The Wallflowers - "One Headlight"

When I heard this song in Koreatown this weekend it was like flashback. I knew every word, could see the cd in my car, and remembered thinking “Ok, this is a band with a MALE singer that I really like, that will help” because I was still in the closet.

Weird the things you do and worry about when you’re hiding so much of yourself away.

Needless to say, it’s better on this side of the door. Living your authentic self is 1000x better than hiding.

For a little perspective:

The Wallflowers is an American rock solo project of American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Jakob Dylan, the son of Bob Dylan. The Wallflowers were originally a roots rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1989 by Dylan and guitarist Tobi Miller. The band has gone through a number of personnel changes but has remained centered on Dylan.

Following their eponymous debut album in 1992, the Wallflowers released what would become their best-known and highest-selling album, Bringing Down the Horse (1996), which included the songs "One Headlight" and "6th Avenue Heartache". Their next album, (Breach) (2000), contained "Sleepwalker", their first and only single to reach the Billboard Hot 100 (at number 76). ("One Headlight" was not released as a single in the U.S.)[1] The group released an additional two albums before going on hiatus. In 2012, the Wallflowers reunited to release their sixth studio album, Glad All Over. Nearly ten years later they released their seventh studio album, Exit Wounds, in July 2021.

The Wallflowers have won two Grammy Awards: Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal and Best Rock Song for "One Headlight" in 1998. "One Headlight" is also listed at #58 in Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Pop Songs.

So today, with empathy, I chose The Wallflowers’ "One Headlight" as my, where you came from, who you’ve been, what you’ve accomplished, song for a, where you’re going, who you can be, what you can do now, Tuesday.

Ella Fitzgerald - "In A Sentimental Mood"

Somedays you just need to remember what made you start the thing to begin with. Remember the joy at the beginning and know that once you’re through the hard part the joy will come back. Keep going. Trust the Process.

So today, with a little skip, I choose Ella Fitzgerald’s “In A Sentimental Mood” as my, like a cool breeze, a warm hand, a forgotten smile, song for a, like midsummer wine, a dandelion day, one more item to the list, Monday.

Doja Cat - "Vegas"

Let yourself sink into this beat. She’s at the top of her game and I hope that she stays there. She’s come a long way since Mooing her way into our hearts, and I think her start is just going to continue to rise.

Play on Playa.

So today I choose Doja Cat’s “Vegas” as my, play on, fight, dirty if you have to, song for a, this is not the end, battle for the war, check mate Friday.

No Doubt - "Just A Girl"

The last few days, after all the turmoil that’s coming down the pipeline from the many many many SCOTUS decisions, this song has been blaring in my head.

More relevant than ever.

'Cause I'm just a girl, oh, little old me
Well, don't let me out of your sight
Oh, I'm just a girl, all pretty and petite
So don't let me have any rights

Also, get into Gwen’s PENCIL thin eyebrows!

So today, standing firm, I choose No Doubt’s "Just A Girl" as my, stand true, stand tall, crush them under heel, song for a, not today, here we come, be ready, Thursday.

Anna Nalick - "Breathe"

Sometimes you just need to slow yourself down.

This song is such a throwback for me, but as I took stock of my current emotional state and the slate of things being asked of me I realized I needed to take a few deep breaths, and then I heard thing song in my head like it was 2004 again.

Breathe. We’re gonna be ok. It’s not near over, but it’s ok to rest when you need to.

Listen to the first verse, it’s more relevant now even than it was then.

So today, calling back to myself, I chose Anna Nalick’s “Breathe” as my, hurry up and slow down, for you, solo, song for a, decisions that are yours along, little moments, the next right thing Friday.

Lady Gaga - "Born This Way"

It’s the end of pride month and this song keeps playing in my head.

Never stop being proud of who you are. You are a miracle. You are magic. You are more and more and more and more and infinitely more.

So today, proud, I chose Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way” as my, little darlings, little monsters, little magic makers, song for a, big, bold, beautiful, Wednesday.

Kacey Musgraves - "Can't Help Falling In Love"

This weekend I saw the move “Elvis” and I was taken aback. Probably because I am my mother’s son, and she loved Elvis. She loved Elvis so much that that was almost my name.

There was something hauntingly beautiful about the film. It depicts the cruel stranglehold that Col. Parker had over Elvis, but it also shows just how luminous, how magnetic Elvis was. He was a superstar. Still the best selling solo artist of all time. He was the voice of a generation. He was dead by 43.

The movie made me realize that he truly was the “Britney”. I don’t mean pop star. I mean star that was managed by people using them like a cash cow. Milking them for every last drop without cause or care.

Oh there have been many. Judy, Britney, Elvis, and so many more.

The movie, though, was lovely because in the underscoring of Elvis’ music there were also a few jarring current pop songs, as well as some truly breathtaking covers of Elvis’ work. This one stood out.

He was a star, in the truest sense of the word. He could hear music before it was made. Then, he would make it, and make it even better.

So, with heartbreak like an old friend, I choose Kacey Musgraves’ delicate version of "Can't Help Falling In Love" as my, let love rise, like hope floating to the top, like a melody, song for a, clear and bright, soft and light, cool of the night, Tuesday.

Nina Simone - "Mississippi, Goddamn"

Hello Friends. I know it’s been a little while. It’s taken some time for me to get through and over. I’ve come out the other side and missed these little meditations. I’ve come to the realization that they do help center me into this space. I’ll do my best to be more consistent though I won’t be too hard on myself if i miss a day here or there. I’m gonna get back to these moments for myself. Remind myself of some magic that I’ve carried. Bits that have been unpolished for too long but will certainly shine up like a new penny if given the chance.

I feel it’s important to say why I’ve been pulled to start this up again. With the overturn of Roe Vs. Wade all I’ve heard in my mind this weekend, and today for that matter, is this song. Like a repeating soundtrack that has me at once fearful and furious.

In times like these, I think about our past leaders. The people who stood up to fight for what was right. They were no different than us. They just had a reason to fight. So do we.

We shall overcome because the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice.
–Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution.”

So today, with fear and fury, I choose Nina Simone’s “Mississippi Goddamn” as my stand your ground, hold together, remember on whose backs you stand, song for a, we are the warriors, the activists, the change, Monday.