2015 JMUSB Offseason Listening List

So in the spirit of BuzzFeed’s most awful listicle, we’ll just keep trucking along with our Offseason Lists. After throwing out random, old-nerd beer and book selections, this week we’re fessing up to all the dad rock we’re listening to this summer in our first Offseason Listening List. As you’ll quickly be able to tell, we can be a little locked-in-our-genres and have some big blind spots, but we like everything so share in the comments what you’re into this summer.

Shakey Graves – Dearly Departed: This former one-man band is now a three piece band with what appear to be two 13 year olds, but these guys have huge potential if they can keep any semblance of control on their on-stage partying. This song was one of a couple featuring Esme Patterson helping out on vocals and is fantastic.

The Lone Bellow – Heaven Don’t Call Me Home: This song’s not exactly predictive of the entire excellent album Then Came the Morning, but it sure does make me happy (and I’m guessing Zac will agree here).

Sturgill Simpson – Turtles All the Way Down: It’s not the best song on the incredible Metamodern Sounds in Country Music album, but it’s easily one of the most original lyrical topics and the clearest sign to date that the worst of the shittastic bro-country era may finally be behind us (also see Stapleton, Chris)

Jenny Lewis – Just One of the Guys: I wasn’t a Rilo Keilly nut, but I liked this song immediately and have been surprised by it’s staying power for the last few months. I’m still happy to hear it every time.

Hiss Golden Messenger – Saturday’s Song: This isn’t new, but seeing this truly dad-group perform on their limited touring schedule was the highlight of the year show-wise so far.

Eric Church – Like a Wrecking Ball: I think Church may finally be the one those of us that still like country music have been waiting for – a mainstream-accepted act that doesn’t sound like just another frosted-haired Kenny Chesney.

Rayland Baxter – Olivia: For Dric.

Amy Helm – Rescue Me: Hey it’s Levon Helm’s kid and who knew? She seems to be finding her way just fine.

Hozier – From Eden: An unexpected highlight of my only festival so far this year. When I first heard Take Me to Church, I’m guessing I wasn’t alone I immediately thinking “this is great, but definitely a one-hit wonder type.” But there’s real depth in his eponymous album and his former connections to the Trinity.

Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks – Little Fang: I know absolutely nothing about the who, how, or what the hell is going on with this group? person? album? but somehow this has been on our house playlist for months and neither of us have wanted to cut it out.

Chris Stapleton – Tennessee Whiskey: Former songwriter for big names finally showing why he should’ve been the one on stage all along.

And a few bonus picks from Rob:

Lady Lamb – Billions of Eyes: What can I say? I’m a rapidly approaching middle aged man who likes girl indie-pop. So be it.

Sufjan Stevens – Should Have Known Better: One of those songs where, depending on your perspective, you could dive into the lyrics and come away either feeling depressed or incredibly uplifted, or you could just zone out and enjoy the melody. In short, it’s a Sufjan Stevens song.

Toro Y Moi – Empty Nesters: If I could dance, this song would make me want to dance. Repeatedly. The acoustic version might be even better too.

Heems – Sometimes: I just dig it. And I want to spur a debate about whether or not this playlist we created is “eclectic” or “completely and utterly disjointed.”

Neon Indian – Annie: I’ve gone back and forth on this song for a few days now, but I’m starting to really dig it. Perhaps it’s because I think that if I was in a cheesy summer comedy, this would be a great song to play during a montage of me and my goofy friends fixing a car, saving a school, or something like that. Or maybe it’s just catchy.

 Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit – Alabama Pines: No JMUSB music list would be complete without some Jason Isbell. However, it would be virtually impossible for us to narrow it down to one particular song, so we’ll go with this great suggestion from @DaveButz. Really though, anything by Jason Isbell is alright by us.

Gogol Bordello – Start Wearing Purple: Because we’re Rootin ‘fer Dukes!