May 25, 2013
Rabbit In Your Headlights - Unkle
Shame - PJ Harvey
I'm Empty - Rebecca's Empire
posted by h00py at 7:14 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
Shame - PJ Harvey
I'm Empty - Rebecca's Empire
posted by h00py at 7:14 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
Oh, and Dickon Hinchliffe's original instrumental comps for Winter's Bone. Even without any lyrics, they'll give you the feel you're after.
posted by Ahab at 7:21 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by Ahab at 7:21 AM on May 25, 2013
Too Sober to Sleep, Too Drunk to Cry -- Justin Rutledge
Beautiful Despair -- Rodney Crowell
posted by jacquilynne at 7:34 AM on May 25, 2013
Beautiful Despair -- Rodney Crowell
posted by jacquilynne at 7:34 AM on May 25, 2013
Sinead O'Connor's excellent cover of Ode To Billie Joe seems to fit the bill.
posted by comealongpole at 7:36 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by comealongpole at 7:36 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Just really wanted to add this because I love that Pink Floyd referenced it:
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
--Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience and Other Essays
posted by gt2 at 7:38 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”
--Henry David Thoreau, Civil Disobedience and Other Essays
posted by gt2 at 7:38 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
The Handsome Family, Weightless Again
I think the epitome of Simon & Garfunkel's quiet desperation is "The Dangling Conversation"
Neil Young, The Needle and the Damage Done
posted by drlith at 7:44 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I think the epitome of Simon & Garfunkel's quiet desperation is "The Dangling Conversation"
Neil Young, The Needle and the Damage Done
posted by drlith at 7:44 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Radiohead has to be a rich seam. Some obvious contenders:
How to Disappear Completely.
Fake Plastic Trees
No Surprises
posted by Decani at 8:06 AM on May 25, 2013 [4 favorites]
How to Disappear Completely.
Fake Plastic Trees
No Surprises
posted by Decani at 8:06 AM on May 25, 2013 [4 favorites]
Elliott Smith, surely.
Needle in the Hay
A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity To Be Free
The Biggest Lie
posted by naoko at 8:06 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
Needle in the Hay
A Distorted Reality Is Now a Necessity To Be Free
The Biggest Lie
posted by naoko at 8:06 AM on May 25, 2013 [2 favorites]
R.E.M.'s song performed by Grant Lee Phillips on his album Nineteeneighties: So. Central Rain (I'm Sorry).
posted by belau at 8:09 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by belau at 8:09 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Ruby, don't take your love to town -- Kenny Rogers
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:41 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Chocolate Pickle at 8:41 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Surprised that Carly Simon's That's the Way I've Always Heard it Should Be hasn't been mentioned yet...
I tiptoe past the master bedroom where My mother reads her magazines.
I hear her call sweet dreams, But I forgot how to dream.
But you say it's time we moved in together And raised a family of our own, you and me -
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be: You want to marry me, we'll marry.
posted by 1367 at 8:45 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I tiptoe past the master bedroom where My mother reads her magazines.
I hear her call sweet dreams, But I forgot how to dream.
But you say it's time we moved in together And raised a family of our own, you and me -
Well, that's the way I've always heard it should be: You want to marry me, we'll marry.
posted by 1367 at 8:45 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Aimee Mann is very relevant to your interests.
Examples:
- 31 Today - "I thought my life would be different somehow, I thought my life would be better by now"
- The album Lost in Space, in particular It's Not
- Wise Up and the Magnolia soundtrack
posted by nicebookrack at 9:10 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Examples:
- 31 Today - "I thought my life would be different somehow, I thought my life would be better by now"
- The album Lost in Space, in particular It's Not
- Wise Up and the Magnolia soundtrack
posted by nicebookrack at 9:10 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Can't believe nobody's mentioned Joni yet. Off the top of my head, Hejira or The Arrangement and there's lot's more.
posted by Rash at 9:11 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by Rash at 9:11 AM on May 25, 2013
To me if you can palate their bouncy lo-fi synth pop sensibility, the bulk of the Magnetic Fields catalog fits this description but with extra helpings of unrequited love and clever lyrics.
eg:
I Think I Need a New Heart
All My Little Words
100,000 Fireflies
All the Umbrellas in London
I Don't Want to Get Over You
The Desperate Tings You Made Me Do
I Don't Believe in the Sun
Reno Dakota
posted by drpynchon at 9:12 AM on May 25, 2013
eg:
I Think I Need a New Heart
All My Little Words
100,000 Fireflies
All the Umbrellas in London
I Don't Want to Get Over You
The Desperate Tings You Made Me Do
I Don't Believe in the Sun
Reno Dakota
posted by drpynchon at 9:12 AM on May 25, 2013
Oh, I got this (my very favorite "genre" by far...even when I'm happy)
Here are a few selections from my Spotify playlist, Plight of Man, themed around quiet desperation and the like:
Rulers, Ruling All Things – Midlake (I think this track may really nail it)
Neil Armstrong – Babybird
Illusion – Poor Moon
Lost For Words – Pink Floyd
6:45 (So this is how it feels) – Firewater
Sparrow – Simon and Garfunkel
How Fortunate the Man with None – Dead Can Dance
The Things You Said – Depeche Mode
Into the Black (cover) – Chromatics
Suicide Dream 2 – How to Dress Well
Standing at the Sky's Edge – Richard Hawley
Sorrow – The National
Three Men Hanging – Murder by Death
posted by iamkimiam at 9:21 AM on May 25, 2013
Here are a few selections from my Spotify playlist, Plight of Man, themed around quiet desperation and the like:
Rulers, Ruling All Things – Midlake (I think this track may really nail it)
Neil Armstrong – Babybird
Illusion – Poor Moon
Lost For Words – Pink Floyd
6:45 (So this is how it feels) – Firewater
Sparrow – Simon and Garfunkel
How Fortunate the Man with None – Dead Can Dance
The Things You Said – Depeche Mode
Into the Black (cover) – Chromatics
Suicide Dream 2 – How to Dress Well
Standing at the Sky's Edge – Richard Hawley
Sorrow – The National
Three Men Hanging – Murder by Death
posted by iamkimiam at 9:21 AM on May 25, 2013
The first song that sprang to mind was Belle and Sebastian's rather brilliant Put The Book Back On The Shelf.
posted by creeky at 9:28 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by creeky at 9:28 AM on May 25, 2013
"If We Were Boxes" by bgm.
"No Children" by The Mountain Goats.
"Sometime Around Midnight" by The Airborne Toxic Event.
"Now I Am An Arsonist" by Jonathan Coulton, feat. Suzanne Vega.
"Hello My Treacherous Friends by OK Go.
"Waltz #2 (XO)" by Elliott Smith.
"I Better Be Quiet Now" by Elliott Smith.
"Tomorrow Tomorrow" by Elliott Smith.
Elliott Smith was a master of quiet desperation; please do check him out.
"Friends" by the 22-20s.
"Giving Up" by Ingrid Michaelson.
"Nice Guy" by The Animators.
"Wine, Women, and Song" by Harvey Danger, which you can download here (it's on their album "Little by Little").
"I Don't Believe You" by The Magnetic Fields.
"Someone Great" by LCD Soundsystem.
"Luv" by Sarah Jaffe.
"Swelling" by Sarah Jaffe.
"Two Intangibles Can't Be Had" by Sarah Jaffe.
Sarah Jaffe is a master of this.
"Humiliation" by Yoñlu.
"You Will Love This Song" by Amber Rubarth.
"Leaves From the Vine," adapted from Avatar: The Last Airbender by Songs To Wear Pants To.
"Home 0207" by Plastic Operator.
"暗号のワルツ" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.
"タイトロープ" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION (the CD version without the awkward string section is a million times better).
"Cold Is The Night" by The Oh Hellos.
I've got more if you want 'em.
posted by topoisomerase at 9:44 AM on May 25, 2013 [4 favorites]
"No Children" by The Mountain Goats.
"Sometime Around Midnight" by The Airborne Toxic Event.
"Now I Am An Arsonist" by Jonathan Coulton, feat. Suzanne Vega.
"Hello My Treacherous Friends by OK Go.
"Waltz #2 (XO)" by Elliott Smith.
"I Better Be Quiet Now" by Elliott Smith.
"Tomorrow Tomorrow" by Elliott Smith.
Elliott Smith was a master of quiet desperation; please do check him out.
"Friends" by the 22-20s.
"Giving Up" by Ingrid Michaelson.
"Nice Guy" by The Animators.
"Wine, Women, and Song" by Harvey Danger, which you can download here (it's on their album "Little by Little").
"I Don't Believe You" by The Magnetic Fields.
"Someone Great" by LCD Soundsystem.
"Luv" by Sarah Jaffe.
"Swelling" by Sarah Jaffe.
"Two Intangibles Can't Be Had" by Sarah Jaffe.
Sarah Jaffe is a master of this.
"Humiliation" by Yoñlu.
"You Will Love This Song" by Amber Rubarth.
"Leaves From the Vine," adapted from Avatar: The Last Airbender by Songs To Wear Pants To.
"Home 0207" by Plastic Operator.
"暗号のワルツ" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION.
"タイトロープ" by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION (the CD version without the awkward string section is a million times better).
"Cold Is The Night" by The Oh Hellos.
I've got more if you want 'em.
posted by topoisomerase at 9:44 AM on May 25, 2013 [4 favorites]
"April 6, 2039" - Pedro The Lion
"Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground" - Blind Willie Johnson
"Myopic Books" - American Music Club
"I See A Darkness" - Bonnie Prince Billy
"Colors and the Kids" - Cat Power
posted by Dalton at 9:52 AM on May 25, 2013
"Dark Was The Night, Cold Was The Ground" - Blind Willie Johnson
"Myopic Books" - American Music Club
"I See A Darkness" - Bonnie Prince Billy
"Colors and the Kids" - Cat Power
posted by Dalton at 9:52 AM on May 25, 2013
American Tune, Paul Simon
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 9:59 AM on May 25, 2013
posted by Lipstick Thespian at 9:59 AM on May 25, 2013
Here's a few -- yeah, tending to the country, I'm afraid:
Cracker - Take Me Down to the Infirmary
Son Volt - Tear Stained Eye
Neil Young - The Losing End, Harvest
(and as someone mentioned above, just about anything from Tonight's the Night might work; here's a cut: Tired Eyes)
Green on Red - You Couldn't Get Arrested
Freedy Johnston - This Perfect World
And here's a couple for when you're crawling back to the light:
Lou Reed - All Through the Night
Dylan - Where Are You Tonight
posted by Bron at 10:36 AM on May 25, 2013
Cracker - Take Me Down to the Infirmary
Son Volt - Tear Stained Eye
Neil Young - The Losing End, Harvest
(and as someone mentioned above, just about anything from Tonight's the Night might work; here's a cut: Tired Eyes)
Green on Red - You Couldn't Get Arrested
Freedy Johnston - This Perfect World
And here's a couple for when you're crawling back to the light:
Lou Reed - All Through the Night
Dylan - Where Are You Tonight
posted by Bron at 10:36 AM on May 25, 2013
Someone mentioned Pancho and Lefty by Townes. Great call.
Really, though, Pancho and Lefty is practically upbeat compared to a lot of townes' darkest stuff. If you want to go to abject resigned desperation, listen to his "Caroline" and "Waitin Around To Die."
posted by third rail at 10:49 AM on May 25, 2013
Really, though, Pancho and Lefty is practically upbeat compared to a lot of townes' darkest stuff. If you want to go to abject resigned desperation, listen to his "Caroline" and "Waitin Around To Die."
posted by third rail at 10:49 AM on May 25, 2013
Seonding Wise Up my Aimee Mann
A couple I haven't seen here yet,
"I'm on Fire" Bruce Springsteen, the tone reeks of desperation.
"Till the Heart Caves In" kd lang
posted by umberto at 11:11 AM on May 25, 2013
A couple I haven't seen here yet,
"I'm on Fire" Bruce Springsteen, the tone reeks of desperation.
"Till the Heart Caves In" kd lang
posted by umberto at 11:11 AM on May 25, 2013
"Who Will Love Me Now" by PJ Harvey (b side, avail. on YT)
"Those Three Days" by Lucinda Williams
"Ruby Through the Looking Glass" by Tori Amos
"Pale Blue Eyes" by Velvet Underground
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:28 PM on May 25, 2013
"Those Three Days" by Lucinda Williams
"Ruby Through the Looking Glass" by Tori Amos
"Pale Blue Eyes" by Velvet Underground
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:28 PM on May 25, 2013
Also, the Wainwrights. Rufus and Martha each have some good ones
Rufus: Baby
My Phone's On Vibrate for You
Martha (that's a song title)
Poses
Martha: Prosperpina (this beautiful ache in her voice)
Bloody Mother F*cking Asshole
There are also some songs on eels' "Electro Shock Blues" (it's about his sister's suicide and mother's cancer) that fit
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:30 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Rufus: Baby
My Phone's On Vibrate for You
Martha (that's a song title)
Poses
Martha: Prosperpina (this beautiful ache in her voice)
Bloody Mother F*cking Asshole
There are also some songs on eels' "Electro Shock Blues" (it's about his sister's suicide and mother's cancer) that fit
posted by mermaidcafe at 1:30 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
'Time' the album by ELO. Lots of songs. Try Rain is falling, 21st Century Man or Ticket to the Moon.
posted by oenzemain at 2:12 PM on May 25, 2013
posted by oenzemain at 2:12 PM on May 25, 2013
"This Is a Low" - Blur
posted by trillian at 2:18 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by trillian at 2:18 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Nthing The National.
The Mountain Goats have a number of songs that fit this mood, e. g. Lakeside View Apartments and Never Quite Free (the second one is deceptive; it sounds upbeat unless you're paying attention).
Black Lab's Gates of the Country too.
posted by JDHarper at 4:03 PM on May 25, 2013
The Mountain Goats have a number of songs that fit this mood, e. g. Lakeside View Apartments and Never Quite Free (the second one is deceptive; it sounds upbeat unless you're paying attention).
Black Lab's Gates of the Country too.
posted by JDHarper at 4:03 PM on May 25, 2013
Seconding No Surprises. That song aches.
Maybe Brass Buttons, by Gram Parsons?
Mark Seymour has also done a version of Sorrow by the National that I just love. All things I listen to when I want to wallow in blue.
posted by arha at 4:04 PM on May 25, 2013
Maybe Brass Buttons, by Gram Parsons?
Mark Seymour has also done a version of Sorrow by the National that I just love. All things I listen to when I want to wallow in blue.
posted by arha at 4:04 PM on May 25, 2013
More Radiohead: "Street Spirit (Fade Out)," described as "All of our saddest songs have somewhere in them at least a glimmer of resolve... 'Street Spirit' has no resolve... It is the dark tunnel without the light at the end."
Its B-side "Talk Show Host" is also pretty great.
posted by Rhaomi at 8:04 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
Its B-side "Talk Show Host" is also pretty great.
posted by Rhaomi at 8:04 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
The saddest song I know, which fits the bill precisely, is Damien Rice, "The Blower's Daughter."
Seriously, that song is NSFEmotional stability. The best The National song for this, nthing, is "Racing Like a Pro." I used to play it in headphones while walking to work during my own winter of discontent.
posted by sweltering at 8:13 PM on May 25, 2013
Seriously, that song is NSFEmotional stability. The best The National song for this, nthing, is "Racing Like a Pro." I used to play it in headphones while walking to work during my own winter of discontent.
posted by sweltering at 8:13 PM on May 25, 2013
Shivers as performed by the Boys Next Door (terrible quality) or The Screaming Jets.
posted by Wantok at 8:41 PM on May 25, 2013
posted by Wantok at 8:41 PM on May 25, 2013
Sad is sad, but you're not looking for just "sad". Not just alone, like "dumped" alone. Quiet desperation is a product of solitude. And giving up.
"The Fear by Pulp is Dead. Freaking. On.
The whole song captures this, but the money line is at 2:18.
posted by sourwookie at 8:46 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
"The Fear by Pulp is Dead. Freaking. On.
The whole song captures this, but the money line is at 2:18.
posted by sourwookie at 8:46 PM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]
I have more. Ground down by the meaninglessness of life / work:
The Flaming Lips, "Slow Nerve Action"
Arcade Fire, "Antichrist Television Blues"
Elvis Costello, "Shipbuilding"
For general bittersweet misanthropy:
Nick Cave, "People Ain't No Good"
Bonnie Prince Billy, "Death to Everyone"
Totally off the wall psychedelic suggestions - lyrics are quiet desperation, music is anything weird:
Donovan, "Get Thy Bearings"
Love, "Laughing Stock" <-- I have often played this on the way into a bad job.
posted by sweltering at 11:36 PM on May 25, 2013
The Flaming Lips, "Slow Nerve Action"
Arcade Fire, "Antichrist Television Blues"
Elvis Costello, "Shipbuilding"
For general bittersweet misanthropy:
Nick Cave, "People Ain't No Good"
Bonnie Prince Billy, "Death to Everyone"
Totally off the wall psychedelic suggestions - lyrics are quiet desperation, music is anything weird:
Donovan, "Get Thy Bearings"
Love, "Laughing Stock" <-- I have often played this on the way into a bad job.
posted by sweltering at 11:36 PM on May 25, 2013
With all due respect to the other suggestions, the Mountain Goats song you really want is Wild Sage. Sample Lyric: "Some days I think I'd feel better if I tried harder / most days I know it's not true."
Also Go Long and Does Not Suffice by Joanna Newsom.
posted by chairmanroflmao at 12:23 AM on May 26, 2013
Also Go Long and Does Not Suffice by Joanna Newsom.
posted by chairmanroflmao at 12:23 AM on May 26, 2013
Certainly Red House Painters qualify. "Summer Dress" and "Katy Song" for starters.
posted by Rufus T. Firefly at 3:24 AM on May 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by Rufus T. Firefly at 3:24 AM on May 26, 2013 [1 favorite]
Sparklehorse fits the bill on a lot of songs, especially the first album. Try Spirit Ditch
posted by Kafkaesque at 10:59 AM on May 26, 2013
posted by Kafkaesque at 10:59 AM on May 26, 2013
Elliott Smith's "Needle in the Hay" sort of...fizzes along with just-under-the-surface rage, but kind of has that feel (I'm gonna walk walk walk four more blocks...to the man who's gonna make it all OK/I can't be myself and I don't want to talk/I'm taking the cure so I can be quiet wherever I want/so leave me alone, you oughta be proud that I'm getting good marks).
"I Know It's Over" and "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" are really good recs. Lots of Smiths songs really.
posted by ifjuly at 11:52 AM on May 26, 2013
"I Know It's Over" and "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" are really good recs. Lots of Smiths songs really.
posted by ifjuly at 11:52 AM on May 26, 2013
Oh, and The Comsat Angels' "Independence Day" (and I can't relax 'cause I haven't done a thing and I can't do a thing 'cause I can't relax/I know the tune, I know the words, my mouth is open but I can't speak)
posted by ifjuly at 12:02 PM on May 26, 2013
posted by ifjuly at 12:02 PM on May 26, 2013
Argh, and it's more quiet resignation and mourning lost possibility, but maybe Bruce Springsteen's "The River" (and is a dream a lie if it don't come true/or is it something worse). I prefer the Crooked Fingers version.
Emmylou Harris' "Red Dirt Girl" fits to a T, more than anything else I can think of.
Neil Young's "Helpless". As a heathen, I prefer the Ryan Adams and Gillian Welch cover.
posted by ifjuly at 12:09 PM on May 26, 2013
Emmylou Harris' "Red Dirt Girl" fits to a T, more than anything else I can think of.
Neil Young's "Helpless". As a heathen, I prefer the Ryan Adams and Gillian Welch cover.
posted by ifjuly at 12:09 PM on May 26, 2013
And this is kind of out of left field but Melissa Etheridge's "Nowhere to Go" maybe.
posted by ifjuly at 12:18 PM on May 26, 2013
posted by ifjuly at 12:18 PM on May 26, 2013
Julie Doiron's "All Their Broken Hearts", both versions ('cause every day is a reminder of everything I failed/every time I look at you).
posted by ifjuly at 12:38 PM on May 26, 2013
posted by ifjuly at 12:38 PM on May 26, 2013
Swallowed By The Cracks by David and David
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:22 PM on May 26, 2013
posted by WalkerWestridge at 8:22 PM on May 26, 2013
Janis Ian is a master at this. Check out her albums Between the Lines and Stars.
My favorite: Tea and Sympathy
posted by marsha56 at 10:17 PM on May 26, 2013
My favorite: Tea and Sympathy
posted by marsha56 at 10:17 PM on May 26, 2013
Strand of Oaks - End in Flames
Eels - Not Ready Yet
Gillian Welch - Dark Turn of Mind
Joe Pug - Not So Sure
posted by SarahElizaP at 12:13 AM on May 27, 2013
Eels - Not Ready Yet
Gillian Welch - Dark Turn of Mind
Joe Pug - Not So Sure
posted by SarahElizaP at 12:13 AM on May 27, 2013
Ray LaMontagne - Let It Be Me
Steve Earle - Goodbye
Scorpions - Ruby Tuesday
posted by maggieb at 9:42 AM on May 27, 2013
Steve Earle - Goodbye
Scorpions - Ruby Tuesday
posted by maggieb at 9:42 AM on May 27, 2013
Hejira - Joni Mitchell
The Last Time I Saw Richard - Joni Mitchell
Another Grey Morning - James Taylor
posted by kirst27 at 6:42 PM on May 27, 2013
The Last Time I Saw Richard - Joni Mitchell
Another Grey Morning - James Taylor
posted by kirst27 at 6:42 PM on May 27, 2013
Alanis Morissette, Still
Crowded House, Better Be Home Soon
Urge Overkill (not Neil Diamond), Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon
Bruce Springsteen, She's the One
Melissa Etheridge, Royal Station 4/16
'Til Tuesday, The Other End of the Telescope
Elton John, Too Low for Zero
Concrete Blonde, Tomorrow, Wendy
Simon & Garfunkel, Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall
(It was difficult to pick only one Concrete Blonde song and one Melissa Etheridge song from my own playlist [embarrassing title omitted] that overlaps yours. I'd also say Joey and Testify.)
posted by kostia at 6:09 PM on May 29, 2013
Crowded House, Better Be Home Soon
Urge Overkill (not Neil Diamond), Girl, You'll Be a Woman Soon
Bruce Springsteen, She's the One
Melissa Etheridge, Royal Station 4/16
'Til Tuesday, The Other End of the Telescope
Elton John, Too Low for Zero
Concrete Blonde, Tomorrow, Wendy
Simon & Garfunkel, Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall
(It was difficult to pick only one Concrete Blonde song and one Melissa Etheridge song from my own playlist [embarrassing title omitted] that overlaps yours. I'd also say Joey and Testify.)
posted by kostia at 6:09 PM on May 29, 2013
Response by poster: Damn, people. I'm floored by the response. I will, (un)fortunately, be in a position to check out most of these this weekend, and will start highlighting as appropriate. Playlist awaits!
posted by Golfhaus at 5:23 PM on May 30, 2013
posted by Golfhaus at 5:23 PM on May 30, 2013
One more American Music Club that should not be missed.
Sick of Food
posted by vers at 6:43 PM on June 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
Sick of Food
posted by vers at 6:43 PM on June 4, 2013 [1 favorite]
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I Can’t Stand It - The Specials
Street Lites, Seconds - Pulp
Don’t Stare at the Sun, Cole’s Corner - Richard Hawley
posted by misteraitch at 5:15 AM on May 25, 2013 [1 favorite]