Ideal Setlist: Alabama Shakes
On 7/24/26, I watched Alabama Shakes play Dune Peninsula in Tacoma, WA.
I don't get to write sentences like this often, but when it comes to the band Alabama Shakes, I feel like an early adopter. I first heard them on NPR's "All Songs Considered" before the release of their mesmerizing freshman release "Boys & Girls." Instantly, I was hooked and determined to sing their praises from any and every mountaintop.
In 2015, they skipped the sophomore slump with the release of the album "Sound & Color." This was about the same time I began to date my partner, Brandon. Searching for something we might share, I introduced him to the band. As I hoped, he instantly fell in love.
Together, we would listen to the lead single off that album, "Don't Wanna Fight," on repeat. In fact, this song played a backdrop to one of my favorite memories with Brandon. Five months into dating, but not officially a couple yet, we found ourselves apart for a month while I attended the Seattle International Film Festival, which was a three to four week affair. When we finally reconnected in June, Brandon planned an amazing day for us. We began the day at one of my favorite breakfast spots in Georgetown, and then we hiked a trail in Mt. Rainier National Park. Driving through the park, we kept listening to "Don't Wanna Fight" over and over again as a sprawling vista unfolded before us around every bend in the road. Driving back to Seattle after such an unforgettable day, I convinced myself to finally make our relationship official. A couple of weeks later, I began calling Brandon my boyfriend and partner.
In 2016, Brandon and I made our first "International" trip together when we drove to Vancouver, BC to see Alabama Shakes play live. That was another magical weekend that I will not easily forget.
And then for almost a decade, the band went into hibernation. Their lead singer, Brittany Howard, released two solo projects in this time span. I loved both of these projects. I even say her play Bumbershoot in Seattle, but I still found myself hungry for another Alabama Shakes project.
And then, last year, out of the blue, they started touring again. And then, they added a date in Tacoma near Brandon's birthday to their calendar. And then, they release two new singles. And then they announced a new album. The long wait was finally over. There was light at the end of the tunnel. This band, which has marked so many important milestones in my life, would create another core memory for me, with a pair of tickets serving as a secret birthday surprise.
Before booking the tickets, I had never heard of the Dune Peninsula, but was excited to see the band play another outdoor venue. As we parked and walked toward the stage, Puget Sound and Mount Rainier came into view. Standing on the lawn, staring at the stage with Rainier serving as backdrop, I found myself in love. What was once unknown to me was instantly launched toward the top of my preferred music venues in the northwest.
Then Alabama Shakes hit the stage. For nearly two hours, I was transported back in time. Listening to some of my favorite songs in this world, I kept looking at my favorite person in this world. I have loved this band and this man for more than a decade. Loving both has not always been easy, but we were all where we should be, writing another chapter in our long relationship together. As I clapped in celebration with the close of the encore, I felt so happy to have this band back together again. And I clapped with joy to have this amazing human being still standing near my side.
As far as my ideal setlist is concerned, the playlist above is comprised of songs I have returned to most often. You will not find a song from every album, nor are all my favorite songs listed. Instead, this is a list of songs that keeps me coming back for more. As always, I would love to hear from you. What is your ideal Alabama Shakes setlist?
Be good to each other,
Nathan
As a member of the factory, you are taking a stand for human powered creation.
