Timothy Mudd

It's hard to say exactly how I felt about 2020. After the disaster that was 2019, my expectations were low. And a wry smile crossed my face when the Seattle Space Needle 2020 New Year fireworks were called-off on account of high winds. An anti-climactic entrance of a new decade. I'd already been watching COVID-19 spreading west from China since Thanksgiving 2019, so I wasn't surprised to become gripped amid a global pandemic and all the steps we undertook to protect ourselves. I found increasingly disappointing the politicization of a worldwide health crisis and the red lines I found myself drawing between those who felt similarly to me and those whose freedom/liberty/etc. was paramount to saving lives. I'm not in a rush to get back to normal. I see 'Normal' as an evolution, not a benchmark, so what will be, will be. I'm approaching 2021 with hope, and I 'hope' that hope doesn't kill me. I faired well in 2020. I kept my job, expanded my data learning, assisted, and instructed courses at the University of Washington. I didn't play or see as many shows or attend baseball games as I would have liked, but I did buy a truckload of vinyl to do my part in supporting the bands and artists who were crippled by the events of the year. Like spending most of my year at home since March, I hope that helped in some small way. So, yeah. My expectations for 2021 are similarly low to where I was a year ago. Maybe we'll be out and about more by the autumn? But I'm not counting on it. I'll keep doing what I can to support my friends, colleagues, students, and community from home. As ever, enjoy the music, and happy New Year.

Favorite Songs of 2020

'Serafina,' Bambara

'Wakin' Up,' Lucinda Williams

'Blinding Lights,' The Weeknd

'You Should Be Sad,' Halsey

'Only The Strong,' Laura Marling

'Wildfires,' Sault

'Grow Your Garden,' Brett Newski

'Lone Wolf,' Armored Saint

'Wait 'til Night,' Empress

'Plans We Made,' Son Lux

'Texas Sun,' Khruangbin w/ Leon Bridges

'Domino,' Nicole Atkins

'Numb,' Elderbrook

'Lead Wings,' Dawn of Solace

'Start Paying',' Lo Tom

'State of the Union,' Public Enemy

'On The Mend,' Man Man

'If You Mean It,' Jonah Mutono

'Hard On Everyone,' Kathleen Edwards

'Darkness Song,' Asaf Avidan

Favorite Albums of 2020

Lucinda Williams, Good Souls Better Angels

Puscifier, Existential Reckoning

Armored Saint, Punching The Sky

Lo Tom, LP 2

Sault, Untitled (Black Is)

Joe Satriani, Shapeshifting

Gillian Welch, Boots No. 2

Spirit Adrift, Enlightened in Eternity

Kvelertak, Splid

Lido Pimienta, Miss Columbia

M. Ward, Migration Stories

The Bug. Dis Fig, In Blue

JARV IS..., Beyond the Pale

Fiona Apple, Fetch The Bolt Cutters

Khruangbin, Mordechai

The Beths, Jump Rope Gazers

Kilo, Maybe We Could

Asaf Avidan, Anagnorisis

The Mavericks, En Español

John Lennon, Gimme Some Truth

Favorite Shows of 2020

Bambara, Sunset Tavern, Seattle, WA 03/03/20

Girls Just Wanna Weekend Ensemble, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 02/02 

Brandi Carlile, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 01/30

Luscious, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 01/31

Sheryl Crow, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 01/31

KT Tunstall, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 02/01

Patty Griffin, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 01/30

Amada Shires, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 02/01

Yola, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 01/31

Lake Street Dive, Hard Rock Hotel, Riviera Maya, Mexico 02/01

Defining Moments of 2020 (in chronological order)

Quitting smoking (finally – it's almost been a year!)

TA-ing and teaching at the University of Washington

Girls Just Wanna Weekend in Cancun

West Seattle Bridge closure

COVID lock down

Learning new skills working on the house

Birthday in Manzanita

Getting back to a more manageable weight

Realizing I'm better-off gluten-free

If I thought I'd experienced challenging years in the past, 2019 redefined my measure of difficult times. This year was nothing short of a relentless rollercoaster of events from death to new work opportunities to brutal family drama to the devastating loss of a pet to buying a home; and, all the relative learning that comes along with hit after hit after hit. All in all, I survived. Was it graceful? Barely. But, when moving forward is the only option at the end of the day, that's all you can do and hope the next go-round will be better. While I just about kept up with my music listening, I've replaced the word 'Favorite' with the word 'Defining' in my list of 2019's personal moments. It better encapsulates the feelings I'm left with as this year's circus leaves town. Zooming out a little further, overall, this has been a decade of personal honesty and massive growth. I plan to honor and respect its teachings from the thrilling highs to crippling lows. Looking ahead, all I'm striving for is my health and a little bit of peace. Boredom wouldn't be that bad for a while, either. As ever, enjoy the music; and, happy New Year.

Favorite Songs of 2019

'Tenderness,' Duff McKagen

'What You Don't Know,' Caroline Spence

'Not,' Big Thief

'bad guy,' Billie Eilish

'Seventeen,' Sharon Van Etten

'You'll Need A New Backseat Driver,' The New Pornographers

'Lover,' Taylor Swift

'555,' Jimmy Eat World

'White Noise White Heat,' Elbow

'VTr,' The Twilight Sad

'Something to Hope For,' Craig Finn

'At It Again,' Erin Rae & The Heartbeets

'Catch Me I'm Falling,' The Chemical Brothers

'Weird Ways,' Strand of Oaks

'Loaded Gun,' Jack Peñate

'The Sea,' Lily Kershaw

'Hollywood,' Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

'My Wing,' Hiss Golden Messenger

'Wild & Lonely,' Melissa Etheridge

Favorite Albums of 2019

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Ghosteen

The New Pornographers, In the Morse Code of the Break Lights

Duff McKagen, Tenderness

Caroline Spence, Mint Condition

Michael Kiwanuka, KIWANUKA

Billie Eilish, WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?

The Twilight Sad, IT WON/T BE LIKE THIS ALL THE TIME

Elbow, Giants of All Sizes

Craig Finn, I Need A New War

The Chemical Brothers, No Geography

Angel Olsen, All Mirrors

Big Thief, Two Hands

Kim Gordon, No Home Record

Wilco, Ode to Joy

The Raconteurs, Help Us Stranger

Julia Jacklin, Crushing

Brittany Howard, Jaime

Lana Del Rey, Norman F*#$%&$ Rockwell!

FKA twigs, MAGDALENE

Favorite Shows of 2019

Duff McKagen, Showbox, Seattle, WA 06/16/19

Neko Case, McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA 12/5/19

Nick Cave, Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA 10/11/19

Tank & the Bangas, Thing Festival, Port Townsend, WA 08/25/19

Hannah Gadsby, Moore Theatre, Seattle, WA 06/08.19

The French Tips, Columbia City Theatre, Seattle, WA 03/27/19

Erin Rae & the Heartbeets, Sunset Tavern, Seattle, WA 08/19/19

De La Soul, Thing Festival, Port Townsend, WA 08/24/19

Calexico, McCaw Hall, Seattle, WA 12/5/19

Jeff Tweedy, Thing Festival, Port Townsend, WA 08/25/19

The Black Tones, Thing Festival, Port Townsend, WA 08/25/19

Among Authors, Capitol Hill Block Party, Seattle, WA 07/19/19 

Sam Cobra, Spanish Ballroom, Tacoma, WA 11/14/19

Defining Moments of 2019 (in chronological order)

Performing multiple fantastic shows throughout the year with Erin Rae & the Heartbeets

Taking my first step back into higher education in 20 years

Our first real Seattle snowfall

The passing of Jen's mother, Pat, and everything that ensued

Truly learning what it takes to be there for your partner in life 

Starting my new position at Trident Seafoods; learning and growing my career

Finally understanding my relationship with my father

Losing Luff—my new definition for utter heartbreak and grief

Buying our first home in West Seattle, and everything that ensued

Completing the UW Data Visualization Certification Program

Being invited back to UW as an instructor in 2020

Remotely being there for Dave as he and Cora welcomed Gloria into the world

Finally learning the difference between what people are and can be—no matter what you want them to be

Sarah & Tyler's wedding (after ten months of relentless testing, it's perfectly acceptable to spend a Sunday afternoon drinking in a Cancún swimming pool)

DIY Weekend with Regan and Paul (and all the tool buying that ensued)

Recording with Jack Endino

Introducing my Mum to Seattle during her first Thanksgiving

Finally, a quiet Christmas in our own home

Man, what a year. It started with the loss of a friend, then terrible grief with another friend; work frustration, then an unexpected career change. But through it all ran a theme of friendship, learning, and growth. And baseball. And—of course—music. Oh, and I also turned 40! I’m looking forward to continued friendship, learning, and growth and baseball in 2019, but for now the journal of my year through music, with a collection of my favorite personal moments. Happy New Year!

Favorite Songs of 2018

’The Tree of Forgiveness,’ John Prine

‘Dream State,’ Son Lux

‘Begin Again,’ El Coyote

‘Living In The Future.’ Dawes

’The Bottle Never Lets Me Down,’ Sarah Shook & The Disarmers

‘Damn Your Eyes,’ Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa

‘Don’t Stop,’ Jon Batiste

‘Love You So Bad,’ Ezra Furman

’Not Running,’ The Beths

‘One Day At A Time,’ American Aquarium

‘Holy Water,’ Cody Jinks

‘Wish You Well,’ Emma Louise

‘Once In My Life,’ The Decemberists

‘Little Dark Age,’ MGMT

‘Pure Comedy,’ Father John Misty

‘Hunter,’ Anna Calvi

’Try,’ Red Shahan

’Things Have Changed,’ Bettye LaVette

Favorite Albums of 2018

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Years

El Coyote, Begin Again

Brian Eno, Music For Installations

Emma Louise, Lilac Everything

Cat Power, Wanderer

Son Lux, Brighter Wounds

Anna Calvi, Hunter

Kamasi Washington, Heaven & Earth

Dawes, Passwords

John Prine, The Tree of Forgiveness

Brandi Carlile, By The Way, I Forgive You

John Coltrane, Both Direction At Once: The Lost Album

Kurt Vile, Loading Zones

The Beths, Future Me Hates Me

Soccer Mommy, Clean

Snail Mail, Clean

The Joy Formidable, Aaarth

Ezra Furman, Transangelic Exodus

Favorite Concerts of 2018

American Aquarium, Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA 8/11/18

Foo Fighters, Safeco Field, Seattle, WA 9/1/18

Dawes, Showbox, Seattle, WA 10/1/18

Pearl Jam, Safeco Field, Seattle, WA 8/8/18

Sarah Shook & The Disarmers, Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA 7/25/18

Milk Carton Kids, Showbox, Seattle, WA 11/1/18

Absinthe, Las Vegas, NV 03/10/18

Harrison B, Barboza, Seattle, WA 12/1/18

Erin Rae & the Heartbeets, Columbia City Theatre, Seattle, WA 7/26/18

Primus, Marymoor Park, Redmond, WA 6/22/18

Nada Surf, Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA 5/14/18

Devotchka, Showbox, Seattle, WA 9/20/18

The Joy Formidable, Neumos, Seattle, WA 10/28/18

Dawes, Crystal Theatre, Portland, ME 9/14/18

Personal Moments of 2018 (in chronological order)

Becoming a part of the Seattle music community and making new friends here

Jen’s birthday in Vegas!

Opening Day with Jason and the entire baseball season

Spending a weekend in Santa Cruz with Donna (Movies! Pizza!)

Spending a Sunday in Sacramento with Dave (bowling!)

Hanging out with Rich in San Diego

Spending a few days with my Dad in Santa Cruz

Exploring Seattle and Vancouver Island with Clayton and Thatcher

Being taught by Bill how to catch, throw, and bat

Pro baseball lesson for my birthday

Exploring Maine with Jen and enjoying time with Julie, Dave and Cora

Whale Watching with Jen, Sarah, and Leah

Performing with two local bands on Halloween

Continued learning and deciding to go back to school in 2019

Running a successful consulting business

Joining Erin Rae & the Heartbeets on bass, rehearsing, and recording

Thanksgiving in Seattle and Christmas in Houston

On its last day, I wonder if there will ever be another year like 2016. Apart from my wife, two cats, and friends, nothing is the same in my life as it was on this day twelve months ago. Different jobs, different cars, a different ‘home’ city… Jen and I survived old plumbing, temporary housing, uncertain livelihood, births, deaths, familial drama, tens of thousands of air miles, and many lonely nights of separation. It’s been a wild ride. Personally, I consider 2016 to have been a fantastic year—one from which to grow. Globally, I understand that many don’t share this sentiment. We’ve lost many great people (the arts feel particularly impacted), and an eerie shell-shock looms from many months of bizarre and arguably frightening western politics (whichever side of the aisle you prefer). Change brings uncertainty, and uncertainty almost always provokes fear. If I’ve learned one thing from 2016, it’s that such challenges provide us with a choice: crumble under the weight, or strive forward and push on through for something better. Apparently—consciously or sub-consciously—I’ll pick the latter option every time. I have learned a lot this year; enough to realize there will always be more work, challenges, choices, and lessons. It becomes hard to assess the scope of what’s bad without the ability also to measure what’s good. And with that annoyingly broad, but arguably true sentiment, please enjoy my annual list of music and moments I will remember fondly from 2016. In turn, it is my hope you’ll find a piece of musical joy to warm the remainder of your winter.

Favorite Songs of 2016 (Think of this as a playlist rather than an order of preference)

‘Runnin’ Just In Case,’ Miranda Lambert

‘Lazarus,’ David Bowie

‘Don’t Hurt Yourself (feat. Jack White),’ Beyonce

‘4 Degrees,’ ANOHNI

‘Below,’ White Lung

‘Ugly Flower, Pretty Vase,’ Moonface

‘The Closing Door,’ LVL UP

‘My Church,’ Maren Morris

‘Atomic Number,’ Case/Lang/Veirs

‘Iodine & Iron,’ The Veils

‘Magneto,’ Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

‘The World Is On Fire,’ Ed Harcourt

‘Time Moves Slowly (feat. Samuel T. Herring),’ BadBadNotGood

‘Daydreaming,’ Radiohead

‘(8) Circle,’ Bon Iver

‘Call To Arms,’ Sturgil Simpson

Favorite Albums of 2016 (I had 97 favorite records of 2016—here are the top 16 if I’m being brutal to the rest)

David Bowie, Blackstar

Sturgil Simpson, A Sailor’s Guide To Earth

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Skeleton Tree

Wilco, Schmilco

Lucy Dacus, No Burden

Radiohead, A Moon Shaped Pool

James Blake, The Colour In Anything

ANOHNI, HOPELESSNESS

White Lung, Paradise

Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt & Emmylou Harris, The Compete Trio Collection

Dwight Yoakam, Swimming Pools & Movie Stars

Leonard Cohen, You Want It Darker

Daniel Lanois, Goodbye To Language

Bon Iver, 22, A Million

Wild Beasts, Boy King

Paul Simon, Stranger To Stranger

Favorite Concerts of 2016

Dolly Parton, Valley View Casino Center, San Diego, CA 9/27/16

Sia, Viejas Arena, San Diego, CA 10/5/16

The Veils, Barboza, Seattle, WA 11/12/16

Margo Price, Bumbershoot, Seattle, WA 9/3/16

Girl Band, Irenic, San Diego, CA 8/17/16

Protomartyr, Soda Bar, San Diego, CA 3/2/16

White Lung, Neumos, Seattle, WA 8/13/16

Boss Hog, Casbah, San Diego, CA 7/17/16

Tame Impala, Bumbershoot, Seattle, WA 9/3/16

Sun Kil Moon, Regent Theatre, Los Angeles, CA 11/17/16

Billy Idol, Bumbershoot, Seattle, WA 9/3/16

Ty Segall, Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, CA 1/27/16

Personal Moments of 2016

New Year’s in Montreal with Cody and Amanda

Dave and Cora’s Wedding

Hanging with Katie in Santa Cruz

Recruited by Colorescience/Getting to know and work with all those good people

Early June Temple family visit in Houston

Moving to Seattle

Living and Learning a new city with Jen

Writing for Far Out Magazine

Far too much time on airplanes (65K travelled air miles)

Getting to know Scott, Martha and Bennett

DOLLY!!! with Sacha

Boys weekend in Palm Springs, L.A., and San Diego with Dave

Trading election coverage for Stephen King novels

Hanging with Regan in Bellevue

Signing-off on Colorescience 2017 carton rebrand

I’m not going to lie—I won’t be sad to see the back of 2015. Thank goodness for a slew of fantastic musical releases and incredible live performances that helped ease the ills and provide many a silver lining. Enjoy the lists below, I hope they will turn you on to at least one or two new favorites. Bring it on 2016! (more…)