It’s Friday, so time for another edition of Friday on My Mind, which presents you with different musical subjects to ponder each week. These posts are a joint effort between KEXP and King 5 News. This week, in honor of Seattle’s snowy winter weather, we’re focusing on Best Winter Songs.
Simon & Garfunkel “Hazy Shade of Winter”
Written by Paul Simon, “Hazy Shade of Winter” was recorded and released as a single in 1966, but then later included on the 1968 album Bookends. It sums up in just a couple of minutes the look and feel of the winter season, but it also draws a connection between winter’s characteristics and disenchantment with life. The Bangles covered the song in 1987, taking it to the Billboard #2 spot. Simon and Garfunkel originally took the song to #17.
Laura Marling “Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)”
This young English musician wrote “Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)” for her Father. The song was inspired by an actual experience Laura Marling had when she was a child. Her Father took her to the top of a hill and told her that he wanted her to bring him back to that same location before he dies. My guess is that it was snowing on that particular day. Personally I think Laura’s voice is great for any winter day.
Fleet Foxes “White Winter Hymnal”
The animated video “White Winter Hymnal” is directed by Sean Pecknold, the older brother of Fleet Foxes lead singer and songwriter Robin Pecknold. For me this song feels like the perfect soundtrack for a quiet snowy day. The band has stated that the song is vague and based more on the vocal harmonies. They’ve also revealed in interviews that this is their favorite song to play live.
2 Comments
What about the “Winter Song” by Head and the Heart? Thanks!
I loved that Simon & Garfunkel song...
Alas, down here in Vancouver WA our winter snow lasted less than a day!