(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”

Tour announcements steadily fill up our inbox. We are doing our best to keep you up-to-date on concert announcements in Wisconsin…but what about those bands whose tour buses pass through our state without stopping to taste the cheese or slam a PBR? With each tour announcement we hold our breath, click and then….*sigh* when we have to drive out of state to catch a number of great bands.

We just gave the Tuesday’s Gold treatment to the Silver Jews’ Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea, and now have to deal with the fact they couldn’t find a Wisconsin tour stop. Sad news I know, especially for all of you that recall just how great their show at the High Noon Saloon was a few years back. Chicago fans you’ll get your fix on Friday, October 10th at the Metro.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE US TOUR DATES–> (more…)

Each Tuesday stop by Muzzle of Bees for our recommended purchases for the week. Here are the albums we suggest for the release date of June 17th:

Artist: Silver Jews
Album: Lookout Mountain, Lookout Sea
Label: Drag City
Myspace: Silver Jews
Video: Silver Jews – “I’m Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You”
MoB: I can still remember everything about the Silver Jews show at the High Noon Saloon a few years back. I remember where I stood, watching as he shuffled through lyric sheets, and walking by David Berman on the way into the venue. It was a great show, one I honestly never thought I’d see. Thanks to some friends, I’ve gotten well-acquainted with David Berman and an insightful look into the new album.

Artist: Wolf Parade
Album: At Mount Zoomer
Label: Sub Pop
Myspace: Wolf Parade
MP3: Wolf Parade – “Language City”
MP3: Wolf Parade – “Call It A Ritual”
Video: Wolf Parade – “Modern World”
MoB: The dueling voices we love so much free themselves from their equally impressive side projects to provide a blistering follow up to their brilliant debut Apologies to the Queen Mary. This nine-song collection will monopolize your ears calling for repeated listens. I cannot wait to hear these songs live.

Artist: Bowerbirds
Album: Hymns for a Dark Horse
Label: Dead Oceans
Myspace: Bowerbirds
MP3: Bowerbirds – “In Our Talons”
Video: Bowerbirds – “My Oldest Memory”
Upcoming: 7/17 – Bowerbirds – UW Terrace, Madison
MoB: 5 Questions with Bowerbirds
MoB: One of my favorite releases from last year receives its official release via Dead Oceans today, including two new tracks. An absolute must have for your collection, and don’t miss them on their upcoming tour!

Find MP3′s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic