Author Archives: olneyce

The only real question for New Hampshire was which song to pick from Okkervil River’s Silver Gymnasium. In the end, I chose Black Nemo. It isn’t really a song ‘about New Hampshire’ in some general sense. But it is a song … Continue reading →

There is an obvious pick I’m leaving on the board here. And I adore Elvis as much as the next fellow. But come on, I’m not picking Viva Las Vegas. I’m not even going to pick the (very good) Dead Kennedys … Continue reading →

Nebraska – Bruce Springsteen The whole album is a classic, of course, but this song is arguably the hardest-hitting of the bunch. It’s not my favorite track on Nebraska, by any means, but it’s the one that defines the entire enterprise. Springsteen … Continue reading →

Tear-Stained Eye – Son Volt Missouri is one of the few states where the official state song is competitive, thanks to a nice Johnny Cash version of “Missouri Waltz.” Still, it was never going to beat out one of my … Continue reading →

Here’s to the State of Mississippi – Phil Ochs If one wanted to develop a typology of states, there are plenty of features they could use to establish key lines of differentiation. Geography, climate, demographics, wealth, etc. But in many … Continue reading →