This song has sustained me for the past week. I especially like this particular video because it reminds me of Richard Bach, whose writing has sustained me for decades.
“There’s a crack in everything; that’s how the light gets in.”
— Leonard Cohen
Pour in the light, Mr. Cohen. We need it.
Emily
I had this in mind for this week if Hillary won.
I almost canceled it.
Then I remembered the second verse:
You can bend but never break me
‘Cos it only serve to make me
More determined to achieve my final goal
But I’ll come back even stronger
Not a novice any longer
‘Cos you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul
Bring it, Trump.
Emily
This song was part of a trove of previously unheard Woody Guthrie lyrics, which Billy Bragg and Wilco set to music several years ago for an album called Mermaid Avenue. I can’t think of anybody it suits better than Bob Seger (although I wouldn’t complain if Bruce Springsteen or maybe Neil Diamond wanted to have a go at it).
Emily
I can’t believe I’ve never posted “Old Man” on here before. This version resonates a little differently than some of his earlier performances.
Emily
Have I already “Helplessly Hoping” somewhere along the way? Probably. Does it matter? Probably not. I’ve been doing this feature for so long, I’ve lost track of which songs I’ve posted and which I haven’t.
This is one of my favorites. That mournful guitar and those tight harmonies are just divine.
Emily
“Amelia,” from Joni Mitchell’s brilliant Hejira album, is one of my favorite songs — and a nice tribute to a woman who has fascinated me since I was a little girl. I like this stripped-down arrangement. (The version of “Coyote” from this concert is also spectacular; I’ve posted it before.)
Emily
Ron’s recommendation. He says: “I found this by accident. I don’t understand a word she sings, and it doesn’t matter.”
I agree.
Emily
I really don’t post enough Harry Belafonte. Let’s remedy that today with this 1997 performance of “Turn the World Around.”
Get into that descant about three minutes in.
Emily
How have I never noticed how much John Cameron Mitchell sounds like Phil Ochs?
Emily
I have no idea why I haven’t posted any Dave Van Ronk before now. Mea culpa. Enjoy.
Emily
Red Fork Hippie 