Greetings and salutations Hivers. Today let's go into another Three Tune Tuesday post.

As always, thanks to @ablaze for making this series. Lots of people participate in it! Follow the tags to find a ton of good music recommendation.

Today I have a grouping of more introspective songs. I hadn't planned on that. I'm not actually in that state of mind right now, nor do I commonly fall into that state of mind, but I heard a commercial on TV that reminded me of the first below and I found myself humming it and the rest just followed when I started writing this post.

Anyway, let's see what I'm talking about and jump in!

The Beach Boys - I Just Wasn't Made for These Times

Another masterpiece from that amazing album Pet Sounds. This may be Brian Wilson at his most introspective. Considering the abuse we now know he was taking from bandmate Mike Love who hated all Wilson's new songs and wanted to return to surfer rock, the lyrics and melancholic tone here of the song provide insight into Wilson’s inner turmoil during that period. It's unfortunate that no one recognized what could have been taken as a cry for help and we lost his genius for many years. Regardless, it is a hauntingly beautiful song to look back on.

This 2020 stereo fan mix is fantastic! Some odd choices that I don't agree with, but overall it is a great experience.

George Harrison - Isn't It a Pity

Thinking of Wilson's mental struggles which the previous song gives us a hint of, this one from George Harrison almost seems like the perfect follow-up. Indeed, isn't it a pity? Harrison was also in a somewhat introspective mood when he wrote this one. As the quiet one in the Beatles, who often simmered on his anger at being excluded by Paul and dismissed by John, he spent a lot of time in his own head composing more personal lyrics like this song.

This video features some great animation that matches the song well.

Simon & Garfunkel - America

To continue with the theme here, "America" by Simon & Garfunkel seems like a fitting choice and a good way to conclude this post. I think it captures the sense of longing and contemplation well. “Kathy, I’m lost,” I said, though I knew she was sleeping / I’m empty and aching and I don’t know why. always hits strong.

Here is a fan 2021 remix that is interesting. Funny—I picked it first, but now I see it comes from the same dude who made the "I Just Wasn't Made for These Times" remix. I guess that's a sign I should dig in to some of his other videos and remixes.

So what's your favorite?

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David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. He blogs here and at laspina.org. Write him on Twitter or Mastodon.