Monthly Wrap-Up
What I’ve Been Listening To — January 2022
A monthly music wrap-up!
Hello everyone! January is just ending, and I thought I’d post a little look back at all the music I listened to this month!
This will consist of several random songs that I’ve had on repeat this month, for whatever reason!
“All Over Again” by Luke Combs
When I did my write-up; “Ranking Every Luke Combs Song,” there were a few songs that I kind of rediscovered. “All Over Again” was the main example of this.
Luke’s second album; What You See Is What You Get, was pretty long, and I had some huge favorites upon first listen, and I only re-listened to the full album, one, or two more times after that.
When I went back for this write-up I realized I was sleeping on some of the deep cuts that I had glossed over the first couple of listens.
“New Every Day” was another example of this.
I’m glad I did those rankings because “All Over Again” has been on repeat a lot, and it’s become a much higher rank on the list than I initially put it, in the article.
“Too Many Bridges To Cross Over” by Merle Haggard
It feels like every time I play my beloved Mama Tried vinyl, I find a new song to obsess over each time. The biggest one for me lately has been “Too Many Bridges To Cross Over.”
I always think that saying I relate to a Merle Haggard song will make me sound dramatic, but so be it. This song really hits me, and that’s why it caught my attention.
2021 was an odd, eventful year for me, in so many ways. One of the big things I learned about myself, is that I physically cannot have more than one or two close friends. Every time I crossed over that threshold, I would end up recoiling and just losing my ability to talk to anyone. I guess I have a mix of ramblin’ fever, and trust issues.
Because of the year that was 2021, I have been listening to this song a lot throughout the first month of this new year.
“Good Ol’ Boys Club” by Kacey Musgraves
Another thing I learned in 2021, was that I was staunch in my determination to not be a part of the big machine that is; working a normal job in the United States.
I also did a ranking article for Kacey Musgraves, and this was the main song that I rediscovered from that.
“Good Ol’ Boys Club” perfectly echoes my sentiment of not wanting to be part of a big machine. I particularly love the line; “if I end up goin’ down in flames, well, at least I know, I did it my own way.”
I wrote a big article explaining why I had this newfound drive to be creative, and live life on my own schedule. I just really don’t want to be anyone’s pawn. I want to live my life according to my own terms and conditions, not making money for some high-falutin big-wig, who doesn’t give a rat’s ass about my existence.
“I’m No Stranger To The Rain” by Keith Whitley
During and after the writing process of my Keith Whitley Hall of Fame article, I developed quite the obsession with his music. I always knew I liked Keith Whitley, but it wasn’t until this deep dive that I realized just how much I liked Keith Whitley.
“I’m No Stranger To The Rain” was probably the one I listened to the most, but there were plenty more I had on repeat, like; “Miami, My Amy,” “Kentucky Bluebird,” “Tell Lorrie I Love Her,” and even some of the stuff from his days with Ralph Stanley, such as, “Oh, Death,” and “I’ve Just Seen The Rock Of Ages.”
I even went as far as getting this digital painting commissioned by Qwiere on Fiverr.
This is something I love about running this blog. It allows me to really deepen my love for certain songs and artists by making myself dive deeper to write an article on them.
“Goodbye Carolina” by Marcus King
Oh boy, this was an absolute blessing from YouTube suggestions.
Every once in a while you hear a song that just puts you in another dimension. You all of the sudden feel waves of creativity, and very deep, existential feeling. This song has been that for me lately. Just a couple days ago, I was sitting in a grocery store parking lot, put on this song, and felt like I was in a movie.
It describes this feeling of just needing to break out, go somewhere new, do something to find yourself, but having a reluctance because you love and appreciate where you are. I relate heavily to this, and the fact it’s about Carolina only adds to my relation.
King himself said that he wrote it in a daydream, and it certainly shows, in the best way possible.
“Uranium Fever” by Elton Britt
Towards the end of January, I began a new play-through of my favorite game of all time; Fallout 4. In this game, there’s tons of songs from the 30s-60s, and I credit this game in developing my appreciation of music from this era.
I could’ve listed any song from that game here, but this one is unique to this play-through, because I could never pin down the artist until just a week or so ago.
I guess I just never took the time to listen, but the in-game radio DJ; Travis, even says “‘Uranium Fever’ by Elton Britt”, after it’s played sometimes.
It’s sometimes shocking to hear songs like this, that fit the nuclear wasteland of the Fallout series so perfectly, were real songs from the era, and weren’t just written for the game specifically.
“‘Til You Can’t” by Cody Johnson
I will be the first to admit; I slept on Cody Johnson for way too long. This month I really got into him, and this is his new, big single, and I adore it.
This song has made me get off my ass several times this month. Whether it’s to spend time with my family, or work on this blog, or take photos, this song has been such a source of inspiration to me.
It’s hard not to feel a driving passion from that chorus. Johnson delivers it with such high belief and vigor. It’s as if he’s in my room, kicking me in the seat of the pants.
“If you’ve got a chance, take it, take it while you’ve got a chance. If you’ve got a dream, chase it, ’cause a dream won’t chase you back.”
Every time I get burnt out a little, or just feel like I’m too tired or lazy to write, that line pops up in my head.
Jerry Reed/Marty Robbins Medley from The Marty Robbins Show
This isn’t one particular song, but I had to include it here because I’ve watched it, at least 15 times this month.
It showcases Jerry Reed’s lovable demeanor, his guitar skill, and Robbins’ smooth-as-silk voice. Reed also does some of my favorite songs of his, especially “Ragged But Right” which I don’t think he ever officially recorded. I wish he had recorded it, because I like his version better than George Jones’.
This little performance also features a really good line from Robbins; “The people will tell you that’s not country, it’s country, but it’s just another holler’.”
Thanks for reading this quick little review of my month! It’s been fun, and I can’t wait for the rest of 2022! What have ya’ll been listening to?
Also sorry for missing an upload yesterday, just needed a little day-long break!
If you liked this, you’ll probably like this one too:
