Sometimes I love female vocalists and songwriters like Rickie Lee Jones, Sam Phillips, or Kate Bush, sometimes heavy metal, like Sisters of Mercy, sometimes The Pogues or The Rumjacks or The Chieftains, sometimes Brian Eno, sometimes Curt Mansell. sometimes Enya. Depends on what story is running through my head.
At the moment I’m feeling angry and patriotic and perverse, so below is my day’s favorite song, “What Was Your Name in the States”, sung by The Rumjacks — an Australian band. It makes me think of my city’s early days, that somewhat mythical time when California — and especially San Francisco — was where you escaped “the States” in the east and remade yourself.
Pam Troy 