Tough one to call. I'd probably go for Shipbuilding.

Something Irish no doubt.

There's nothing sadder than the Blues.

"You Are My Sunshine"

Strange Fruit?

Ha! I played on a version of one of the songs mentioned. Get me, big shit over here.

There was a song called "Bonnie and Clyde" by a Nashville songwriter whose name I can't quite recall. The backing vocals were done by the absolute genius Jordan Caress. She also did a ton of work with Justin Townes Earle. She had my vote for "the next Emmylou Harris." She bailed out of Nashville when it started to get weird and I don't know if she sings any more, which is a damn shame. I'll try to find it and post a link at some point.

You can hear more of her solo stuff here:

zircona1 wrote:"You Are My Sunshine"

Great answer.

Nina has too many to count.

There's something about very simple, straightforward sad songs that have universal sentiments, though, as opposed to tales with:

a) a bunch of atmosphere and/or
b) a bunch of specificity (biographical detail etc.)

On that front, I think if you're in the right/wrong frame of mind, then The End of the World is in the running. Also sounds amazing.

All-timer, also.

There's a sense that you are bound to a history of suffering when you listen to them, if you're suffering yourself.

It's not one person's agony--it's shared. I'm not sure if that makes it better or worse--probably better all in all--but in the moment it can be a deep feeling, and not an assumed one.

Today is the 51st anniversary of Mahalia Jackson's passing and the weight of her burden and voice still resonates.

...and this banger