This year more than ever, we found music to be an escape from our daily (or yearly) woes. Is there a song reminiscent of Leelanau that you found yourself playing on repeat this year? Maybe one that you listened to while outside, walking, biking or running the trails? Or perhaps it’s your go-to road trip track to listen to every time you drive up. Maybe it just helped you escape 2020, like Leelanau, but in your head. Let us know your favorite 2020 song by emailing cwood@leelanauconservancy.org.
We polled them, and here are the songs that remind our staff of their lives at the Leelanau Conservancy in 2020 in some way, whether it’s a favorite work-from-home track, a classic road trip song, or just a feel-good tune to cope with the uncertainty of the year.
Big Yellow Taxi – Joni Mitchell
This oldie reminds us of the land protection work we do every time we hear it. “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone. They paved paradise, put up a parking lot”.
And It’s Still Alright – Nathaniel Rateliff
Top of the charts for public radio this year, Rateliff soothes us into believing that it’s still alright.
This Must Be the Place – Talking Heads
Need to release some energy? Dance around your home office to this Talking Heads beat. We did, probably 100 times since March. “Home, it’s where I want to be but I guess I’m already there…”
Shine On – May Erlewine
Uplifting classic from Traverse City Michigan siren May Erlewine, perfect for these times.
River – Leon Bridges
Reminiscent of a different era, modern soul icon Leon Bridges was on repeat for several of us this year.
Wildflowers – Tom Petty
Dreamy classic acoustic track ideal for wandering through Leelanau’s spring wildflowers at Clay Cliffs.
Just Getting By – Joshua Davis
Leelanau local Josh Davis, always a favorite. Sometimes we’re just getting by, and that’s ok.
Sunset – Thornetta Davis
Blues at the Bluebird throwback anyone?
Christmas Time Is Here – Vince Guaraldi Trio
Perfect for staring out your window watching the birdfeeder the week before Christmas.
Ferns Move – Breathe Owl Breathe
Magical and a little bit out there, Northern MI group Breathe Owl Breathe created the perfect track to listen to while watching Palmer Woods’ ferns moving in the wind.
River Jordan- May Erlewine
Makes us think of Northern Michigan and why we love living here.
Thunder Road – Bruce Springsteen
If you know, you know. 😉
Darling – The Appleseed Collective
A favorite performance from our 2018 Earth Week Celebration at Tandem Ciders.
Stir-Crazy – The Moxie Strings
Another Earth Week favorite from this upbeat, Irish-inspired strings trio.
Little Bit Off – Five Finger Death Punch
Powers you up those hills on a big hike/bike when you’re feeling a little bit off.
Kind Reminder – Pròxima Parada
Reminds us of the gratitude for all those that came before and shaped who and where we are.
The Leelanau Song
If you know this song by heart, you are a true Leelanau local or summer person.
