Every once in a while, even the most devoted music fan finds themselves in a music funk. The top 40s feel overplayed, the oldies don’t hit the same, and your tried-and-true favorites begin to lose their effect. When a music funk rolls around, it’s best to peruse international catalogs, B-sides, and long-forgotten, criminally underrated hits. This weekend, whether you’re in a music funk or simply looking to expand your repertoire, consider listening to these three hidden gems spanning blues, pop, and rock.
Van Morrison’s “T.B. Sheets” Is Among His Best, Most Atmospheric Work
Many know Van Morrison best for songs such as “Brown-Eyed Girl”—an upbeat love song that’s become standard fare at weddings and other wholesome celebrations. However, most of Morrison’s discography delves into the blues, utilizing the guitar, harmonica, organ, and bass in a way that transports listeners to a smoky bar, much like the work of contemporaries like Bob Dylan or Tom Waits. “T.B. Sheets” is one of the best examples of Morrison’s blues chops. Clocking in at nearly ten minutes long, this lengthy ballad takes listeners to a stuffy, increasingly claustrophobic room in which Morrison’s lover dies of tuberculosis. Rather than waxing poetic about his love, Morrison explores his discomfort—both with his lover’s sense of hopelessness (he discourages her from crying, explaining that “it ain’t natural”) and with the pungent scent of death that permeates the room. Even as he admits that he cried for his lover, he flees the space, ending the song with a refusal to believe that she’ll soon be gone. Moving and visceral, the song is backed with incredible blues instrumentals that render it addictive and impossible to forget.
Saint Levant’s “Kalamantina” Epitomizes Feel-Good Pop
Born Marwan Abdelhamid, Palestinian singer-songwriter Saint Levant is quickly becoming one of the buzziest names in international pop, known for both his political activism and for his catchy tracks. His unique musical style blends contemporary pop and house beats with traditional Arab melodies, appealing to both Eastern and Western audiences not only for its eclectic sound but also for its bilingual lyrics.
But Saint Levant isn’t just famous for his ability to bridge cultures—his songs are also undeniably infectious. For instance, it’s almost impossible not to dance to “Kalamantina,” his biggest hit to date. Furthermore, it’s a prime example of Abdelhamid’s ability to transition between genres: His consistently smooth vocals facilitate the jump between melodies and complement the percussive rhythms. The song, whose title means “clementine,” also switches seamlessly between English and Arabic in its charming appeal to Saint Levant’s object of desire. Equal parts smooth and sweet, “Kalamantina” is the perfect track for crafting a celebratory weekend mood.
“Death Letter” Is The White Stripes at Their Best
When The White Stripes first came on the music scene with their 1999 self-titled album, Pavement guitarist Scott Kanberg reportedly said that lead singer Jack White was like “a young Robert Plant singing these blues songs.” The comparison—an honor, as any Led Zeppelin fan knows rings truer than ever in this popular track from De Stijl, the duo’s second album. White’s searing vocals and powerful electric guitar lend the song an unparalleled dynamism, mirroring Zeppelin’s revolutionary marriage of hard rock and blues, but with a contemporary touch. “Death Letter” also highlights Meg White’s distinctive drumming style, putting to bed the erroneous—and often misogynistic—conjecture that she’s a subpar musician.
This weekend, consider leaving your musical comfort zone with one—or all—of these underrated hits. Saint Levant’s infectious rhythms are bound to elicit a weekend dopamine boost, while blusier tracks like “T.B. Sheets” and “Death Letter” are perfect for a night in. No matter your weekend mood or music taste, there’s something in this short tracklist for everyone.
