Indie Moms Sound Off!

Hello, I'm Maggie. My son is Sam Jones [The Balky Mule]. My favorite song of his on the new CD, The Length of the Rail, is "Wireless." I just keep finding myself singing it at all sorts of times of the day. The music is quite haunting, and the plaintive voice is pure Sam (sorry if I embarrass you, Sam). Do listen — you might like it, too.

As a long time music listener and lover, I can authoritatively say that Beach House has created music that is both unique and inventive. Music ‘s best gift is to take the listener to the myriad landscapes within. After a single play of "Devotion", I’ve been peaceful, wistful, reminiscent and inspired. Overall, the songs are beautifully subtle compositions. Favorites are "Holy Dances," "You Came to Me," "Gila" and "Heart of Chambers." Bravo!

It's truly amazing to see the progress of Mara Miller in her gifts for lyric and melody as evidenced in the release of her latest endeavor, Baby . It's difficult to pick a favorite from this latest CD, as each song is a unique work of art. Mara's songs seem to take hold and not let go. It is such a joy to see my quiet, shy daughter blossom into a performer that is living and proclaiming her convictions in song for the world to share. It is a double blessing to witness the collaboration of her sister's creativity on the keyboard which only adds to the beauty of the music. "This Town" is reminiscent of the small Texas town she grew up in. The "Train Song" is one of my favorites. I enjoy its simplicity and the folk style. "Oh River" is exceptionally beautiful and meaningful to me due to its spiritual implications.

I love this album so much that it is very difficult to single out just one song. The way the music flows from one track to the next makes it seem like one continuous musical journey anyway, with exciting sound bursts round every bend. I find myself moved by the emotional quality of Dan's voice in "Feel the Love" and "Far Away." The discordant phrases which lead into the beautiful harmonies in "So Haunted" make it such a strong tune for me. However, if I have to choose just one track, then it must be "Lights and Music." This is the one that makes me dance and snap my fingers, sing at the top of my voice and join in the "woo-ooo-oo"s like the best back-up singer ever. I wonder if they have a vacancy… Mitchell?

I love to hear Reema's CD, Truth Love Creation. All her songs send me to ecstasy. One which melts my heart is "Krishna." Her yearning and love for the one beyond in the song dissolves into a melody vibrating in unison with the rhythms of the universe. Her voice, sometimes soft and sometimes sultry, leaves me yearning for a world of total honesty and simplicity. "The Lullaby" — her favorite to hear, and mine to sing to her — takes me to the time when she was a little baby. I sang to her the first day we brought her from the hospital and am still singing to my grown up baby. Whenever she visits us, she wants me to sing that song at least once. Regardless of the time, she will put her head in my lap and will ask me to sing the lullaby. I can still gather her in my arms and she is still able to make herself into a small bundle wrapping her arms around me.

Daniel has been writing amazing songs for almost 20 years now. It is difficult to choose only one, but I do especially like “Deviled Egg” from the Choppin' Block album. This song brings to mind the many live performances that captivated and rocked the crowd with energy that didn't allow anyone to stand still! The lyrics, although deceptively simple, are mysterious, dark and deep, exemplifying my son's creative “wordsmanship”. I am very proud of him!

I am Randy Chabot's mom, Debbie. Thanks for the opportunity to respond to your Mother's Day question. I would have to say that my favorite song at the moment — and the reason I say "at the moment" is because at any moment there could be a new favorite, as Randy is always working on a new song — is "Light Powered". The reason I like this song is because there are no words — but for me, there are. They can be any words I decide to sing, and the music always makes me happy. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, whether cleaning a bathroom used by five men, cooking dinner, or my least favorite, ironing, I have so much more fun doing those things and I get them done faster it seems when I'm listening to that song. It also makes me want to dance. I'm not sure that's a good thing for everyone, but I enjoy doing it in the privacy of my own home, especially when no one is around. It also makes me marvel at the talent my son has, how proud I am of him, and how far he's come from playing "La Bamba" on his "tee-tar"( guitar). I love you, Randy, it's a privilege to be called your mom. Keep singing with all your might!

Alela is my favorite song. She is my home-birthed melody, born on the wings of time. Each letter of her name rolls off my tongue and seems to float in the air. Alela is my red dirt child washed clean in a winter snowmelt stream. Her music is our family’s song. She is the keeper of memories as she haunts us with the secrets of our past. She sings the truth, and like a surgeon's knife her words cut clean old wounds. Alela is a healer, and her songs bring our ghosts back to life. Alela has flown away on the magic of her music. I watch her on YouTube as I drink my tea alone and the waves break on the cliffs below. Alela calls from Paris, Amsterdam or Berlin and we laugh about life on the road with a traveling circus. I miss my girl. “Oh My Mama” is the song she sings for me and all the mamas this Mother’s Day. Use your voice my little bird…..and fly!

I have many favorites of Justin’s songs but I’ll have to say “Mama’s Eyes.” He has many of my features, but the song is also about the wisdom I gave him growing up. I’m proud of the way he’s used that knowledge and of the man he’s grown into be.

Obviously being Lisa's mother, and a very proud one at that, it is difficult to pick just one; a little like Sophie's choice. Probably because we, as a family, were all involved in the making of the videos for "Lille" and "I Don't Know," I would have to pick one of these. What turns out to be a few minutes on YouTube in fact represents days and days of hard effort — but it was also a great deal of fun. During filming, the songs had to be repeated over and over again, and while some people would say that familiarity breeds contempt, I feel it is more like a comfy pair of slippers! So I will have to choose "Lille." But, then again, I don't know.

My first favorite song of Molly’s Album Maybe Tomorrow was "Alongside You," because, while it’s fanciful and sings of dancing across the tree tops, it brings everything back to a relationship. Then, I fell in love with "Maybe Tomorrow," because of the wistful tune and lyrics, especially the line “…and we’ll mull over coffee and the movie we just saw/while you go on about your job/I’ll criticize the songs they play on the radio/and the rain will fall my way.” But then came "Thank You My Friend." The music in the chorus is so powerful and driving, and the message about the support of friends is so important and universal. I think it’s this generation’s "You’ve Got a Friend."

"Cabezon," is my favorite song because I love the melody, and "Three Legged Cat", because it's a fun song to sing to the grandchildren.

My favorite song is "Delilah," performed by the Pine Valley Cosmonauts on The Executioner's Last Songs vol. 2. It's a Tom Jones song, and he's a Welsh hero. Nothing could make me prouder. I especially like it as performed live by the Jon & the Burlington Male Voice Choir.

Wow, it's hard to pick just one song. Some of my favorites are "90 Mile Water Wall" and "Thirsty" (Sad Songs for Dirty Lovers), "Daughters of the Soho Riots" (Alligator),"Son" (The National), "About Today" (Cherry Tree) and "Squalor Victoria" and "Gospel" (Boxer). I love the unique sound each song has, and how the band pounds it out on one and soothes your soul with another. I love the passion that each member of the band has about their music and the friends they have made on this amazing journey. I am so proud of both of my sons. Thanks guys! Keep on drummin' and strummin.'

I really appreciate this opportunity to talk about Okkervil River, because I am a huge fan of the band, and of my daughter Lauren! Since they will be on tour in Australia over Mother's Day, this connects me to her in a special way. Okkervil speaks to me on many different levels — musically, lyrically, emotionally, and in a proud and happy way. I love all of their songs, beautifully written by Will Sheff, and my favorite changes from time to time. Right now, "For Real," a really un-motherly song, is in my head. The guitar riffs rock, the words are compelling, and the orchestration is brilliant. Thank you bloggers and You Tubers for posting comments, pictures and videos of the band while on tour — it's so fun!!!!

When Kip turned 13, I gave him his first guitar. He immediately started writing songs, and I felt honored to be his first audience — then gradually I felt gratified to see his audience grow beyond me. From his first band in high school, through college bands, and now with The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, I’ve been amazed at the unimpeded flow of Kip’s creativity. It’s hard to pick a favorite, but the first song that popped in my head when asked to do so was “Everything With You.” As with so many of his songs, it has a catchy, upbeat melody, while lyrically it’s more emotionally complex. The song is addressed to a “strange teenager, waiting for death at 19,” but listening to some of the lyrics now — “Start off sometimes, now it’s our time”; “Are you with me?/I’m with you;” “Tell me it’s true/I want everything with you ” — I relate them to Kip’s commitment to the band and his desire to continue creating and performing music with his best friends. I couldn’t be any prouder or any more of a fan of Kip and the entire band! Kip, Peggy, Kurt, Alex — I want everything for you!

For his first 10 years, Kip was our only grandchild. Our love for him had no boundaries. My husband always referred to him as “The Orchard of My Eye.” Consequently, his using that as the title of one of his compositions made it a definite favorite of mine. His is the only CD I have in my car, and I garner a lot of attention singing along with his catchy tunes, especially “Young Adult Friction.” I accompany Kurt's drumming and the final catchy lyric, “Don't check me out,” on my steering wheel. My father and husband were classically trained professional musicians, and that set the tone for my musical appreciation for the first 74 years of my “grandparent-ship.” However, the last two have been totally usurped by The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart and its “indie pop” style. Kip's musicianship, composition, and lyrical poetry totally qualifies him, now and forever, as “The Orchard of My Eye.”

My favorite song of Sir Lord Von Raven's is "Georgie Boy," because its just such a nicely written pop song. I can also see some autobiographic truths in the song that make me laugh out loud. So proud to know my kid wrote this song. Keep them coming, mijo.

So many of Chad's songs are in my favorite category that it's hard to pick just one. But my favorite of the moment is "Knights of Bostonia," which is on State Radio's new album coming out this fall. The song is about a group of boys ages 10 - 12 who don't want summer to end. They know fall is coming, school is about to start and schedules will be imposed on them. I like the song's tune, lyrics, pace and energy and most of all, I like watching Chad, Chuck and Mad Dog play it live because they look like they are having fun and are kids themselves! The song reminds me of Chad in his early teens when he had a group of guys he rode bikes with called Night Riders. They rode around in the woods and fields at night in our rural town and often came home with wounds and bruises and always with stories.

At the moment I have two favorite songs by The Submarines. “1940” has a compelling rhythm and a noir atmosphere. Although the lyrics are foreboding, Blake’s voice is smoky and comforting to restless souls. It’s a song to play late at night when dilemmas and paradoxes start creeping around the room. The other favorite — very much on the flip side, is “Thorny Thicket” which is full of love and particularly fun to listen to when Chloe, Blake’s four year old niece, demands the song from her car seat and gleefully delivers her own quasi-gibberish lyrics.

My favorite song is "Swimming Pool." A song about life and love. When two people have each other, they can conquer their ups and downs no matter how overwhelming it may be. I usually listen to it while driving and with the volume up high. The lyrics, vocals and melody never fail to move me.

My favourite song has, since I first heard it, been "Us Ones In Between." As to" why": 1) The piano that reminds me of all the hours spent hearing Spencer play when he was a teenager. 2)The images that the lyrics clearly define. 3) The quiet intensity that is indicative of Spencer's openness to others views and voices. "The Mending of the Gown" comes a very close second and for entirely different reasons.

My favorite song of my daughter's is "Clean Getaway," because it had particular relevance to my life at that time. Besides... it is simple and beautiful!

I love all Jenny's songs, but my favorite is definitely "Nighty-Night" from her latest album, Transmitter Failure. It's a lullaby for lovers, complete with a divine full string section. Everything is perfect, but the highlight for me is how well it showcases Jenny's beautiful voice. Her words, like a down comforter swaddling you, bring you into the passion of union & the pain of temporary separation, with hopes that nothing will interfere with the lovebirds returning to the nest. It's about the ecstasy of being completely enveloped in each other's love, then the agony of being torn apart each morning by the day's calling; it revives the listener's feelings of new love & burning anticipation of the next embrace. As Jenny's mother, "Nighty Night" brings back tender memories of waltzing with my sweet bundle of J.O.Y. so many years ago...and there's no better memory than that! Those priceless moments are gone in a flash. I whole-heartedly thank Jenny for giving me an everlasting tribute to that special time in our lives. I love you, Jenny!

I love all of John's music, especially because he is a poet. It is awesome that he can tell a passionate story in such a few words. My favorite album is Cellar Door, which I have played about 2000 times. It is brilliant. I have not heard his new CD, Romanian Names, but his brother says it is great. That said, I really love "Underneath the Leaves" from another great album, Life and Death of An American Fourtracker. The song gets into my innards and makes me sing and dance, but the feeling is one of intense soulful emotion. I get lost. The lyrics are great but, like all of John's lyrics, I am not sure I ever understand them. But "Underneath the Leaves" makes me feel that I am literally crawling under the leaves, something John, his brother and I did often when they were growing up. John sometimes plays the song on tour and when he does and I am in attendance, I yell and swoon.

My favorite song on has been from the beginning "A Conversation About Cancer." A favorite among favorites. I love it because it refers to my dear friend Debbie who in her long battle with cancer didn’t have her eyes on that giant but on the One whose promises and presence are stronger than cancer. The song has everything: transparency, rhythmic surprises, fun, the whole gamut of emotions, musical styles and volumes, and out of the ordinary (rollicking) vocals. I love the arrangement that is a strong collaborative effort by all three of the guys. It’s been great fun to see the song evolve over time.

How does a mom even begin to put into simple words a description of her feelings about her child and her talents?! Just the thought of trying to convey to all of you the enormous pride I feel in her going after her dreams, the joy my heart feels when I hear her angelic voice, and now knowing that the world is beginning to notice and love her music...there aren't words for all of that!! What I have that no one else will ever have is a heart full of thousands of memories of her life, watching her delight in all things musical, marveling at the pure voice that God blessed her with, and knowing that the music that you and I hear is not at all contrived, but flows so beautifully from her heart and soul that are as beautiful as her music!! Oh, and as for picking a favorite? I think it would still have to be "Dancing with Friends"! To me, that is Julianna!!

From Ballads of Living and Dying: "Mayflower May" was my original favorite song and will always be one of my favorites. Beautiful crescendos and was the first time I heard what your voice was really capable of.
"Annabelle Lee": Just a brilliant song and an amazing interpretation of Edgar Allen Poe's poem.

From The Saga of Mayflower May: "Olde Love Haunts Me in the Morning": Heartbreakingly beautiful. Sounds like it's from a motion picture soundtrack.

From Songs III: "Diamond Heart": One of the classics. Gorgeous vocals and sad heartbreaking and provocative lyrics, beautiful mandolin
"Mexican Summer": Very atmospheric sound, I feel like I'm in Mexico when I hear it. Shows versatility as a songwriter and I feel it marks the beginning of a change in direction with a much fuller sound.
"Sylvia": Great power and range of the vocals here, with whimsical lyrics which are open to many possible interpretations.

From Little Hells: "Mary Comes Alive": GREAT!! Love the new sound here. To me, this has a Radiohead vibe to it and again shows tremendous versatility as a songwriter. It shows that Marissa's music could travel in many different directions.
"Ghosts and Lovers": Just another classic. Reminds me of some very scary but nice deceased people that I knew.
"The Hole is Wide": Such a simple haunting sound and such emotional gorgeous harmonies.
"Mistress": For me from a personal level for Marissa, the lyrics "so long misery" says it all. This could be the best song Marissa has ever written. Has a definite country tone to it, and could be a top single if enough people would hear it.

Favorite Covers:
"Famous Blue Raincoat": Leonard Cohen would be proud. Breathtaking emotional 5 part harmonies. Even without the harmonies is just as stirring live.
"Crying" (Roy Orbison cover)": A birthday gift for Marissa's Dad and only heard by him and me. Would absolutely blow people away.