Music of the Day, 16 March 2025

celebrating the atheist hymnal

Another Saturday Night Live star takes a turn in the spotlight today. To be accurate, he was a frequent guest and host of the program, not part of the cast. But that’s where I discovered him back in the ‘70s, and SNL is still what comes to mind first when I think of him.

I doubt that will change after all these years, but I wouldn’t be too sad if it was replaced with something else. Today’s song highlights his vocal talents nicely and provides a nice nudge toward focusing on his music.

I don’t remember when or where I first heard “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs.” Until today, I didn’t even realize that it was released on an all-music album¹: Rare Bird Alert, which was a 2011 collaboration between Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers (SCR), a bluegrass band. Being a longtime atheist, the amusing lyrics² drew me in; hearing it today for the first time in many years, I’m digging the wonderful harmonies. Since the song is almost entirely a cappella, there’s nowhere for the singers to hide … and there’s no need to for the SCR. “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” reminds me how much I used to enjoy barbershop music.

Martin may be better known musically for playing the banjo; his first all-music album³ focused on the instrument and earned him a Grammy for Best Bluegrass album. I know I’ve heard some of his banjo music, but it’s been far too long. I’m not sure which of these albums (there are others, too) to explore first, in part because both have tempting guest appearances.

Reading Steve Martin’s Wikipedia page today has given me a deeper appreciation of how talented he is and what a storied career he’s had. I doubt there are many whose first writing gig garnered an Emmy award. And I’ve not mentioned his acting! So now I’ve complicated my choices: do I reward myself this evening with some Steve Martin music or a movie? I can’t go wrong either way. Suggestions are welcome.

1. Steve Martin had included some music on his comedy albums released earlier

2. composing credits went to Martin, Woody Platt, and Graham Sharp

3. The Crow: New Songs for the Five-String Banjo