Cosmic Folk: Listen back to Strand of Oaks’ Guest DJ set on WXPN
On the eve of his biggest headlining show to date, Strand of Oaks frontman Tim Showalter took to the WXPN airwaves for an hour-long guest DJ set themed loosely around what he described as “cosmic folk.” In the mix we heard Big Star’s Chris Bell, Sam Amidon covering R. Kelly, a newer track from Hiss Golden Messenger’s Lateness of Dancers, an older track from Sharon Van Etten’s Tramp, and the most beautiful unreleased Jeff Buckley song I’ve ever heard (recorded with Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins).
“It’s so funny that I put out a rock record this year, but my mind has listened to the opposite,” Showalter says during the set, reflecting on the contrast between the playlist and his breakout 2014 record HEAL. “I just love listening to spacey folk. I don’t think I’ll make a folk record anytime soon, but it’s so good to listen to.”
Tonight, Strand of Oaks returns home to Philadelphia to headline its biggest show yet at Union Transfer. Tickets for the all-ages show are $15, and still available here. Below, listen to an archive of Showalter’s guest DJ set on WXPN and see what was in the mix on his playlist.
Playlist
“I Am the Cosmos” by Chris Bell
“You and Your Sister” by This Mortal Coil
“Karin’s Blues” by His Name Is Alive
“Two Blue Lights” by Songs Ohia
“Relief (R. Kelly cover)” by Sam Amidon
“Hi-Five” by Angel Olsen
“Little Sadie” by Trees
“Am I Safe” by Ryan Adams
“Give Out” by Sharon Van Etten
“Lucia” by Hiss Golden Messenger
“I Can See The Pines are Dancing” by A.A. Bondy
“All Flowers In Time Bend Toward the Sun” by Jeff Buckley and Elizabeth Fraser