Homonyms: Goodnight Moon

Will Kimbrough: Goodnight Moon

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Shivaree: Goodnight Moon

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The homonymic pair in question comes from two singles, both released in 2000, from two artists grounded in vastly different soil yet united by their common claim to the American folk and roots traditions.

I could imagine both these songs on the same soundtrack, but the movie in question would have to have a hell of a plot arc to contain 'em both. Which is to say: don't expect much else to compare 'em with, other than song title, release date, and a distant kinship via genre coincidence.

WIll Kilbrough's pulsing, gently soothing, moog-and-brush-driven lullaby is a sweet, languid sleeper that catches the heart, as it caught mine when it re-appeared on the 2003 Oxford American Southern Sampler.

Shivaree's AAA popfolk radio hit delivers the nervous heartbeat of a late-night stalker's subject, taking us along for the ride; you may recognize it from its use over the credits in Kill Bill Volume 2.

Both aim true.

The Moon: Goodnight Moon

Will Kimbrough: Goodnight Moon

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Though he fronted a few great but underappreciated rock bands in his time, Nashville veteran Will Kimbrough had long been known as one of the best musician's musician in Nashville. But until the release of his contemplative solo debut in 2000, he'd primarily made his reputation as a hired gun, touring and recording with the likes of Amy Rigby, Josh Rouse, and Todd Snider.

This changed everything. It was short, with no top 40 hits, but it had plenty of hooks, and plenty of room for Will's talents -- as a vocalist, a guitarist, and a songcrafter -- to shine. The rest of the world started to take notice of Will as more than just a sideman. And a few years later, this simple, beautiful lullaby found its way from the tail end of This to the always-excellent Oxford American's annual Southern Sampler CD, which is where I found it, and fell in love with both the music of Will Kimbrough, and this song in particular.

It's no accident that my daughter has spent a lifetime falling asleep to this song. Listen for the atmospheric swirl of electric guitar, the break in Will's otherwise honeyed tones, and the piece de resistance, the languid, spotlit horn solo.