This theme doesn’t need an introduction, not really. What huge proportion of recorded music is about the end of relationships? You really came through with requests, so we stretched this one over two weeks, also.
Listen to both shows here, where you can stream the archives (👇). We welcome your stories and requests anytime at wnxp.org/feedback so we can air YOUR voice on Nashville’s Music Experience!
#ThematicStatic Playlist – 7/27/23
Jeff Buckley – “Lover, You Should Have Come Over” – Dylan requested this slow burner, which provided the perfect opening to the themed set.
The Chicks – “Gaslighter” – You’d think people would’ve learned by now not to cross Natalie Maines, but her ex-husband clearly didn’t get the memo. The (formerly known as Dixie) Chicks blasted back in 2020 with a record largely about Maines’ divorce, with blistering, indicting lyrics in the title track such as:
‘Cause, boy, you know exactly what you did on my boat
The Chicks, “Gaslighter”
And, boy, that’s exactly why you ain’t comin’ home
Save your tired stories for your new someone else
‘Cause they’re lie-lie-lie-lie-lies
Look out, you little
Gaslighter, denier
Doin’ anything to get your ass farther
Gaslighter, big timer
Repeating all of the mistakes of your father
P.S. The day this show was first aired, The Chicks were set to play Bridgestone Arena and Emilee’s request made all the more sense to play on WNXP. The show was sadly postponed due to an illness in the group, but it’s been rescheduled for September 23.
Toni Braxton – “Un-Break My Heart” – You must hear Kari’s introduction to this one, a top scream-along song for anyone brokenhearted.
Madi Diaz – “Crying In Public (MUNA Remix)” – Anne on Instagram knew we needed a dancefloor reprieve from all of the sobbing into our pillows, and this one — from former Nashville Artist of the Month Diaz in collaboration with pop trio MUNA — is perfect for crying outside of the house, maybe even at the club! Trigger warning for locals, here’s the chaotic music video filmed on Lower Broadway:
Yaz – “Only You” – Kristin requested this one by the British group known in the U.K. as Yazoo, as Jude Mason schooled me.
Dijon – “The Dress” – Aaron isn’t wrong, this R&B jam remembering a lost love (“the dress looks nice on you still, and it always will”) is the loveliest.
Harry Nilsson – “Without You” – Nick on Twitter suggested this version, and I countered with Mariah Carey (I mean, geez!) but ultimately chose Nilsson for air-play. What a ballad.
Yola – “Ride Out In The Country” – Megan chose this gem off of Yola’s 2019 Easy Eye Sound debut, Walk Through Fire.
The National – “This Is The Last Time” – An anonymous listener recalled a real d-bag dumping her freshman year of college and citing these lyrics, which makes me so mad. (Using a mutually loved artist’s work as ammunition against your partner amounts to psychological warfare!) But this listener is better now, and her love is no swamp. She’s not “too much.” <3
Oh, when I lift you up you feel
Like a hundred times yourself
I wish everybody knew
What’s so great about youOh, but your love is such a swamp
The National, “This Is the Last Time”
You don’t think before you jump
And I said I wouldn’t get sucked in, ah
Colin Hay – “I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You” – This Scottish singer-songwriter (formerly of Men Without Hats) wrote one that reminds Carrie of her parents’ love, especially since her mother has passed.
Rilo Kiley – “Breakin’ Up” – Piper on Instagram requested this one by Nashville-based Jenny Lewis’s old band, Rilo Kiley.
Damien Rice & Lisa Hannigan – “9 Crimes (Live in London)” – Oh, Aaron, I’d forgotten about this duet. I played a live one but here’s the official video from Rice’s sophomore release, 9:
Lauryn Hill – “Ex-Factor” – Sarah knows that this one packs a punch.
#ThematicStatic Playlist: 8/3/23
Wilby – “I Got What I Asked For” – Thursday at 9am was the first and official announcement of our :: airhorn noise :: inaugural 91 Day on September 1 at the Blue Room, featuring this local artist (great break-up song, btw, Wilby) and also Gloom Girl MFG and former Nashville Artist of the Month Six One Trïbe. It’s going to be so fun to launch into Labor Day Weekend this way! Check out the event listing and link to buy tickets here.
Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes – Sharone asked for this via email and I loved playing it.
Bill Withers – “It’s All Over Now” – Here’s a straightforward admission of love lost, covered by so many greats, but this Withers version is primo.
Sinead O’Connor – “Nothing Compares 2 U” – I waited a full week after her passing to play Sinead on WNXP, because how could this version of the Prince song not be included in a best breakup songs themed set? I’ve cried thinking of her life, legacy and family. And the groundbreaking Irish artist famously cried in this video for the song in 1990:
Blackstreet – “Don’t Leave Me” – Here’s another classic ’90s break-up ballad but it’s got groove for days, too.
My Morning Jacket – “It Makes No Difference” – This sweet cover of The Band’s tune, appearing on a 2007 compilation covers album, was requested by Martha Ann, a fan of both groups.
Joni Mitchell – “A Case Of You” – Andy on Twitter (nay, X? 😐) asked for this during week one of the theme and I made good week two. It’s your choice to sip or shotgun the beautiful, delicate sadness of this one from a fellow Canadian and friend/collaborator of The Band, Queen Joni.
Miya Folick – “Get Out of My House” – Tabitha had fists in the air in Salt Lake City when Folick sang this one opening for Father John Misty and The Head and The Heart. Check out these resolved, rightfully angry break-up lyrics:
I love bein’ on my own without you
Takin’ off my clothes without you
Thought I needed your glow
Needed you to be home
But I’m better alone, woo!Get up, get out of my house!
Miya Folick, “Get Out of My House”
Gladys Knight & The Pips – “Neither One of Us (Wants To Be The One to Say Goodbye)” – John asked for this soul stunner from the early ’70s.
Tame Impala – “Eventually” – You might miss the tenderness amid the ~ * vibes * ~ on first listen, but Kevin Parker writes one hell of a “this is over” song, case in point: the entirety of 2015 LP Currents. This is for Emily.
Magnolia Electric Co. – “Leave The City” – Amanda on Instagram requested this old favorite from Jason Molina’s celebrated second band, a song from MEC’s 2005 record What Comes After The Blues.
BONUS internet archive inclusion:
The Roches – “Losing True” – Local guitar virtuoso William Tyler requested this one and I ran out of time to air it but it’s soooo worth a stream/watch. Thanks, William, this sister trio track is otherworldly pretty.