KTSW’s International Men’s Day Spotify Playlist

By Janelle Abad
Music Director

The KTSW music staff has curated a playlist of our favorite songs by men, for men and about the important men in our lives in honor of International Men’s Day. From quintessential tracks that our fathers spun in the living room, to modern acts filled with snazzy bass riffs, this playlist has your bases covered. In light of the official theme of “Stopping Male Suicide” for this year’s International Men’s day, we’ve made sure to pay homage to why we appreciate the men in our lives.

“Old Man” by Neil Young: “I grew up listening to classic rock with my dad, and Neil Young was always one artist that I just didn’t get. I know it bummed my dad out, even though I would willingly put on Led Zeppelin or The Allman Brothers, that I didn’t connect with him on Neil Young. It wasn’t until I got older that I started to understand Neil Young’s appeal and lyrics more. The last time I took a road trip with my dad, I put this song on and we finally got to bond over it, and it is a song that will hold a special place in both our hearts forever.” – Jordan Cooper, Music Journalist

“Heroes Get Remembered, Legends Never Die” by Four Year Strong: “Sad enough to say that / Alone I could barely light a match / But together we can burn this place down / Sorry about the mess / But when we team up team up / We always seem to bring this place to the ground”. The bridge reminds me of having a sense of brotherhood, unity with your friends and being there for each other. The whole song is about relationships with your best friends. The band has stated this song is about best friends and the ups and downs of maintaining that strong bond through thick and thin. I decided to choose a song out of our format because this is still one of my favorite albums front to back.” – DeMarcus Cobb, Asst. Music Director

“Dogs” by Pink Floyd: “My former best friend and I used to listen to this song a lot together back in the day, and it describes his betrayal to our friendship later on. The lyrics glare into our mishap, “A certain look in the eye and an easy smile / You have to be trusted by the people that you lie to / So that when they turn their backs on you / You’ll get the chance to put the knife in as well as / That everyone’s expendable and no-one has a real friend / And it seems to you the thing to do would be to isolate the winner / And everything’s done under the sun / And you believe at heart, everyone’s a killer.” We were close, like brothers, and it made me feel like I couldn’t have a real friend again. Fortunately, I found this was not true.” – Ryan Lacerda, Local Music Director

“Lakeside Park” by Rush: “Rush has always been one of those bands that I feel like exhibited a strong sense of musicianship. Having been on the road for over 40 years and releasing over 20 albums, they are one of those bands that has shown strong perseverance in the music industry. The chemistry between members Geddy Lee, Neil Peart and Alex Lifeson is one like any other. This song brings back memories of simple times with my childhood friends.” – Clayton Kelley, Music Journalist

“Better Man” by Leon Bridges: “The rising force of 2015, Leon Bridges’ debut album from Columbia Records, Coming Home, captures the Fort Worth, TX native’s southern heart and classic soul. The raving success of the record speaks volumes itself. The second track “Better Man”, Bridges tells the tale of unconditional love to his woman, of course in the spirit of the origins of soul music before him singing: “I’d swim the Mississippi river / If you would give me another start, girl”. Who better than today’s prince of the revival of soul in the commercial music world to remind us of these humble messages?” – Janelle Abad, Music Director

“The Boys Are Back In Town” by Thin Lizzy: “This song is the quintessential ode to the boys. It’s a true tribute to those homies you haven’t seen in far too long.” – Sawyer Stull, Music Journalist

“I’m A Man” by Jobriath: “This is an unlikely song from the golden age of glam rock about being a man and how manliness doesn’t necessarily imply masculinity, but sometimes only means having confidence in yourself and kicking yourself, no matter how people react.” – Grant Morris, Music Journalist

“Precious and Grace” by ZZ Top: “Bro, this song is my vice. I blast this song at its max in my car while the boys and I are driving through the hill country. It’s always a must play when all the bros get together. Just a meaty riff holding it down while the drums maintains the simple but phat groove. This song needs to be played at max volume.” – Nestor Vasquez, Local Music Director

“American Privilege” by Allen Stone: “This song does a great job of showing off what a guy growing up in America feels about America. The song talks about privilege and how the American dream can mean stepping on others to achieve a level of comfort.” – Alisa Pierce, Music Journalist

“Every Day I Write the Book” by Elvis Costello: “I’d just like it to be noted that my first choice was no doubt Thin Lizzy’s eternal bro anthem, “The Boys Are Back in Town”, a perfect and tasteful ode to THE BOYS. But since it’s been taken, I’ll defer to a song that both me, my dad and the drummer in my band love. Every time I bring this song up, he goes on about how the lyrics are just too great, and he’s right. Costello is operating at high capacity here. For those averse to the ’80s, the keyboards might turn you off, but that’s not a problem for my dad, a sometimes shameless apologist for the Reagan years.” – Ché Salgado, Music Journalist

“Lone Wolf and Cub” by Thundercat: “Thundercat wrote this song based off of a manga about about a lone wolf who takes care of his motherless child. He says the song is for all of the lone wolves out there (single parents) and their cubs trying to make it in the world. I love Thundercat’s timelessness, vulnerability and his ability to connect to a broad audience. Plus- he’s super cute and I want to hold his hands.’ – Kendra Sells, Rap Music Director