SOMETHING OLD
Spirit - Jewish
1968
Spirit - Jewish
1968
In the “spirit” of Hanukkah, which begins at sundown this Sunday, here’s Spirit’s take on the Hine Ma Tov hymn, simply called Jewish on their The Family That Plays Together record.
The hymn comes from Psalm 133 and is about people living in unity.
It dips in and out of a fairly bare-bones musical structure and a very lively guitar solo with other rock elements. Always loved this one.
Chanukah sameach!
SOMETHING NEW
Jordan Rakei + Jalen Ngonda - What It Gave Me
November 27th, 2025
Jordan Rakei + Jalen Ngonda - What It Gave Me
November 27th, 2025
The Muscle Shoals sound is returning.
This duet is full of soul, so in that vein I’ll mention that it reaches mountains high with Ngonda’s charming falsetto and rivers deep with Rakei’s buttery smooth deeper register.
I’m a little bit lost on the meaning. Without reading the lyrics, I sort of just naturally came to a conclusion that it was describing an experience that was difficult but “what it gave me” was worth more than the challenges would have made it seem. Looking at the elusive lyrics, I’m realizing it’s a lot more vague: “But what it gave me / In this time / I don't know”
Maybe they don’t know what it gave them. That’s fine too. Do they know what “it” is? Don’t really care; it sounds great.
My one complaint is that it’s too short!
SOMETHING BORROWED
Tori Amos - Growin Up' (Bruce Springsteen)
2001
Tori Amos - Growin Up' (Bruce Springsteen)
2001
I know I already used a 2001 Tori Amos cover a couple months ago, but this was unreleased until now so it doesn’t count as being repetitive!
On one of my favorite Bruce Springsteen songs (off his debut record), Amos brings on her raspiest rasp and her excellent rock sensibilities. I am so in love with her voice here.
The cover sits at nearly a minute and a half longer than the original. Amos takes her time, particularly with a rich piano & drum intro before singing the first verse.
In a 1972 performance at Max’s Kansas City, Springsteen prefaces the song by saying it’s about “becoming a man – for all you guys. It could be a song about becoming a woman, too... I don’t know.” I think we have lots of fun songs about the wild and fun comings of age for guys. Girls, though, often have much more grief to reflect on in their youth, like in Amos' Precious Things for example. It’s lovely to hear her singing about some joyful formative years for a change.
SOMETHING... DISCOVERED LIVE
Star Moles - Simple Creatures
2024
Star Moles - Simple Creatures
2024
Last weekend, I saw Tchotchke live, a band I adore. It’s been a busy year, so I never got around before the show to check out the opener Star Moles (Emily Moales, also featuring drummer Jem Seidel live). I’m honestly thrilled I went into it blind, because I was so pleasantly blown away.
They opened with Simple Creatures and I was immediately hooked. Ever since, I’ve been listening to it every day.
The song comes from last year’s album Three Chimes, At Silent Palace! – which is partially referenced in the lyrics.
It’s simply indie pop excellence with a heavy drum beat and heavenly singing with so much emotion throughout, featuring a beautiful, sort of nostalgic synthesizer solo in place of a bridge. Please keep your eye on Star Moles, who also put out an album this year titled Snack Monster.