Tag: playlist

A BGS Back-to-School Playlist

Posted on by Editor

If you're a student (or teacher) of any kind, there's a good chance you have a pretty intense case of the back-to-school blues right about now. Whether you're already in session or waiting for that dreaded first day to arrive, having the right tunes to soothe those blues is essential this time of year. Check out a few of our favorite back-to-school-inspired songs.

"Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" by Mississippi Fred McDowell

So, this one is a touch creepy if you listen to the lyrics too closely, but if you don't, it's a great blues tune that should, at the very least, give you some good math class daydream fodder with images of flying an airplane all over town.

"I'll Fly Away" by Ralph Stanley

That walk into the building on your first day of classes may feel like a death march, so here's an optimistic take on life on the other side. 

"What Would You Give (In Exchange for Your Soul)" by Bill Monroe and Doc Watson

… Because we all have that one class we'd sell our souls to ace (or just pass).

"Coat of Many Colors" by Dolly Parton

Your first day of school outfit is the most important one you'll wear all year, so don't forget your coat of many colors. Just be sure to thank Dolly when everyone wants to sit with you at lunch.

"School Is Out" by Ry Cooder

Yeah, yeah, yeah … school is technically in, but hey, that three o'clock bell has to ring sometime, right? Might as well celebrate, if only for the afternoon.

"School Days" by Chuck Berry

American history, practical math, the Golden Rule … at least you have the juke joint to look forward to once you've survived a long day of burdens and books.

"Keep on the Sunny Side" by Flatt and Scruggs

Here's a good one for those of you especially afflicted by those back-to-school blues. Try to let the sunny side brighten your day, math test be damned.

Lede photo credit: pellethepoet via Foter.com / CC BY-NC

Daddy-O: A Father’s Day Playlist

Posted on by Editor

This Father's Day (June 19), you could do what you always do and buy your pops the same pair of new socks that he doesn't need. Or, you could give dear old dad the gift of music. To get you started, we've pulled together some of our favorite songs about dads, written from both the perspective of fathers and from those of the kids who loved them. If you're feeling generous, pick up an album or two featuring songs from the list. If not, at least send dad a link to the Spotify playlist. Either way, his sock drawer will thank you.

"Daddy Doesn't Pray Anymore" — Chris Stapleton

This tearjerker from Chris Stapleton is served up with a little twist, made all the more heartwrenching by his stellar vocals and somber delivery.

"Daddy Sang Bass" — Johnny Cash

This 1968 tune, written for Cash by Carl Perkins, is a testament to the bonds of both family and music — both of which, in this case, are anchored by dad and his bass.

"Undercover Dad" — Jonny Corndawg (now Jonny Fritz)

A snooping dad must grapple with what he finds in his teenage daughter's diary in this sweet, light-hearted tune from Jonny Corndawg's 2011 Down on the Bikini Line.

"Paradise" — John Prine

A father teaches his son about the perils of mountaintop removal in this classic John Prine tune from his 1971 self-titled debut album. 

"My Father's Father" — the Civil Wars

Ghosts of the past and his "father's father's" blood on the tracks bring a prodigal son home in this song from the now-defunct duo's 2011 debut album, Barton Hollow.

"A Father's First Spring" — the Avett Brothers

One of the most profound statements on an album (The Carpenter) that grapples with bassist Bob Crawford's daughter's battle with brain cancer, "A Father's First Spring" tugs at heartstrings with lines like "I do not live unless I live in your light."

"Coal Miner's Daughter" — Loretta Lynn

"Daddy worked all night in the Van Lear coal mines," and his proud daughter wrote one of the greatest country songs of all time to thank him for that hard work.

"Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)" — Sturgill Simpson

Sturgill Simpson's new album, A Sailor's Guide to Earth, is something of a guidebook for living for his young son, and opening track "Welcome to Earth (Pollywog)" introduces us to "the greatest love [he's] ever known."

Photo credit: CarbonNYC [in SF!] via Foter.com / CC BY.