You or Your Memory

The video cuts off the first line of the song:

I checked into a bargain priced room on La Cienega...

Pensive, simple song opening the autobiographical album The Sunset Tree. The reference to Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers dates the scene to the '80s or early '90s, probably when John Darnielle was in his late teens/early 20s and reflecting on the events that the album describes. I've always thought about the song as a half-assed suicide attempt (what harm could baby aspirin and wine coolers do?) and a marker for the character to make changes in his life.

Artist: Mountain Goats
Year: 2005
Rating: Hot!