In a recent session of 'Song Shuffle', Philadelphia's renowned indie artist Kurt Vile offered a glimpse into his diverse musical preferences, despite his self-proclaimed Luddite habits in music consumption. Vile, who still enjoys creating CD mixes, demonstrated that he isn't entirely opposed to digital platforms by randomly selecting songs from his phone's playlist. His selections provided a rich tapestry of influences, showcasing his appreciation for both established and lesser-known artists. He began by highlighting 'The Handshake' by his friend Steve Gunn, a piece Vile described as a blend of modern sounds, Velvet Underground, and psych rock, noting its timeless quality.
Vile's musical exploration continued with 'Goddess on a Hiway' from Mercury Rev's 1998 album 'Deserter's Songs', particularly admiring the keyboardist's subtle yet impactful Hammond organ lick at the track's conclusion. He then ventured into the avant-garde jazz realm with June Tyson's 'The Moors', a song from Sun Ra's Arkestra. Vile, who resides near the historic Philly home of Sun Ra and his band, shared how he initially found Sun Ra's music 'noisy' but grew to appreciate its depth during the pandemic. Following this, he discussed John Prine's 'It's Happening to You', recalling a memorable recording session with the late artist. Vile also celebrated The Roots' 'Right On', a track from his fellow Philadelphians, expressing his initial surprise that Joanna Newsom's contribution was a sample rather than a live performance, enthusiastically noting the song's energy. He also mentioned how Newsom's 2015 album 'Divers' was a constant in his car.
When asked for recommendations, Vile championed his own track, 'Zoom 97', from his recent album 'Philadelphia's Been Good to Me'. He also spotlighted local Philly talent, suggesting Florry for their classic-rock roots and guitarist Emily Robb for her contributions to the punk scene. Vile openly shared his admiration for pop sensation Charli XCX, distinguishing her from other pop artists by stating that 'every song is a banger'. Despite his respect, he expressed a humble hesitancy to collaborate directly, viewing himself as from a 'previous generation', but subtly extended an invitation should she ever require his musical input.
The journey through diverse musical landscapes, as guided by artists like Kurt Vile, reminds us that creativity knows no bounds and that genuine appreciation for art transcends genres and eras. It underscores the beauty of discovery and the unifying power of music, encouraging us to explore beyond our usual preferences and embrace the unexpected. Such explorations foster a deeper understanding of artistic expression and connect us to a broader tapestry of human creativity.