Music can provoke powerful emotional responses. Sometimes your favorite song, or album played on repeat, can be just what you need to get through. What song or album has helped you get through this year? What music have you had on repeat? OPB’s Prakruti Bhatt will join us to talk through the year in music.
Note: The following transcript was transcribed digitally and validated for accuracy, readability and formatting by an OPB volunteer.
Dave Miller: From the Gert Boyle Studio at OPB, this is Think Out Loud. I’m Dave Miller. Tis’ the season of “best of” lists, when critics, celebrities and chart analysts all share their favorite stuff of the year, their takes on the best books, and movies, and TV shows, and podcasts, and songs. These lists are often fun, but they can be really different from our own lists of stuff, new or old, that meant the most to us over the course of the year. And that’s what we want to hear from you today – the songs that you had on repeat, that buoyed you, or spoke to you, or cheered you, or comforted you in 2024, the year we’re about to say goodbye to. Give us a call and we’re gonna find the song and give it a whirl.
We have a couple of folks who’ve already called in and given us voicemails. This is Diane from Lincoln City.
Diane [voicemail]: Song of the year for me has been Shaboozey’s “Tipsy.” I’m not a big drinker, but I love that song. I could never get tired of it. And I think it’ll stand out, not just in 2024, but for a long time. Love it and put it on repeat.
[Shaboozey’s “Tipsy” playing]
My baby want a Birkin, she’s been tellin’ me all night long
Gasoline and groceries, the list goes on and on
This 9 to 5 ain’t workin’, why the hell do I work so hard?
I can’t worry ‘bout my problems, I can’t take ‘em when I’m gone, uh
One, here comes the two to the three to the four
Tell ‘em bring another out, we need plenty more
Two steppin’ on the table, she don’t need a dancefloor
Oh my, good Lord
Someone pour me up a double shot of whiskey
They know me and Jack Daniels got a history
There’s a party downtown near Fifth Street …
[Song fades out]
Miller: That’s “Tipsy” by Shaboozey. Diane from Lincoln City is the one who asked for that.
OPB’s Prakruti Bhatt is with me in the studio. She is an arts and culture video producer, and a reporter here with a big focus on music. Prakruti, great to see you.
Prakruti Bhatt: Hi Dave, thanks for having me.
Miller: You have some of your own songs as well. What is the first song on your list?
Bhatt: Oh, the first song that I have is “Two Truths” by Oregon musician Anna Tivel. I put this song in a box called hopeful melancholy, which is what this year has been like for me personally. It’s a song that makes me feel so seen, so heard. A highlight for me this year actually was when Anna performed the song for a video session we produced, which you can catch on YouTube. Ever since then, it’s been a track I always go to for when, as the chorus suggests, I really, really want to feel the weight of life and just experience a wonderful moment.
Miller: All right, let’s hear it.
[Anna Tivel’s “Two Truths” playing]
maybe two things can be true.
you feel so sad and you’re dancing.
you’re smart and you don’t know the answer.
it’s dark and you’re building a fire.
put on a song you can feel.
the record is forever changed.
the whole damn thing is in motion.
and you are at the beginning …
[Song fades out]
Miller: That’s “Two Truths” by Anna Tivel, who I should say was also on Think Out Loud – a great year for that Portland singer-songwriter.
We’ll get to your calls in just a second, but let’s listen to another voicemail. This is Stephanie Adams, who called in from Yacolt, Washington.
Stephanie Adams [voicemail]: I was introduced to my 2024 song of the year while watching the Paris Olympics opening ceremonies. Those who saw the headless Marie Antoinette singing French resistance songs and opera to the dulcet tones of the French death metal group, Gojira, will hardly be able to forget it. Their passion for the music, their precision and their sense of humor hooked me, and I’ve become a huge fan of theirs. And anytime I feel the need to resist, I turn it up loud.
[Gojira’s “Mea Culpa” playing]
Ah ça ira, réjouis-toi
Ah ça ira, le bon temps viendra
Ah ça ira, mea-culpa …
[Song fades out]
Miller: The relaxing sounds of the French metal band Gojira. That song is “Mea Culpa,” from the 2024 Paris Olympics.
I get to choose a song now. This is by the Seattle artist SYML. It came out just a couple months ago. It’s called “Please Slow Down,” and it’s about parenthood. The lyrics are very clearly about his being a parent. But the theme is basically that the pain of life going quickly and it feels really universal. So this is “Please Slow Down” from SYML.
[SYML’s “Please Slow Down” playing]
Tell me what it’s like to be in love.
Is he more or less the boy you thought he was
Well let me tell you this
Before you lean in for the kiss
He’ll be lucky if he gets to know your mind
Before you close your eyes to sleep
You should know I plan to keep
Every little part of you gets the best of me
Please slow down, time lit up for me
[Song fades out]
Miller: That is “Please Slow Down” by the Seattle-based SYML.
Kathleen has called in from Beaverton. Kathleen, go ahead.
Kathleen [caller]: I’m here. I’ve been a little glum because of national politics this year, and I’ve been playing Tracey Thorn’s “Hard Candy Christmas” on repeat.
Miller: All right, let’s have a listen.
[Tracey Thorn’s “Hard Candy Christmas” playing”]
Hey, maybe I’ll dye my hair
Maybe I’ll move somewhere
Maybe I’ll get a car
Maybe I’ll drive so far
They’ll I’ll lose track
Me, I’ll bounce right back
Maybe I’ll sleep real late
Maybe I’ll lose some weight …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Kathleen, what has it meant to you to listen to this song?
Kathleen [caller]: Just that while we feel sad, that there’s still a lot of life in us and there’s still a lot of people who care about the world. And we’ll be just fine.
Miller: Kathleen, thanks so much. That’s Kathleen in Beaverton, with the song “Hard Candy Christmas.” That version by Tracey Thorn.
We have another voicemail now. This is Mitch Ritter.
Ritter [voicemail]: Well, this one started to be important to me when it got posted on YouTube back in 2023. So I’m not all that late on this one, but it was important to me all through [2024], and it’s Jill Sobule. The song is titled “Where Do I Begin,” and that’s also where I end. So I wish you, and all your staff, and all your families, and all your social circles health and balance. I pass along great appreciation. I wish I was earning some money and could send OPB some and designate it for how important your program, especially Think Out Loud, is to me. So keep on doing all the best. Bye.
[Jill Sobule’s “Where Do I Begin” playing]
Where do I begin
Where do I begin
To clean up this mess I made
Where do I begin
What corner of the room
I better pick up soon
Before I can’t find myself
Where do I begin
‘Cause over there …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Let’s take another call now. Rob has called in from Portland. Rob, go ahead. What’s your song?
Rob [caller]: Well, I’m, I’m an old guy, 79, and this song is 40 years old. I’m sure a lot of people have heard it. It’s the Grateful Dead, “Touch of Grey.” Pretty much sums it all up.
Miller: Rob, did you like it 40 years ago?
Rob [caller]: I liked it the moment I heard it. I’m an old deadhead.
Miller: Let’s have a listen.
[Grateful Dead’s “Touch of Grey” playing]
Clocks are running late
Paint by numbers morning sky
Looks so phony
Dawn is breaking everywhere
Light a candle, curse the glare
Draw the curtains, I don’t care
‘Cause it’s alright
I will get by
I will get by
I will get by
I will survive …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Rob, thanks so much. That was Rob in Portland with “Touch of Grey” by the Grateful Dead.
Prakruti, what’s another song that meant something to you this year?
Bhatt: The second song I have is “Plant in Spring” by Portland-based artist Isabeau Walker. I’ve been especially obsessed with this song and also her most recent album, HEAVYWEIGHT, ever since she and her band performed on [Think Out Loud] a few weeks ago. This song, I think, perfectly captures the essence of new beginnings, the whole cycle of rinsing and repeating. Everything about this, her voice, the dreamy arrangement, in each listen, there’s something to get lost in, and that’s what I love about this song.
[Isabeau Waia’u Walker’s “Plant in Spring” playing]
It’s time to wash your hair, dear girl
hot water, cold water
wash off the week
I would take my own picture but
the neighbor’s bedroom
Window is too close
And I’m too shy to play
Beautiful in public …
[Song fades out]
Miller: That’s “Plant in Spring” by Isabeau Walker.
Charles has called in from Portland. Charles, what is your song?
Charles [caller]: My most listened to song this year is by Canadian musician Ariel Posen. It’s called “Tumble Away,” and it’s an interesting solo guitar piece played on a baritone guitar.
Miller: And what is it about this song that has had you listen to it over and over?
Charles [caller]: It’s just soothing to me. It’s very ethereal and soothing. I just love it, can’t play it enough.
Miller: This is Ariel Posen’s “Tumble Away.”
[Ariel Posen’s “Tumble Away” playing – guitar music]
Miller: That’s Charles’s pick by Ariel Posen, “Tumble Away.”
Let’s go to another voicemail now. This is Denise from Oregon City.
Denise [voicemail]: Good day, Dave Miller. This is your friend Denise from Oregon City, and the two songs that sustained me this past year are “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers and “September Song” by Earth, Wind & Fire. Whenever I was feeling a little down or low, I would put on either of those on repeat, repeat, and more repeat. And they brought me out of a funk and made me feel better. Plus they both have a good funky beat.
[Bill Withers’ “Lovely Day” playing]
When I wake up in the morning, love
And the sunlight hurts my eyes
And something without warning, love
Bears heavy on my mind
Then I look at you
And the world’s alright with me
Just one look at you
And I know it’s gonna be
A lovely day …
[Song fades out]
Miller: The one and only Bill Withers, brought to us by our listener Denise in Oregon City.
Let’s take a call now from Ross in Bend. Ross, what song has meant a lot to you this year?
Ross [caller]: Dave, good day to you. Thanks for taking my call.
Miller: Good day to you.
Ross [caller]: It’s an artist named Grace Cummings. She’s an Aussie, and her album “Ramona” was released in January this year. The third track on it’s called “I’m Getting Married to the War.”
[Grace Cumming’s “I’m Getting Married to the War” playing]
I’m getting married to The War
I carry roses in my hand
My dress looks pretty
Like it was before
When I found a handsome man
Shoot …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Ross, why this song?
Ross [caller]: As it builds in intensity, there is just this authentic passion in her performance and voice, and I think that’s a through line across her album as well, which is titled “Ramona.” So I’ve just been so captivated by it. And what else can I say?
Miller: Ross, thanks so much.
Ross [caller]: David, thank you so much, brother. I appreciate your show and have a great day.
Miller: Thank you. You too. That’s Ross, who brought us “I’m Getting Married to the War” by the Australian artist Grace Cummings.
Let’s listen to another voicemail. This came in from a listener who chose not to leave her name.
Listener [voicemail]: This year of political upheaval really has had me spinning. OPB, in particular Jason Sauls, played a background tune to any of the OPB announcements made during regular programming. I called OPB and the team because I wanted to know what that background music was with a guitar that just knocked me out. They called back with the group’s name and the album. That group is Lanterna and the album is “Desert Ocean.” Every tune is really fabulous. It reminds me of Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon, and this album soothed me through these rough days of October and even days before then. So I wanted to thank the team once again. It’s a great album.
[Lanterna’s “Desert Ocean” playing – instrumentals]
Miller: Elise has called in from Portland. Elise, go ahead.
Elise [caller]: Hi there.
Miller: Hey, what’s your song?
Elise [caller]: Our song, with our family that we’ve been listening to this year, is “When the Night Feels My Song” featuring Frank Turner, and it’s by Bedouin Soundclash.
Miller: Let’s have a listen.
[Bedouin Soundclash’s “When the Night Feels My Song,” feat. Frank Turner playing]
I’m on the rocky hill
Heading down off the mountain slope
And as my steps echo, echo louder than before
Another day is done
Say goodbye to the setting sun
See what I found
Turn back to the ground
Just as before
Hey hey hey, hey beautiful day
Hey hey hey, hey beautiful day …
[Song fades away]
Miller: Elise, you said that this is your family’s song. What’s it like when the whole family listens to this song together?
Elise [caller]: Dancing. Everyone just starts dancing. And we knew it was a song we liked as a family when we’d only heard it a couple times and our 4.5 year old just started singing the chorus out loud to herself one day.
Miller: Elise, thanks so much.
Elise [caller]: Thank you. Have a great day.
Miller: You too. That is Elise in Portland with her song “When the Night Feels My Song” by the group Bedouin Soundclash.
Speaking of songs that families like, I have another one from my year that was on repeat. It’s by the pianist Royce Martin, who graduated from high school, I think five or six years ago. Last year, he put out an album of Scott Joplin rags. I’ve probably heard 100 versions of Scott Joplin’s tunes over the years, but somehow this young pianist, Royce Martin, made me hear them in a new way. There’s blues, and gospel, and jazz, and French Impressionism all mixed together. They’re super fun renditions. This is his version of the “Maple Leaf Rag.”
[Royce Martin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” playing – piano music]
Miller: That is Royce Martin’s version of Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag.”
Ryan has called in from Portland. Ryan, go ahead.
Ryan [caller]: Hi, good afternoon.
Miller: Good afternoon to you. What song has meant a lot to you this year?
Ryan [caller]: There are so many, ‘cause music is so influential. But if I had to choose one, I actually called in for a song by the band named Puscifer, which is Maynard Keenan [inaudible], and the song is called “The Humbling River.” And yeah, the lyrics are really poignant. It’s about unity and trying to come together as people to achieve the goal.
Miller: Ryan, we’ll have a listen. This is “Humbling River.”
[Puscifer’s “The Humbling River” playing]
To conquer every mountain shown
But I’ve never crossed the river
Braved the forests, braved the stone
Braved the icy winds and fire
Braved and beat them on my own
Yet I’m helpless by the river …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Ryan, thanks so much for that. That’s the song “Humbling River.”
Prakruti, what else do you have for us?
Bhatt: The third song I have for you is “My Name Is Dancing” by Sarah Kinsley. I love a good love song. I’m on team “bring yearning back,” and this song checks all those boxes for me. It’s such a ridiculously sweet song that really captures the joys and anxieties of falling in love, and wanting to be loved. Her voice, along with the instrumentation just feels like a hug to me.
[Sarah Kinsley’s “My Name is Dancing” playing]
There is no stopping it, no stopping
I had a name before we met
But all the letters never sat right
But on your tongue, I see them dancing
On your lips, they come alive
I just want to be in the feeling of love
Of your love
I don’t care for any other thing
But your love
But your love …
[Song fades out]
Miller: That’s “My Name Is Dancing” by Sarah Kinsley.
Let’s hear another listener’s voicemail. This is Eleanor, who called in from Portland.
Eleanor [voicemail]: The song I’ve been listening to is “Roadsinger” by Cat Stevens. It’s about a troubled troubadour who’s dealing with the state of the world and the loss of friends. He comes upon a child and it’s the innocence of the child that brings light into his world. And, I don’t know, every time I hear it, the innocence of a child is truth. And it’s something that stays with you, that’s pure.
[Cat Stevens’ “Roadsinger” playing]
A child’s face peeped out and gave a smile
And ran back
Behind a misty glass, on a windowpane,
A little finger drew a perfect heart
And her name
Where do you go? Where do you go?
In a world filled with fright;
Only a song to warm you,
Through the night …
[Song fades out]
Miller: We have time for at least one more call. Andrew has called in from Milwaukee. Andrew, what do you have for us?
Andrew [caller]: Yeah, I’m not much of a pop listener actually. I listen more to indie rock, folk rock, stuff like that, but this year I was really in love with “Cowboy Carter” by Beyoncé. And although there’s so many great tracks on that album, I would have to choose “Levii’s Jeans” cause it’s just such a good track.
[Beyoncé's “Levii’s Jeans” playing]
You call me pretty little thing
And I love to turn him on
Boy, I’ll let you be me Levi’s jeans
So you can hug that thing all day long
Come here, you sexy little thing
Snap a picture, bring it on
Oh, you wish you were my Levi’s jeans
Way it’s poppin’ out your phone
Love you down to the bone
Baby, you play too much (you play too much)
Sendin’ me super shots (shots)
I’m looking super hot (I’m hot)
I got the perfect pose (she snappin’)
Baby, I’m an animal (she sexy)
Baby, I’m a centerfold (she rep it) …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Andrew, thanks so much. That’s Andrew from Milwaukee with Beyoncé's “Levii’s Jeans.”
We can go with one more song that I loved this year. I don’t even have too much to say about it except that it’s just a super fun song, sort of a song or album of the summer. This is from Remi Wolf’s album this year. It’s called “Soup.”
[Remi Wolf’s “Soup” playing]
If the plane’s on the ground
It can never really get that far
I can’t help but make it ‘bout me
Oh, when you and I are together
Now I’m cleaning up the dirt on my feet
And I’m hoping that I’m getting better
Until I’m
Doing business on the top of the roof
They told me to leave, but I don’t want to leave without you …
[Song fades out]
Miller: Prakruti, thank you so much. It was super fun doing this with you.
Bhatt: Thank you so much.
Miller: Thanks to everybody who called in. Sorry we didn’t get to more calls, but we’ll do this again. It is so great hearing new music and hearing music that means so much to folks.
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