Anna Washenko

Une Annee Sans Lumiere - The Arcade Fire

I first heard about them in college (of course). A friend of mine had suggested that I read the excellent webcomic Questionable Content, where the hipster protagonist and his friends frequently shoot the shit about music. The author also gives music recommendations, and in those early days, the list of suggested listening included “Funeral.” I hated it on first listen. Too weird, too busy, too different from the familiar. Except for this song. It was my indie music gateway track. Still love it.

“Wild Wild Horses” - Atmosphere

I’ve been on a hip-hop kick of late, and it’s been doing good things for both my mood and my dancing. The best discovery is an album by Atmosphere called “When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold.” Best title ever. It’s become my new mantra. 

The album’s been in my library for years, but this past week was the first time I’d listened to it in full. Occasionally tracks would pop up when I was listening on random and I’d be intrigued by the sharp, honest storytelling and melodic back beats. But I never settled down to give it a fair listen. I stand by my belief that sometimes you aren’t quite ready to experience a work of art, and it bides its time, waiting for your right moment. For me and this album, that time built up over the past few weeks of feeling down, frustrated, tired. I needed to hear songs about hurt and sadness, songs about struggle and getting by. 

This retro, funky groove is one of my favorite tracks. For starters, horns on the chorus will always give me shivers. But it’s the simple sincerity of that chorus that slays me.

Everything is all I have to give you
But I’m afraid it ain’t enough
You’re not so young that you believe me
Just because I say it’s love

Even if they come to steal you tomorrow
I’ll know my smile was yours
Go ahead and chase your dreams and your freedom
Run run wild wild horses 
You can’t tame these horses 

Quiet Little Voices - We Were Promised Jetpacks

Doves - Black and White Town

A favorite song of mine that has felt very appropriate for the day. I feel like flying when the piano hits on the first chorus. Happens every time I listen. 

The National - Afraid of Everyone

My first three experiences with The National were with failed dates. One man picked me up in a cafe (never underestimate the power of a short skirt to make guys blind to 10-year age differences) and brought me the album “Boxer” on our sole date. The other two times were at concerts. I accidentally fell in with a rather cute fellow the year they headlined Pitchfork. He and his friends were rabid fans and had staked out a choice spot for the band. That night solidified my theory that any show will be awesome in the right company. I still remember jumping around while he shouted out the lyrics to Mr. November. The third time was at Lollapalooza, sitting on the far side of the park at sunset with a more-than-friend-who-became-just-a-friend. Even from the distance, that stage had great arena rock energy. 

But somehow, I never sought out the band on my own terms until the past month. When I relistened to “Boxer,” I thought to myself “Eh. It’s okay.” But for whatever reason, I kept listening. Over and over. I bought (actually bought!) “High Violet” and am now officially a fan. I’ve been in an uncomfortably introspective place of late and somehow these sad, obtuse songs speak to me in a way they didn’t when I heard them through the filter of another person. This track in particular gives me chills.