Having a few days off is great, but the best part of Thanksgiving is the chance to get together with the people you care about the most. To get you through the next week, here is a playlist celebrating the love of family, friends and your hometown.
“Brother” — Murder By Death
Family means dedication, and Adam Turla reinforces this idea emphatically with the line, “I know there’s better brothers, but you’re the only one that’s mine.”
“A Better Son/Daughter” — Rilo Kiley
Jenny Lewis passionately sings about how being a better child and being happier are one and the same.
“Marry Song” — Band of Horses
A folk ballad done right, Ben Bridwell shows us his sensitive side as he thanks his friends and inquires about their families.
“Red Right Ankle” — The Decemberists
In telling the “story of your gypsy uncle,” Colin Meloy tugs at the heartstrings with this poignant, emotional song.
“Outfit” — Drive-By Truckers
Fatherly and musical advice come together in lines like “Don’t sing with a fake British accent/Don’t act like your family’s a joke.”
“Streets of Where I’m From” — Old 97’s
Rhett Miller longs for his hometown, where the streets are “paved with hearts instead of gold.”
“Constructive Summer” — The Hold Steady
Craig Finn and his friends are like “the drums on ‘Lust for Life,’” which is not only a celebration of friendship, but it is also one of the greatest opening lines of all time.
“The Fitted Shirt” — Spoon
They don’t make shirts like they used to, so Britt Daniel wears his dad’s old shirt, which turns out to be just as good, if not better, than a new one.
A version of this article appeared in the Thursday, Nov. 15 print edition. Josh Johnson is music editor. Email him at [email protected].
