March 8 - Stars Fell on Alabama

With this title it won't come as much surprise that this is a very country-inflected song in a good way. it's warm and dark with points of light and convivial voices singing about dark things.

The major detail that strikes me lyrically about this song is "you looked real calm" being such a tremendous wrong-footing of a first line. It's not what you say about a loved one, someone with whom you're going to share a kiss or more than one. it's what you say in retrospect about someone who ended up doing something decidedly un-calm, and this threat sits in the corner for most of the song as stars fall and we look out over the bay.

The other detail I loved is the mention of the kudzu. An invasive species, ubiquitous in the South, unavoidable, and absolutely taking over. Tough to get rid of, incredibly hardy, and depending on where you are both beautiful and ever-present. Like a deft and delightful off-hand threat.