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Teresa O’Connor's avatar

Oh, I can’t wait to dive into this list. Some real favorites here already and new favorites to come. We all need to stay resilient and sane now, so music is a very fine support mechanism, says my husband who worked in the music industry for 40 years. Take good care, Elizabeth.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

How cool, Teresa! I didn't know that about your husband. I look forward to your, and his, reflections on these selections when you have a chance. Thank you for your interest in listening!

Teresa O’Connor's avatar

Another topic when we catch up. I was moved by so many of these songs. You put together an intelligent and inspiring song list that I will return to again and again.

Rita Ott Ramstad's avatar

This is so great, Elizabeth. Can't wait to listen. Thank you ❤️

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thanks, Rita. I was the kid who wrote out all the lyrics to the songs on my records if they didn't come pre-printed on the jacket, so I paid close attention to these. I hope you'll let me know which songs do or don't land for you, after you've had time to take them in.

Rita Ott Ramstad's avatar

I will try! (I was that kid, too.)

Emily's avatar

Some favorites on this playlist. Thanks for sharing it with us.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thank you, Emily. Which ones stood out as favorites right away? I'd love to know!

Beth T (BethOfAus)'s avatar

Some classics. I don’t use Spotify so thank you for the YouTube links.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

You are so welcome, Beth. Some classics, yes, and some more novel. I get deeply invested in these kinds of playlists. I know it won't be as easy to listen via separate links. Not as though you can press "play" and get on with some other task. But I hope you'll find yourself enjoying some of them, and I'd love to know which new ones you find most interesting or memorable.

Barry P Osborne's avatar

What a very timely post you have given us today... it was a rare occasion but I actually did turn on the news this afternoon and watched and listened to what was taking place or I should say failing to take place in Congress that was helpful and life-changing.. It's amazing how something ...maybe God even ...leads you to answers ...because as soon as I watched the program I received Chicken Scratch and I was drawn immediately to Dylan's great song and from that great song came these great words and these words were obviously meant for me to hear today ...especially for a parched disjointed world

"Come senators, congressmen

Please heed the call

Don't stand in the doorway

Don't block up the hall

For he that gets hurt

Will be he who has stalled

The battle outside ragin'

Will soon shake your windows

And rattle your walls

For the times they are a-changin"

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Iconic Dylan, right? I'm thrilled to know the music came at a time that felt right for you, Barry. Come back to share again when you've listened to the less familiar ones. A parched, disjointed world - for sure. An apt description.

Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

I took your playlist outside with me while I gardened. Old and new they lifted up like the sunshine and the growing things. Thank you Elizabeth. 🙏🏻

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Oh, Leslie, that's such a great thing to know! As a gardener myself, I would choose to take in someone else's playlist in exactly the same way. I'm honored. Would love to know which, if any, of the songs felt especially compelling. Thanks for reading and listening.

Leslie Rasmussen's avatar

I enjoyed them all. Some were old friends-Dylan, Cohen, Simon/Garfunckel, Lucinda Williams. I played America a couple of times--when that album came out I was regularly taking a Greyhound to see a boyfriend at a different college. I liked 'Ancient Light' and 'We could Fly'and Nami Nami with the swaying rhythms. Thanks again.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Ahh, smiling thinking of you gardening alongside those discoveries. Nami Nami was new to me, too. It's staying in the liked songs rotation. :)

Kim Nelson's avatar

What a gift this is. Thank you, Elizabeth. You are a treasure.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thank you, Kim. As are you! So grateful to have you here, and thank you for the restack. 💚

Holly Starley's avatar

What a beautiful offering, Elizabeth!

Will listen and come back to you.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thank you, Holly. This one may end up translating as forced creative fun in a way I didn't anticipate, like 1960s travel slideshows in song form. 😅

Holly Starley's avatar

OK, I'm back to say really great song list. I've always loved "Talking About a Revolution." "1944" Jamala was new to me, and I appreciate the intro. So many musicians I love here. Hadn't thought about Iron and Wine in a long time.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

You're a doll for coming back. I know we're all busy juggling stuff these days, but your days seem especially juggly right now. Yay, Caravan Bootcamps!! https://caravanwriterscollective.substack.com/p/gift-yourself-a-writing-weekend

Thank you, friend, for listening and letting me know which pieces stood out. I find I'm humming 1944 lately.

Janice Anne Wheeler's avatar

Delightful! I'm smiling, even before my coffee, with anticipation. What a thoughtful treat and memories galore. THANK YOU. I'm sorry I cannot go the paid route at this time. You are truly a worthwhile gem!! In many, many ways. J

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I'm smiling thinking about you smiling. 😀 And your steady readership and engagement here is a gift unto itself, Janice. Please know that.

Eileen Dougharty's avatar

Elizabeth, thanks for making us a mix tape. I think we should bring that idea back…those of a certain age remember picking out the songs and handing over the cassette to the special person you curated the mix to impress. It was so personal, like putting your heart into a plastic case and saying “here, listen to it”.

A lot of favorites here for me…Tracy Chapman, Amos Lee, Leonard Cohen, Lucinda Williams. Some I was less familiar with, always cool to hear new sounds. Have saved to put on when I need a boost. ♥️♥️♥️♥️

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Yes!! In fact, the day after I shared this a local friend posted a piece about mixtapes, and I was like "Duh! That's what I just did in modern form." Here's his piece: https://hickman2.substack.com/p/from-soundtracks-to-soundbites

Thanks, Eileen, for taking time for a careful listen. I appreciate you so much. And I'm so glad you're feeling a little spunkier.

Eileen Dougharty's avatar

Also “America” is Simon and Garfunkel’s best song. CHANGE MY MIND.

Eileen Dougharty's avatar

ps also the Hozier is 🔥, have recently been deep diving into his catalog. What a voice.

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I KNOW!!! Goosebump territory.

Nancy A's avatar

Wow, what a list! I look forward to listening!

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

I hope you find pieces that stay with you, Nancy. Thanks for being interested in diving in.

Evelyn Fox's avatar

What a wonderful idea. Music carries so much power to connect us to our feelings and to others. I can't wait to give this list a listen!

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thanks, Evelyn. Music is exactly that kind of tool for me, and I depend on it. I know that's not the case for everyone, so I really appreciate your enthusiasm for this playlist. If time and interest allow, I'd love to know what stands out after you've had a chance to listen. 💚

Evelyn Fox's avatar

I will absolutely jump back in here and let you know!

Linda Pohlhaus's avatar

Elizabeth.. thank you ❤️

Exactly what I needed at exactly the right time

Breathe in, breathe out

Elizabeth Beggins's avatar

Thank you, Linda! ☺️