Which song defines the year?
I think I want to start a new annual tradition: near the end of each December, think of one song that encapsulates the emotions for which I’ll most remember the passing year. Not a playlist of songs, mind you – it would be too easy to build a narrative structure that bridges from one song to the next.
For now, I’m undecided, but for those who read and comment at distantlyyours.com, I’d like to ask you: what songs might you pick to sum up your year? I’ve got a few candidates in mind, but I’m not ready to post a decision yet.
I think “Reckoner” by Radiohead summed up my 2007 fairly well, but 2008 has been a much more nuanced year: a year that went beyond frustration, and sank into downright struggle spiked with an ounce or two of great changes and hope for the future. It’ll be tough. I think I may just end up posting the song I choose, but also a list of runners up.
Loren Hartman