JAMS: Bessie Smith

"Baby Won't You Please Come Home" recorded in 1923. 

JAMS: Malvina Reynolds

I first heard about Malvina Reynolds through the television series Weeds. The entire first season’s opening credits plays “Little Boxes,” which describes suburbia so perfectly. Have a listen and see for yourself.

In season two bands like Death Cab for Cutie, Elvis Costello, and Regina Spektor covered “Little Boxes.”

Her songs speak truth and are witty simultaneously. The song “Rosie Jane,” about a woman who can’t take care of the four children she currently has, is pregnant once again, so Malvina calls her out on it. I can’t think of many people who would have the balls to do that.

Malvina was an activist, slight hippie, and speaker of the truth. For all of these things, I am grateful.