2020GQ mix: Old 97s- Here’s to the Halcyon

Happy songs about sad things. That is the flavor I keep in bulk in the pantry of my musical tastes, especially through my (now waning) 40s. It’s also the specialty of one of my all-time favorite bands- a relatively recent member in the pantheon of Ted musical obsessions- Old 97s. I came for the punk-country-rock-hybrid sound, but I’ve stayed for the puns, word play, metaphors and literary allusions of their songwriting. They also do a great live show- I’ve seen them more than any other band.

This is one of theirs I love- a direct appeal during a crisis from a flawed mortal to a divinity they maybe don’t talk to daily. It is a quintessential Pandemic-Easter tune to me.