Fan of RVA

I’ve been in the list-making bunker, trying to figure out how to wrangle a whole mess of albums I really enjoyed this year, but I thought I’d step out briefly to join in the celebration of Lucy Dacus’ new tune, “Night Shift.”

It’s the lead single off her upcoming album, Historian (out March 2, pre-order here), and it’s a triumph, bursting at the seams with the brilliance that made “I Don’t Wanna Be Funny Anymore” such a breakout success, including:

Astoundingly vivid and memorable lyrics, with an opening that grabs your ears like few I’ve heard: “The first time I tasted somebody else’s spit I had a coughing fit.”

Emotional intelligence that permeates every word, with brutally incisive lines like “You don’t deserve what you don’t respect, don’t deserve what you say you love and then neglect.”

Vocals so rich and ranging that you feel like you’re along for the journey the lyrics describe.

A lengthy coda that opens the song up dynamically in a cathartic combination of resignation and hope.

It was that exceptional coda that stood out when I saw her perform “Night Shift” at The National in 2016, but having an opportunity to sit with the quieter moments has been rewarding, as is always the case with Dacus’ music. Forgive me if I’ve said something similar in the past while singing her praises, but Dacus’ lyrics comprise some of my favorite writing anywhere, in much the same way that John Darnielle’s Mountain Goats lyrics feel like they transcend their form. Maybe award-winning novels are in her future, as well.

On more than one level, this song makes me look forward 2018. 2017 was a year in which I found myself enjoying more new music than ever while feeling less inspired to write about it in personal terms. Some of that was time scarcity, some was political-shitstorm-related paralysis, some was focusing on writing assignments in which my life didn’t figure prominently. But “Night Shift” brings me back to a place of excitement and energy. Some musicians make you want to run to the nearest instrument and start noodling; Dacus makes me want to start typing.

Speaking of which, back to the bunker for me. Hope y'all enjoy “Night Shift” as well.

A few Friday news and notes items, starting with the video above…

Holy crap – have y'all heard this Angelica Garcia song? Matthew E. White tweeted about her yesterday, and Ted, the bass player for my band, saw her at The Tin Pan last night and raved about it. Can’t wait to hear more. (BTW s/o to a fellow son [daughter in her case] of a preacher [Episcopalian priest in both our cases] man [woman in my case].)

Mrs. YHT and I finished Stranger Things last night. No, YOU were a sobbing mess. Did you hear that the band that contributed the original score – they’re called, appropriately, Survive – is going on tour?

Speaking of soundtracks hitting the road, Seu Jorge is doing a David Bowie tribute tour, reprising his role in The Life Aquatic. He’s coming to D.C., but it’s on a Tuesday, and that Tuesday happens to be election day. Not sure I’m brave enough to go to that city on that day, but hot damn do I want to see that show. And hot damn to I want to get my hands on a copy of this.

So Delicate Steve played on Paul Simon’s last album. Which I love. I had no idea. I found this out because a press release celebrating his signing to ANTI- mentioned it. (Here’s the new tune of his they linked to in that email.)

David Vandervelde – one of two people named David who played music at my sister’s wedding – is putting out a collaborative EP with Tess Shapiro. It’s streaming over at Brooklyn Vegan, and I’d recommend listening all the way through. The whole thing is good, but I’m really digging the last two tracks.

The only thing better than friends who make mixtapes are friends who make mixtapes and also link you to other excellent mixtapes. Thank you for sending a link to this wonderful @aquariumdrunkard mix, Giselle!

I’m turning 33 tomorrow, and I’ll be celebrating the first few hours of my birthday by joining Doug Nunnally on Sound Gaze. Not sure when I’ll be jumping in, but the show runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on WDCE. Listen online, listen on the radio, peer into the windows of the station… whatever it takes.

Happy Friday! A few news and notes items before you hit the club:

Congrats to Clair Morgan on the USA Today/FTW song premiere! Very exciting to see this record off to a great start, because it’s damn good and lots and lots of people need to hear it. Can’t wait to spin my vinyl copy.

THIS IS NOT A DRILL… BATTLES IS REISSUING MIRRORED. This has been on my holy grail list for a while – one of the albums I’m most jealous that my sister and brother-in-law have and I don’t. I seriously check the “B” section of every record store I go into, just in case. Very excited about this development.

I found a used copy of Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s Yanqui U.X.O. this week. Such an interesting album. I actually hadn’t heard it, but recognized the cover and gave it a listen in the store. Really tense and beautiful, but one of the most compelling things about it is when it was released. Post 9/11 but pre-Iraq invasion. What an eerie time to look back on.

Gorgeous new song from Moses Sumney. Feels like he’s pushing into more realized territory with each song he releases. (Here’s a thing I wrote after seeing him open for Sufjan.)

I have a gig Saturday night at Capital Ale House opening for the SteppinStone reunion, but another great Saturday shindig will be happening over at the Broadberry with Southern Belles. Either way, you can’t lose.