Oh Minnesota. Maybe it’s the cold winters that push people inward, toward creativity. Maybe it’s the hustle, the honesty, the blue-collar poetry. Or maybe it’s just the way this state keeps finding new ways to turn hardship into beauty.
When Rudy Fischmann and I decided to record a special Discograffiti PERFECT SONGS FOREVER podcast episode, the idea was simple: celebrate the resilience of the city of Minneapolis and the state of Minnesota and honor the music that has helped define it.
Of course, the first names with perfect songs that rushed into my head were obvious ones like Prince and his entire catalog of songs.. like my favorites “Nothing Compares 2 U,” “Diamonds and Pearls,” and “Purple Rain.” or the aching beauty of The Jayhawks with the perfect song describing what the people of Minnesota are feeling right now.. “Blue.”
Or maybe we should go with the raw, emotional punch of Soul Asylum also timely.. “Misery.” Minnesota's music history is overflowing with perfect songs.
We could only choose a few so.. we had to do a The Replacements tune. “Unsatisfied” by The Replacements is a song that feels like winter air in your lungs. A song that carries frustration, longing, and hope all at once.
We talked about Bob Dylan and his grim, prophetic masterpiece “It’s Alright, Ma (I’m Only Bleeding).” A song that still feels way too unsettlingly relevant, decades later.
We dove into Arc Welder, a band I originally discovered because they’re forever cemented in Minnesota rock history with a star at First Avenue & 7th St Entry .. proof that this state doesn’t just celebrate mainstream success, but honors the artists who built the scene black brick by black brick.
This podcast was on its way to being pretty depressing, so we decided to talk about my favorite song ever born in Minneapolis.. “Surfin’ Bird” by THE TRASHMEN - OFFICIAL PAGE. Like the people of the Twin Cities. It’s fearless and unhinged in the best possible way. Truly perfect.
And we also got to talk about a song I really wanted to expose Rudy too.. “I Love You, You’re My Friend” by Minneapolis songwriter J.E. Sunde. This song is perfect in a much different way than "Surfin Bird.", it doesn't rush in with answers... it kneels down beside you and says you don’t have to pretend you’re okay.
You can show the cracks, the bruises, the places that still ache.
And instead of judgment, the song offers care. “I’ll sign the cast.” I’ll stay. I’ll commit. I’ll help you heal, even if it takes time.
“I love you, you’re my friend” isn’t flashy or dramatic.. it's sturdy, strong, empathetic, and caring.. just like the people of Minneapolis.
Sending love to my friends, my family, and everyone in Minnesota. Your resilience and community continues to inspire us. And your songs do too.
You can sign up for the Patreon and listen here. - https://www.patreon.com/posts/245a-soldiers-of-150205283...
Thanks to Dave Gebroe for creating the best Deep Dive Podcast Ever Discograffiti