u/Vivid-Letterhead4382

Pleased to share my take on the great new American Aquarium album.

https://substack.com/@markpelavin/note/p-204958119?r=ymp0d&utm\_medium=ios&utm\_source=notes-share-action

I am sure that some of you saw the New York Times’ recent list of the 30 top living American Songwriters (gift link).  It was an interesting list, but deeply flawed one.  

The list has, of course, generated some interesting commentary.  Here’s a few examples:
• The 30 Greatest Living Songwriters According to The New York Times — And What This List Really Says About Modern Music
• Arguing with the NYT's Songwriter List And Other Pointless Traditions
• The "30 Great Living American Songwriter" Debacle

My favorite response came from music critic and substacker Geoffrey Himes.  Himes, whose musical world is far broader than mine, often likes the same music I do.  So I read his take with great interest.  Himes offered his own list of songwriters, sharing a Top 100 rather than limiting himself to 30.  I’m very glad he did.

I was familiar with most of the names on Himes’ list, but there were some names I did not recognize at all.  I did a quick look at the writers I did not know, and found a few that I thought I’dreally enjoy, including
• Richmond Fountaine
• Willy Vaultin (of the Delines)
• Kevin Gordon
• Bottle Rockets
• Oliver Wood (of the Wood Brothers)
• Colin Meloy (of the Decemberists)
• Gregory Porter

I created a Spotify playlist of 4-5 representative songs from each of the above, and it’s pretty much all I’ve been listening to this week.  What a treat to be introduced to so much great, new (to me!) music!  I thought you might feel the same way.

What do you think of the NYTimes list?  Of Himes’ list?  Any great discoveries for you? Any suggestions for me?