King Ink | Nick Cave
I first saw Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds at the Tabernacle in Atlanta. A few of us miscreants from the record store made the drive, notably passing the Oasis Carwash, where we decided Liam Gallagher just had to be there, washing windows with his unibrow.
Of course, the show was phenomenal—Nick was like a lunatic preacher, impeccably dressed and pacing like a panther, humping, thrusting, calling down all that was unholy, possessing us with the fallen spirit of rock and roll.
It felt dangerous. And I loved it.
After the show, we waited to meet him outside. Kind, funny, and gracious to his fans, he signed my copy of King Ink.
Although my fanaticism began years before, that show cemented the deal. And decades later, I still coo and swoon over a new release and catch him every time he tours in the States.
So in honor of the new single, “Wild God,” I present my top five Nick Cave songs, subject to change as soon as I hit publish.
(What did I leave out? Tell me your favorites in the comments below.)
The Weeping Song | The Good Son | Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
As much as I love the latest incarnation of the Bad Seeds, I do miss Blixa, that grumpy German. In The Weeping Song video, you can see their special comradery, and let’s talk about that dancing! I believe Nick said they looked like a couple of drunk businessmen.
Loverman | Let Love In | Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
With Blixa’s menacing purr, Cave’s brutal lyrics, and an unhinged chorus, Loverman perfectly captures the violence of the heart.
Lavender Fields | Carnage | Nick Cave + Warren Ellis
Carnage is a standout for me. After my divorce, I listened to this record nonstop, including an eight-hour car ride to say my final goodbye to my beloved aunt. These powerful songs wrung the grief out of me, not because they made me feel better but because they made me feel less alone.
Push the Sky Away | Push the Sky Away | Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
Nick’s songwriting spans the gamut from third-person storytelling, a la “Jangling Jack,” to surrealist meditations, including Push the Sky Away and Ghosteen. I especially love this title track — weary yet hopeful — inspiring us to push on.
No Pussy Blues | Grinderman | Grinderman
Just a hell of a good time, this song, and Grinderman was the best fucking show I’ve ever seen.
BONUS Wild God | Wild God | Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds — releases August 30
Nick Cave summons a Pentecost. Let’s have it, Nick. Let’s have all of it.
This much I know is true: My love for Nick Cave will never wane. And please do yourself a favor (if you haven’t already) and subscribe to The Red Hand Files. Wisdom, humor, grief, and solace. It’s all there.
