Monday Mixtape: Morgan Nagler

Joni Mitchell, Guns N' Roses, Smog, and more

Monday Mixtape is another path towards music discovery, featuring people whose taste I admire answering a series of questions and prompts with songs (which might change from time to time).

I’ve been listening to Morgan Nagler’s debut album I’ve Got Nothing To Lose, and I’m Losing It (exquisite name) in repeat since it came out because I find it both soothing and comforting and also subtly thought-provoking which is such a great combination - like you’re just vibing to the music but then one of her excellent lyrics gets hooked in the craw of your mind and next thing you know you’re working out some knotted emotional issue that’s been causing you a quiet ulcer for the last six months. (“You”).

I know it’s nowhere near the whole story (she contains many layers!) but I personally love that at least PART of the story here is that Nagler put out her first album at the age of forty-seven, and it’s fabulous. Guess what. You kind of can do whatever you want whenever you want, especially if you’re doing it like Nagler - honestly, with an open heart and a great vibe and just a slight wink. It’s probably not a coincidence that a through line in her music is that a full life requires risk (I’m paraphrasing). Maybe I will finally learn to play that damn electric guitar this year. (Insert “there’s a 56 year old woman here” meme).

Here is Morgan Nagler’s Monday Mixtape:

Morgan Nagler
Aries
Monte Nido CA

How do you find/discover music?

Word of mouth

What was the first song you put on when you woke up this morning?

‘Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)’by Elle King because I wanted to remember what her country hits sound like. Because I’m so obsessed with the clips of the new vibe she’s been posting … “I know that these days only motherfucker you can trust is the dog” - just wow

What song have you listened to more than once this past week?

Beck’s cover of ‘Everybody’s Gotta Learn Sometime’ originally by the Korgies. The combination of Jon Brion and Beck and this song is some kind of magic. I simply can’t get enough of it’s perfect pocket.

What is a recent song you think everyone should know about?

Everyone should know about ‘System’ by Prewn. I am very excited about this artist. (ed note: SAME)

A song off your work-out playlist:

‘Denial is a River’ by Doechii - can’t stop won’t stop

What song can you do at karaoke without looking at the tv screens?

‘Will You Still Live Me Tomorrow’ by Carole King

Song you associate with being 13 years old:

‘Don’t Cry’ by Guns N’ Roses- wore out the cassingle

What song best embodies California for you?

‘California’ by Joni Mitchell - my fave song of all time to sing along to

What song do you listen to when you want a lobotomy?

‘Rock Bottom Riser’ by Smog

What song do you use to indulge your wallowing?

‘Good Woman’ by Cat Power

What song do you use to renew your spirit?

‘Car Wheels On a Gravel Road’ - the entire album by Lucinda Williams or ‘Come On Home” by the Lijadu Sisters

What is your favorite cover song?

Currently ‘Years’ by John Anderson covered by Sierra Ferrell

What song would you like to hear just before you die?

‘Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die’ by Willie Nelson

All the songs on Morgan’s mixtape can be found HERE