Things of Beauty #7
Playlist edition (plus a postscript update on that patio pepper I grew!)
Live music is one of my favorite things ever. I missed it mightily over the past two years and one of the best things this summer has been catching a few shows again— so today I’m sharing some favorite songs of the summer.
Just a little roundup of beautiful music from my summer . . .
🎵 Norah Jones // Sunrise
🎵 CHVRCHES // Leave a Trace
🎶 Michael Franti & Spearhead // Brighter Day, A Good Day for A Good Day, Life is Amazing (live clip). Videos never quite capture the whole feeling of a show. It’s hard to bottle up the energy and connection that comes at a really, really good concert. If you’ve never seen Michael Franti live- it was one of my favorite shows ever. Packed with realistic positivity and love. If he’s coming anywhere near you on this tour grab a ticket. You won’t regret it.
🎵 Dirty Heads // That’s All I Need
🎵 Emily King // BYIMM* (*By You I Mean Me)
🎶 Arrested Development // Tennessee, People Everyday, Mr. Wendal (live clip). That “Jump” into Mr. Wendal medley was SO good in person. I completely forgot how much I adored the album 3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life Of... The messages still resonate today.
🎧 I’d be remiss if I left the two artists that filled the concert-shaped hole in my heart over the last few years off this list:
Stephen Kellogg’s livestream concerts were truly a thing of beauty. Just him and a guitar, in his basement telling stories and singing songs. His wife or friends handling the sound and his kids stopping by occasionally— it definitely filled a void. Excited to catch him in person this fall.
Sara Bareilles’ Amidst the Chaos: Live from the Hollywood Bowl album. I’ve listened to this so many times I’ve memorized her banter between songs. It took me a while to realize that the draw to keep coming back to this album over and over (aside from the amazing music) was the fact that it made me feel just a little bit like I was at a live show.
What’s on your playlist these days? Drop a favorite or two in the comments!
Be well, find tiny joy,
Mary Chris
PS - Remember how I had that one pepper growing on my patio:
Well, here is is now:
Stay tuned for pimento cheese . . .
I love your playlist, Mary Chris. I will listen to the songs on your list that I don't know. We saw Michael Franti and Spearhead many years ago in Virginia Beach. He and his band were incredible! He moved through the crowd, even spending time in the furthest areas from the stage, the lawn cheap seats! We could see him singing and dancing with several audience members as he took selfies with fans. The music was uplifting and positive. He was so candid when he spoke about his child and struggles with addiction and the renewed, full life he was living. Extraordinary. His music is a go-to for feeling both uplifted and chill. (By the way, Franti was the opening act for Train. I don't remember much about the Train concert. I do remember Franti's performance!) Enjoy the pimento cheese, one of Richard's favorites!