There’s no surer sign of aging than suddenly realizing a greater appreciation for all of the positive forces in your life—from the music you love to the specific feelings you relate to that often become those songs’ subjects. Whether “Aging” being assigned the title of core Broken Social Scene member Kevin Drew’s fourth solo full-length—following his 2021 release as K.D.A.P.—was meant as a playful reference to the fact that he’s been releasing music for over a quarter century at this point (hinted at by the record cover’s cartoonish depiction of the term on a doctor’s note) or an earnestly existential reflection on years gone by may be up to your interpretation, but the thoughtful lyricism and rich instrumentation of the record’s contents hint at a critical evaluation of time and a diaristic honesty about how it fits into the equation of the various causes in his life.
Yet that former sense of appreciation-with-age can be found in Drew’s writeups about 11 songs that inspired Aging, reserving the same thoughtful tone he channels in his lyrics to praising the work of his contemporaries in groups like Low and Biosphere, as well as a slightly younger generation of evocative songwriters including Kevin Morby and Alabaster DePlume. In digging into these songs, though, the latter sense can be seen as well in how he poetically addresses the compositions’ handling of intimate sonic tapestries and themes of cosmic significance, including but certainly not limited to love and falafel.
With physical copies of Aging available now, and the full digital release dropping tomorrow, you can check out Drew’s playlist and blurbs below.
Daniel Herskedal, “Time of Water”
Music is supposed to make you feel all the feels. That’s its job: to help push us toward an honest life within whatever the fuck we’re drowning in or celebrating. When I first heard this anthem my whole entire world around me started to cry. It stops you from moving and forces the denial out of your stomach. It should be the world’s national anthem for everything that’s going on. Truly gorgeous and heartbreaking.
Alabaster DePlume, “Is It Enough” / “Whisky Story Time”
These songs got caught in my throat when I first heard them. They sound like warm water being poured slowly onto the greatest of moisturized skin. Is this enough? The lyrics, the subtlety within production, and the held-back anthem within questioning what’s enough and asking for a falafel while talking about making an album. I smiled from ear to ear and gave thanks. “Whisky Story Time” is your grandfather’s anthem amongst the hills and oceans of forgotten pamphlets that sell the good memories. Love everything this human creates. Go listen to all his albums.
Anna Homler & The Pylon King, “Almost Beautiful”
I kept this one in my back pocket for quite some time now. We need the kind of soundtrack that takes us away from it all within the moments that hold us back. I love hearing pianos crackle through loops. It’s what brings me great joy in life. This song captures the spirit of living amongst the “almost” with an ease that can’t be sold to anyone. It’s free if you want to feel it. Truly beautiful.
Biosphere, “Just One Kiss”
I love being handcuffed by repetition within electronic sound. Biosphere are the teachers, principals, and most of the education system when it comes to surrounding us in electronic heartbeats. This one is like security pajamas that look after you as you wake up. Silk time stand-still jam. Lovely.
Kevin Morby, “Harlem River After Hours Dub” (Peaking Lights Remix)
Morby’s voice is the fireplace that won’t let you down. It strikes like an undertow and leaks maturity out onto the floor you’re swaying on. This remix becomes a mantra that’ll get you ready for whatever fight is coming your way that you must ignore. Preparing for a showdown while smoking butter cigarettes is never a bad thing. The coolest of breathing jams. Coolest.
Morphine, “In Spite of Me”
God bless this jam. The whisper-vocal breathing into the microphone, the mandolin soaring around the instrumentation while the sadness takes lead. Morphine mean something to me, and I hope they mean something to you. Songwriters wish they could have written this tune. Breaks my heart every time it comes on. Gold-star sad.
Essie Jain, “O, I Love You”
It’s all supposed to mean something. All of this. The pain, the joy, the regret, the hope, the loss, and the love. There’s an analogue heartbeat that should be the only leader you follow in life. I give it up to this song for the repetitive mantra of convincing wonder that it so beautifully conveys. Her voice is reaffirming. Lullabies still matter.
The Flamingos, “I Only Have Eyes for You”
The textbook of love songs that brought the single piano note into our lives. This song has been with me since I was a child. No other lands like this arranged diamond chunk of perfection. The singing, the harmonies, the microphones placed in history from where they were placed. Impeccable perfection of a song that never stops inspiring me. The standalone epic.
Chocolate Genius Incorporated, “My Mom”
This is the first song I ever heard about dementia. The chord structure became a religion to me, and I took it with me everywhere as I started to write and record back in the early days. It’s a striking song that’s haunted me my whole life ’til finally one day I could understand what this gentleman was going through within these sentences. I’ve never forgotten and will never forget. Just a lovely, sad, beautiful song.
Low, “Starfire”
Everything this band has done inspired me—and keeps inspiring me. I first heard them at 18 years of age and have never stopped listening ’til this day. Each record has a life of its own and a sound that’s only theirs. I remember when I first heard this song I was driving somewhere and did what anyone would do when first hearing this song: I kept driving. I ended up so far out of the city and just pulled over by some trees and chilled out. Grateful for everything they’ve produced and written. A band that will remain within the laws of forever. Mimi Parker’s presence in our lives will be missed. A voice that always comforted me within the lost hallways of living. Stunning.
