Little Simz, Ty Segall, yeule, more: The Contenders, Vol. 12

Summary

Podcast Summary: All Songs Considered – "Little Simz, Ty Segall, yeule, more: The Contenders, Vol. 12"

Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Robin Hilton and Hazel Sills
Duration: Approximately 36 minutes of content

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1. Coffee Culture and Generational Shifts (00:13 – 01:51)

The episode opens with a lively discussion between Hazel Sills and Robin Hilton about coffee preferences, highlighting the generational divide in beverage choices. Hazel shares a conversation with a friend who notices younger generations favoring plant-based milks like soy or oat milk over traditional half and half—a staple among older generations.

• Hazel Sills: "A friend of mine... says that they always make fun of him for getting coffee with half and half. Apparently, that's what grandpas do." (00:13)

• Robin Hilton: "I do think that tracks because my parents drink half and half. I don’t think half and half has carried over into my life..." (01:21)

The dialogue underscores the cultural shift away from dairy towards alternatives, reflecting broader trends in dietary preferences and environmental consciousness.

2. Exploring Youth in Music: Little Simz's "Lotus" (03:04 – 10:39)

Hazel introduces the first contender of the episode: British rapper Little Simz and her sixth album, "Lotus." Celebrated for her previous works like "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert" and "No Thank You," Little Simz continues her artistic evolution with "Lotus."

• Hazel Sills: "It's got this insanely catchy thumper that I want to play. It is called 'Young'." (03:39)

Feature: "Young" by Little Simz

Little Simz performs “Young,” a song that delves into the perks and pitfalls of youth. The track combines playful, quirky elements reminiscent of Wet Leg and Olivia Rodrigo with introspective lyrics about embracing the present without succumbing to societal pressures.

• Robin Hilton: "This feels like Little Simz entering the Wet Leg universe... making a Wet Leg song." (07:15)

• Little Simz: (Lyrics excerpt)
  "I'm 20 something young. My priority's straight. I need to buy booze and I need to buy a drawer. This summer I'm going out every night..." (03:54)

The discussion highlights how "Young" serves as both an anthem for carefree youth and a subtle commentary on its fleeting nature.

• Hazel Sills: "This was a song largely about realizing the real value of your youth... just like, you know what? This is an amazing time." (08:07)

3. Guitar Rock's Evolution and Ty Segall's "Possession" (19:00 – 28:30)

Transitioning to guitar rock, Hazel and Robin reflect on its current status in the music industry. They assert that while guitar rock isn't as dominant as it once was, it still thrives through diverse influences and modern interpretations.

• Hazel Sills: "Honestly, I don't even know where we are with straight up guitar rock anymore." (20:08)

Spotlight: Ty Segall’s "Possession"

Ty Segall's new album "Possession" and the single "Shining" are featured, showcasing his prolific output and classic riff-driven style. The song blends vintage rock elements with contemporary flair, capturing listeners' attention with its catchy hooks.

• Ty Segall: (Lyrics excerpt)
  "Sam feels better. I can see a ghost blood. Platinum plated fashion near the opera window..." (21:57)

• Hazel Sills: "This song really made me feel like I want Yule to blow the heck up." (16:03)

Robin praises Segall's live performances, describing them as electrifying and highly engaging:

• Robin Hilton: "One of the best live shows I've ever seen... he's standing on the crowd soloing." (28:33)

Additionally, the hosts discuss the song's metaphorical content, addressing themes of materialism and personal relationships through automotive imagery.

4. Yule's "Doo Doo" and Artistic Evolution (10:42 – 17:23)

The conversation shifts to Yule, examining their track "Doo Doo" from the album "Evangelic Girl is a Gun." Hazel notes the stark contrast between Yule's previous gothic, breathy sounds and the raw, pop-infused energy of "Doo Doo."

• Hazel Sills: "It's like Yul in full rock star mode or even pop star mode." (15:51)

• Robin Hilton: "Seeing Ty Segall live... but Yule's transformation is equally fascinating." (26:05)

The discussion highlights Yule's versatility and willingness to experiment with different genres, enriching their musical narrative and expanding their audience.

5. Wednesday's "Elderberry Wine" and Relationship Metaphors (29:32 – 35:03)

Hazel introduces Wednesday's single "Elderberry Wine," a contemplative track exploring the complexities of love and relationships through rich metaphors.

• Hazel Sills: "If you don’t really create the right conditions for love... you're gonna barf." (33:24)

Feature: "Elderberry Wine" by Wednesday

The song employs elderberry—a fruit associated with healing—as a metaphor for nurturing love. Hazel references Carly Hartsman's explanation that improper care in relationships leads to breakdowns, akin to consuming raw elderberries causing discomfort.

• Carly Hartsman: (Lyrics excerpt)
  "If I’m gonna go insane, at least I’m loved. If my heart should burst or break, it was overdue." (34:40)

The hosts appreciate the nuanced songwriting and emotional depth, praising Wednesday for their ability to blend noisy shoegaze elements with sweet Americana tones.

6. 25th Anniversary Segment: Silvanesso’s 2014 Hit "Coffee" (43:56 – 47:53)

Celebrating the show’s 25th anniversary, Hazel and guest Stephen Thompson revisit Silvanesso’s debut single "Coffee" from their 2014 self-titled album. They reminisce about the song’s impact and Silvanesso’s rise in the indie music scene.

• Stephen Thompson: "Sylvanesso just kept putting out amazing songs... they're vital forces in the world of music." (46:19)

• Hazel Sills: "I'll never forget seeing Sylvanesso after the song came out... they've come so far." (46:54)

Their conversation underscores "Coffee" as a quintessential debut that captivated audiences and set the stage for Silvanesso’s continued success and influence.

• Hazel Sills: "We’ve talked about South by Southwest a lot... they played one of our showcases years later." (47:56)

7. Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (47:53 – 53:02)

The episode wraps up with additional musical highlights and sponsor messages. Hazel and Robin emphasize the importance of sharing and supporting the show, encouraging listeners to spread the word and leave reviews.

• Hazel Sills: "All we have is your weekly reset. But first, a quick reminder that we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of the show." (18:44)

They also tease upcoming segments, including reflections on other significant songs from their 25-year journey.

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Notable Quotes:

• Hazel Sills: "This is my idea of the perfect life." (06:00)
• Robin Hilton: "This song really made me feel like I want Yule to blow the heck up." (16:03)
• Stephen Thompson: "Stephen Thompson: ... Sylvanesso just kept putting out amazing songs and amazing albums, continues to be... I’m ready for another Silvanesso record any day now." (46:19)

Concluding Insights:

The episode masterfully intertwines discussions on contemporary music trends, artist spotlights, and reflective segments celebrating the show's legacy. By featuring a diverse array of artists like Little Simz, Ty Segall, Yule, and Wednesday, "All Songs Considered" offers listeners a rich exploration of modern music's evolving landscape. The hosts’ engaging dialogue and insightful commentary provide valuable perspectives, making the summary a comprehensive guide for both regular listeners and newcomers alike.

Transcript

[Robin Hilton]

This message comes from Capital One. Access comprehensive solutions from a top commercial bank that prioritizes your needs today and goals for tomorrow. Learn [e-mail] Commercial Member FDIC.

[Hazel Sills]

But you, you are a coffee drinker, right?

[Unknown]

I am.

[Hazel Sills]

What do you. What is it? Cream, sugar, black, soy latte, squirt of syrup or something? What do you do?

[Unknown]

I feel like it's kind of different every time. I think most of the time when I'm at home it's just drip, drip black coffee. And then I put a little bit of regular milk in it. And then sometimes I'll get a latte out and sometimes I'll get a cappuccino out, but for the most part, it's just like regular black coffee with a little milk in it.

[Hazel Sills]

Well, you know what half and half is though, right? If I say like half and half, you know what that is, right?

[Unknown]

What do you mean? No, what do you mean?

[Hazel Sills]

If I say I'll take a cup of coffee with half and half.

[Unknown]

Yes. Oh, yes, I'm aware. Yes.

[Hazel Sills]

All right. Well, because a friend. I'm on this because I was just talking with a friend of mine, he's my age and he works with a bunch of younger people, like 20somethings. And he says that they always make fun of him for getting coffee with half and half. And, you know, like, apparently that's what grandpas do. And he asked them, well, what do you get in their coffee? And they said, well, soy milk or oat milk or something like that. And then one of them said, well, what even is half and half? And I thought, what is happening?

[Unknown]

I do think that that tracks because my parents drink half and half. And I don't think half and half has not carried over into my life. And there have been times where I was using oat milk or I was using almond milk, but half and half is not half and half is dying.

[Hazel Sills]

Oh, come on. Really? All right.

[Unknown]

Well, pure dairy is on its way out, I think.

[Hazel Sills]

No.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Unless you're. I don't know. No, I think it's on its way out.

[Hazel Sills]

What were you gonna say? Unless you're like a farmer? Well, I think that's just absolute madness. This is not how I thought my day was gonn. It is all songs considered. I'm Robin Hilton. Hazel sills here. We have so many big questions. I think on this show they always seem to come up in the songs. Whenever we do a contenders episode this week, none of them have anything to do with coffee. This week's mix has me thinking about Lots of things about youth. You know, you're young. Is youth wasted on the young? I mean, I know I look at you and I hear what you do on weekends and stuff. Oh, my God.

[Unknown]

I don't think it's wasted on me. I think I'm having a great time. I don't know.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah, well, that's one of the questions. Other big questions. Whatever happened to guitar rock? Guitar rock used to run the world. Not so much anymore. Also, lots of stuff on love and relationships this week. The bread and butter of music in this case. How do you find the right balance so that you don't blow it all up or ruin it or just go completely nuts along the way? Let's start with the whole youth thing.

[Unknown]

Let's do it.

[Hazel Sills]

And this comes from new music that we got from Little Sims. Little Sims, back with a new album. Her sixth. Her sixth album. Hardest word in the world to say. Her sixth album, it's called Lotus. Lil Sims, British rapper. She's been on quite a run. Won the Mercury Prize in 2022 for her album Sometimes I Might Be. Introvert. Had another, what I would call 10 out of 10 album right after it called no, thank you. And did you see that? She's entered the Marvel universe.

[Unknown]

No, I'm not surprised.

[Hazel Sills]

She was in one of the Venom movies.

[Unknown]

Okay.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah, I actually haven't seen it yet, but she's back with this new album, Lotus. It's got this insanely catchy thumper that I want to play. It is called Young.

[Little Sims]

Yep. My testing, 1, 2, 1, 2. Okay, here we go. Who's that creeping in my window? I get a hot flash whenever the wind blows Nothing to my name now when everybody knows When I'm in need of cash I go down to the bingo, Bingo. Last night I asked Jenny for a quid. This is the fifth time I'm used to taking the B A bottle of Rio and some chicken and chips in my me up pump to my winehouse Quiff. We love you, Amy. Who's that knocking at the front door? It's the mailman. Bills, bills, please. No. I'm 20 something young. My priority's straight. I need to buy booze and I need to buy a drawer. This summer I'm going out every night. Anyone can get it. I'm scared of a fight. You can be down or be on the other side but this is my idea of the perfect life.

[Unknown]

Living out your wildest dreams.

[Little Sims]

Yeah, we're just young and dumb no rest for so parenties don't care for.

[Unknown]

Anyone.

[Little Sims]

Who'S that over there giving it the bidding? Sorry, officer. I don't want to go to prison. I know that I was taught? But I probably didn't listen? But taught myself to fire when I needed ammunition? I taught myself to sing and I taught myself to shout? I taught myself how to get by and go without? I taught myself to make a proper English breakfast? Cause I'm a little teapot short and stout? I'm that girl all alone in the crowd? Cause all of yous are followers? And do it for the clout? I can't afford to be what everybody's on. The only way I can afford is if you do a discount. Next summer I'll probably be overseas. I speak a lot of French. Oui, oui, oui. Maybe just a hater. Cause my future's bright? And this is my idea of the perfect life?

[Unknown]

Living out your wildest dreams.

[Little Sims]

Yeah, we're just young and dumb? No responsibilities, don't care for anyone? Yeah. So don't be looking at my face weird. I am somebody that they feared. I just want to play my bass here.

[Hazel Sills]

You know how some songs are growers. This is one right out the gate. I knew I was gonna love it, like, two seconds into it, right?

[Unknown]

Yeah. It's such a different turn for her. Like, I was so surprised when I hit play on this song for the first time because it's so twee and kind of quirky. It's very quirky. It reminds me of, like, you know, the streets and Kate Nash and Lily Allen and that kind of, like, early 2010 wave.

[Hazel Sills]

I was. I was thinking almost like Wet Leg or Olivia Rodrigo or something.

[Unknown]

So I wanted to ask you about this. Cause I did, after I listened to the song a few times, I was like, is this kind of a Wet Leg parody? Like, I don't think the song is malicious at all, but I was like, this feels like little Sims entering the wet leg universe. Like, even that line where she's like, I just want to play my bass here. This feels like Little Sims, you know, making a Wet Leg song.

[Hazel Sills]

Well, I mean, it's got that playfulness. It's very plain spoken, that almost detached, sort of completely indifferent to everything sort of vibe, but also full of swagger, which is what I think of with Wet Leg and Olivia Rodrigo in some of her stuff, too.

[Unknown]

Totally.

[Hazel Sills]

But yeah, I don't know if it's a send up or if it's sincere. Yeah, more like. That's cool. Yeah, Yeah, I want to do that.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Just those lines about, like, being young and Dumb and not having responsibilities. But, yeah, it is a real, real turn for her. And it's serious earworm.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah, it does have sort of a playground taunt to a dozen and that. Da, da, da, da. You know, like, it is sort of kind of a taunt. But I don't know, I don't want to read too much into it. Absolutely. But I felt like, to me, that this was a song largely about realizing the real value of your youth and what a special kind of fleeting time it is. Not in a sad way, but just like, you know what? This is an amazing time. And I just want to have fun. I don't want to worry about what other people think. And I think, you know, when she talks about music, she just wants to play her bass. She's like, I'm not going to worry about clicks or an audience or whatever. I'm just going to make music to make music, because I love it and I'm just gonna have fun.

[Unknown]

Yeah. It's interesting cause Lil Sims is actually my age. We're the same age, we're both 31. And it's interesting. Like it's. When you put it that way, it's like, you know, when you're in your 20s, people think. You think, oh, your 30s are so far away. Your 30s are so old. And then you get here and you're like, no, I'm still so young. Oh, yeah. And we should be having fun.

[Hazel Sills]

35'S the cutoff, I think. 35, really?

[Unknown]

Well, I think 40s are young. I think. I don't know.

[Hazel Sills]

Well, I think they're young. I think they're young. But to me, 35, I remember 35 was the moment I realized, okay, there's no more pretending that I'm a 20 something anymore. My 20s are solidly behind me, you know, and now I'm 30. And it was fine. I felt. I didn't feel old. But in your early 30s, you're still totally in touch with that whole lifestyle and vibe and feeling of everything. I think when you're twenties and then you kind of cross over and, I don't know, it's not like it's gone forever.

[Unknown]

Well, I'm 5,000 years old. I'm a vampire. So this is all just kind of speculation on my end.

[Hazel Sills]

I've assumed that that is why you never want to get together in the afternoon for coffee or anything like that. It's always a hard pass.

[Unknown]

I gotta be in my coffin. I'm so sorry.

[Hazel Sills]

So, Little Sims, the song Young from this album, Lotus from Her. Her sixth album.

[Unknown]

Sixth.

[Hazel Sills]

Sixth album.

[Unknown]

Now I feel weird about saying it. When you mentioned it was hard to say, I was like, no, it's not. And now I'm like, sixth.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah. No, no. I've jinxed you. You can't do it anymore.

[Unknown]

Please. Oh, God.

[Hazel Sills]

Okay, where do you want to go from there?

[Unknown]

I was gonna just go straight to the Wednesday, but I'm like, should we do the Yule? Cause it's maybe also more upbeat. Like, what do you think we could.

[Hazel Sills]

Go to the Yule. You know, the thing that's interesting about the Yule is kind of like the Little Sims. It's, at least to me, to my ears, was a huge left turn for you.

[Unknown]

Mm. Interesting.

[Hazel Sills]

Did you not think that?

[Unknown]

Well, I might have the benefit of spending a lot of time with the album.

[Hazel Sills]

Okay, cool.

[Unknown]

Which I do feel like is a. You're right. I do feel like the album is a turn for her. Not a huge turn, but, like, an expansion of what she's been doing. So the song in this case is a song called Doo Doo. And I just. Every time I listen to a new album or get sort of a stream of an album that's coming out kind of like clockwork, there's always a song that I become immediately obsessed with. And this was a song that, as soon as I heard it, I kind of had to replay it and replay it and replay it.

Holding out the frame threw it in the poison rain I screamed and screamed and screamed your name all my paint was washed away I chased the sun Chased the flames through the fire through the vein Cut the line, have a cry Unstable but overdosed from within Woke up in a bed strange Screaming, screaming Scream your name Another day, another thirst medicine Genius Cut a line, have a crack Unstable but earth get my face I'm Sing a song before Love me when I want I love everything that you say I do But I know I can't have you I can't say Fix all the fears where I can be one who takes your tears dry and drink it to you But I know I can't have you I leave a chair before you forget my face I run this way and sing a song for you.

[Hazel Sills]

All right, so for some context, we had Yul on the show back in March, right? And we played the song Skullcrusher from this same album, Evangelic Girl is a Gun. And Skullcrusher sounds exactly like what you might think it sounds like based on the name Skullcrusher. So we don't normally, you know, we wouldn't normally play something by someone or a song from the same album like this so soon, but I thought, oh, this is just so wildly different from Skullcrusher. But it sounds like maybe the rest of the album sounds more like this.

[Unknown]

Well, I just feel like, I don't know. Yule is a really interesting artist because I sort of, you know, associate them with, like, this kind of dark, gothic, breathy kind of, like, Skullcrusher music. And they're also an artist who really plays a lot with their voice and presentation and sort of like their virtual selves and digital selves and treats their vocals in really interesting ways. And this song is like Yul in full rock star mode or like, even pop star mode.

[Hazel Sills]

Pop star?

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah, pop star mode. And, you know, their vocals are so kind of raw and, like, untreated, which is fascinating to hear.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah. Usually their voice is really lost in the.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Lost in the mix of what they're doing. And, you know, I do think that this song, it still kind of retains those darker, gothier qualities. You know, the lyrics of this song, like, I'll leave a trace before you forget my face. There's this kind of, like, ghostly element to it, but it is, you know, that doot doot doot doot. Like, it's just such an incredible pop addictive little line that it just, like, I don't know, this song really made me feel like I want Yule to get, like, Chapel roaned. Like, I want Yul to blow the heck up. And I do think that this album, it does sound a lot like this song. Like, there are Skull Crusher moments, but there are these kind of bigger pop moves from Yul. And it makes me really excited for, you know, kind of the direction that their entire career is going in and their music is going in.

[Hazel Sills]

Do you know what do do D U D U means? I tried lots of different languages and couldn't come up with anything.

[Unknown]

I feel like it's just a reference to that. Doo doo doo doo doo doo doo doo. Yeah, I think it's just a reference to that, but it just feels weird to say it as a song title.

[Hazel Sills]

Doo doo from Evangelic Girl is a Gun. That album is out now, so everyone should check it out.

[Robin Hilton]

This message comes from NPR sponsor Sonos, one of the world's leading sound experience companies. Sonos pioneered the smart whole home sound system, making it effortless to play anything in any room or every room. Beautifully designed speakers deliver exceptional sound both at home and beyond. Whether you're enjoying a podcast inside or taking your music on the go with Sonos Ace Headphones. Sonos brings your sound to life anywhere, anytime. Ready for better listening experience? Visit sonos.com to learn more about the Sonos Sound system and Sonos Ace Headphones. This message comes from Capital One. Your business requires commercial banking solutions that prioritize your long term success with Capital One. Get a full suite of financial products and services tailored to meet your needs today and goals for tomorrow. Learn [e-mail] Commercial Member FDIC support for this podcast and the following message come From Lagunitas Brewing Co. Since 1993, Lagunitas has been challenging the status quo, brewing innovative beer and crafting stories along the way, featuring a wide range of craft brews, cult classics and non alcoholic options. There's a seat at the bar for everyone. Bring the dog too. Lagunitas Brewing Co. Because every great song deserves a great beer. It's good to have friends.

[Hazel Sills]

Learn [e-mail] Hazel, you probably tell your family and friends all about this show all the time, right?

[Unknown]

No.

[Hazel Sills]

No. Well, you should. You know, you could share with them if you like. You should say, hey, listen to the show.

[Unknown]

No, they already listen. They already listen and love.

[Hazel Sills]

Well that's great because you know, if people who listen to the show love it or even kind of like it, they can pass it on to a friend, share it with a friend, tell people about it. It's free. Also, you can write a little review in Apple or Spotify or wherever you listen to the show. Let everyone know how great it is. All right, we've got more music and big questions on the way. But first, a quick reminder that we're celebrating the 25th anniversary of the show by looking back at our number one songs from across the years. We've been closing every episode with a different year. This week we're up to 2014. That's with Stephen Thompson. That's a little bit later on the show. And then, as always, we will end with your weekly reset. But let's get to that whole guitar rock thing. Honestly, I don't even know where we are with straight up guitar rock anymore. On the one hand, I hear stuff that's come out in like maybe the last five years, maybe even say maybe last 10 years. And I think, wow, you know, it's never been better. It's alive and well and incredible. But really, guitar rock just isn't the juggernaut that it used to be.

[Unknown]

No, I don't think so. But I also think, I don't know. I Think a certain strain of guitar rock exists, but I just think that people's references are different these days. I don't know. Like, I think of artists like McGee, who I've played on the show before.

[Hazel Sills]

Oh, yeah. MKG, e. E Minkee.

[Unknown]

Yeah, yeah, yeah. And I think of like, artists like Alex G, who I think I've played on the show before, and MJ Lenderman. And like, I don't know, the references for guitar music that they're pulling from are so varied and different. Like, MJ's really inspired by country and Mickey's really inspired by like 80s soft rock, and Alex G's really inspired by like slacker rock. So I think guitar rock exists. It's just. It's not like what it was in, say, like the early 2010s, basically.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah. Maybe the vision of it isn't as narrowly focused as it used to be. It certainly doesn't dominate the charts like it used to. I mean, like big, big stadium shows, like, I mean that. Just all the big rock shows that would come through town. But there is one artist who I think's been kind of carrying the torch for very old school, classic, vintage riff rock, guitar rock. Ty Siegel. I have loved him for so long now. Incredibly prolific artist. I couldn't get a clear count on how many albums he's released. By some counts, maybe 16 since 2008. But I actually, there were all these cassette releases before that. I started counting and I got up to about 40 albums under various names from him since 2008. Don't quote me on that. I don't know how accurate that is, but it's a lot. He's got a new album now. It's called Possession. And the song I want to play from it is called Shining.

[Ty Segall]

Sam Feels better. I can see a ghost blood Platinum plated fashion near the opera window I can see your silver teeth break Dave Drop top, buckle up yeah you're shining I see you reflect me yeah you're shining I want you to wrap around me Cause when I look at you I see what I want to see your shining riding just for pleasure See your goats pristine feels better I'm accustomed map to sit down, break dive.

[Hazel Sills]

Drop.

[Ty Segall]

Top, buckle up yeah you're shining See you reflect me yeah you're shining I want you to wrap around me.

[Stephen Thompson]

Cuz.

[Ty Segall]

When I look at you I see what I want to be yeah, I'm shining Sam.

[Hazel Sills]

You know, Hazel, one of the things you miss by being in New York While I'm in D.C. when we record these shows, Is that you don't get to see me. Air guitar, guitar. And I don't know, I'm told it's pretty cool. My kids tell me that anyway, whenever they have to watch me do it.

[Unknown]

They tell you that. They say, dad, that's so cool.

[Hazel Sills]

Oh my God. Keep going. Air guitar some more, dad. Yeah.

[Unknown]

Oh, my God.

[Hazel Sills]

So I did this thing that I always do with songs like this where I'm just rocking so hard to it. I'm not really paying attention to any of the lyrics or anything. And then when I went back and started digging into the lyrics, I thought, oh, my gosh, this song is full of all these double entendres and metaphors and it's all about sex and it's super juvenile. And, you know, and I asked Ty Siegel about it, you know, like, how'd you come to write this song?

[Unknown]

You said, how dare you?

[Hazel Sills]

I was like, why are you. What's going on in this song? You know, he wrote the song and worked on the album overall with this collaboration he's worked with before, Matt Yoka. And they both said that really the song's just about cars, man.

[Unknown]

Sure. And little red Corvette is also just about a car. I won't be tricked again by pop music.

[Hazel Sills]

Well, Matt Yoka says that he was reading a book about cars and he was really taken with the language and the rhythm of the language and everything used in it, like drop top, platinum plated, opera window. So he started sending all these little phrases to Ty Siegel, who then built on them. Ended up with the song that Ty Siegel says is really just a love song about the shiny things that we fall in love with, particularly our cars and possessions.

[Unknown]

Sure, I'll allow it.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah. I don't know. He says it's also a bit of a send up. So, you know, I think they're being a bit ironic in it, but I love it.

[Unknown]

Well, just the idea of this song being a potential send up changes the way that I listen to it. And hearing that it was inspired by, you know, the language that car companies use to describe their own cars, which I do think purposefully blurs the line between, like, sex and advertising. And you're buying a car, but what are you really buying? And I was just curious, like, I don't. I've never. I have no interest in cars and I hate driving. It scares me.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah.

[Unknown]

So I was just curious.

[Hazel Sills]

Have you ever seen Ty Siegel live?

[Unknown]

I haven't.

[Hazel Sills]

Oh, my God. One of the best live shows I've ever seen. He will crowd surf while Playing his guitar.

[Unknown]

I love that.

[Hazel Sills]

And soloing his guitar. You know, he's on his back soloing. And at one show he managed to stand, like, kind of clamber to his feet. So he's standing on the crowd on all the hands that are flattened and holding him up. So he's standing on the crowd soloing. It was incredible. One of the best live shows. And he's just like, shrugged. Highly recommend seeing when you go out to your rock shows. Hazel, get Ty Siegel on your list because.

[Unknown]

Okay, I have to add it to the.

[Hazel Sills]

He's amazing. What else you got?

[Unknown]

I want to play a song from a band that, to me, really rocks out very hard. Like, I think of them as one of the great rising rock bands. But this song in particular, a new single from them, is not a big rock banger. But it's such a beautiful song. I want to play the song Elderberry Wine by the band Wednesday.

Sweet song is a long con I drove you to the airport with the e brake on Ain't heard that voice in a long time had to check back there to make sure you were.

[Ty Segall]

Alive.

[Unknown]

Angel humbled an electric car reverses toy with me sometimes in my head I give up and flip the board completely but everybody gets along just fine Cuz the champagne tastes like elderberry wine and the paint boiled eggs stay afloat in the brine Cause even the best champagne still tastes out of there.

[Ty Segall]

You.

[Unknown]

Cry at commercial adding an older leg scraping against the ground hesitant to whirlpool.

[Ty Segall]

Around.

[Unknown]

Growing up say it's mostly CBD said I wanna have your baby cause I freckle when you turn I find comfort that angels don't give a damn but everybody gets along is fun Cuz the champagne tastes like it have been rewind and the pink boiled egg stay a gold in the brown Cuz even the first champagne still tastes like elderberry.

[Ty Segall]

Sam.

[Unknown]

It gets along just fine cause the champagne tastes like you live very.

[Ty Segall]

Well.

[Unknown]

And your eyes are the green of tornado sky.

[Hazel Sills]

So when we think of the big questions on this week's show, this is one of those songs that digs a lot into love and relationships and, you know, asks some questions about how we find balance in relationships so that, you know, it doesn't all fall apart.

[Unknown]

Yeah. Yeah. The lead singer of Wednesday, Carly Hartsman, talked about this song and the idea of, you know, elderberry is known as this, like, healing fruit that you can put in tonic. And then she related a story in a press release about her sister ingesting it raw and making her throw up. So basically the song kind of plays with this idea of like, you know, if you don't really create the right conditions for love to blossom in a relationship and sort of take care of that love, you're gonna barf. You're gonna, yeah, you're gonna turn champagne into something that can make you sick. And yeah, I just think the song is so beautiful coming from this band. I mean, Wednesday, I've been a huge fan of them for a minute now. Their album Rat Saw God was, you know, my favorite album of 2023. And they're a group that, you know, they can make this like noisy shoe gazy country rock. And then they can make songs like this, which is so sweet and, you know, a little bit more classically country or Americana. And it's just great to hear Carly in this mode and singing about a subject like this in such a nuanced.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah, I really don't think that I would have clocked that, the metaphor of elderberry wine in this case if I hadn't read that quote from her about it. The idea that, oh, well, you know, if you just take the berries, you're gonna barf. But if you get it just right, it can be really sweet. Like, I would not have clocked that at all. So Elderberry Wine, just a one off single for now from the band Wednesday.

[Robin Hilton]

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[Unknown]

You're listening to the NPR Network, live from NPR News. I'm Lauren Schmies. A living, breathing record of your neighborhood, the country, the world, told by thousands.

[Little Sims]

Of local journalists who live in the places where stories unfold, backed by a national newsroom that puts it all in perspective. Hear the whole country's story.

[Unknown]

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[Hazel Sills]

All right, we've got our 25th anniversary. Look back at our number one songs from 2014. Also, your weekly reset. All that's coming up. But Hazel, you've got one more cut. I think that you want to play. And it's another one that gets into those big questions around love and relationships and finding the right balance.

[Unknown]

Yeah. It's a new cut from the act Nourish by Time, who I'm a big fan of. A lot of people on our team are huge fans of the project by Marcus Brown. And the song I want to play is called Max Potential.

[Hazel Sills]

Potential. Maximize your potential.

[Marcus Brown]

Maybe I'm afraid of the future Demons on their way to the future maybe it's the comfort I wish to know if I'm gonna go inside It's I'm loved by you if my heart shall so grand like it was overdue if I'm going to go inside we don't talk as much as we used to I been witness to what you been through and of paradise.

[Ty Segall]

It.

[Marcus Brown]

If I'm gonna go insane it's not loved by you if my heart shall break it was both of you. If I'm gonna go inside if I'm gonna go inside it's the most by you if my heart should burst all break it was overdue there's no reason for your heart if I can call on you you're not passionate at all. That's all on you. Sabret.

[Hazel Sills]

You know, I was prepared to talk about what a blind spot this band is for me. I don't know. But it was kind of winning me over listening to this again. Yeah. I don't know.

[Unknown]

Yeah. I mean, the thing that I love about this song and also Nourish By Time in general is Marcus Brown just has such a way of singing about his own devastating, heartbreaking circumstances in a way that's filled with such kind of resilience. Or not hope. Hope isn't the word. I think resilience is the word that I'm looking for. Where his music is kind of like this Russian nesting dollar of sadness sometimes, like, oh, look, more.

[Hazel Sills]

More sadness.

[Unknown]

I'm like. I think what I'm trying to say is that, like, nourished by times music. I really hear kind of like the weight of the world in his voice and in his songwriting. And it's like there's the things that he's going through as an individual, like, in this case, you know, heartbreak. But there's the sense that there are these larger world forces. Like, I just love the line in this song where he's like, if I'm gonna go insane, like, at least I'm loved. And if my heart should burst or break it was overdue. It's like, aren't we all going a little insane? A little bit.

[Ty Segall]

I don't know.

[Hazel Sills]

It sounds kind of every to me. I don't know.

[Unknown]

I don't know. I just like. It really is. There's just something about his delivery and his sound, which is very much like rooted in 80s R&B, but it's like kind of left of center. 80s R&B? It's a little weird and wonky and.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah, I. I think I said this the last time we talked about Nourished by Time, and that is that there is a kind of wobbly wooziness that I like. I mean, I really dig that vibe. I really like the lyrics in the song. I love the stuff that he's thinking about and how he puts it. But it always feels out of tune to me. Maybe intentionally out of tune and. Well, go ahead.

[Unknown]

Well, I was just gonna say, I think I feel like we talked about this before with a few other artists. I think that kind of out of tuneness or sort of like distance in music, I just think that it's very en vogue right now among artists. Like, even if they are working in genres or using very explicit references in their music, it's always sort of like a step to the left in a way that I could see it being off putting or like too distancing to a lot of listeners.

[Hazel Sills]

Well, it'll be interesting to see where he goes with this. I think that maybe it is just the wooziness and this being all a little off and kind of out of tune, but there's something in the music that has always made me squirm a little bit. Like I can never quite relax. Like, I don't know, almost unnerving in a way. And. I don't know, maybe it's just that I just don't understand it. I don't know.

[Unknown]

Well, there's an album coming out. This song is off an album called the Passionate Ones, which is actually coming out in June, so you can spend more time.

[Hazel Sills]

It feels like a real opportunity maybe there for me. All right, thanks so much, Hazel. Always a good hang.

[Unknown]

Thanks for having me, Robin.

[Hazel Sills]

All right, let's get to our ongoing 25th anniversary stuff. Looking back at the songs that defined all songs considered over the years, Stephen Thompson, back to talk about 2014, the songs of 2014. Hey, Stephen.

[Stephen Thompson]

Thanks for having me, Robin.

[Hazel Sills]

You know, we're up to 2014, and one of the things that we've been doing along the way, we look back at each year is we've been trying to stump the chump. We've been playing a song for each other and seeing if the other person can remember it. In this case, I'M willing to guess what you're gonna pick. I think I already know what it's gonna be.

[Stephen Thompson]

I bet you do.

[Hazel Sills]

Do you wanna hit it and I'll tell you if I'm right? Or do you want me to do it for you?

[Stephen Thompson]

Tell you what you will say what it is as I'm pushing Play.

[Hazel Sills]

All right. Three, one. Radio Steve when you go. One, two, three.

[Stephen Thompson]

No, I'm gonna count to 15. What's wrong?

[Hazel Sills]

All right, well, wait.

[Stephen Thompson]

Three, two, one.

[Hazel Sills]

Coffee by Silvanesso.

[Unknown]

It's a dance we know the most the bow, the dip, the wound Though the words are true the state is old news Wrap me in your arms I can't feel it by Rock me in your arms I can't feel it but get up, get down, get up, get down, get down Feel the rotation stop See the next one get up, get down, get up.

[Hazel Sills]

So this was from their self titled album 2014. Was this their debut as well?

[Stephen Thompson]

This was their debut album.

[Hazel Sills]

This is. Who has a song like this right out the gate?

[Stephen Thompson]

We talk about this sometimes where an artist will put out, will kind of come out of the gates with a perfect song and then you're like, well, I don't need to hear anything else.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

And then the band or the artist or the musician spends the entire rest of their career trying to match the dizzying high of their one perfect song.

[Hazel Sills]

Right.

[Stephen Thompson]

Sylvanesso just kept putting out amazing songs and amazing albums continues to be. I'm ready for another Silvanesso record any day now. Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn have gone on to, you know, work with a lot of other artists. They built it like kind of a home studio where they've become a hub of this whole scene of other fantastic musicians in North Carolina, you know, so they've continued to just be vital forces in the world of music. But my God, this first song out of the Gate, this was one of those songs. I could play that song for anyone.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

And they'd be like, oh, this is my new favorite band. This is my new favorite song.

[Hazel Sills]

I'll never forget.

[Stephen Thompson]

Easiest pick maybe of any year. We've talked about.

[Hazel Sills]

We've talked about south by Southwest a lot on these years as we've looked back at our favorite songs because we've had so many memorable moments at south by related to these artists. And I'll never forget seeing Sylvan Esso after the song came out. But it hadn't quite taken off yet and people still weren't really sure who Sylvanessa was. And it was this little, itty bitty venue. They came. They were a little late. It was just the two of them. And they came in, carting all their gear with them, including a table, like a folding table to set it all on. And they're kind of working their way through the crowd to get to where they needed to be to perform. And, I mean, my, how things have changed for that band. And they ended up playing one of our showcases years later.

[Unknown]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

Incredible band, incredible song.

[Hazel Sills]

Incredible people, too.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, and two of the nicest people in the music business.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah, absolutely. All right, well, let's see if you can figure out what this song is. This is my pick for 2014.

[Ty Segall]

I've seen Jesus play with flames Lake of fire.

[Stephen Thompson]

Oh, is this Sturgill Simpson I was standing in? Is this like Turtles all the way.

[Hazel Sills]

Down Turtles all the way down Met.

[Ty Segall]

The devil in Seattle Spent nine months inside the line Then met booty yet another time he showed me going light within But I swear that God was there Every time I go to the eyes of my best friend Friend says my son is someday going to wake up old and gray Go and try and have some fun Showing warmth Everyone Meet and greet Cheat along the way.

[Hazel Sills]

From metamodern sounds and country music. This song and this whole album is, I mean, well, metamodern sounds and country music. You know, this was one of those songs that I also got very deep into and just started, you know, like, wow, it's so existential, and there's so many questions about what it means to be a human being on this planet. And it's, you know, it's cosmic. And then he came in for a tiny desk, and. And I tried to talk with him about it, and he said it's just about drinking and doing drugs.

[Stephen Thompson]

Sturgill Simpson, just like, one of the most kind of expansive minds in music.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

Really just like somebody who you never know what you're gonna get from one album to another. You know, he's had these albums of, like, kind of bluegrass and, like, really stripped down roots music. But then he had an album that was like, all this, like, ZZ Top style, like, big guitar rock that was, like the soundtrack to a piece of anime. He's such a searcher. He loves to zig when you think he's gonna zag, but, you know, just like a seeker.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

And I love a musical seeker.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah. Super chill dude, too. And this song and this whole album has. I know you love classic country music, and this just has such. It's like riding out of 70s, you.

[Stephen Thompson]

Know, late 60s where country and and singer, songwriterly music, kind of Laurel Canyon pop music kind of all coexist in this swirl of just like plain spoken, really deeply catchy music.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah.

[Stephen Thompson]

Love it.

[Hazel Sills]

Yeah. But until next time, Stephen, when we look at 2015, thanks as always.

[Unknown]

Thank you.

[Hazel Sills]

And for NPR Music, I'm Robin Hilton. It's also songs considered.

[Unknown]

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