Midway through May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month, is as nice a time as any to recall and then share your own “warm bath” (credit: Adam Culver) songs. What’s your go-to source of sonic swaddling?, we asked WNXP listeners. And, per usual, you delivered.
Stream the May 12 #ThematicStatic ( ) and, per usual, visit @WNXPNashville on our socials atop each week to learn the theme and lob some great requests our way. You can also record your request via voice memo at wnxp.org/feedback and we’ll air your intro during the show! Thanks to East Side Bowl for supporting this mixtape we make together.
Prelude
Bakar – “Free”
Coldplay – “Shiver” – LOOK AT THESE BABIES, currently offsetting their massive world tour’s carbon footprint by making fans stationary bike along to their tunes. #respect
Adia Victoria – “Ain’t Killed Me Yet”
#ThematicStatic Playlist
Ben Howard – “Keep Your Head Up” – requested by Kristen on Twitter
The Velvet Underground – “Who Loves the Sun” – it’s sad, but sunny, you know?
Neko Case – “I Wish I Was the Moon” – requested by Kaylie, this is a classic from the 20-year-old Blacklisted record by the raven-haired singer-songwriter who’s returning to Nashville this summer for a show at Brooklyn Bowl.
Nick Drake – “Pink Moon” – a recommendation by our own Adam Culver (currently on WNXP middays M-F), but also a dedication to my BFF and college roommate Ashley, since we used to put on this record to fall asleep in our dorm like the angelic/old soul 19-year-olds we were.
The Brook and the Bluff – “Don’t Worry Baby” – this repeated #ThematicStatic selection, Beach Boys original by this Nashville-based quartet, was requested by ___ this time around. We originally aired it during our Under the Covers January blitz of cover tunes.
Sly & the Family Stone – “Hot Fun in the Summertime” – I find I grow at least 25% happier hearing this song, no matter my circumstances. This performance video clip from 1969 might just triple that for you!
Willie Nelson ft. Lukas Nelson – “Just Breathe” (Pearl Jam cover) – Kristen requested this via Twitter.
Radiohead – “Let Down” – a masterclass in pop-rock production, especially if you’re wearing headphones.
Bedouine – “One of These Days” – Adam Culver said this one, from Bedouine’s self-titled 2017 debut record, is a real chiller. Hard agree.
ABBA – “Chiquitita” – about this particular song from the world famous Swedish disco quartet, Jude said:
“This is my comfort blanket of a song. It always makes me cry.
Listener/requester Jude on “Chiquitita”
Always makes me feel like I have sun on my skin
and reminds me that all things pass.”
Cotton Jones – “Gotta Cheer Up” – WNXP’s own Emily Young has this on her pick-me-up playlist and shared the recommendation.
Squirrel Flower – “Iowa 146 (Live from WNXP’s Sonic Cathedral)” – I can’t specify who on the WNXP squad, but someone wept when Ella Williams sang this one from the Planet (i) record in our then-newly-operational performance space. You can watch the three-song set and interview again here.
Runners Up
Sharon Van Etten – “We Are Fine” – requested by Marissa
Sarah Jarosz – “Green Lights” – requested by Jamie
Marc Scibilia – “Shining Like America” – requested by Matthew
