A few of my friends (you know who you are) got this song in my head tonight the old fashioned way - by singing it. The Felice Brothers don't match up to The AvettBrothers (in my humble opinion), but they still put on a rip-roarin' show with some boot-stompin' tunes such as this one. It's just a little ditty about the inherent evils of cheating on your significant other whilst he is familiarizing himself with the inherent evils of mixing alcohol and guns...
This one has a haunting and ethereal vibe. Sounds like she loved someone whom she thought loved her in return, only to have her heart broken... yet she still holds on to hope that he'll come through in the end... or something to that effect, anyway. Give it a listen; I think you may enjoy it.
My first experience with Donora was growing up in the Monongahela Valley ("Mon Valley" or simply "the Valley" for those fortunate souls who live there). It may be that I'm the only one in the world amused by this, but Donora is three miles from everywhere. At least, there were a few green and white highway signs that said so scattered about the Valley. Interesting that all of these signs happened to be erected at points 3 miles from a certain town...
But enough about my strangely-wired brain. Let's talk about the band whose name is derived from this great town. Donora (the band) has overtaken Donora (the blue collar coal town) in fame, at least according to a Google search, and that's saying something, considering such folks as Stan Musial and Ken Griffey (senior AND Junior!) were born there. They're baseball players, in case you didn't know - and pretty good ones, in their respective days.
I'd heard a lot about the band, but hadn't really heard them until their CD release show on Friday. Fellow Pittsburgh rockers New Shouts were part of the celebratory concert, which made me that much more interested to attend and finally see what the hype was about. I was pleasantly surprised by the other opener, Way Yes from Columbus, and New Shouts brought Casey on stage during their set for a fun and catchy rendition of one of the tracks from Donora's new album (but we can't talk about that yet - it's a secret!).
"Photograph" is one of the tracks that jumps out at me from Donora's first album, which I picked up at the show. Their music is primarily lighthearted pop rock with some fun synths and loops, and this track is no different. However, if one wanted to read into the lyrics, one could surmise that there are underlying intonations regarding the fleeting nature of human existence and emotion. Change often comes (for good or bad), and we do well to cherish our experiences in memory, learn from the mistakes and look back on the good times to cheer us up in the bad times...
Not from the show I attended, but here's a live performance from a concert (which, unfortunately, I missed) earlier this summer:
I have not posted a Fleet Foxes song since April, and they're pretty great, so here's another. It might be my favorite track of theirs. From the opening strains of melancholy guitar, I'm hooked every time. The harmonic wordless vocals set an eerie tone, and from Robin Pecknold's first lyrics, the foreboding hangs thick in the air.
Rumor has it the song is about a brother who has lost his way; Mykonos seems to represent either a safe haven - redemption from "the mess (he) made" - or perhaps a false salvation. The "vision of a gentle coast" and "sun to maybe dissipate" lines evoke the haven, but something about the other lyrics hints that Mykonos may not be the paradise the subject seeks, after all...
(the paper art music video was made by Sean Pecknold; who, if my limited internet research is accurate, is the "brother" to whom the song refers...)
Time for the '90s at... whatever time it is. The song "Hook" is not catchy at all, I just like the lyrics. (thanks to Empty Netters for the link.) But yea, Blues Traveler may not be everyone's cup of tea - my college roommate was not a fan - but then again, there are a few people in the world who don't like the Beatles, U2, or (dare I say it?) Lady Gaga. So I'll continue to post songs I like, and let you decide whether they're awesome to you, too...
I really do like the lyrics on this one, though. It's a biting commentary on the shallowness of society and the entertainment industry, and perhaps also on the weak-minded nature of the masses being reeled in again and again by hollow and trite diversions. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm ok with a song that "says nothing so far" but has a good hook... but seriously, with some of the stuff that's "top 40" these days ("tell me what's next, alien sex?" ...really, Kanye?) I worry about the children. Bottom line is, Blues Traveler have convictions and they're standing by them. They want their songs to mean something AND be catchy, and I think they succeeded here. If you really listen to the lyrics, there are numerous layers of brilliance to be gleaned.
But the video is a little creepy:
"I'll do as I'll decide and let it ride until I've died
And only then shall I abide this tide Of catchy little tunes Of hip three minute ditties I want to bust all your balloons I want to burn all of your cities To the ground..."
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Oh, by the way, if the chord progression sounds familiar, Rob Paravonian will explain why (in hilarious fashion):
(the use of a classical composition with a "hook", and the fact that so many other hit songs ripped Pachelbel's chord progression, just adds to the brilliance of the song, don't you think?)
(art by Pieter Lastman, Dutch painter and a mentor of Rembrandt)
This song is catchy and overtly meaningful, but it also has layers of depth that may not be evident at first listen. I recommend giving it a few plays and pulling up the lyrics on songmeanings.net to really let it sink in. The harmonies are sweet, and the bridge builds with emotion to back the weight of the lyrics.
It sounds like a failed relationship may have partially inspired the song, but it's also talking about love for one's fellow man, not just romantic love between two people. The primary message is that fulfillment in our short time on this earth is found not in selfish pursuits, but in giving of yourself to others.
Pretty fun bonus acoustic video for ya; if you're a drummer you'll appreciate the makeshift "kick drum":
I heard this one on the radio on my commute home today; it's from the high school years but I think I listened to it a lot more during college...
It's a beautiful song, especially the way the emotions drip from the vocals. It's not entirely clear exactly what happened, but it's pretty clear that someone died - either suicide or abortion, or perhaps both. Tragedy often leads to powerful expression in art; we all have experienced some form of tragedy in life, and it's easy to relate when hearing someone lay their heart and soul bare like this.
"We've tried to wash our hands of all this we never talk of our lacking relationships and how we're guilt stricken sobbing with our heads on the floor we fell through the ice when we tried not to slip..."
So we're going a bit sentimental tonight. This song peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1991 (or so). My elementary school choir sang it. It's quintessential early-90s pop. MWS was my favorite artist at the time (hmm, I already told you that, if you've been reading for a while).
The reason I'm using one of Smith's songs tonight is that I'm in his hometown of Kenova, WV (by the way, it's so named because it's at the juncture of KEN(tucky)-O(hio)-(West) V(irgini)A. Slick, huh? But anyway, my company has our manufacturing plant in Kenova, so I've been hanging out in a hot, humid warehouse near the Dreamland Pool, and eating lunch at Griffith & Feil Soda Fountain / Pharmacy. We sat at a table with Smith's photo next to it:
So yeah, kinda cool for me to be in the hometown of a musical hero of mine. Small town America at its finest. And here's the song; it's kind of sappy, but it expresses the feelings of a young person with a whole life ahead, who's not quite sure what to do with it just yet, so it still rings true for me to this day.
"If there are millions down on their knees;
among the many,
can you still hear me?
Hear me asking,
'Where do I belong?'
Is there a vision
that I can call my own?"
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Top Secret BONUS FOOTAGE:
Holy wow, thanks to the miracle of YouTube "related videos", I just discovered that MWS teamed up with the Jonas Brothers on this song at a concert in Nashville a couple years ago. You know, if you're into that sort of thing...
(those JoBros play mean shakers, no? lol... the internets are wonderful things!)
So we have a good buddy back in town this weekend, and hung out on the deck all evening. Eventually the ol' six string was busted out, and we went through everything from The Head And The Heart to Brand New to some classic Avett Brothers. I haven't posted TAB in a while, and this one was just sweet to sing with some good friends, so here you go.
It's a pretty simple song, about a pretty girl, from a place near Baltimore. Sometimes love hits you fast and hard, and sometimes it's gone just as quickly. Sometimes a relationship doesn't work out, sometimes it's a mistake, and sometimes you have to move on and learn from it, but that doesn't mean you can't look back fondly upon the good times you had...
Quickie tonight, because I'm on the road for work and have to get up super early. This is a pretty obscure band, you've probably never heard of them. But they rocked back in the day; just watch the moves and listen to the harmonies and enjoy the supafly coordinated outfits.
"Automatic systematic full of color self contained tuned and gentle to your vibes..."
I've been on a bit of a '90s kick lately, so here's another sweet song you probably heard on the radio back then. Deep Blue Something might qualify as a one hit wonder, but man it was a good one. Supremely catchy tune, and I never got sick of it. Probably ought to watch the movie sometime...
"I see you, the only one who knew me but now your eyes see through me I guess I was wrong..."
This is gonna get complicated. But hopefully also fun. Bear with me (or just scroll down and watch/listen to the song.)
I watched an episode of How I Met Your Mother tonight with my brother. The episode featured this song* as a cassette single that got stuck in a character's car stereo and was thus the only thing they could listen to for the bulk of 199,999 miles put on the vehicle.
This song is great. It's also featured on a countdown list called The 100 Worst Songs Ever. That's how you know it's legit.
My college uses this song as an icebreaker for incoming freshman classes, by making upperclassmen, faculty and staff get on stage and do a choreographed dance (teaching such moves as the prairie dog and frantic skiier to the 1000 freshmen). Sentimental memories there for me... I wish I had this on video. It's quite a sight to behold.
The song is not only insanely catchy and a testament to true love, it's also educational. I just learned the meaning of the word "haver", and I bet you didn't know the definition until you clicked that link, either!
The Proclaimers are a band comprised primarily of blond Scottish twins. Guys, not girls... and pretty dorky guys at that. But come on, who doesn't love twins? or dorks? It's pretty great watching the one stand behind the other's shoulder and sing the echos / harmonies in the music video....
OH! Did I mention that Johnny Depp is in the video? Guess the song made the soundtrack of 1993's "Benny and Joon" starring everyone's favorite actor...
In conclusion, this may in fact be The Best Song Ever. Or maybe it's not, but it's still pretty great, eh?
"If I get drunk well I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who gets drunk next to you And if I haver yeah I know I'm gonna be I'm gonna be the man who's havering to you..."
* - downside of Blogger: they are in bed with YouTube and do not allow embedding of videos from other sites like Vimeo. Why can't we all get along?
Are you in the mood for a mellow song about fleeting love? If not, come back to this one when you are and go listen to something more depressing, or catchy, or just plain silly.
For the record, Angus & Julia are siblings, not lovers... so the song is about some other girl. There are some husband and wife artists out there, but this is not one of them. Score another one for wikipedia...
This one's just about wanting to take your lover on a trip to see the world. Which is something I plan to do at some point in my life. Because the world is awesome, and must needs be explored!
"She smelled of daisies, smelled of daisies She drive me crazy, drive me crazy..."
How can I choose just one? Just saw The Avett Brothers perform live for the tenth time, and just like the previous nine times, they brought it from start to finish, and did not disappoint. Well, to be honest, they did disappoint, but only in that they didn't play their entire catalogue... to be fair, they have to be in Columbus for another show Saturday night so we'll have to forgive them that one.
If you haven't guessed, TAB are pretty much my favorite band. I'm trying to show restraint and not overhype them on the blog (I went all of April and most of May without using them) but after a show like tonight, I can't help it.
I'm going with a song that hasn't made an album yet, but surely will be on their next release... the first time I heard it was last year's Pittsburgh show, and it blew me away. I'm glad to have heard it once more this year; Seth is my favorite (by a nose), and this one's lyrics are just swell. Can't wait for the album version, but the live vid should give you a feel for the energy the boys bring every time they take the stage:
"Money won't do the trick, but it will help to open the doors we need it to to help someone else..."
This one comes from my buddy Adam. He's a fellow fan of TheAvettBrothers, who happens to also like some other brothers, who also happen to play music like TAB. Thanks to the miracle of Facebook, Adam linked this song and I listened to it, and it's pretty cool. I haven't gotten into The Felice Brothers yet, but after hearing this one, I'll have to check out some more of their stuff. It's a bit weird, but has a driving beat and interesting lyrics, with a cacophony of vocals in the chorus which somehow works. Definitely not your run-of-the-mill four-chord song.
"Harlan's papa wouldn't stay in the ground dead and buried and he walked into town Lord God, what is Ma to do?"
So I have some Finnish houseguests tonight. One is studying for a semester in Ontario, and the other came over for a few weeks to visit, and they decided to drive down to Pittsburgh because they heard how awesome it is. When they got to my house this afternoon, they were getting settled and one of them wandered into our music room and picked up my guitar, and started playing this song. I haven't listened to Oasis in a while, but this song (and the album) is definitely good stuff. It was half a lifetime ago - heck, I was 11 when this came out - but it's still great.
"Back beat, the word is on the street that the fire in your heart is out; I'm sure you've heard it all before, but you never really had a doubt..."
This song epitomizes everything that is great about The Avett Brothers, and this particular live version even more so. You get a feel for their softer side at the beginning, and it builds into a foot-stompin' ruckus by the end. Scott throws in a witty aside between lines ("...disregard your father's word"..."...what does he know?"), and you get the mid-song instrument change after Scott breaks a string on his banjo. They have a guy whose sole purpose during shows is to re-string guitars and banjos after they fail to withstand the frenetic strumming of the brothers. The unbridled passion is evident in every show, in every song.
In light of one of my favorite bands making their Grammy debut tonight, I can't resist posting this song. When I first heard of The Avett Brothers, in 2008, they were doing 200+ shows a year, in bars and small venues across the country, busting their tails and leaving everything they had on the stage every night. They'd already been at it since 2000, and were on the cusp of breaking through with their latest album, Emotionalism, which combined their punk/folk madness with just enough pop to draw in a new demographic of listeners. I saw them at the Three Rivers Arts Festival in Pittsburgh in June of 2008, and fell in love within the first minute of their electrifying performance (which ended nearly two hours later with thunderstorms chasing the crowd away.) By late 2009, with the release of "I and Love and You", produced by Rick Rubin, TAB was in the process of exploding into the consciousness of legions of new people. And now, just over a year later, they're sharing a stage with some of the biggest names in the history of music, and some of the biggest stars of today. It couldn't have happened to a better group of guys.
The song they performed tonight is one of my favorites of all time. It's very simple, yet very poignant, and if you look up the lyrics on songmeanings.net, you can see in the comments that different people draw different meanings from it. My take is that the author is struggling with the constraints of society, with years of going along with the crowd, not living according to what he knows to be true. He's had big dreams, but been scared to take the leap and chase them. He's decided not to live life as a mindless drone, just going with the flow, doing as he's told... but hey, give it a listen and come to your own conclusions.
"There's a darkness upon you that's flooded in light, in the fine print they tell you what's wrong and what's right; and it flies by day and it flies by night, and I'm frightened by those who don't see it... ...decide what to be and go be it..."
A lot deeper than you might guess based on the title. Introspective, all about the consequences of our actions. Simple, yet poignant - one aspect of The Avett Brothers which makes them one of the great bands of our time.
