Well, it appears to be smoke's moment in the sun.
In honor of the papal conclave's preferred method of communication, here are few of The Curiosity Desk's favorite "smoke" songs. There are a lot of good ones out there. We're curious, what are some of your favorites? Let us know below.
"Baffling Smoke Signal," by Lee Scratch Perry
Yes, please. This song is incredible. And it is actually about the smoke signals sent by the cardinals during the conclave.
"Smoke Rings," by The Mills Brothers
Listen to this and realize that — other than the guitar — the Mills Brothers' voices are the only instruments on this track. Those horns? That bass guitar? Yeah, that is their voices.
"Smoke Ring For My Halo," by Kurt Vile
There was a time when Vile was one of Philadelphia's best kept musical secrets. If that time hasn't already passed, it soon will with the release of his upcoming "Wakin' on a Pretty Daze." This tune, the title track on Vile's 2010 LP "Smoke Ring For My Halo," might not be the best cut on the album, but still it makes this list. That's how good the record is.
"Smoke & Mirrors," by The Magnetic Fields
This song is really more about love than it is about smoke. Then again, the conclave is really about a new pope. And the pope is all about God. And as John 4:8 says, "God is Love."
"Smoke Gets In Your Eyes," by The Platters
There are maybe a handful of songs that never get old and never get less romantic no matter how many times you hear them. "Sleep Walk" by Santo & Johnny. "I Only Have Eyes For You," by The Flamingos. This is one of those.
