Nostalgia, reminiscing, and remembering, represent such a great part of the music. “As well as yearning for a return to life as a child with no responsibilities, nostalgia in music can fill you with so many more different emotions,” goes one line in this article connecting nostalgia to music, the main point being that these days, nostalgia has gained a positive connotation, and so has its connection to music.
Of course, there are so many reasons, and particularly memories that connect the music we listen to at a certain moment to situations, places, and particularly persons we encountered or had relations with, something the music can depict so well, like in ‘Comin’ Back To Me,’ one of Jefferson Airplane’s classics.
Whether any of the songs below will do the same for us remains an open question, but for somebody else, they most probably will.
MF Tomlinson - We Are Still Wild Horses(Part III)
The nostalgic element sometimes heavily depends on the length of the memory itself, and Australian/London-based singer-songwriter MF Tomlinson certainly has a long memory, as ‘We Are Wild Horses’ as the album track lasts over 21 minutes, so he had to split it into three parts for its single release. Heat sounding as a whole or as in parts.
The Band of Heathens - Heartless Year
That ‘the band’ in the name is probably not there by accident as this Austin group has already established itself as an excellent purveyor of modern, rock-based Americana. Definitely confirmed by this single.
Arielle - ‘73
Is definitely no stranger either to rockin’ Americana, slide guitar, or Bonnie Raitt, all commendable to say the least. Here she definitely does justice to that sound, giving it an additional slightly pop touch.
Holly Molly & The Crackers - Skyline Drive
Somehow combining the last two tracks above and adding an additional dose of pop with some nifty harmony vocals, this sextet from Newcastle, England, actually adds another touch to the ever-widening Americana tag.
Joseph - Nervous System
It is no wonder Haim and Taylor Swift are good friends, their musical lines definitely touch, and you can definitely add this sister trio to that musical equation. Don’t be surprised if they join the above friendship ring.
The Bayonets - Argentina
No, no heavy metal here, even with the band name, as Brian Ray (Paul Mc Cartney Etta James and Oliver Lieber (son of writer Jerry Lieber) favor The Beatles/Wings style of power pop that adds elements from elsewhere with ease.
Damoyee - to the next one
Some soul-infused pop is always welcome, as long as it has a good melody and the singer can carry it with a light touch, which Damoyee certainly does here.
Jad Fair & Kramer - True Love Will Find you In The End
If anybody’s vocals got close to those of the late Daniel Johnston it is Jad Fair, and producer/artist Kramer definitely feels that kind of music. So, it is no wonder they actually do wonders with this Johnston song (from the upcoming tribute album).
Whitehall - Dogfights
These days quite a few things are lumped as alt-rock, yet if you want to stick to the ‘original’ connotation (R.E.M., Death Cab For Cutie et al), this one from the Charleston South Carolina quartet gets quite close.
GoGo Penguin - Saturnine
GoGo Penguin always had that jazz fusion element in their music, but instead of just showcasing their instrumental abilities, they actually infuse their music with some solid substance, as evidenced here.