Tom, great video. Can't go wrong with any album by Nick Drake, Big Star, Skip Spence, or Leonard Cohen. I'd just add Marianne Faithfull's 1979 album, Broken English. Songs don't get much more bitter or nasty than the two concluding tracks, her cover of Lennon's Working Class Hero and Why'd Ya Do It.
Not a songwriter, but Frank Sinatra, “No One Cares” (1959)... total authenticity For me, Joni’s greatest confessional songs are on “Hejira” but “Blue” is just magnificent Once again you mention some artists I never knew; it's great to learn of them, much thanks
On Josh Tillman’s first album as Father John Misty ‘Fear Fun’ he tends to leaven his weightier lyrics with humor, but ironically, less so on his double album ‘Pure Comedy’ where he examines the drama of the human condition from many angles. There’s still humor but it’s darker. On ‘Fear Fun’ he sings “I’m writing a novel because it’s never been done before” but ‘Pure Comedy’ (2017) actually comes across more like a novel. It seems to fit the genre in question here, at least to me.
You nailed this one. All exceptional selections. There’s always been a synergistic relationship between mental turmoil and art. It has resulted in some of the greatest creations. I was revisiting the other day Jackson C. Frank’s self-titled 1965 (and only) album. Songs like Blues Run the Game, I Want to Be Alone by a brilliant, but tortured, alcoholic artist who descends into mental illness epitomize the topic of your list.
My list would include.........John Cale- Fear, Lou Reed-Blue Mask, Syd Barrett-The Madcap Laughs, Scott Walker- Tilt, Mark Lanegan-Imitations, Sandy Denny-The Northstar Grassman And The Ravens.
LOVE this! How about bands who's careers were destroyed by Greatest Hits albums? By that, I mean, bands that essentially put their strongest material together and later had to compete with their successful past? Elvis Costello in 1984, The Alarm, Van Halen, etc.For me, that kind of shut the door for my record purchases.
Pink Moon is Nick's best record, IMO. I prefer to hear him unadorned. It's incredible and really creates a mood. Plastic Ono Band is Lennon's best, too. I love the rawness of the playing/ singing and the soul-bearing of the songs. As great as Imagine is, his true masterpiece was that first album.
The album that came to my mind after hearing you mention Cohen and Cash’s twilight albums was Dylan’s Shadow Kingdom. Re worked material in a sparse setting. I love it! Great vid as always.
The Least We Can Do is Wave to Each Other by Vander Graff Generator is pretty damn dark. Opening track is called Darkness. Topics of war and apocalypse. After the Flood is frightening.
I purged Big Star 3rd/sister lovers cd years ago. Now suffering from purger's remorse. Listened to Joni Mitchell Blue everyday during lockdown. Not sure what that says about me. Had 80% of your other picks. Can't think of anything else that fits that mold. Possibly Linda Perry - After Hours.
Speaking of Oar... which is absolutely phenomenal... have you heard Becks Oar - the whole album done by Beck in it's entirety? It is pretty amazing as well
I'd read about "Oar" for years before I bought it, and so one day while I was doing serious house-cleaning, I put it on and played it, continuously, all day long and into the early evening. The result? Nothing. Nothing emerged as a 'stand-out', nothing remained inside my head, and nothing will ever convince me that "Oar" (or Skip Spence) had anything going for them that was worth caring about. Many years earlier, when it was just released, a friend had bought the debut Moby Grape LP, so I was familiar with the band's members, but even that LP didn't stick, aside from one track, called "8:05" and the fact that the LP cover featured somebody's middle finger hidden underneath a sticker - which is the sort of thing that's cool when you're 14, I guess. Oh well, can't win 'em all. Your other choices were fine, CF. Well done, as usual.👍😄 Keep 'em coming, Buddy.
Honestly Tom, I’d never heard of Nick Drake until I started watching your show. But I’m certainly intrigued by what I’ve gathered. I owe it to myself to check out his music, especially the album you mentioned. I am however, familiar with Skip Spence. I actually have a copy of ‘ Oar. ‘ It’s a little hit and miss for me, but I do love that War and Peace song. And I can admit that I never once knew about his association with Moby Grape. Wow ! Unbelievable trivia. But that’s why I tune in to your channel. Keep up the great work, man.
Great topic First to mind is Lou Reeds Berlin Next album amd song that came to mind is Kentucky Avenue off Tom Waits Blue Valentines album Last but not least Mercury Rev : Deserter’s Songs Most songs by Johnathan Donahue Very special album
Great topic, Tom. I own several of these albums. Here's a suggestion for a great stripped down album, dark and confessional in places, with a couple of light hearted songs. "Back to the Front" by Bob Dylan's old pal, Bob Neuwirth.
I gotta find a copy of Oar at some point. It has been coming up so often in music channels i watch. Scott Walker released some creepy records starting in the 90s. I love Either/Or. Elliott's case is still open btw.
Oohhh...one of my favorite topics: dark confessional singer-songwriter albums. You've given us another great selection, Tom. One of my adds to this list would be Tim Hardin: Suite for Susan Moore and Damian (1969). Tim, of course, composed many folk-rock standards like If I Were a Carpenter and Reason to Believe. However, there is none of that to be found on Suite for Susan Moore and Damian. It's incredibly sparse and quiet: mostly just Tim, his voice, and guitar or electric piano. The album was recorded at Tim's house, with the producers placing microphones and tape recorders in different rooms, hoping to capture spontaneous moments. As such, many of the songs have a loose, improvisational feel. Sadly, Tim was in the throes of addiction, and you can practically hear him nodding off during some of the songs. None of it is easy listening, but there are moments of raw emotion, particularly on tracks like First Love Song, Magician, and Everything Good Becomes More True. Definitely a darkly confessional work.
I’ve never heard of that Tim Hardin album. I must seek it out asap. Love his first two albums, especially Tim Hardin II. He wrote some amazing songs and he sounded like no one else. Thanks for the suggestion. 😉
Knew this was going to be a banger of a video when you began with Nick Drake. There is one more album and one performance I would like to add. Bowie's Black Star. Rather in the same vein as Leornard Cohen's last album. And taking one specific track from Black Star it would have to be Paul Buchanan's performance of I Can't Give Everything Away at the BBC Bowie Proms in 2016. I was in tears by the time he finished the song, and I wasn't the only one.
The only problem with that last Johnny Cash album is that he had completely lost his voice by then. It was that he still sang correct all the time. It wasn't quite Singer/Songwriter as it had too many covers. But one track you mentioned, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face was originally a Folk song, originally recorded back in the early sixties by Peggy Seeger who was the younger sister of Pete Seeger, and then covered by other Folkies like The Kingston Trio, Peter Paul & Mary and Gordon Lightfoot on his first album. Then during the early seventies, Roberta Flack knocked out her MOR version and turned it into a classic. Around the time she covered it, Elvis Presley came out with a far more delightful version. Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Diamond were two other great singer/songwriters.
Would add Music for a new society by John Cale , about as dark as it gets. If you have never heard if it try Flashlight Seasons and The ghost in Daylight by English band Gravenhurst, the late Nick Talbot played most of the instruments, fantastic records, very under rated.
I was expecting to see Blood and Chocolate by Elvis Costello since I know you love that record, so I'll mention it here. The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is another. I prefer No More Shall We Part, by a hair, but I think Boatman is the more personal record. Also, Magic and Loss and The Blue Mask by Lou Reed, also Legendary Hearts to a lesser extent. Not as good as New York, but again, more personal. Workbook by Bob Mould. The heavier Black Sheets of Rain is the superior album, but again, the previous record has more of a dark, confessional feel.
![Jack Harlow - Hello Miss Johnson [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q86_nlRoIGw/mqdefault.jpg)
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Tom, great video. Can't go wrong with any album by Nick Drake, Big Star, Skip Spence, or Leonard Cohen. I'd just add Marianne Faithfull's 1979 album, Broken English. Songs don't get much more bitter or nasty than the two concluding tracks, her cover of Lennon's Working Class Hero and Why'd Ya Do It.
Fantastic selection Tom, one I would add is John Martyn's Grace And Danger, side 2 is heartbreaking 💔
Neil Young On the Beach + Tonight's the Night
Time fades away, too.
Not sure the category but Oh Mercy! Was a fave my brother turned me onto the day i arrived in LA.
Not a songwriter, but Frank Sinatra, “No One Cares” (1959)... total authenticity
For me, Joni’s greatest confessional songs are on “Hejira” but “Blue” is just magnificent
Once again you mention some artists I never knew; it's great to learn of them, much thanks
@@John-n9m7r You’re welcome. 😉
On Josh Tillman’s first album as Father John Misty ‘Fear Fun’ he tends to leaven his weightier lyrics with humor, but ironically, less so on his double album ‘Pure Comedy’ where he examines the drama of the human condition from many angles. There’s still humor but it’s darker. On ‘Fear Fun’ he sings “I’m writing a novel because it’s never been done before” but ‘Pure Comedy’ (2017) actually comes across more like a novel. It seems to fit the genre in question here, at least to me.
You nailed this one. All exceptional selections. There’s always been a synergistic relationship between mental turmoil and art. It has resulted in some of the greatest creations. I was revisiting the other day Jackson C. Frank’s self-titled 1965 (and only) album. Songs like Blues Run the Game, I Want to Be Alone by a brilliant, but tortured, alcoholic artist who descends into mental illness epitomize the topic of your list.
I fully agree with your opinion on Jason C Frank. Very touching material.
@@GoneButNotGone That’s a great album. 😉
David Berman/Purple Mountains album is a masterpiece!
Great Topic!! And Good Stuff Mtt Friend!!!!
Had To Add Another Comment!!! Just Finally Found " Candlestick Maker By Rob Elliot!! So Dang Good!!
My list would include.........John Cale- Fear, Lou Reed-Blue Mask, Syd Barrett-The Madcap Laughs, Scott Walker- Tilt, Mark Lanegan-Imitations, Sandy Denny-The Northstar Grassman And The Ravens.
LOVE this! How about bands who's careers were destroyed by Greatest Hits albums? By that, I mean, bands that essentially put their strongest material together and later had to compete with their successful past? Elvis Costello in 1984, The Alarm, Van Halen, etc.For me, that kind of shut the door for my record purchases.
Pink Moon is Nick's best record, IMO. I prefer to hear him unadorned. It's incredible and really creates a mood. Plastic Ono Band is Lennon's best, too. I love the rawness of the playing/ singing and the soul-bearing of the songs. As great as Imagine is, his true masterpiece was that first album.
@@senatorjimdracula1603 I agree 100 percent. 😉
One of these things first is such a funny lyrical Nick Drake song.
Love your picks here Tom
The album that came to my mind after hearing you mention Cohen and Cash’s twilight albums was Dylan’s Shadow Kingdom. Re worked material in a sparse setting. I love it! Great vid as always.
The Least We Can Do is Wave to Each Other by Vander Graff Generator is pretty damn dark. Opening track is called Darkness. Topics of war and apocalypse. After the Flood is frightening.
@@russellkroeker2822 Never heard it. Now I’m curious. 😉
I purged Big Star 3rd/sister lovers cd years ago. Now suffering from purger's remorse. Listened to Joni Mitchell Blue everyday during lockdown. Not sure what that says about me. Had 80% of your other picks. Can't think of anything else that fits that mold. Possibly Linda Perry - After Hours.
Same here with 3rd. Sold it. Thought I give it another chance. Bought it once more. Sold it again. I was right the first time.
Adrianne Lenker's, Songs belongs in this catorgory. She recorded it during the pandemic in a cabin in the woods while nursing a broken heart.
@@JackCerro Sounds interesting. I’ll give it a listen.
When I saw the title of your video, "Primal" came instantly to mind. It featured the most consistent quality of any Lennon album.
@@GeraldM_inNC I agree 😉
Speaking of Oar... which is absolutely phenomenal... have you heard Becks Oar - the whole album done by Beck in it's entirety? It is pretty amazing as well
@@GeeAitch-r1r I need to check that out. 👍
Late For The Sky - Jackson Browne
Nebraska - Bruce Springsteen
@@pauldaniels2019 Yes, my fave Jackson Browne album. Pretty dark..
I'd read about "Oar" for years before I bought it, and so one day while I was doing serious house-cleaning, I put it on and played it, continuously, all day long and into the early evening. The result? Nothing. Nothing emerged as a 'stand-out', nothing remained inside my head, and nothing will ever convince me that "Oar" (or Skip Spence) had anything going for them that was worth caring about.
Many years earlier, when it was just released, a friend had bought the debut Moby Grape LP, so I was familiar with the band's members, but even that LP didn't stick, aside from one track, called "8:05" and the fact that the LP cover featured somebody's middle finger hidden underneath a sticker - which is the sort of thing that's cool when you're 14, I guess.
Oh well, can't win 'em all. Your other choices were fine, CF. Well done, as usual.👍😄 Keep 'em coming, Buddy.
A case can be made for Richard & Linda Thompson Albums especially 1974 I Want to See the Bright Lights and 1982 Shoot Out the Lights.
Absolutely. I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight is a dark one indeed.
Agreed about Joni Mitchell’s Blue and Johnny Cash’s Hurt.
Honestly Tom, I’d never heard of Nick Drake until I started watching your show. But I’m certainly intrigued by what I’ve gathered. I owe it to myself to check out his music, especially the album you mentioned. I am however, familiar with Skip Spence. I actually have a copy of ‘ Oar. ‘ It’s a little hit and miss for me, but I do love that War and Peace song. And I can admit that I never once knew about his association with Moby Grape. Wow ! Unbelievable trivia. But that’s why I tune in to your channel. Keep up the great work, man.
@@stevecowder4774 Will do, thanks 😊
Great topic
First to mind is Lou Reeds Berlin
Next album amd song that came to mind is Kentucky Avenue off Tom Waits Blue Valentines album
Last but not least
Mercury Rev : Deserter’s Songs
Most songs by Johnathan Donahue
Very special album
Of course Berlin! Another perfect example of dark songwriting
@@jessem470 Berlin is as dark as it gets.
Harry Chapin’s ‘Sniper and Other Love Songs’
Great topic, Tom. I own several of these albums. Here's a suggestion for a great stripped down album, dark and confessional in places, with a couple of light hearted songs. "Back to the Front" by Bob Dylan's old pal, Bob Neuwirth.
@@russellcampbell3274 I’ll add it to my long list of albums to check out. Thanks 😉
Kevin Coyne- Blame It On The Night .
Never heard it. I’ll add to my listen list.
Check out his Marjorie Razorblade album...........one of the greatest double albums of all time!@@tomrobinson5776
Bowie's "Blackstar" is about as dark as it gets.
@@LuxVivens9 I still need to listen to that album.
@@tomrobinson5776 Watch the video for "Lazarus" to get a taste.
I gotta find a copy of Oar at some point. It has been coming up so often in music channels i watch. Scott Walker released some creepy records starting in the 90s. I love Either/Or. Elliott's case is still open btw.
I always wondered what really happened with Elliott. The whole thing has been kinda shrouded in mystery. Bizarre…..
David Bowie - Heroes, especially side two (sense of doubt etc.)
Lou Reed - Berlin
@@SH-ud8wd Berlin has to be one of the darkest albums ever. Hard to get through that one.
Oohhh...one of my favorite topics: dark confessional singer-songwriter albums. You've given us another great selection, Tom. One of my adds to this list would be Tim Hardin: Suite for Susan Moore and Damian (1969). Tim, of course, composed many folk-rock standards like If I Were a Carpenter and Reason to Believe. However, there is none of that to be found on Suite for Susan Moore and Damian. It's incredibly sparse and quiet: mostly just Tim, his voice, and guitar or electric piano. The album was recorded at Tim's house, with the producers placing microphones and tape recorders in different rooms, hoping to capture spontaneous moments. As such, many of the songs have a loose, improvisational feel. Sadly, Tim was in the throes of addiction, and you can practically hear him nodding off during some of the songs. None of it is easy listening, but there are moments of raw emotion, particularly on tracks like First Love Song, Magician, and Everything Good Becomes More True. Definitely a darkly confessional work.
I’ve never heard of that Tim Hardin album. I must seek it out asap. Love his first two albums, especially Tim Hardin II. He wrote some amazing songs and he sounded like no one else. Thanks for the suggestion. 😉
All albums by Nick Drake are simply classic. At the chime of a city clock from Bryter Layter remains my personal favorite.
@@georgecheung4271 Incredible track. 😉
Knew this was going to be a banger of a video when you began with Nick Drake. There is one more album and one performance I would like to add. Bowie's Black Star. Rather in the same vein as Leornard Cohen's last album.
And taking one specific track from Black Star it would have to be Paul Buchanan's performance of I Can't Give Everything Away at the BBC Bowie Proms in 2016. I was in tears by the time he finished the song, and I wasn't the only one.
@@p.a.stewart5446 I still haven’t heard Blackstar in its entirety. Need the courage. 😉
@@tomrobinson5776 Black Star is a brilliant album, and it's okay to shed a tear or two while listening.
Jackson Browne im alive
The only problem with that last Johnny Cash album is that he had completely lost his voice by then. It was that he still sang correct all the time. It wasn't quite Singer/Songwriter as it had too many covers. But one track you mentioned, The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face was originally a Folk song, originally recorded back in the early sixties by Peggy Seeger who was the younger sister of Pete Seeger, and then covered by other Folkies like The Kingston Trio, Peter Paul & Mary and Gordon Lightfoot on his first album. Then during the early seventies, Roberta Flack knocked out her MOR version and turned it into a classic. Around the time she covered it, Elvis Presley came out with a far more delightful version.
Gordon Lightfoot and Neil Diamond were two other great singer/songwriters.
@@paulgoldstein2569 I like Diamond’s 60’s sides, but his 70’s stuff I never connected with except for a few singles.
solid air by John Martyn 🏴
@@garypeacock5919 Awesome record.
Would add Music for a new society by John Cale , about as dark as it gets. If you have never heard if it try Flashlight Seasons and The ghost in Daylight by English band Gravenhurst, the late Nick Talbot played most of the instruments, fantastic records, very under rated.
@@gerardocarroll1158 I’ll check it out. 😉
Ron Elliot Of Course!! Lol!!
the candlestick maker
Hi Tom, I think you'd like this album.
Justin Sullivan - Navigating By the Stars.
Captivating stuff.
On spotify
@@ediblehorse Cool, I’ll add it to my list. Thanks 😉
Small Change Tom Waits
@@Peter-Burbank I almost put that one on the list. 😉
I was expecting to see Blood and Chocolate by Elvis Costello since I know you love that record, so I'll mention it here. The Boatman's Call by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is another. I prefer No More Shall We Part, by a hair, but I think Boatman is the more personal record. Also, Magic and Loss and The Blue Mask by Lou Reed, also Legendary Hearts to a lesser extent. Not as good as New York, but again, more personal. Workbook by Bob Mould. The heavier Black Sheets of Rain is the superior album, but again, the previous record has more of a dark, confessional feel.
Dylan Desire album + Blood on the Tracks. O Osborne paranoid + war Pigs.
Lennon: Cold Turkey
Lou Reed heroin. Some Cowboy junkies songs, just like the Child Ballads, are dark + very personal. Young's Mr. Soul.
I have to disagree with you. Grey Afro is the best track on Oar by some margin.
I'm a fan