If I could convey my love for Garbage in an articulate manner, I would. But I can’t. I will never ever be able to fully express my love for them. They were the first band I remember being so obsessed and in love with. I remember first seeing the video to Vow and being in awe of Shirley Manson. I was only 9 or 10, but I knew I was watching something so powerful. I just knew that this band were going to be MY band. The band that started my obsession with music. The band that dragged me kicking and screaming through my teenage years.
Their second record, Version 2.0 is probably the one I hold the most emotional attachment to. It came out a few months before I entered Hell, which others may call, Secondary School. This record got me through the most awful days I could imagine. I don’t want to go into detail, but I know without this record I probably would’ve turned out worse. Or done a lot worse. I have no idea. I don’t need to think about it; I’m just glad I had this band as my only safety net.
As I’m a lot older now, I can listen to this record and appreciate it in a different way. Of course I still use the songs to pull me through when I just want to stay in bed and not be bothered by anything or anyone. I’ve always felt that Shrirley Manson was writing her songs about me. I guess we all feel like that when we feel so connected to a piece of music or a band. We feel as if they are spilling our hearts out for us because we really have no way of doing it ourselves. As I listen to songs such as Dumb, Medication and The Trick Is To Keep Breathing- it just makes me relieved that I didn’t fuck everything up completely for myself. That I used music (more importantly this record) to be the only positive thing that I could fall back on.
I will ALWAYS be able to relate Special to certain events, and certain people. We all know of someone that we used to think was so special and worthy of our love, and whatever else (I don’t mean in just a romantic sense.) But then you find out that they are just like everyone else. They lack an opinion; they follow everyone else because they have no identity. What use is that? What use is not having an opinion or just being different? I suppose people fear being true to themselves because they don’t want others to shun them. I’d rather be abandoned for staying true to myself than being appreciated by a bunch of false people with no heart. Special from the first time I heard it, immediately engraved itself upon my heart. I listen to it when certain things just make me dislike humans. It makes me see that I’m not the only one with these frustrations.
Garbage’s music always allowed me to feel comfortable with who I was/am. Like most people in the world, I’m not really a big fan of myself. I don’t mean this in a way that everyone hates me. I have no idea how anyone feels towards me. I mean it in a, like most people in the world, self-hate sometimes creeps up and causes a whirlwind of uncontrolable feelings. Obviously I’m better than I was. A whole lot better. It probably all came from accepting being gay and the like. That acceptance improved everything. There are good days, and there are bad days; like everyone else. It’s no big deal. Shirley’s words always made me feel less alone with any anger and fury I was feeling. Whether it be towards myself, or someone else. She made it okay. She still does.
What I love about Version 2.0 is that it seems more open than their debut album. Don’t get me wrong, I bloody love every single album of theirs. I’d never be able to pick a favourite without spending at least 5 hours thinking about it. It just seems impossible, but I guess I’d have to pick Version 2.0 due to it being more vulnerable and open. Songs like Medication just ooze so much despair; it just sounds like a huge plea for help. There was a time where listening to this song was just too much. There’s an acoustic version I once heard. It was enough to break one’s heart. Shirley’s voice just went tright through me. She just sound so hurt and as if she was begging to be helped. It made you want to reach out and help her. That’s the power and beauty of music.
The Trick Is To Keep Breathing and You Look So Fine are two of my favourite Garbage songs. You Look So Fine is a song anyone can link to anyone they have liked; but they may/may not like you back. You see this person standing there right in your eyeshot. They may not be able to see you. You see them looking so beautiful. You want to give them something to show you want them. What’s the most prized thing you can give to another? Your heart, metaphorically of course. You want to take away their broken heart, and give them your own. That’s how much they mean to you. That’s how much you want them. Deny it all you want, but you know you’ve felt this way before. Maybe more times than you wish to remember. It’s okay. Just don’t give yourself to anyone. You have to be sure, always.
The Trick Is To Keep Breathing is a song that just makes me feel as if Shirley is saying, ‘It’s okay. Keep breathing; it’ll all be okay.’ My feelings go deeper than that for this song but I have always struggled trying to word my feelings about this song. So, I guess I won’t even try. If I still can’t do it, I probably never will be able to. The opening verse always hits me right in the heart :
“She’s not the kind of girl, Who likes to tell the world, About the way she feels about herself. She takes a little time, In making up her mind.”
The songs on the album make you feel as if you’re not the only person to have experienced disappointment or that you’re not the only person that gets judged, or whatever. Songs like Dumb just show Shirl’s frustrations in, how a person tries to figure you out- they figure you out, and they probably wish they didn’t. It’s always the way. Some people- people cannot handle. Then they have no idea what they mean to someone nor do they know what they think. I suppose it is just human nature.
I adore the honesty on Wicked Ways. “Lord knows I tried to be good. I’d keep my promises, if only I could.” We’ve all felt that way. We are all capable of doing bad things. Some of us act on it, some of us don’t. Promises are probably made to be broken anyway. Why bother? Just keep trying. The way she sings about Religion in the Chorus, showing how people will cling onto some kind of figure to feel a sense of security. They want something to believe in so much, they are willing to pour hope into something they have never seen. Some may regard their lyrics to be controversial.
Personally, I feel their bold take on things is much needed. It was needed then, and it is needed now. I firmly believe that their new record will be just as bold, honest and pure. Every record they have put out is full of this; that’s why I love them. That’s why they changed and saved my life.
I honestly didn’t think I could love Alison and Jamie more than I already do. I didn’t think my love could grow and deepen anymore. I was wrong. I was awfully wrong. There was once a time where I would’ve stayed up until 5/6am waiting to see a video, but seeing as I get up at 6am to go to the gym now- I decided to just sleep, and watch it later. Treat it like Christmas/a Birthday. Except this means more; this is so much better.
The song means a lot to me. So I was kind of unsure about this song being released. Don’t get me wrong, I adore the song with all I have. It’s probably my favourite off Blood Pressures. I guess I just didn’t want a song that means a lot being put out as a single. I didn’t know if a music video could do the song justice. Again, I was wrong. If you’ve noticed- I am rarely right.
As I was watching the video, I could feel myself getting more and more attached to The Kills. I didn’t know if to laugh or cry watching the video. When it’s just Alison in front of you looking so sad and singing words so heartbreaking, and vulnerable- it gets to you. Then Jamie appears, making all these crazy faces. Towards the end, they both are. It just shows that their friendship is so beautiful; in so many ways. They evidently have a bond, a chemistry that most of us wish we had. I know I do. To have that much faith in a person and so much love- it is a truly rare thing, and something most take for granted.
They’ve been doing this for 10 years, and I hope they never ever call it quits. I have no idea what I’ll do if they do. I really don’t. However, something tells me that this video is just the start. They’re only getting started with this.
There is no band around aside from The Kills that have this passionate but brutal, loving but raw, aggressive sound. They’re everything I want in a band, and more. The Kills aren’t just a band to me at all. They’re my heroes, my inspiration. Lifeline. Their music has been a crutch that is always firm- never letting me lose my balance.
Also, The Last Goodbye contains my favourite line from a song from 2011 :
“How can I rely on my heart, if I break it- with my own two hands.”
I know I’ve written about her before, but this time it is different. This time, it is more of a plea..begging, if you will. I’ve not been asked to do this (I’m not a fan of being told what to do.) I’m doing this because aside from a very small amount of people- Music is THE most important thing to me. It breaks my heart when I see talent go ignored. This is going back to my distress over Doll And The Kicks splitting up and society lapping up all these talentless programmes. For what? Their 15 minutes of fame has been and gone. Doll And The Kicks had talent..have talent. I don’t know which tense to write in. Anyway, moving on- before I start rambling about them and turn this into begging them to get back together.
Last year, I recieved an email from Clara telling me about her music. This is the only time I ever do what I’m told. If a singer or band emails me about their music- I will ALWAYS write about them, and do what I can to help. When I listened to Clara’s voice I felt exactly the same way I felt when I first heard Cat Power, The Kills, Florence + The Machine, Warpaint.
Her music is so dark, and her voice is insanely powerful. She grips you, wraps herself right around you with her words and exquisite voice. You don’t want her to ever losen the grip. There’s something here that I’ve never heard before. I probably won’t hear anything like that again.
If you’re familiar with Pledge Music then you’ll understand just vital sites like that are. You donate; your favourite artist gets to put their music out.
Clara’s an Independent artist in the truest form. Everything she does; she does by herself. However, sometimes as brilliant as it is to be Independent- we all need help from time to time. So, if you care about Music. The real kind that tugs at every inch of you, makes your heart race and owns your soul; then please help out in any way you possibly can.
This will be her 8th album, so it’s about time someone saw the talent and signed her.
If she ever comes to England, I will make sure I buy her a nice cup of tea (or wine) to just say thank you for staying true to the art. These are the kind of people we should admire and sign.
This band that I’m going to attempt to write about pretty much changed my life in 2009. I heard a few songs by them and just had to throw myself into their music. I was hearing something I needed. 2009 was a bit of a blur. A lot of it was made better by music, gigs and my best friend. However, this one band just did something to my brain and every time I listen to them; that same feeling comes back.
Cold Cave are on the same level as importance to me as The Cure and The Smiths, a big deal right? Sure thing. Songs off their debut album such as Youth And Lust (I need that tattooed on me), Love Comes Close, Life Magazine- basically all the songs; they’re just so dark, mysterious. The synth based sound isn’t something I really favour. I only like it if it has dark undertones to it, y’know? I don’t want to hear about how joyful someone is over a synth loop. I want to hear something gritty and a bit devilish over a synth based sound. That really speaks to me. That’s why I adore Cold Cave more than I can actually put into words.
Wes Eisold is one my influences from a literary perspective. His way with words has always been an obsession of mine. I think he should be held as highly as the likes of Morrissey, Robert Smith, Lou Reed, Dylan- the way he is with words is extremely hypnotising. It just leaves you in awe that someone, especially now, can be so poetic and open with what they say in their songs.
There is no glorified view on love, romance and relationships in Cold Cave’s music. Sure you’ll hear the odd hint of devotion but for the most part, it just echoes the fury and frustration one feels towards daily life. Your daily routine is slowly killing you- and you know it. You just don’t want to face up to it because you’d be lost if you even tried to change it. It’d fuck you over and you watched yourself become more and more fucked up. When I listen to their second record, Cherish The Light Years; I just hear everything that’s been hanging on the front of my mind, and on the edge of my tongue. It’s the kind of record, just like the first, that echoes all you feel- but you don’t want to hide from it because Wes does it in such a perfect way.
One of my favourite lyrics of Cold Cave is in Youth And Lust :
“You miss the neon lights. It’s all plastic now. A sympathetic world without end, Hums a hymn of misdirection.”
It just makes me think of someone driving around a city without their friend, or whatever and telling them exactly what they are missing out on, and what has taken its place. I think the title of the song, Youth And Lust is beautiful too. You associate youth with lust because most (foolishly) think the young cannot love. They can; most just try to forbid it. Awful.
I don’t want to liken Cold Cave to anyone because they’re so much better than a lazy comparison. However, if you like Kraftwerk and enjoy Morrissey’s clever lyrics, then you SHOULD enjoy Cold Cave. Or, you should just listen to them anyway because they ARE one of the best around. They deserve so much more respect and recognition than most. Their music is on the level of saving your life- they are that good. They sing the songs that reflect your life and how you feel. Those emotions that are swimming around your head on a daily basis, that demon that won’t leave you be or that utter sense of euphoria during, I have no idea what- it is all there in Cold Cave’s music.
69 years ago today, one of the greatest singer/song-writers of all time was born; Scott Walker.
I honestly do not need to go into great detail about inspirational and talented Scott is. That’s evident in his music. Solo, with other artists and as part of the Walker Brothers. Scott was one of the voices I frequently heard growing up, my mum was a huge fan.
His debut album, simply titled Scott, is one of my favourite records of all time. The album was evidently in a league of its own when it was released. It still is now. Obviously I wasn’t born when it was released, but when I listen to it now. No matter how many times I have played it, it still blows me away and just leaves me in awe.
I hate the word “cool.” It’s such a pointless word, but I guess if one had to list those that were cool- Scott Walker would be there. Right next to Lou Reed and Patti Smith. For me cool is just being comfortable with who you are, and not being afraid. I guess it isn’t cool- it’s just a sense of self security.
Anyway, enjoy some Scott based tracks. Oh, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY SCOTT!
I like songs that are a bit eerie, I like music videos to be the same. If it sounds demonic in some kind of delicate manner, I will probably love it. This is why I love Anja’s music. It is so beautiful. I don’t really listen to much acoustic kind of music anymore because I’m starting to find the vast majority of it boring and enough to make me want to hurl myself at a bus. Which is a bit of a bugger because I’m not a miserable person. I just don’t like singers that sound like they are in pain/warbling words that sound pretentious, and shit.
I love Anja’s music because she’s the opposite of all this. She’s probably the only artist of this genre that I an listen to over and over again, and not get bored.
A Kiss is out next week (16th January.) BUY IT.
She carefully tugs at your heartstrings with her music, making you feel as if she is singing to you. And only you.
Last year, one of my loves was a wonderful band called Thomas Tantrum. David from the band has worked with Anja on her new track, A Kiss. A beautiful, haunting and captivating track. There’s no video at the moment (SOON!) But you can listen to it here :http://emmspublicityblog.com/2011/11/08/listen-to-anja-mccloskeys-new-single-a-kiss/
Now, as someone who has grown quite sick and tired of acoustic based music. At the moment it just seems so dull and really boring. I won’t mention names because people don’t like it when you have an opinion. However, Anja McCloskey is neither dull nor boring. Her music is exciting, and much needed. By rights, she should be HUGE this year. However we are forced to enjoy manufactured bullshit that is churned out (or spat out) by reality TV shows. Basically, if you care about music that has true heart and passion- Anja McCloskey is for you. And yes, she was once in the band, The Irrepressibles.
Everyone has a song or two (or if you’re like me, about 50) that when they listen to it, there’s always a specific part in the song that just hits them. It wraps itself around your soul, makes your heart beat double and you just lose your mind. This part of the song is the reason why you’re glad to be alive. This part of the song makes you feel alive and untouchable. You play this song, and nothing can get to you. No negative vibes stick to you. You feel like a Superhero or something. This song makes you feel like you can take on the world. That specific breakdown, that one lyric- it hits you right in the gut. I’ve narrowed mine down to 10 songs that, at the moment make me feel like this. However, as soon as I’ve posted this, I will probably want to change my mind. I’ll try stick to it this time, and I’m not sorry for how much I’ll rant. You don’t have to read this. As you were….
Florence + The Machine- What The Water Gave Me. With this song, I’ve got more than one part that sends me into some kind of frenzy. An outer body experience. You know how religous people go on about having some kind of religious experience? That’s what I get from Florence. Especially with the second record. Ceremonials feels like some kind of ritualistic cleansing of the soul. After you listen to it, you feel pure and free again. It just enlightens you in so many ways. If you’ve ever felt trapped and frustrated-play this record. It will blow all of those taunting feelings away from you. At around 2.14 in this song, that’s when it first hits me in the gut. I cannot put it into words, but the build up from there on just sets my soul on fire and throws me into an outer body experience. The chorus at just 3 minutes when it is pretty much acapella and the music kicks in again at around 3.28, when Rob’s guitar just throttles you and makes you want to shake every limb, and move in ways that look like you are having a fit- THAT is the best part of the song. This overwhelming sense of euphoria Florence creates is SO good. It’s a rare thing to find, so when you find it- hold onto it with all you have. I could quite happily write thousands and thousands of words about this song, but just listen to it and let yourself feel free- and be overcome with a wonderful euphoric feeling. I know most of Florence’s songs make you feel this way, but What The Water Gave Me is on a different level completely.
Patti Smith-Frederick. As I’ve mentioned before, I’m not really a fan of lovesongs. However, I do believe that this is the greatest ode to love, devotion and admiration I have ever heard. And will ever hear. The way she sings, “Frederick, name of care” at around 26 seconds in, you can just sense how much she loves him. I can safely say that this is my favourite Patti song. Don’t get me wrong, I adore her politically charged songs; but this one is everything a lovesong should be. It just oozes dedication and pure love. It takes time to find a love like this, Patti was one of the lucky ones to experience this feeling. That feeling that makes you feel this way. The feeling that is blanket of care and a beacon of hope. That’s what love should be, yet most of us take it for granted. Or most of us just haven’t felt it yet. You’ll know when you feel it though, because you will feel exactly how Patti feels in this song. It’s a feeling that cannot be rushed, but to feel it like this-well it is utterly sacred. Cherish it my loves, because some may try to take it from you. But don’t worry if you haven’t found it yet. Don’t let society force you to fall for just anyone. You’ll meet your very own Frederick or Patti one day, for sure.
Foals-Spanish Sahara. This was probably one of my favourite songs from 2010. The stunning build up in this song just made you feel like you were stood right in front of Yannis as he poured his heart out into this song. You felt each fragment of fury and every haunting aspect of the horrors that can consume you- when you are least expecting it. You felt comforted by this song, because you felt like you could leave your horrors and nightmares behind and just carry on. I’ve never seen Foals live, but to see this song live, I’d imagine it’d be one of those life changing moments that cause something in your brain to click. It just makes you think, “Fuck it. I can do this.” A song like this is one that most spend their career trying to write. Driving themselves insane just to touch on something even slightly as moving as this. This song, I’ve used many times to just make sense of everything. You know what it’s like. You have a shit day and feel like there is really no point. Music is my only constant. It’s the first thing I go to when it all gets too much, and Spanish Sahara is one of the songs that gives me, strength I suppose. Their song, After Glow also does the same.
Dum Dum Girls-Coming Down. I remember falling in love with Dum Dum Girls a long time ago. Their first album had this sound that I adore. A surfer pop/lo-fi feel mixed with a Wall Of Sound vibe. A lot of bands I listen to have this sound. I personally thing it is stunning. Mixing a garage rock sound with what Phil Spector created just shows how timeless certain genres immediatley became decades and decades ago. I didn’t think I could love their second record as much as I loved their first. So, I sat down and listened to it. I listened to it with no distractions. I was in awe of everything I was hearing. Dee Dee Penny is evidently one of the best front-women around right now. There’s a part in Coming Down that anyone who’s listened to it, will know EXACTLY which part I am going to mention. The song is quite sad and my lord, it really tugs at your heartstrings. The song lasts 6 and a half minutes, and is 6 and a half minutes of utter beauty and brilliance. However, at 3 and a half minutes- Dee Dee hits this note that just makes you freeze. You shut your eyes and nod in agreement. She’s letting it all out for you. You cannot let it out yourself, she is doing it for you on this song. Everything you feel that’s been building up for so long just comes out in this song. That note she clings onto and lets out- you cling onto it with her. It’s like your safety net. I’m not ashamed to admit that this song is my safety net, my crutch. When I listen to it, every sense is heightend and things do not seem that bad anymore. I’ve cried to this song, and I’ve been wonderfully joyful whilst listening to this song. It’s just everything to me, and honestly- it made 2011 a lot easier to drag myself through.
The Horrors-Sea Within A Sea. I would’ve picked She Is The New Thing, but you really cannot deny that this song is a stroke of genius. A masterpiece- much like the whole album if I’m honest. I know exactly where I was when I first heard Sea Within A Sea. If memory serves me correctly, the video to this was launched on The Horrors website at 8pm one evening in 2009. I remember sitting in front of my computer hitting refresh on their site waiting for this to appear. There was a countdown to something. Most of us knew it would be something to do with new material. 8pm came, and the shadows of The Horrors was there. You knew what was about to happen. The song is just under 8 minutes long, and just reinforces my belief that songs that last over 5 minutes are the best. Easily. The euphoric part comes in just after 3.40. The synths really really kick in, and Faris’ voice captivates you more than it ever has done before. The build up as he sings, “So you may think the path we share, is one of danger and of fear….” is so amazing, it creates this wonderful tension between you and the song. You wonder what will happen next. Will there be another build up? Will it smack you in the face? YES. Yes to all of it. If you’re one of those who are only just getting into The Horrors (you’re late. You’ve really missed out, seriously. Go listen to Strange House. PLEASE) then hopefully you will see just how amazing The Horrors have always been. They’re a band that no one can predict their next sound. That is why I adore them, with all I have. The Horrors have captured every sound I love, and created their own- but changing on very record.
Warpaint-Lissie’s Heart Murmur. Every song by Warpaint makes me feel content and glad to be alive, so picking just one song was enough to cause a slight headache…and having to listen to Exquisite Corpse and The Fool a few times before I picked a song to stick with. Sure I could’ve chosen Stars, Billie Holiday or Warpaint. But, I had to go with Lissie’s Heart Murmur because let’s face it, it’s my favourite Warpaint song. For me, listening to Warpaint is a sacred experience. The intro to this song, the piano sounds like tears falling free from your face. At the end of crying, that feeling you get when you realise it’s all going to be okay- that’s what this song feels like to me. It feels like the aftermath of crying your heart out. I can’t pick out a set euphoric moment in this song, the whole song is just a beautiful experience. It is so perfect, to the very core. I could quite happily play this song, and never listen to anything else. Emily’s voice is so haunting and mesmirising on this song, more than on any other song. So many times I have just laid on my bed and played this song over and over through headphones. It’s one of those songs where you have to listen to, on your own- with no interruptions. I don’t think I’m doing this song any justice, so I’ll just link you to it. Hopefully you’ll understand why I love it so much.
The Cure- A Forest. Like my view on the song above, I can’t possibly pick a moment in this song that makes me feel so happy. I love The Cure, and Seventeen Seconds is my favourite album by the band. I remember hearing it and feeling like I was in some kind of trance. I felt like I was in a permenant dreaming state, I didn’t want to wake from it. I still feel like that when I listen to the album now. They created a sound on that record that has evidently influenced so many, Warpaint being one of them. Personally, Jenny’s bass playing always reminds me of The Cure. That wonderful, floating feeling you get. You feel like you are drifting off into someone so pure and perfect. A Forest is probably my favourite song by The Cure. I love the slight distortion on Robert Smith’s voice in this song, you really have to listen hard to hear what he is saying as the music creeps in and takes over. It is a chilling and eerie song, much like the whole album really. Some say this song and album define The Cure. But let’s be honest not, you can’t ever define a band like The Cure. I feel that, no matter what I say about this song it really won’t show it in the light I want it to. But any genuine fan of The Cure (as in someone who doesn’t just like Friday I’m In Love) can see just how inspirational they ae. Not to mention ahead of their time with all their records. They were the blueprint of this sound. Utter perfection.
The Kills-Superstition. Attempting to pick one song by favourite duo EVER was a chore. I couldn’t do it. I left it for ages, wrote down some idead. Scribbled them out, wrote new ones. A mini riot occured inside trying to figure out which song I could use. I wanted to use The Last Goodbye, then Pots And Pans. Then I wanted No Wow. Then I wanted Cat Claw. I settled finally with Superstition. When Alison lets out that scream in Superstition, it is just so electrifying. You feel like she is right there, in your face letting out this gnarly growl that actually, sounds so heavenly. I could pick any song by The Kills. With all their b-sides and four records, it was difficult. I could’ve gone with their cover of Pale Blue Eyes; but that song is too precious for me to even touch on. Their version of it gets at your heart, well and truly gets at you. Superstition shows The Kills at their rawest and most brutal. Jamie absolutley slays the guitar here, and Alison’s voice..well, what can one say. They both have a chemistry that sucks you in, and once you’ve been captivated by it-nothing else seems relevant. You’ll base all relationships and friendships on their connection. If you don’t feel how they do about each other towards a person; then it isn’t meant to be. The Kills are rage, passion, angst, fury, frustration and raw. All brutal things done in such a beautiful way. They’re more than just a band to me, they’re life.
Scott McKenzie-San Francisco. For sentimental value, I’ve chosen to put this song here. It’s a pretty short song I guess, and the whole song just makes me close my eyes- thinking I’m wandering around San Francisco, taking everything in. Are the people still gentle there? Do they have flowers in their hair? Let’s hope they do. This song reminds me of my childhood, it just makes me happy. It makes me want to live in San Francisco. Then again, it doesn’t take much for me to want to leave where I currently live! This song makes me think of summer, even if it is like hurricane season outside. I know I could’ve picked other songs instead of this one. But, a song doesn’t have to have a grand build up in order for it to give you a sense of euphoria. That comes from within, what you take from the song is a bonus.
Morrissey-Speedway. My final choice is of course, Morrissey. Is this my favourite Moz song? Oh of course. It just defines my life and how certain people are. You know, the ones who are petty towards you and what you do- but they’re just projecting. It’s best to ignore such fuckbags isn’t it. Oh, and ignore I do. The lyrics are so beautiful. What I’ve always loved about Moz is that he has NEVER had to use grand words in order to make you connect with him. He doesn’t have to polish his words in order for you to relate to him. When he sings the word “Forever” at around 2.48, the song pauses, then a few seconds kater kicks back in. The build up is incredible. You will only appreciate this if Moz is your saviour. Seeing this live last year just completed me. It came at a time when it was much needed. You know the deal. Shit happens, people act like wankers, you don’t know what to do- you then find yourself in a song. This song has always played an important role in my life, but moreso last year. However, that is in the past. This is just Moz at his finest, I adore the line, “In my own strange way, I’ve always been true to you.” I guess we all know of a few who we can attach that lyric to. But, they don’t deserve to have such a song related to them now do they.
For some stupid reason, I failed to write about one of the best songs I’ve heard over the past few years.
Home is a love song that isn’t sickly and vile like most love songs. Usually, I like the ones that are quite dark and a bit eerie (The Jesus And Mary Chain are the perfect example.) However, Home by Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros is one of those songs that just make you feel so fucking good inside. You don’t have to be with someone or in love to get this song. Hell, I’m not in love or anything like that at all- but this song just fills every single part of me with so much joy, fuck..it just makes you feel so damn happy to be alive. It takes you to a spiritual place that nothing else has done to you in such a long time.
Listening to Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros, for me, is like listening to Warpaint. It really taps into your spiritual being. It transports you to some place so beautiful. Nothing can touch you at all. Bloody hell, Home is just such a divine song. It covers you in goosebumps. It makes you want to grab someone. ANYONE! It makes you want to grab them, and shake them and just sing “HOME IS WHEREVER I’M WITH YOU!” You’d have to be one stone cold, cruel human being to not feel so much joy from this song.
You remember when I said what I Want You by Summer Camp does to me? Well, Home is on that level. It just shakes you up, stirrs your soul and makes you feel like you can do anything. It’s like a warm blanket on a cold,rainy Winter’s night. It makes your insides feel warm and your bones rested. Everything I love about music is in this song, the album it is taken from makes me feel exactly the same.
In short, Edward Sharpe And The Magnetic Zeros make you feel like you are part of their musical family. There’s about 11 of them, I think. When you see live clips of them all performing together, it looks like some kind of peaceful ritual that just elevates your soul. Maybe it’s an L.A. thing? If that’s the case, I want to be in L.A. right now. I want to sit on the beach and listen to this song until I am exhausted and just fall into a deep slumber. It’s 5 minutes long, but it should be longer. Just because it is so perfect; you don’t want it to end. Just like, when you’re having a lovely day with a friend or whatever, and everything in each passing moment you are sharing is so perfect and, nothing or no one can ruin it. That’s what Home does for me. I listen to it, and I’m in the most peaceful state of mind I could ever imagine being in.
I’ve never felt part of anything with anyone. I’ve never felt at “home.” But, when I listen to this, I feel like I am part of something. I create my own home. Home doesn’t have to be a place. It can be a feeling inside. It’s anything you want it to be. This song made me realise that. This song lifts up my spirits every single time I listen to it. Even when I feel totally fine, I listen to this and I just feel something so euphoric and untouchable.
If you cannot see that Lou Reed is one of the greatest singer/song-writers ever, then you are a fool. I’ve ignored the fact that his record with Metallica was one of the worst things to have ever happened. Obviously there are worse musical disasters, but seeing as its Lou Reed; all is forgiven.
There is no doubt at all that Transformer is one of the best albums ever created. From start to finish, it is just a sheer magnificent work of art. It just marks the end of the Velvet Underground (sadly) and the start of something equally are perfect and bloody influential. I know a debut record is probably THE record to cement an artists’ career, but with someone like Lou Reed- all he had done with Velvet Underground was enough to put him in the position as being one of the greats. His second solo record, Transformer just has everything a record needs to have.
The way he tells stories in his songs is something not many have mastered the art of. There have been very few storytellers of this level. Bob Dylan being one of them. Artists such as Captain Beefheart, Townes Van Zandt, Tom Waits- they are all excellent songwriters who have evidently influenced so many. Personally, I hold Lou Reed as highly as I hold them all. He has this stunning way of making you feel you are part of everything he is singing about on this record.
I absolutley love the bones of Make Up. I love how Lou can make you picture everything in this song. It is full of wonderful imagery. It’s more than a song; it’s a bloody wonderful piece of literature. Most probably love Perfect Day. I love how sarcastic it comes across, but for me- it will always be Make Up. I love everything about it. If this record was a woman, I’d have a civil partnership with it. It’s just one of the best albums ever made. You can tell I love it, right?
If you’ve never heard this record before (and why on Earth haven’t you!?) then every time you listen to something else, you will probably compare it to this. You’ll die a bit inside because you know NOTHING will reach the level of excellence that Transformer is on. It’s got to be one of the most influential albums ever made. It makes me wish I was a decent writer so I could create something a little bit as fascinating as this. It’s so pure, and touches on subjects many prefer to shy away from- mainly because they are small minded.
Transformer makes you wish you were in New York during the 70s, just floating around the city taking everything in. Every little detail. From the stunning cross dressers to the Punk kids waiting to lose their mind to their favourite band. You don’t get that from music anymore. The only band to possess this kind of innocence mixed with brutal tones are of course, The Kills. No one else has that edge or that sound that makes you feel that way. It’s just a flippin’ fantastic emotion to have when you listen to music. If you can find it, hold onto it. If you’re still looking for it- just listen to Transformer. You’ll find it all there. It will always be there in this record. It is perfect and timeless.
What I love about Lou Reed is that, he makes you feel part of everything he is singing. He makes you feel as if you are with him during Perfect Day- feeding animals in the zoo. He makes you imagine hitting someone you don’t like with a flower, or avoiding them in the street in Vicious. Walk On The Wild Side, bloody hell. This one, you can just see everything. You can see the men turn into women for the night in this song. Pulling up their tights, applying make up whilst riding the Subway. It’s all there; and you see it oh so clearly. You know, many gay people may turn to Lady Gaga as their gay icon with her songs. Fuck that. I cannot relate. The homosexual references in this record by Lou Reed are ones that really grab my soul, and make me feel proud to be gay. Not that I need a record or musician to do that-all comes from within. But, Lou Reed’s music has always provided a sense of comfort for me. His voice is so rugged but calming. Whether his solo work or Velvet Underground; I always feel part of the world I want to be part of. I don’t belong in this era.
What I’m trying to get at here, to anyone who reads this, is that Transformer is quite simply brilliant. The production, the music, the lyrics, his voice, the background singers- everything is just perfect. It is an honest and open record. You don’t have to be part of a certain scene to fall in love with this record. It’s evidently obvious that this record is one of the greats.
Beat In My Bones. 