In April, we asked our staff and patrons "What is your favorite song right now?" Some are all-time classics and some we may not remember in a year, but these are the songs that are stuck in our heads today.
We met online on Tuesday, Apr. 26, at noon to share and discuss these songs in our monthly music discussion group, Music Talk. The full Music Talk: A Day in the Life playlist is now up on Spotify and you can follow Alachua County Library District's account for more playlists to come. You can find many of the songs on CDs in our catalog or on our streaming service, hoopla.
Don't forget to mark your calendar for the next Music Talk! We'll meet on Tuesday, May 24 at noon on Zoom for Music Talk: Teen Tunes. Studies suggest that our teenage years have the biggest impact on our musical tastes. We'd like to know what songs or musicians you were obsessed with as teenagers. Email librarian Cameron with your song choice, along with a sentence or two about why you chose it. He’ll add it to the ACLD Music Talk: Teen Tunes playlist on Spotify and have it queued up to play during the live program. If you don’t have a song or artist in mind, come to the program anyway to hear some great tunes and join in on the conversation.
These are the songs we currently have on repeat:
“I’m really feeling Adele right now. ‘Easy on Me’ and ‘Hold On’ are my songs right now.” – Linda C.
“The Good Ones” by Gabby Barrett
“This song makes me think of my husband of almost 17 years, Ben. I can relate to the lyrics and it makes me happy that I found a good one. 😊” – Nicole W.
“Dynomite” by Bazuka
“It’s from 1975, and there is a Soul Train clip of the song. Once you get past the scream, and you get to the trumpet section and then the piano comes in, that’s the part I really like. I hadn’t heard it in years, but I recently heard it on Sirius Radio, and it took me back to my younger days. Tony Camillo arranged the song.” - Fiona L
“It’s been an emotional month for me so ‘Be Still’ by The Fray has been on repeat.” – Beth N.
“Wrecked” by Imagine Dragons
“Yes, it’s depressing as all get out, but when I JUST need to cry to get some relief…this is my jam.” – Rachelle M.
“All I Need is a Miracle” by Mike + the Mechanics
“I heard it during the film Spencer, so I checked out the Music CD from the library and play it in the car a lot these days.” – Fiona L.
“Something in the Way” by Nirvana
“It was made popular by the new Batman film, but the song is somehow all Nirvana and all 2022 at the same time. Haunting, atmospheric, and a cool time capsule at once.” – Laurel C.
“Da Balance” by The Philharmonik
“It provides a poetic view into mental health struggles that I can relate to as well as reassurance to keep going.” – Sofia E.
“Phonky Town” by PlayaPhonk
“It sounds the way I think chewing packing peanuts feels. Apparently, I’m into that.” – Sean W.
“What, Me Worry?” by Portugal. The Man
“It’s been 5 years since their last album, and this song is a great fusion of retro and new. It just speaks to the absurdity of life now.” – Shane S.
“One Day at a Time” by Lynda Randle
"The song that has been playing in my mind is ‘One Day at a Time Sweet Jesus’ by Lynda Randle.” – Phillis F.
“Simply the Best” by Noah Reid (from Schitt’s Creek)
“How can you not love it? And it’s from one of the most romantic moments in the whole series.” – Olive O.
“God’s Menu” by Stray Kids and “Sunday Best” by Surfaces
“I’ve got two songs on repeat right now: ‘God’s Menu’ by Stray Kids and ‘Sunday Best’ by Surfaces. Due to a recent job promotion, my drive to work is a bit longer than before. I need music to keep my spirits up while driving in traffic and to jam out to while at red lights.” – Janna H.
“Promised Land” by TobyMac with Sheryl Crow
“Toby McKeehan lost his son, Truett, in 2019 and the song is written in part during his grieving for him. I love the version with Sheryl Crow because she brings in a beautiful harmony. I also am a big fan of Toby because we had classes together in college at Liberty University back in the 80s, although I am certain he doesn’t remember me, lol. He was shy back then.” – Stephanie M.
"Riff-based 90s revival in the vein of Helmet or Rage Against the Machine: This slaps." - Cameron B.
“Prisoner of the Night” by Ultraboss
“This has quickly become my new favorite band. Every time I catch a new song by them, it’s incredible and becomes my latest favorite. I think half of the view count on the YouTube premiere of the song is me. It’s very 80s throwback synth with great, bouncy energy.” – Sally F.
“A Deeper Shade of Soul” by Urban Dance Squad
“It is a fun, energetic song that gets me moving. Their music is described as a blend of styles, including funk, soul, heavy metal, hip hop, reggae, jazz and ska. They are sometimes compared to Red Hot Chili Peppers and Rage Against the Machine.” – Bill B.
“A-O-K” by Tai Verdes
“I like it because even though it’s upbeat, it doesn’t take itself too seriously; it’s positive without getting preachy about it. I love it because it’s my toddler’s favorite song to dance to, and that’s about the funniest thing I’ve ever seen.” – Jayde E.
“Happy” by Pharrell Williams
“I’ve tried pulling myself out of my melancholy this month with ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams.” – Beth N.
“Redneck Woman” by Gretchen Wilson
“When I just want to sing really loud in my car and get out some frustrations (which has been a lot lately), it’s been ‘Redneck Woman’ by Gretchen Wilson.”– Beth N.
“Keep Me in Your Heart” by Warren Zevon
"I’ve been battling strong depression lately (even with meds and a great therapist) and feeling distant from family and friends, and in that stage of life when one contemplates their own mortality. This song hits the right notes: melancholy and resigned.” – Lisa F.