Two years ago, in the midst of isolation and boredom and a search for something to do, I began tracking my favorite songs each month. That first list didn’t have any rules—just vibes—but it created an outline for what was to come. Here we are now, twenty-three monthly, two annual, one honorable mention, and one flashback list later. The original purpose of this column was to keep track of and share an eclectic set of music with readers, and I think I’ve succeeded. Obviously, we’re not stopping. The show must go on.
June 2022 has been an interesting month musically. I’ve been wrapped up in a writing project that comes with a playlist and aesthetic, which means my usual collection of singles and time to seek out new songs lessened. I did, however, listen to a lot of albums and compilations. As a writer, it always intrigues me how certain projects are developed with different songs. A few will even appear below. Otherwise, narrowing down this month wasn’t as hard as it has been previously.
We still abide by the rules: no more than 20 songs per month, no more than 1 song per artist (not including features or collabs), and no more than 3 songs per compilation album. This cut down 25 new “Likes” and tracks off albums to a smaller number. At the end of the year, only songs from each of these monthly lists are eligible for the Best Of list. Old favorites (versus new finds) are marked with an asterisk* since that will make it clear which ones are automatically out of the running.
What tune did June sing this year?
- “Panic” by Amy Lawton ~ ‘Cause I just wanna get you to like me and I know exactly how
- “No Matter What” by Badfinger* ~ Nothing to say, nothing to see, nothing to do
- “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” by The Beatles ~ It’s driving me mad, it’s driving me mad
- “Se Acabo – Remix” by The Beatnuts feat. Method Man ~ Not the type to talk too much and catch feelin’
- “The Chicken” by Bo Burnham ~ Her future is waiting, right there for the taking
- “Disaster” by Conan Grey ~ ‘Cause the potential of us, it was keepin’ me up all night long
- “Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)” by The Doors ~ I tell you we must die
- “Stormy Weather” by Etta James ~ Oh, I’m weary all of the time
- “Angel” by First Aid Kit ~ I’ll love you even if you don’t love me
- “Dream Girl Evil” by Florence + The Machine ~ You think of me in bed / But you could never hold me / And like me better in your head
- “So Good” by Halsey ~ When you left, I bet you held her body closer
- “Blow” by Jackson Wang ~ Your body feels like disrespect
- “Running Up That Hill (A Dead With God)” by Kate Bush* ~ Unaware, I’m tearing you asunder (Ye-yeah, yeah, yo)
- “Devil” by Moon Walker ~ I’m just a canvas reflecting back what your system’s painting
- “Mississippi Goddam – Live at Carnegie Hall, New York, 1964” by Nina Simone* ~ Oh but this whole country is full of lies
- “Hell’s Comin’ With Me” by Poor Man’s Poison ~ I am the righteous hand of God / And I am the devil that you forgot
- “Glory Daze” by Rachel McIntyre Smith ~ Do I miss being young or the ignorance?
- “Villain” by Stella Jang ~ 미처 몰랐던 악마가 네 안에 숨 쉬고 있어
- “Carolina” by Taylor Swift ~ Muddy these webs we weave
- “Catalonia” by Vance Joy ~ Spend another night with you in our sweet disorder
As far as new releases, I listened to Bo Burnham’s deluxe edition of Inside and Vance Joy’s In Our Own Sweet Time. Otherwise, I mostly flipped through older selections by Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, The Doors, and The Beatles. I enjoyed a good bit of 60s rock and some solitary blues as well. Away from my literary inspirations, I find myself slipping into spooky songs a little early as I try to summon some of that Halloween spirit in June. For July, I predict 80s anything, some cotton candy pop, and more jazz.
As usual, you can find my updated What I’m Listening To in 2022 here.
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