Starting Point playlist for Wednesday, April 11, 2012

STARTING POINT PLAYLIST 4/11/12

Starting Point began with a pick from panelist John Fugelsang’s playlist, “Who Loves the Sun” by the Velvet Underground. It was a single from the band’s 1970 album Loaded. The album titled was supposed to mean it was “loaded with hits,” but only a couple of songs turned into radio favorites. John also chose “Big Exit” by British musician PJ Harvey.

Next was “Feelin’ Good Again” by Robert Earl Keen, a song chosen by Will Cain. Keen is a favorite of many Texans, including Cain, and was recently inducted into the Texas Heritage Songwriters’ Association Hall of Fame.

Ryan Lizza, New Yorker correspondent and SP panelist, played “Me and My Shadow” by M. Ward, who will be familiar to fans of the indie music scene. With actress Zooey Deschanel, Ward is behind the band She&Him, and has also worked with members of Bright Eyes and My Morning Jacket. Ward’s latest album was released yesterday, and features Lizza’s song choice.

The popular Tom Petty song, “American Girl,” made its way onto the SP playlist thanks to Jen Psaki. Petty has proven himself especially popular amongst Republicans, although it’s not something he’s happy about. Michele Bachmann received a cease and desist letter last year after she played the song when she walked on stage at a rally. Back in 2000, George W. Bush received a similar letter when he used “I Won’t Back Down” on the campaign trail.

Another musician popular with Republicans is Bruce Springsteen. He was on the playlist with “Thundercrack” this morning, thanks to Governor Tim Pawlenty. Another fan of Springsteen’s is New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who claims to have been to nearly 130 Springsteen concerts. However, recent reports say the governor nodded off during Springsteen’s recent Madison Square Garden gig.

Will Cain stuck to his country roots with his second song of the morning, “Suspicious Minds” by Dwight Yoakam. Yoakam is a well-established country artist, having seen thirty of his singles make it to the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. But he’s much more diverse than just country music. He’s appeared in many films, including Panic Room and Four Christmases, and even made a film he can totally call his own (South of Heaven, West of Hell), having co-written and produced it. He was also the star, and even wrote the film’s soundtrack.