Songs with great lyrics...Avoid music gods!

[thestage]

like everyone else, I was going to say Joanna Newsom. now I guess I'll say Michael Gira

[coffeeplease]

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins - "You Are What You Love" (Also, "Rise Up With Fists." The whole "Rabbit Fur Coat" album, really.)

[and...and...and...]

I think Ben Gibbard was brilliant, but then he completely changed his writing style and is often cringeworthy now.

Some great current or recent songwriters that I like are Ryan Adams, Joanna Newsom, Will Sheff (Okkervil River), Robin Pecknold (Fleet Foxes), John Vanderslice, Sam Quinn (Everybodyfields), the Mountain Goats guy, and Elliott Smith.

RYAN ADAMS! He's been my favorite for ages now.

[Two Espressos]

I don't really have anything to add (I'm woefully uninformed about music, to be honest), but I wanted to second The National. They're really great.

At least I have a thread's worth of cool, English-major-approved music to check out now!

Edited February 6, 2012 by Two Espressos

[rawera]

I appreciate the social anxiety that lies central to many of their songs.

Great songs without lyrics: Explosions in the Sky

[MelleMelville]

I'd like to suggest James Murphy/LCD Soundsystem. He definitely does not do singer/songwriter-type music, but his lyrics are often really beautiful and smart. "All My Friends" and "Someone Great" are great examples of his writing at its best. They're often great for dancing too!

[czenzi]

I agree pretty much with everyone so far. This thread is really heavy on singer-songwriter types, and I'm sorry I'm not really shifting that balance, but I'll add Gillian Welch, The Mountain Goats, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, PJ Harvey, Elliott Smith, Iron & Wine and Nick Cave.

Also, I feel like its almost a requirement to mention The Smiths since it seems they haven't been already. (Though I'm sorry if someone did and I missed it.)

Edited February 6, 2012 by czenzi

[todamascus]

I agree pretty much with everyone so far. This thread is really heavy on singer-songwriter types, and I'm sorry I'm not really shifting that balance, but I'll add Gillian Welch, The Mountain Goats, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, PJ Harvey, Elliott Smith, Iron & Wine and Nick Cave.

For whatever reason I think of Alanis Morissette when heard you mention PJ Harvey. Some of her songs are soooo good, but Morissette could be too bohemian sometimes. (p.s. Anyone heard of her brother's chanting? )

Speaking of, do we have musicians similar to Tom Lehrer these days? I was just going though "An Evening Wasted with TL" this morning. Such a charming fellow.

Edited February 6, 2012 by todamascus

[Jbarks]

Great songs without lyrics: Explosions in the Sky

Agreed! Great paper-writing music.

I would also like to second Joanna Newsom, Gilllian Welch, and Jenny Lewis. I will then add Chris Pureka (not very well known, but amazing), Cat Power, Patti Smith, and Angus and Julia Stone.

[bfat]

He may classify as a "music god," I'm not sure, but Paul Simon and Simon & Garfunkle are some of my absolute favorites. Phenomenal music and lyrics.

And I've always loved Adam Duritz's early stuff (Counting Crows). "Rain King" has some of the most beautiful lyrics...

"Lay me down in a field of flame and heather,

Render up my body into the burning heart of God

in the belly of a black-winged bird."

So pretty.

[TripWillis]

I'd like to suggest James Murphy/LCD Soundsystem. He definitely does not do singer/songwriter-type music, but his lyrics are often really beautiful and smart. "All My Friends" and "Someone Great" are great examples of his writing at its best. They're often great for dancing too!

Losing My Edge is my personal favorite.

[TripWillis]

By the way, let's not forget Antony Hegarty. Not sure whether to post this or "Bird Gerhl." I'm willing to admit that his sale of the lyrics is a huge factor. I believe every single thing he says: