42 Comments

Song tutorials are always great. I think also in general hearing where songs come from, particularly from a musical standpoint, would be really interesting. Sometimes I hear something in a song and I’m like, oh! That sounds like a b or c, but I’m never sure if it’s something that inspired you or not.

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I love, love, love hearing about the stories and meanings behind your lyrics. Whenever I listen to your songs, I always want to know what inspired the lyrics and exact word choices.

I also love the studio and touring diaries.

Hope you’re having a great, cozy break!

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I love hearing more about the stories behind the songs, early versions of songs never before shared with listeners, and live stream song request sessions. Speaking of which, the last one was plagued by technology issues and was to be rescheduled. Any updates on when? Thank you, and glad to hear you're enjoying time with your family. Nothing better.

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Sounds like you had some much needed family bonding. It’s always good to slow down once in a while!

Alas, we content-hungry fans persist. Would love more lost music/deep cuts, maybe some fun covers? I’m hopeful for a John Denver tune 😂😅

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I always enjoy your take on other musicians and their songs -- both in terms of covers and as an in-depth exploration of the music's effect on your own creativity and work. It feels a bit like an education.

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A Colin Meloy led bookclub, like Infinite Summer!

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Preservation! Save and share more of the demos, notes and processes, if you can. Things are so fleeting and memory is so malleable, anything you can share is not just interesting, it also preserves it.

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(Oh! And the studio and tour diaries were gold but I think that’s a given).

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The notebook videos, annotated lyrics, and demo tapes are all great stuff. And the occasional Ask Me Ask Me sessions. Also, at least from this subscriber’s point of view, don’t feel bad about disappearing below the water various months, pretty well every musician I’m into has periods of more activity and periods of public silence, paying a monthly sub doesn’t necessarily change the cycles imo.

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What would I like to hear! I guess I’m pretty happy with all your posts. I particularly like, (since I can’t play guitar, God knows I’ve tried), it when you break down a song or explain it or tell how it’s played. Some of it goes over my head, but have to say it’s very enjoyable to learn. Also, love the book recommendations; I’ve listed them all in my own list, read about half. I don’t know if it’s weird but enjoy reading about your normal family goings on. Thank you for all! I think this year is tough in some way or the same way for us all and you and your writing and song make it all more sweet. And omg! 2025 WILDWOOD!!!!!

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Always a fan of trips to the Reading Room! But in all honestly all content on here has been solid. Excited to see what the new year brings!

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I agree the content has been excellent! My favorite topics, in no particular order are:

-Music, I like hearing about what you are working, on and what you are listening, which helps expand my musical horizons.

-Books! I am really looking forward to reading your book once it's released.

- D&D related content! I watched the livestreams of the Fugue State and really enjoyed that.

-Your family updates are wonderful, thanking your for sharing those parts of your life with us.

Looking forward to more next year!

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I loved that Halloween playlist you made! Other playlists or insight into what music you’re listening to is always welcome.

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I like the commentary on what you're reading and also what you're up to -- the diary-style posts, I guess. But I also very much have subscribed to be subjected to your whims, so if you posted nothing but guitar tabs for a year (I don't play) I wouldn't feel cheated.

Thanks for this book rec, I just joined the 129 other folks in line at the library for it! I, too, am having a molasses-like break and I'm not mad about it.

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Yes, if possible, more guitar lessons, song stories, and Q&As - thanks !

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I will concur with my fellow Machinists that all content is appreciated and welcome.

For myself, having an outside my inner circle (but, somehow inside my inner circle) connection is very comforting. To hear what your thoughts are on current events and for the glimpses into your kids interests and your personal struggles with their ever-changing growth- it's so tangible as a fan and a fellow parent. Makes you come off as familiar and honestly, man- who of your favorite musicians have done that for you?

Now, I'm going to start fan girling which is deplorable and I strive to maintain some dignity here. Where was I? Anyways- keep it up- for all of our sakes!

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