I didn’t think it was right to have a Random Sunday without a Random Saturday, so here’s a little treasure that popped into my Facebook feed this morning.
Jimmy Fallon is an exceptional impressionist, especially (and maybe exclusively?) when it comes to musicians. His Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Jim Morrison and David Bowie are all priceless.
I’m interrupting my regularly scheduled Random Weekend to acknowledge the passing of a musical legend, David Bowie.
Best Songs of 2015 – #11
‘Kill Em With Kindness’ – Selena Gomez
2015 was another strong year for women. Six of my top ten albums are by female artists, including records in the pop and punk genres that I normally avoid.
One of those solid albums is Revival, Selena Gomez’s “comeback” record (to the extent that a 23-year-old can be in need of a comeback). This is her second solo album (she released three others leading a band called The Scene, though those records rested on her shoulders as well).
Best Songs of 2015 – #12
‘Blank Space’ – Ryan Adams
When I reviewed Ryan Adams’ song-for-song recreation of Taylor Swift’s smash hit 1989, I predicted that ‘Blank Space’ would end up on my best-of song list two years in a row by two different artists. Good call.
Adams turns the track into a gentle, breathy ballad, sad where Swift’s (also excellent) version is slightly taunting.
Best Songs of 2015 – #13
‘Time’ – Josh Rouse
Josh Rouse has built a nice career through unorthodox means. Not many singer-songwriters head to Spain after their most successful album to learn a new language and start recording in it.
I don’t suspect that fame is a primary concern for Rouse. He just wants to make his music and earn enough from it to live and eat. He records for his own label and sells his albums primarily through his own and affiliated websites.
