(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, Conrad Plymouth, Frontier Ruckus, Ben Weaver, and Roadside Graves.)
Timothy Showalter of Strand of Oaks is the perfect contributor for this feature. If you’ve spent time with his albums, you develop an instant appreciation of his ability to craft a song. We’re such big fans we released his sophomore record, Pope Killdragon on our Ten Atoms vinyl label.
Sad songs? He’s got those too. In fact, “End in Flames” ranks among my own personal favorites from the past few years. So, it’s fitting that Tim shares some of the songs that evoke the same emotions/feelings for him.
By Timothy Showalter
I have had many, “YOU NEED TO SLEEP”, moments this year. Way past the “cool” late night period, more in the realm of harsh self examining night period. Although these nights generally suck, they sometimes can prove to be enlightening.
I still get sad…big time sad. But as I get older I view melancholy much differently than I used to. In the past, sadness usually meant a dead end. I was stuck with that particular feeling until it went away. Now I view sadness as a gateway. When something bums me out, I try to view that as only the beginning of the process.
I’m only going to pull from recent songs that have provided a strong foundation for me to work through some stuff. I thought it would be appropriate to showcase my love of both the epic and organic. I don’t want to tell you what to do but I strongly recommend listening to these songs when you have a moment of respite. Put down your phone, close gmail, and shut your eyes. Hopefully these will help you find some peace.
Dirty Three – “I Offered It Up To The Stars & The Night Sky” (Listen)
This is the most cathartic song I’ve ever heard, period.
Evening Hymns – “Dead Deer” (Listen)
I randomly saw Jonas (Evening Hymns) at a loft party in Toronto. This song in particular is so hypnotic. Like my friends The Wooden Sky, Evening Hymns make music that is unbelievably accessible but still eloquent at the same time. I’ve also swam naked in the ocean before too. Highly recommended.
The Dead Texan – “La Ballade D’Alain Georgee” (Listen)
No description necessary, just listen.
Wesley Allen Hartley And The Traveling Trees – “Acreless” (Listen)
I know very little about this band. I know they’re from Maine and Texas and the dude sounds like a young Willie Nelson. I’ll let you discover them more. All I know is I’ve listened to this song like a mantra for the past few months. I love when songs depress you and make feel comfortable all at the same time.
Tiësto feat. Jónsi – “Kaleidoscope” (Listen)
This songs simply makes me feel better. It’s like the coolest sunrise ever, happening over the most awesome ocean in space. This song feels like a reward for properly dealing with your hard times. And if your herbally inclined, dude, just wait till 5:19 kicks in. AMAZING!
Buy: Strand Of Oaks – Pope Killdragon
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MP3: Strand of Oaks – “Bonfire”
remains one of my favorites of the year. Thanks to a fan request the band returned for a encore to perform their cover of 
. It’s available on vinyl for on $10 at 
.
is the first album I’ve heard by the band. I really like it and can point you to a full album stream of the new album at 
for the month of October.