We’re approaching the release of Scott Fab‘s new record, Leave My Friends, which comes out April 21. We previously brought you the song “Leave My Friends,” and today we’re excited to share a new mix tape that Fab has composed based on his listening habits during the production of his record. Take a listen and read what he has to say about each track below. “My mix tape consists of songs I found inspiring during the year I made my latest record,” he says. “Some are songs I’ve always turned to while others were just new to my ears and sparked inspiration. I hope you enjoy.”
Ron Sexsmith, “Secret Heart”
When I listen to Ron Sexsmith, I’m always blown away by his gift for melody. I have always liked how Ron sings and delivers a lyric. There are songs by other artists that would go right by me until I heard Ron sing them. This song is beautiful in its simplicity and minimal instrumentation. Video
Harry Nilsson, “Living Without You”
Nilsson Sings Sings Newman was in my constant rotation during the year I recorded Leave My Friends and has been a record I return to often. The combination of the strength of Randy Newman’s songs with the incredible vocal styling of Harry Nilsson is just so good. The pain of starting a day after losing someone is so well expressed by this song. Video
Sufjan Stevens, “The Only Thing”
There is an honesty to this song and record that is powerful and moving. “Should I tear my eyes out now/Everything I see returns to you somehow.“ Strong melodies that keep returning to me. Video
David Bowie, “Life On Mars?”
I have never stopped listening to David Bowie’s Hunky Dory. The production, with so much being driven by acoustic guitar and piano, has always appealed to me. The chorus of “Life On Mars?” is incredible. The build and release, sweeping strings, punching piano and the imagery of the lyrics get me every time. Video
Ray Lamontagne, “Shelter”
The pull before the chorus, live-room sound, Ray’s voice and lyrics about sheltering one another. This was the first song I ever heard Ray sing, and I’ve been listening ever since. Video
Chris Moore, “Watch The Sky”
One of my favorite songwriters. Chris Moore’s melodies and lyrics have been an inspiration since the first time I heard him. A compelling and beautiful work of art. Video
Sun Belt, “Champion The Wonder Horse”
I first heard Sun Belt on a late-night drive and was instantly transported by the lyrics and soundscape. Rick Maddock’s writing is poetic, with plenty of room for your own imagination. From the first line (“Does anybody hear that tapping?”) to the last line (“Everything good in this town, they drove to distraction”), the song explores a deserted, mysterious desert town. Video
Richard Buckner, “Lil’ Wallet Picture”
One of my favorite lyricists. “Underspent, and too young, too/I stumbled onto a picture of you/You wild bitter tale/All cherry oak and tears as the branches looked in.” Wallet picture from 1985, and the story it tells. Video
Andy Shauf, “Wendell Walker”
First time I heard this song I just kept playing it, over and over. Which is saying something when the song is eight minutes long. “Wendell Walker” draws you slowly into a narrative that is haunting and poetic. Video
Gillian Welch, “The Way It Will Be”
There is a literary quality and timelessness to Gillian’s lyrics. This song has great description. “I can’t say your name without a crow flying by.” I love her and Dave’s voices combined with the two acoustic guitars. Video