(Sad Songs & Waltzes is a recurring feature on Muzzle of Bees, where artists share their favorite sad songs. Previous contributors include Megafaun, Delta Spirit, Damien Jurado, Sharon Van Etten, Over The Rhine, Conrad Plymouth, Frontier Ruckus, Strand of Oaks, and Roadside Graves.)
I met Giorgio Angelini several years ago during SXSW while he was playing with The Rosebuds. We reconnected this past March and he shared with me his new material under the Oax moniker. The result is the incredible This Distance EP, which is aptly described as “an airing of grievances and a testifying of sins.” Considering the heavy weight of the album, I caught up with Giorgio who shared some of his favorite sad songs.
Hot Snakes – “Suicide Invoice” (Listen)
Because not all sad songs have to feature an acoustic guitar. It’s always difficult to write a song about suicide that doesn’t sound trite or exploitative (at least to me). This song kills (no pun intended), sonically and emotionally. Plus, even sadder is knowing that there will likely never be a band that can rawk as hard as the Hot Snakes.
Sir Douglas Quintet – “At the Crossroads” (Listen)
I would be remiss to not include Doug Sahm, as a Texan. Not the most mind-blowing lyrics. But come on–it was the 60s. Needless to say, it’s hard to listen to this song and not want to wallow (about pretty much anything) in a bottle of whiskey.
Scout Niblett (ft with Will Oldham) – “Kiss” (Listen)
The only true waltz on my list. It’s unclear to me how Scout Niblett isn’t the most popular female singer in the Western World. This duet with Will Oldham showcases her unparalleled talent in taking the familiar (a waltz) and making it something all her own. Additionally, this video is without a doubt one of the best/most over-looked videos of the past few years. A testament to simplicity.
Silver Jews – “Random Rules” (Listen)
This was the first SJ song I ever heard and still my favorite (Tied with Trains Across The Sea
). I don’t know anything about marriage, much less a terrible divorce. But when David Berman sings “…and if you don’t want me, I promise not to linger. But before I go I gotta ask you, dear, about the tan line on your ring finger,” It hits pretty fucking hard.
Radiohead – “You’re All I Need” (Listen)
If I could write just one song as good as this, I’d die a happy man. Although, given the content, I’m not sure how happy I’d be…maybe just more accomplished. It captures, vividly, a moment in every relationship when you feel like it’s falling apart, and you don’t know how to stop it from unraveling. Or…it’s about being a stalker. Which is totally cool too. Either way, one of the best Radiohead songs ever.
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MP3: Oax – “Scoundrel”
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