Friday, January 4, 2008

Finn (2007)


In honor of my new son, Finn, I have compiled a selection of songs about babies.

Track 1: When A Man Needs A Woman
From the Beach Boys' 1968 album Friends. The song pretty much says it all.

Track 2: Embryonic Journey
From Jefferson Airplane's 1967 album Surrealistic Pillow. I remember listening to this instrumental when I was first discovered this album, I loved it then as I do now.

Track 3: Gold Mother
From James' 1990 album Gold Mother. Although I don't really like this song as much as the others in this mix, I had to include it because they mention "meconium".

Track 4: In Metal
From Low's 2001 album Things We Lost In The Fire. Beautiful song about wanting to preserve the sweetness of a newborn for all eternity.

Track 5: Beautiful Boy (Acoustic)
Originally from John Lennon & Yoko Ono's 1980 album Double Fantasy, this version is a demo acoustic. I (try to) sing this to Finn at night when he is fussy.

Track 6: Stay Up All Night
From Talking Heads' 1985 album Little Creatures. Just a song by a wonderful band that seems to be able to write great songs about everything.

Track 7: Kooks
Originally from David Bowie's 1971 album Hunky Dory, this cut is from Bowie At the Beeb (recorded between 1968-1972). Apparently written while at home listening to Neil Young records waiting for the call from the hospital to tell him the news of his child's birth.

Track 8: St. Judy's Comet
From Paul Simon's 1973 album There Goes Rhymin' Simon. I have always wanted to learn how to play this song on the guitar so that I might someday play it for my son. I haven't learned it yet, but now I have an audience.

Track 9: Living Proof
From Bruce Springsteen's 1992 album Lucky Town. It sometimes takes me a few listens before I can hear all of Springsteen's lyrics, so you can read them here. This song is so close to my path through the darkness that it hurts my heart to listen to, but I do because it is so perfect and powerful. (Thanks Laine)

Track 10: The Baby Tree
From Paul Kanter & Jefferson Starship's 1970 album Blows Against The Empire. Consider this wonderfully silly song a bonus track. Paul Kanter and Grace Slick had a baby together around the time of this album.