Willie Nelson, “Can I Sleep In Your Arms” (1975)

I’m all set to post Phosphorescent’s beautiful version of this, then I realize that I never had heard Willie’s version, and then realized that this is simply one of the most beautiful songs ever written. Good story, thanks.

Willie Nelson 1975 music Spotify

Blur, “One Born Every Minute” (1995)

This is Blur at their most la-la-la, which Oasis made fun of them enough that they dropped it after this, but I love it.

blur britpop damon albarn 90s music Spotify

The Wild Swans, “Bringing Home the Ashes” (1988)

It’s a nice song and gloriously late-80s, but what really gets me is a tiny arrangement trick: when the bass drum switches to the whole notes at the end. It’s such a little thing, but elevates the entire song.

80s music Spotify

The Shins, “Know Your Onion!” (2001)

If you know about chord changes and song structure, this is the song that will change your life.

the shins music Spotify

The Spongetones, “She Goes Out With Everybody” (1982)

Power pop isn’t always my thing, but sometimes it’s absolutely my thing.

Spotify