I used to know what songs were my favorites by what records I intentionally chose to play. Increasingly, I am aware of my favorites by which I don’t hit the Next/FF arrows on my iPod. That’s kind of a sad state of affairs, made sadder still by the fact that I actually have a whole room of records to choose from as well as a great turntable begging to be used more than it is.
Even songs I adore are victim to my quick FF finger. One of the few songs which always gets played in its entirety when it comes on, however, is Vic Chestnutt’s “Degenerate.”
Vic was an utterly amazing artist from Athens, Ga. He was in a car accident when he was 18 and was wheelchair-bound for the rest of his life. He had only partial use of his hands, yet they were super prolific hands. He releasee a bunch of records before he died from an overdose on Christmas Day, 2009.
“Degenerate” is a powerful track from his 1996 album, “About To Choke.” “About To Choke’ was his only release on the major label, Capitol, and didn’t move enough units, as they say, to warrant subsequent releases – in their minds. Now, 15 years later, it’s bee reissued. Snatch it up while you can.
Vic was such unique songwriter – imaginative, quirky and raw as can be. Anyone who can write lyrics like those you hear in “Degenerate” and make them sing-along-able deserves a place in your collection, no? Of course there’s an extra benefit; if you load up your iPod with Vic, your FF finger will get a little holiday.
margauxville 
Nice song…..I’ll have to pick up “About to Choke” and check out the rest. And don’t make your poor turntable beg…..crank it up and break out the vinyl!