Burn Your Hits: Curt Trnka

It’s past Georgia's bedtime, and she’s proudly staring me down from the tub. She’s six years old. She’s adorable. And she just used the F-word for the first time. Yes, my daughter is amazing, and I’m using my songs this year to introduce you to HER top ten. Also, her "Daddy’s car playlist" only has ten songs at the moment, so now’s the time to do this cause I can only imagine what she’ll add next year.

And for the record, that’s the day - the moment - my little girl explained and demonstrated that one of the three Finns in her grade taught her to swear.

Parenting is hard. If you don’t have kids, you know this. If you do have kids, you KNOW this. Regardless how ‘25 treated you, keep being a good person, and I hope you find something you like in Georgia’s music!

“New Best Thing” by KOYOTIE

Possibly the most requested/sung song by my daughter that isn’t tied to an animated movie. (The top spot goes to “Golden” by a few miles. “We’re going up, up, up!”)

“Roll Up” by Fitz and The Tantrums

You haven’t lived till you’ve seen my kiddo try to play air drums while dancing and singing. Next time you’re around, though, she WILL do all of those when this song comes on.

“Electric Feeling” by Danger Twins

I bought a Chevy Bolt. It’s all black. I joke it’s Batman’s go-cart. Georgia loves it because of this song. She was all about having an EV when all her friends had GVs. But when she first connected that this song was about “electric” while riding in the Bolt, she MADE me add it to her list.

“Girl Gang” by Gin Wigmore

The lyrics speak for themselves on this one. Some songs are on here because I saw her show interest. Others are here because I wanted to make sure she had enough songs with female singers. This is both of those.

“Eyes on Me” by Ønders Feat. Lizzy Cruz

In a couple decades, I could see my daughter swaying and singing in a dark bar. I can also see this if I look in the rearview …

“Pain of Love” by Whissell

I thought this was a dud until I heard her singing made-up words to it.

“Baller” by Madison

This one was actually the opposite. I think Georgia saw me enjoying it and decided it was tolerable. Then OK. And finally good.

“these are my friends” by lovelytheband

"Play the lips one again!" Who am I to disagree with a salty six-year-old passenger?

“Wild” by H.E.R.O.

She’s convinced that the song is "Wild Hero," and I’m not going to change her mind.

“Hands Up” by Shangrii-La

This is just a dance song. Yes, Georgia and I have choreographed moves, but that’s what matters. Even when you’re late for first grade ...

Friday, December 13, 2024

GL.24.04: Curt Trnka

100 Songs: Aaron Bergstrom

GL.24.01: Ilana Bergstrom

GL.24.02: Isabel Vermaak

GL.24.03: Megan Swidler

GL.24.04: CURT TRNKA

***

Myles Smith - “Stargazing”

Each year I make a joke like, "This guy could sing my groceries list, and I'd still listen." Well, here's this year's version. "Stargazing" hooked me, so it gets the nod. Smith feels Adele-ish. Are we sure we deserve him? His music earns my top slot.

Great Good Fine Ok - “Blame”

"Disjointed but productive." This may be the phrase for this group's 2024 (or my life). They pumped out singles and a separate EP. I chair dance to "Blame," so it's here, but all of their recent tracks are worth your time.

Smallpools - “Swayze”

"The less time that I have left, the more I want the right thing." I'm not THAT old, but I find myself thinking just like this. Time isn't on our side. I need to respect that and be the best me I can be. Also, I need to dance. To this song. Over and over.

Party Pupils and Britt Lari - “Pleasure”

I stumbled upon this and will forever be grateful. I play this at work when I need to regain my mood and/or energy. What am I hearing? Why are my hips trying to do that weird motion? I don't care. At all. I just like it.

Linkin Park - “The Emptiness Machine”

While we're on my favorites, LP is back, and holy crap do I love it. To enjoy the first time listening to the new album, I went to my cold, dark basement and folded laundry while it played in the background. Well, I stopped folding and started jumping and dancing. My knees still hurt …

Barns Courtney - “Young In America”

It wouldn't be a list for Aaron without a storyteller song. Also, y'all are old enough to go find '99' and enjoy the heck out of it. It's honestly better than this song, but it's older, like you and me. That's WHY it's better. [Slow, very deliberate wink.]

Snow Patrol - “All”

"This is not a love song." LIES! First of all, you're Snow Patrol. You ARE love songs. Second, do you hear this casual, ambling melody? I'm not a big fan of love songs. I listen to Snow Patrol and tie every song back to my wife and family. Oh. Huh. Maybe I do like love songs ...

The Black Keys - “I'm With The Band” (feat. Beck)

HOLD ON. Two of my favorites did a song. Wait. Beck produced the album?

Trivia you'll never need: Beck is 37% responsible for me graduating from college.

Inhaler - “Your House”

I don't want to like a band named "Inhaler," but here we are. This damn song just gets me. It makes me feel like I'm getting ready to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas with my grown children. (My kids are 2 and 5.) This song isn't about that vibe AT ALL, but again, here I am.

Franz Ferdinand - “Night Or Day”

Sometimes I want to revisit the magic of "Take Me Out." Well, that's not happening. But this ... Love song? I guess? This grew on me. It feels like what I'd say if I were meeting my wife all over again. The chorus is almost an anthem to get us through the hard times. I'm here for it.

Louis La Roche - “OVERFLOW”

I'm 42 with two kids. I'm burnt out like nobody's business. If I'm going to run, I need something that makes me want to move. This song does that. God help you if this comes on in the car, because I will chair-dance at 70 on the Interstate.

Mother Mother - “Normalize”

The album, Grief Chapter, is beautiful and made me cry and cry. I tried to verbalize the experience with my wife. I failed and settled on, "This music makes me want to tell everyone how important they are to me." We lost our dog this year. We've been to more funerals than any other year. Time is short, y'all. Tell your loved ones that that's what they are.

Thursday, December 14, 2023

GL.23.02: Curt Trnka

100 SONGS: Aaron Bergstrom

GL.23.01: Ilana Bergstrom
GL.23.02: CURT TRNKA
GL.23.03: Marisa Plaice
GL.23.04: Isabel Vermaak
GL.23.05: Raffa Pantaleo
GL.23.06: Erik Kristjanson

***

TALK - “Run Away to Mars”

I played this song an obscene number of times when it came out. I still play it a lot. It doesn't make me cry anymore.

Tessa Violet - “You Are Not My Friend”

Being the father of a girl has changed me. I think of this song as a moment in my daughter's future life. I want to share this with her if needed. "Ehf that guy, honey. You're better off moving on."

Kai Straw - “Blueberries”

This guy sounds like he's barely holding it together. So, naturally, he has become my spirit animal.

Go-Jo - “Mrs. Hollywood”

This song found its way into my life via YouTube shorts. And I will forever be grateful for the fun boppy hit that it is.

Ava Max - “Choose Your Fighter”

I have yet to see the movie, but I was part of a Barbie spoof for a Fastenal employees-only show. I pushed for this song to be used. It didn't make the cut. Lucky for you, it's on this list.

Moon Taxi - “Step into the Light”

EVERY year I wind up picking a song that features a sax. Is this because I missed my calling as a sax player? Are my musical tastes leaning more toward jazz? Or is it subconsciously because Aaron played it in high school? Or maybe it's just because it's good music ...

Greta Van Fleet - “Meeting The Master”

When I found out the lead singer was gay, I said, "Wait. The lead is a GUY!?" I don't know if that makes me oblivious or dumb or what. I just know I love the music.

Cheska Moore - “Don't Talk”

This is a fun song. It's just candy for my ears and brain. That's all.

Jonas Brothers - “Waffle House”

My house -- filled with children and renovation projects -- is nothing but stress. So ... Yeah. This song speaks to me.

Danielle Ponder - “Roll The Credits”

This is not a new Mother Mother song. I'm trying to branch out. I'm not sure how I'm doing. But I'm positive that Danielle is outstanding.

Friday, December 23, 2022

GL.22.05: Curt Trnka

100 SONGS: Aaron Bergstrom

GL.22.01: Ilana Bergstrom

GL.22.02: Isabel Vermaak

GL.22.03: Dionicio Solano

GL.22.04: Tony Schoenberg

GL.22.05: CURT TRNKA

GL.22.06: Scott Lawson

GL.22.07: Remko Van Knippenberg

GL.22.08: Megan Swidler

GL.22.09: Jem Stirling

GL.22.10: Russell Abdo

GL.22.11: Erik Kristjanson

GL.22.12: Marisa Plaice

GL.22.13: Lukas Brooks

GL.22.14: Quan Nguyen

GL.22.15: Max Einstein

***

Ten(ish) Songs I Found In '22

The Knocks - “Slow Song”

You want a song of the year? I offer up an album. The Knocks make good music, and their latest had a few to pick from. I'm going with "Slow Song," but you can't go wrong with this album.

Lucius - “Next to Normal”

This song reminds me of Scissor Sisters. I miss Scissor Sisters. So, go ahead and enjoy this fun song with me.

Elderbrook - “Inner Light”

I hate music videos. I love this music video. Also, this song.

Patrick Droney - “Glitter”

Get your tissues ready. Tears are in the forecast.

Jack Garrett - “Time”

I can't tell if this is a sad or optimistic song. I love that about it. And the way it builds to the ending is amazing.

Arkellis - “One Thing I Know”

File this under infectious fun. Then dance along.

Roosevelt - “Passion”

I'm a sucker for funk. And sax.

Panama Wedding - “Younger Love”

Boppy pop? Sign. Me. Up.

St. Lucia - “Separate World”

I saw the name of this song and thought of something I say to my wife all the time. Basically, when it comes to celebs and rich people ... We're all on the same planet, but we live in different worlds. (That has nothing to do with the song. Enjoy!)

Big Gigantic and Aloe Blacc - “Keep On Rising”

Banger? Totally danceable? Earworm? This song checks all the boxes.

Strangers You Know - “Used”

This song just found me this year. I didn't like it. Then I heard it again and loved it. Now you're hearing it. Enjoy?

Ra Ra Riot - “Bad To Worse”

I loved this group, so it was bittersweet to learn they had new-to-me music but that they were done making music. Win-lose?

Cannons - “Hurricane”

Female vocals. Good beats. Catchy. I can see why this was recommended to me. Now, I recommend it to you.

Bob Moses - “Love Brand New”

I can't stress enough how nice it is to put on a Bob Moses album and just write. They are a go-to option for getting stuff done.

Thanks for reading and listening!

Thursday, December 16, 2021

GL.21.02: Curt Trnka

100 Songs: Aaron Bergstrom
GL.21.01: Ilana Bergstrom
GL.21.02: CURT TRNKA
GL.21.03: Remko Van Knippenberg
GL.21.04: Erik Kristjanson

GL.21.05: Marisa Plaice

***

Because part of me is forever stuck in 2019, I'm not ready for this. We're sharing our favorite music from 2020? Oh, it's 2021? Huh. Well, here's a list of songs I listened to a lot in the past twelve months. I think.

RALPH - “Tommy”

Song of the year? How about this: It made my toddler, wife, and me all dance the first time we heard it. Heck, I think the dog was even vibing on this.

Geographer - “Summer of My Discontentment”

This is my yearly song where I say, "I can't put my finger on why but I can't stop listening to this."

The Revivalists - “Oh No” (Made In Muscle Shoals)

Few songs exemplify the way I want to feel as well as this does. Rock, horns, and gravelly vocals? Hand me another beer, please. I'm gonna be here a while.

Moon Taxi - “Above The Water”

We all have songs that find us at the right moment. In the midst of moving, this was one of those for me.

Chelsea Cutler - “Walking Away”

During my pandemic carpool (we all sat directly next to each other at work, might as well drive together, too) one of the 20-somethings played this song and it stuck. I've had this on my shortlist of favs since shortly after that first listen.

Levi Hummon - “Paying For It” (feat. Walker Hayes)

"Wazoo." "Achy breakin' too." If you've ever had a bad breakup. This is for you.

Mating Ritual - “The Bungalow”

Nothing can match the happiness Scissor Sisters music brought me, but wow, does Mating Ritual tap into that same feeling.

Lizzy Land - “Sweet Melodies”

"I hear a love song circling in my head ..." If you ever want to see a grown man act like he's on drugs when he isn't, just play this song for me.

RAEKO - “Need 2 Know” (feat. Mating Ritual)

Are you thinking, "Wow. This guy really likes Mating Ritual ..."? Yes. Yes, I do.

Story of Luc - “Go On”

Crazy Statement Disclaimer: There's so much going on in this song even though there isn't.

Wednesday, December 16, 2020

GLW.20.02: Curt Trnka

100 SONGS: Aaron Bergstrom

GLW.20.01: Ilana Bergstrom

GLW.20.02: CURT TRNKA

GLW.20.03: Remko Van Knippenberg

GLW.20.04: Jem Woodward

GLW.20.05: Erik Kristjanson

GLW.20.06: Marisa Plaice

GLW.20.07: Russell Abdo

GLW.20.08: Garrett Bukunt

GLW.20.09: Megan Swidler

GLW.20.10: Garrett Tillman

***

2020 is my favorite year yet. Hear me out! Hear me out.

It's been hard, true, but it has shone a light on what actually matters in my life. My wife, my kid, my incredibly needy dog. The fact that my job is now something I actually love doing. Can't put a price on any of those.

Honestly, 2020 has been all sorts of suck, but for me, it refocused my attention where it should have been all along: making the best music list I could for you fine folks.

Enjoy some eclectic picks, y'all!

Club Paradise - “Growing Up”

It took a baby and almost four decades to realize I'll never be done "growing up." This song hit me right in the feels. And I liked it.

Humans - “Beggin”

If you're at all like me, you think about this list from time to time throughout the year. When I caught myself taking out the trash and dancing to this song, I knew it had to go on my list.

Lil Mosey - “Blueberry Faygo”

I thought I was going to hate this track simply based on the title. I was convinced it was trash. Well, if it is, it's my kinda trash.

Mo'Jo - “Put It On Hold”

Similarly, this song is way up there on my "Taking Out The Trash While Dancing" scale.

Big Gigantic - “Higher” (Opiuo Remix featuring The Funk Hunters and Eric Benny Bloom)

I've listened to this song more than any other in 2020. It is proof that the older I get, the better I get at dancing (while not caring if anyone can see me or not).

Bob Moses - “The Blame”

Because Bob Moses released new music, I was spiritually obligated to put a song on this list.

Ryal - “Thunder (Solo on the Dancefloor)”

I hear a strong Madonna influence when I listen to this song. And yes, I also dance when I listen to this song. My wife says I shouldn't quit my day job.

Speelburg - “Everything I Know”

I always swear I'm not going to do this, but each year there's a song that screams Aaron Bergstrom to me. 2020 seems to be telling me that this song with higher male vocals and saxophone is that song.

Anna Graceman - “Slip”

This is a rare one for me. Often when I listen to a remix of a song first and then hear the original, I can't stand it. In this case, I love the speedy Frank Pole version and the slow, heartfelt original. Not sure what that says about me. I'm getting smarter? Older? Lazier? Meh.

Brasstracks - “Missed Your Call” (featuring Col3trane)

I was going to put a wordless jazz track on the list (“Blues At The Barn” by Julius Rodriguez). I thought something with fun brass and lyrics might be a bit more fun. Enjoy!

Here's hoping 2021 treats you well. Stay safe out there!