Spencer Griffin's New Music Mondays

 here they are: "Mary Singletary" by Deer Tick:  If The Replacements did a song with satirical lyrics aimed at religious culture, it might sound a bit like Deer Tick's latest song, "Mary Singletary." The "Mary" in question is not a person, but a reference to the concept of "Hail Marys." Anyone who knows Deer Tick's music knows they're far from religious! Yet there are plenty of references to religion, perhaps specifically Catholicism, in "Mary Singletary." John McCauley sings of lust, drinking, and violence (albeit slapstick violence, even referencing Warner Brothers cartoons by name in the first verse) as he wrestles with his inner demons. I'm not sure if McCauley was raised Catholic, but if this song is anything to go by, I wouldn't be surprised if that were the case! "Riptides" by Death Cab for Cutie:  Not to be confused with "Riptide" by Vance Joy, Death Cab's newest song in about four yea...

 here they are: "Forgiving Ties" by Deer Tick: More cowbell, anyone?! This "Running on Empty"-esque Heartland rock influenced tune has plenty of it! The chorus takes an interesting turn pulling a George Harrison-esque twang and a series of somewhat randomly-placed diminished chords to distinguish itself both from the verses and from modern songs in general. "I'm not looking for forgiving ties/I'm just looking for a way to survive," lead singer John McCauley earnestly pleads during the song's chorus. What exactly does he mean by this? Although both the song and its accompanying video don't take themselves too seriously, the lyrics of the song are somewhat serious. What McCauley says when he claims he's "looking for a way to survive" is to shake off the trauma in your life and just try to take care of yourself and those who love you. "Lose You" by Bully (featuring Soccer Mommy): Forget what The Spice Girls said about ...