By Joshua Gutierrez
Bon Iver’s iconic folksy sentimental grandeur is utterly powerful and immensely human. Coupled with their ability to transcend the common experience of love, longing and heartbreak with touching lyrical composition, this band always fits perfectly in this concept I hold dear.
“AWARDS SEASON,” with its delicate sparseness and a mind-melting saxophone section was an instant favorite and has found its way to the top spot on my 2024 Midnight Ponder Playlist. I’ve allowed this song on multiple occasions to begin a depressive funk that has me rabbit-holed in thoughtful and sad songs for hours.
As for the rest of my Top 25, there of course are some remarkably noticeable names in Billie Eilish for “SKINNY,” Charli XCX for her remarkable tribute to SOPHIE with “So, I,” and Kacey Musgraves’ “Deeper Well.”
Yet, this playlist always manages to capture some remarkable Hidden Gem artists whose knack for touching my heartstrings rarely fails. “When The Pills Wear Off” by Willi Carlisle may as well be 1B on this list, Composer Sofi Paez’ “Demons” is remarkably tender and Fashion Club and Perfume Genius’ stunning duet on “Forget” was breathtaking on first listen.
At just about 150 songs and 10 hours, this playlist has a lot of emotions laid bare and I truly understand folks being utterly resistant to this concept. But for those of us who adore the companionship of sad or thoughtful music, 2024 was a remarkable year for it!!!
Bye!!!
Mid-Year Top 10!
I have always been comforted by sad, thoughtful or lyrically rich songs.
A massive component of my lifelong connection to music correlates with this special connection. As I dwindled down my overall concept for Playlist Odyssey, I knew I had to keep my Midnight Ponder concept alive.
The thematic thread of 2024 so far seems to be of humble humanity. From the very real human devastation related to “deaths of despair,” traversing the harshness of the world to “return home” and the very real fear of being without health insurance.
Sonically, I think the folk music tree seems to shine brightest midway through the year. From Willi Carlisle, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Myriam Gendron to Kacey Musgraves, there is no shortage great folk to country artists on this playlist.
I’m excited to expand this playlist in the months ahead and see how much My Top 10 evolves or stays the same by December.
Bye!!!!!
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