Winner of the Current’s ‘893 Essential Songs’ list for the past 20 years announced
The winner of the “893 Essential Songs” list from the past 20 years on the Twin Cities radio station, the Current, was revealed as the quirky British indie-rock band, Wet Leg, with their song “Chaise Longue.” The countdown of the top 893 songs took place over a week and concluded with Wet Leg’s 2022 hit taking the number one spot. This announcement marked the end of an extensive $1 million fundraising campaign at Minnesota Public Radio. Other artists featured in the top 10 included Jason Isbell, Brandi Carlile, and Bon Iver.
One notable Minnesota act that made it onto the list was Trampled by Turtles, with their 2010 hit “Wait So Long” ranking at number 3. The Current’s team expressed their satisfaction with the results, emphasizing the diversity and discovery that their listeners expect from the station. The top 20 list featured a broad spectrum of music genres, with prominent names such as A Tribe Called Quest, Childish Gambino, and First Aid Kit making appearances.
The unexpected success of Wet Leg’s “Chaise Longue” was attributed to the boredom induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Hester Chambers, one of the band’s leaders, shared that the song was created spontaneously and initially thought to be too unusual for public release. However, it gained immense popularity and went on to claim the top spot in the ranking of essential songs.
Despite being a song born out of pandemic-induced creativity, “Chaise Longue” resonated with listeners and secured its place among the top songs of the past two decades. The success of Wet Leg and other artists featured on the list underscored the diverse tastes and appreciation for various music styles among the Current’s audience. The eclectic mix of songs highlighted the station’s commitment to providing a wide range of musical content for its listeners.
Overall, the unveiling of Wet Leg’s “Chaise Longue” as the number one essential song was a testament to the station’s ability to showcase unique and lesser-known artists while also honoring established favorites. The culmination of the weeklong countdown celebrated the rich musical landscape that the Current has cultivated over its 20-year history. As the station continues to support emerging talent and showcase a variety of voices, listeners can look forward to more innovative and engaging music programming in the future.