In honor of Thanksgiving, the most gastronomically satisfying of our holidays, some of our favorite musical artists reflect on what songs they're most grateful for from this past year.
Tom Gabel of Against Me!
"More News From Nowhere" by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
The closing track on Cave's Dig!!! Lazarus, Dig!!!, a record that, in my opinion, is the best album of 2008. It's no wonder that Cave did such an incredible job on the movie The Proposition. Instead of using his songs to make soundtracks for movies, you could easily write movies around his songs.
Al Barr of Dropkick Murphys
"Career Opportunities" by the Clash
From their Live at Shea Stadium album, released this year. It is amazing how this song and this band hold up with music that was recorded well over 20 years ago. This is as important today as it was then — maybe even more. Long live the memory of Joe Strummer!
Butch Walker
"Chopped N Skrewed" by T-Pain
I'm grateful for the fact that I can write songs, but I will never be as talented, yet ridiculous, as [T-Pain]. I wish I could allow myself the ability to just let go of being so serious or clever all the time and just say something retarded like "Shit's so hot, I gotta stick it in the fridge, stick it in the fridge, stick it in the fridge." Actually, I just patented and trademarked that song as we speak, so don't any of you assholes try to jock it.
John Vesely of Secondhand Serenade
"I'm Yours" by Jason Mraz
I picked up Jason's new album as soon as it was out on iTunes, and I knew this song was going to be a huge hit, and, lo and behold, it's doing really big things. It's definitely one of those songs that just makes you feel calm and happy no matter what the environment is when you play it, as if summer weren't going to end.
Dan Nigro of As Tall as Lions
"Starlings" by Elbow
Elbow has always been a band for me that takes pop songs in a new direction, and this was one of the first things that inspired me to begin the... writing process [for our new record]. The lack of urgency in this song reminded me that patience can be one of the most fulfilling things about listening to music.
