Super thrilled to take on another week of Jen Kehl’s, Twisted Mix Tape.
This week the theme is: This Song Could Have Sent Me to Jail.
Want to join the fun? Great! Create your own and join the Twisted Mix Tape Link-up here.
Well the way I see it “JAIL” is a relatively loose term. So the kind of incarceration I am going to focus on is the kind that is between the ears. Thoughts and things that arrest a person and can (not always) prevent them from moving forward.
First up? Jailed in your own hometown, stuck but wishing you weren’t. There are countless small towns that pepper the United States, for some they are a form of liberation, while for others remaining in the only place they have known feeds a hunger to leave no matter the cost. No one sings it better than Ray LaMontagne in his song, Beg, Steal or Borrow.
I remember the first time I heard the song, Mining for Gold, by The Cowboy Junkies, their ethereal voices all but cried out the life of a hard rock miner afflicted with silicosis. The video that goes along with the song takes us back in history to a time when men were first serving time underground, then later in their bodies as they battled their illness.
Alcoholism affects 15 Million people in the US alone, so clearly the ever enigmatic, Elliot Smith, was not alone in his struggle. It pains me that this brilliant musician isn’t still walking the planet, his song, Between the Bars, is one that if my iPod could publicize “listened to” statistics, would no doubt have people wondering about my wellness. This one is about the caged feeling that struggling with addiction created in Smith’s life.
I am a huge fan of covers, sometimes I even prefer the cover version to the original, though in the case of, Wild Horses, I absolutely cannot say that…(I mean really there is nothing like The Rolling Stones)…but…I do love the Sundays interpretation. Although there is some debate about the meaning behind Wild Horses, for today’s twist I see it as a person arrested by their love for another–doesn’t really mater who or why–just that even death can’t drag them away from the emotion.
Last on the Twist today is Tristan Prettyman singing, Say Anything. She shares in the intro her fear of having her voice taken from her as she heads to vocal surgery and tells us why she wrote the song. Voice is one of the most powerful gifts we are given, its loss is a form of incarceration that is a living hell. One of the most liberating experiences I have had in my life was tearing the shackles of silence off and reclaiming my voice. When we are brave with our voice, it often leads another to be brave with theirs. Never be afraid to show how you feel…Say Anything.
I like this out of box mixtape. Makes me wish I had been more creative with mine!! I’ve heard of the Cowboy Junkies, but I don’t think I’ve ever really listened to them. That’s a cool song.
Thanks Sam and thank you for listening. This mixed-tape reminds me of the way I cook…very hard to follow the instructions without attempting to add something else! Glad you enjoyed the Cowboy Junkies song too. 🙂
This is a really great interpretation of the theme this week. Love Ray Montagne’s voice! Wild Horses is an awesome song too.
Thanks, I appreciate your stopping by and giving it a listen.
Okay, this one’s my favorite mix this week. The Sundays’ version of “Wild Horses” is beautiful and I love, love, love that Ray LaMontagne song. First time I heard it, I actually thought it was Joni Mitchell. 😉
Oh my goodness! Thank you so much. The first time I heard that Ray LaMontagne song I actually had to pull over so I could write it down-he is amazing. Thanks for listening Linda!
I want to get in on this Twisted Mix Tape thing. Such fun!
Do it! It is actually addicting. As in I am obsessed. 🙂
Love your interpretation and this list! Am a big Cowboys Junkies fan, and the Sundays’ version of Wild Horses is sooo good.
I think it is so cool that here we have known each other for nearly three years, have almost never talked about music and have so many favorites in common. 🙂
I love your selections, your take on each song but…wow, the Tristan Prettyman (thank you for introducing me!) song reminds me of your writing Elin…it weaves an honest tale filled with emotion and openness….. I am blown away.
…oh my goodness Ruth, thank you so much. xo
Love your take on the prompt this week! We are all imprisoned by what we feel. Thanks for sharing this today!
Thank you for stopping by and listening Michelle.
What a fun idea! And love your looser definition of jail. I love both versions of wild horses 🙂
Join in the fun Stacie!
OKAY — I LOVED your choices. “Between the Bars” may be my new favorite song! And “Say Anything” — beautiful.
Thanks for introducing me to some great new stuff! 🙂
Thank you! Ha, am loving that you have a new favorite song! Now you too may over play Between the Bars! This twisted music deal is the best.
This is an amazing take on the mix. I really am impressed and really, thanks for playing this week. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving!
Thanks Jen, it is so much fun!