For today:
"Coming Back to Life"
by Pink Floyd
"Where were you when I was burned and broken
While the days slipped by from my window watching
Where were you when I was hurt and I was helpless
Because the things you say and the things you do surround me
While you were hanging yourself on someone elses words
Dying to believe in what you heard
I was staring straight into the shining sun
Lost in thought and lost in time
While the seeds of live and the seeds of change were planted
Outside the rain fell dark and slow
While I pondered on this dangerous but irresistable pastime
I took a heavenly ride through one silence
I knew the moment had arrived
For killing the past and coming back to life
I took a heavenly ride trough our silence
I knew the waiting had begin
And headed straight... into the shining sun"
For today, I thought that I would pick an easy-going song. You can rest assured more Pink Floyd songs will be on this list. One thing I love the most about Pink Floyd is their diversity. You can listen to their earlier music, featuring Syd Barrett, that is out there and extremely trippy. Then there are the Rodger Waters years...Darkside of the Moon and The Wall for example...paying homage to their mental ex-bandmate. Then when Waters left the band, Gilmour stepped up and took over. To be honest, I kind of favor the Gilmour albums more than the others. To me, it seemed like the music ment more. Waters had a way of pouring himself into music as well, but listeners are usually too weirded out to really get into the music...or too stoned.
Gilmour knew how to play a guitar riff that expressed his soul during a song. He also was very imaginitive in his lyrics, using vocabulary in some songs that you don't hear that often on a rock album. When you listen to Division Bell or Momentary Lapse of Reason (which is where my username came from), you're listening to poetry with beautiful music accompaning it.
I have to add, out of sheer boasting, that the heads shown on the video (which the picture is of the album cover) are at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame...and I have seen them.
Since I'm going to be out of town for orientation for work, I'm going to have a guest "blogger" for tomorrow. My roommate will be posting a blog on her's, "Under the Sofa" and you can reach it through her profile button up top...where she is listed as my only follower. :) Thanks Anna!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Day 6 "Lonely Nights"
For today:
"Lonely Nights / (Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame"
"Since you're gone
There is an empty space
Since you're gone
The world is not the same
I go back to the places we've been
It feels like you're still there
I live all those moments again
Wishing you were here
Since you're gone
There is an lonely heart
Since you're gone
Nothin' is like it was
There are memories all over the place
Bringin' it back all so clear
Remember all of those days
Wishing you were here
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
Yes I do...
Since you're gone
There is a heart that bleeds
Since you're gone
I'm not the man I used to be
I follow you steps in the snow
The traces disappear
We know what we've lost when it's gone
I'm wishing you were here
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
Yes I do...
I go back to the places we've been
It feels like you're still there
I live all those moments again
Wishing you were here
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
Yes I do... "
"A very old friend
Came by today
'Cause he was telling everyone in town
About the love he just found
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
He talked and talked
And I heard him say
That she had the longest, blackest hair
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled the tears inside were a burning
I wish him luck, and then he said goodbye
He was gone, but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry?
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and sworn to me
She'd be mine eternally
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled the tears inside were a burning
I wish him luck, and then he said goodbye
He was gone, but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry?
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and sworn to me
She'd be mine eternally
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
And Marie's the name of his latest flame"
Here's a sort of two for one since I've been a bit lazy for a few days...most likely because I've been sleeping in till past noon. That'll change in the next few days...Anyways, this song is on here not only because the Scorpions are an incredible heavy metal German band that rocks like nobody's business, but because this song masters something that today's artist can't seem to achieve too often. Emotion. As soon as Klaus Meine hits the chorus, you know he's being torn apart by the loss of his loved one.
While Scorpions are far more known as a hard rock band, this song proves they aren't just about a screaming repetitive guitar or pounding drums that drown out everything, but they can take the time to pour feeling into their work. Not much can be said about heavy metal artists of today.
One thing I noticed in the song is the lyric "Since you're gone, I'm not the man I used to be," which I have to wonder if Paul McCartney's song "Yesterday" from the Beatles might have given him the inspiration. The intro on the guitar reminds me of Suite Madame Blue by Styx, but it's different enough that you know it's not the same.
While I listen to this song, I can't help but choreograph an incredible lyrical dance to it. (Ok, so I've taken 15 years of Jazz and Tap and I really wish I had taken some ballet to make it so I COULD do a lyrical dance...) I think it would be something fantastic...and possibly something Mia Michaels should look into. (Anna, I know you'll appreciate that... :) )
Anyways, expect to see the Scorpions on here again. I'm growing fan of theirs, and will probably add songs as I become addicted to them.
Now...part II.
(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame
The reason why I put this song on here with "Lonely Nights" (which I keep wanting to call "No More Lonely Nights," which is a Paul McCartney song by Wings") is because the song is a bonus song that is included on the same track as "Lonely Nights" on the U.S. release of the album Face the Heat. The song is actually a cover of an Elvis Presley song. To be honest, I like the Scorpion's version much better. They added a lovely little horn section and I feel that Mr. Meine's vocals emote better than Elvis.
I will give Elvis credit for one thing though...I was able to tell that he was actually singing "and Marie's the name of his latest flame" without having to look it up.
...But Elvis isn't German. So there.
If you want to judge for yourself, here ya go:
"Lonely Nights / (Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame"
"Since you're gone
There is an empty space
Since you're gone
The world is not the same
I go back to the places we've been
It feels like you're still there
I live all those moments again
Wishing you were here
Since you're gone
There is an lonely heart
Since you're gone
Nothin' is like it was
There are memories all over the place
Bringin' it back all so clear
Remember all of those days
Wishing you were here
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
Yes I do...
Since you're gone
There is a heart that bleeds
Since you're gone
I'm not the man I used to be
I follow you steps in the snow
The traces disappear
We know what we've lost when it's gone
I'm wishing you were here
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
Yes I do...
I go back to the places we've been
It feels like you're still there
I live all those moments again
Wishing you were here
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
All those lonely nights
lonely nights,lonely nights,
lonely nights,lonely nights,
I gotta fight for you, yes I do
Yes I do... "
"A very old friend
Came by today
'Cause he was telling everyone in town
About the love he just found
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
He talked and talked
And I heard him say
That she had the longest, blackest hair
The prettiest green eyes anywhere
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled the tears inside were a burning
I wish him luck, and then he said goodbye
He was gone, but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry?
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and sworn to me
She'd be mine eternally
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
Though I smiled the tears inside were a burning
I wish him luck, and then he said goodbye
He was gone, but still his words kept returning
What else was there for me to do but cry?
Would you believe that yesterday
This girl was in my arms and sworn to me
She'd be mine eternally
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
And Marie's the name of his latest flame
And Marie's the name of his latest flame"
Here's a sort of two for one since I've been a bit lazy for a few days...most likely because I've been sleeping in till past noon. That'll change in the next few days...Anyways, this song is on here not only because the Scorpions are an incredible heavy metal German band that rocks like nobody's business, but because this song masters something that today's artist can't seem to achieve too often. Emotion. As soon as Klaus Meine hits the chorus, you know he's being torn apart by the loss of his loved one.
While Scorpions are far more known as a hard rock band, this song proves they aren't just about a screaming repetitive guitar or pounding drums that drown out everything, but they can take the time to pour feeling into their work. Not much can be said about heavy metal artists of today.
One thing I noticed in the song is the lyric "Since you're gone, I'm not the man I used to be," which I have to wonder if Paul McCartney's song "Yesterday" from the Beatles might have given him the inspiration. The intro on the guitar reminds me of Suite Madame Blue by Styx, but it's different enough that you know it's not the same.
While I listen to this song, I can't help but choreograph an incredible lyrical dance to it. (Ok, so I've taken 15 years of Jazz and Tap and I really wish I had taken some ballet to make it so I COULD do a lyrical dance...) I think it would be something fantastic...and possibly something Mia Michaels should look into. (Anna, I know you'll appreciate that... :) )
Anyways, expect to see the Scorpions on here again. I'm growing fan of theirs, and will probably add songs as I become addicted to them.
Now...part II.
(Marie's the Name) His Latest Flame
The reason why I put this song on here with "Lonely Nights" (which I keep wanting to call "No More Lonely Nights," which is a Paul McCartney song by Wings") is because the song is a bonus song that is included on the same track as "Lonely Nights" on the U.S. release of the album Face the Heat. The song is actually a cover of an Elvis Presley song. To be honest, I like the Scorpion's version much better. They added a lovely little horn section and I feel that Mr. Meine's vocals emote better than Elvis.
I will give Elvis credit for one thing though...I was able to tell that he was actually singing "and Marie's the name of his latest flame" without having to look it up.
...But Elvis isn't German. So there.
If you want to judge for yourself, here ya go:
Friday, May 29, 2009
Day 5 "Scars Like Medals"
Today's song:
"Scars Like Medals" by The Agape Rose
"Fly this plane to the center
Of all you missed that didn't exist when eyes lost their wonder
Queen of all the vile offenders
The curtain calls on the bathroom walls
That never, ever sink in.
Gym clothes of ribbed white
Stuck in the corner with the most identical
The old jokes beg new lines In the mist as the bombs and generals fall
And we'll plead till the wheels come off.
You learned to wear your scars like medals.
Stole a laugh in the aftermath
The tide rolled you under
When you woke your jaw was swollen
You could've swore that the bedroom door would never, ever open.
Windows with dim lights
Stuck in the corner while they mix the chemicals
the old jokes beg new lines In the mist as the bombs and generals fall
And we'll plead till the wheels come off.
Finally squeezed the lemon
I'm in a mess and I can't break it in full
Turn your back on your shadows
Fill them in with the lines that you tossed us all.
Oh the lines that you tossed us all... "
This is a song that my roommate got me into. The band is not very well known, and isn't even signed from what I've heard, but this song is incredible! It's very simplistic yet powerful at the same time. The song was recorded in a bed room, with a brother and sister singing. While the acoustic guitar mixed with the soft vocals is very soothing, the lyrics themselves are very thought provoking. I love the line: "You learn to wear your scars like medals, stole a laugh in the aftermath, the tide rolled you under."
"Scars Like Medals" by The Agape Rose
"Fly this plane to the center
Of all you missed that didn't exist when eyes lost their wonder
Queen of all the vile offenders
The curtain calls on the bathroom walls
That never, ever sink in.
Gym clothes of ribbed white
Stuck in the corner with the most identical
The old jokes beg new lines In the mist as the bombs and generals fall
And we'll plead till the wheels come off.
You learned to wear your scars like medals.
Stole a laugh in the aftermath
The tide rolled you under
When you woke your jaw was swollen
You could've swore that the bedroom door would never, ever open.
Windows with dim lights
Stuck in the corner while they mix the chemicals
the old jokes beg new lines In the mist as the bombs and generals fall
And we'll plead till the wheels come off.
Finally squeezed the lemon
I'm in a mess and I can't break it in full
Turn your back on your shadows
Fill them in with the lines that you tossed us all.
Oh the lines that you tossed us all... "
This is a song that my roommate got me into. The band is not very well known, and isn't even signed from what I've heard, but this song is incredible! It's very simplistic yet powerful at the same time. The song was recorded in a bed room, with a brother and sister singing. While the acoustic guitar mixed with the soft vocals is very soothing, the lyrics themselves are very thought provoking. I love the line: "You learn to wear your scars like medals, stole a laugh in the aftermath, the tide rolled you under."
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Day 4 "All Along the Watchtower"
The song of the day:
"All Along the Watchtower"
by Jimi Hendrix...and Bob Dylan
"There must be some kind of way out of here
Said the joker to the thief
There's too much confusion
I cant get no relief
Businessman they drink my wine
Plow men dig my earth
None will level on the line
Nobody of it is worth
Hey hey
No reason to get excited
The thief he kindly spoke
There are many here among us
Who feel that life is but a joke but uh
But you and I we've been through that
And this is not our fate
So let us not talk falsely now
The hour's getting late
Hey
All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While all the women came and went
Bare-foot servants too, but huh
Outside in the cold distance
A wild cat did growl
Two riders were approachin'
And the wind began to howl
Hey
All along the watchtower
Hear you sing around the watch
Gotta beware gotta beware I will
Yeah
Ooh baby
All along the watchtower"
An incredibly fantastic song, if I may say so myself. I would rank Mr. Hendrix in the top 5 of the best guitar players ever if my opinion matters at all. I can't give Hendrix credit for the lyrics, because Bob Dylan actually wrote the song to begin with, but as it usually goes with Dylan, someone else picked up the song and it became a lot more famous. (I'm not knocking Mr. Dylan. I'm really starting to get into his work as well.)
A little over a week ago, I was in Cleveland at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (A fantastic place that every rock music enthusiast needs to go to before they die!) While there, they had an exhibit that pulled up some back story on the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Included on this list was "All Along the Watchtower" as performed by Jimi Hendrix. It stated that Bob Dylan really enjoyed the new version of his song, and as a matter of fact, he plays Hendrix' version as a memorial to him.
But, the first time I really got into the song, it was actually because of the movie "Watchmen," which featured a fantastic soundtrack...if one could mentally block the horrendous version of "Hallelujah" in the middle of the movie...but I digress. The song was actually quoted in the graphic novel, (with Dylan's name, instead of Hendrix...since he did write it and all...) but they used Hendrix in the movie, which I think was a brilliant idea.
The lyrics themselves are a work of art, with Dylan doing what he does best...commentating and stating opinions about the 60s in a nice symbolic way. Hendrix' guitar creates an intense and an equally beautiful frame for that work of art. If I had a ranking system for songs up here, I would give it a 5 out 5.
"All Along the Watchtower"
by Jimi Hendrix...and Bob Dylan
"There must be some kind of way out of here
Said the joker to the thief
There's too much confusion
I cant get no relief
Businessman they drink my wine
Plow men dig my earth
None will level on the line
Nobody of it is worth
Hey hey
No reason to get excited
The thief he kindly spoke
There are many here among us
Who feel that life is but a joke but uh
But you and I we've been through that
And this is not our fate
So let us not talk falsely now
The hour's getting late
Hey
All along the watchtower
Princes kept the view
While all the women came and went
Bare-foot servants too, but huh
Outside in the cold distance
A wild cat did growl
Two riders were approachin'
And the wind began to howl
Hey
All along the watchtower
Hear you sing around the watch
Gotta beware gotta beware I will
Yeah
Ooh baby
All along the watchtower"
An incredibly fantastic song, if I may say so myself. I would rank Mr. Hendrix in the top 5 of the best guitar players ever if my opinion matters at all. I can't give Hendrix credit for the lyrics, because Bob Dylan actually wrote the song to begin with, but as it usually goes with Dylan, someone else picked up the song and it became a lot more famous. (I'm not knocking Mr. Dylan. I'm really starting to get into his work as well.)
A little over a week ago, I was in Cleveland at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. (A fantastic place that every rock music enthusiast needs to go to before they die!) While there, they had an exhibit that pulled up some back story on the 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. Included on this list was "All Along the Watchtower" as performed by Jimi Hendrix. It stated that Bob Dylan really enjoyed the new version of his song, and as a matter of fact, he plays Hendrix' version as a memorial to him.
But, the first time I really got into the song, it was actually because of the movie "Watchmen," which featured a fantastic soundtrack...if one could mentally block the horrendous version of "Hallelujah" in the middle of the movie...but I digress. The song was actually quoted in the graphic novel, (with Dylan's name, instead of Hendrix...since he did write it and all...) but they used Hendrix in the movie, which I think was a brilliant idea.
The lyrics themselves are a work of art, with Dylan doing what he does best...commentating and stating opinions about the 60s in a nice symbolic way. Hendrix' guitar creates an intense and an equally beautiful frame for that work of art. If I had a ranking system for songs up here, I would give it a 5 out 5.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Day 3 "When You Were Young"
Today's song:
"When You Were Young"
by The Killers
"You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now ... here he comes!
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined when you were young
Can we climb this mountain
I don't know
Higher now than ever before
I know we can make it if we take it slow
Let's take it easy
Easy now, watch it go
We're burning down the highway skyline
On the back of a hurricane that started turning
When you were young
When you were young
And sometimes you close your eyes
and see the place where you used to live
When you were young
They say the devil's water, it ain't so sweet
You don't have to drink right now
But you can dip your feet
Every once in a little while
You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
To save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now here he comes
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined when you were young
(He talks like a gentlemen, like you imagined when)
When you were young
I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But more than you'll ever know "
I'll admit, the first time I heard this song was during winter break, when me and several of my friends decided to play Rock Band together. Since we had more than 4 people, we had to have someone on vocals for every song. The two most memorable ones for me are "Sabotage," which my roommate made up words and talked her way through, and "When You Were Young" which stunned me with its lyrics. Thank God I wasn't singing it, cause I might have ruined the song for others...
Enough on back story, on to commentary. I would not say that this song is best song I've ever heard. The reason why I like it so much is the lyrics for the most part. The guitar definitely adds to the song, but it doesn't stand out as much as, well, "Spirit of Radio" from yesterday for instance.
I going to admit, I'm probably going to cut this one short a bit. It's noon where I'm at, and I just woke up...so I'm not all here yet. Send me some comments and I'll give you more of my input on the song...
"When You Were Young"
by The Killers
"You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now ... here he comes!
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined when you were young
Can we climb this mountain
I don't know
Higher now than ever before
I know we can make it if we take it slow
Let's take it easy
Easy now, watch it go
We're burning down the highway skyline
On the back of a hurricane that started turning
When you were young
When you were young
And sometimes you close your eyes
and see the place where you used to live
When you were young
They say the devil's water, it ain't so sweet
You don't have to drink right now
But you can dip your feet
Every once in a little while
You sit there in your heartache
Waiting on some beautiful boy to
To save you from your old ways
You play forgiveness
Watch it now here he comes
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But he talks like a gentleman
Like you imagined when you were young
(He talks like a gentlemen, like you imagined when)
When you were young
I said he doesn't look a thing like Jesus
He doesn't look a thing like Jesus
But more than you'll ever know "
I'll admit, the first time I heard this song was during winter break, when me and several of my friends decided to play Rock Band together. Since we had more than 4 people, we had to have someone on vocals for every song. The two most memorable ones for me are "Sabotage," which my roommate made up words and talked her way through, and "When You Were Young" which stunned me with its lyrics. Thank God I wasn't singing it, cause I might have ruined the song for others...
Enough on back story, on to commentary. I would not say that this song is best song I've ever heard. The reason why I like it so much is the lyrics for the most part. The guitar definitely adds to the song, but it doesn't stand out as much as, well, "Spirit of Radio" from yesterday for instance.
I going to admit, I'm probably going to cut this one short a bit. It's noon where I'm at, and I just woke up...so I'm not all here yet. Send me some comments and I'll give you more of my input on the song...
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Day 2 "Spirit of Radio"
Alright, no posts so far, but it's all cool. Just because I've posted another song does not mean we can't discuss previous songs. So I'm going to move on...and add that this might eventually warp into a "song of the week" type deal...
So for today's song...
"Spirit of Radio"
by Rush
(This is the best sounding clip I could find. I would suggest watching a live version just to see how much these guys rock.)
Begin the day
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays that song that's so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood
Off on your way
Hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact
In your happy solitude
Invisible airwaves
Crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle
With the energy
Emotional feedback
On a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price ---
Almost free...
All this machinery
Making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
It's really just a question
Of your honesty
One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity
For the words of the profits
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall ---
Echoes with the sounds...
Of salesmen.
There are several people I know who don't care for Geddy Lee's singing voice, but I love his lyrics. This song is intense in all forms of the word, starting with the opening riff and flowing throughout its entirety. My only issue with this song is the reggae break towards the end, but even out of this comes something amazing. We find a nice play on the lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence," changing "subway walls" to "studio wall," "tenement halls" to "concert hall," and finally "the sounds of salesman" rather than silence.
So why do I love this song so much? Besides the musical genius that goes into it, I relate to it, like with yesterday's song. Anybody who has lived with me (aka - my parents, my siblings, Anna...) would tell you I can't function without music. ESPECIALLY in the morning. Nor can I drive with out singing along with the stereo...or occasionally belting it out. The whole beginning of the song describes my mornings. But Geddy is a crafty one! He gets you hooked in at the beginning and then gets to the meat of his message. Good idea...one they've been teaching us in english classes since we first started taking them...
Granted, this song was written a good while back, (January 1, 1980), but I still feel it has just as much meaning today as it did then. I can't say I'm a huge fan of today's music, mostly because it seems that the artists who perform them didn't actually write the music themselves and don't connect to it as well as artists from the past. It seems like in todays world, if you can find a repetitive catchy beat that people can dance to, through in some slang and some provocative lyrics, you've got yourself a hit! But don't worry, if you can't create that beat yourself, you can use someone elses or use synthesizers and other things. I can't knock techno and dance music too much, cause I enjoy a good bit of it, but if you listen to a top 40 radio station today, you're not going to get many songs with well thought out lyrics, a "knock-you-off-your-feet" guitar riff, and/or an impressive drum and bass combo that makes your heart pound even harder. There's no emotion backing music up any more it seems. And as far as rock is concerned, it has morphed from being a way to express one's feeling about politics, life, and so forth to repetitive chords and screaming that you can't understand a word of. Who knows, the lyrics could be fantastic, but you can't understand them!
...Side note...That last line just made me think of "In A Gadda Da Vida" or "In the Garden of Eden" as it was supposed to be. Sure Iron Butterfly might have been stoned out of their minds when they wrote this song, but anyone who can play for that long is pretty impressive in my opinion.
Ok, back on topic and wrapping up. Spirit of Radio by Rush. I am a fan of the Canadian band, and I would have to say this is my favorite song by them. I would suggest to those who don't know anything about them to first come back down to planet Earth, and then check out "Limelight," "Tom Sawyer," and "YYZ." Some might enjoy "Free Will" as well. And for those out there who can't quite get into Geddy's voice, try to focus on the instrumental parts. They're well worth it.
So for today's song...
"Spirit of Radio"
by Rush
(This is the best sounding clip I could find. I would suggest watching a live version just to see how much these guys rock.)
Begin the day
With a friendly voice
A companion, unobtrusive
Plays that song that's so elusive
And the magic music makes your morning mood
Off on your way
Hit the open road
There is magic at your fingers
For the spirit ever lingers
Undemanding contact
In your happy solitude
Invisible airwaves
Crackle with life
Bright antennae bristle
With the energy
Emotional feedback
On a timeless wavelength
Bearing a gift beyond price ---
Almost free...
All this machinery
Making modern music
Can still be open-hearted
Not so coldly charted
It's really just a question
Of your honesty
One likes to believe
In the freedom of music
But glittering prizes
And endless compromises
Shatter the illusion
Of integrity
For the words of the profits
Are written on the studio wall,
Concert hall ---
Echoes with the sounds...
Of salesmen.
There are several people I know who don't care for Geddy Lee's singing voice, but I love his lyrics. This song is intense in all forms of the word, starting with the opening riff and flowing throughout its entirety. My only issue with this song is the reggae break towards the end, but even out of this comes something amazing. We find a nice play on the lyrics from Simon & Garfunkel's "The Sounds of Silence," changing "subway walls" to "studio wall," "tenement halls" to "concert hall," and finally "the sounds of salesman" rather than silence.
So why do I love this song so much? Besides the musical genius that goes into it, I relate to it, like with yesterday's song. Anybody who has lived with me (aka - my parents, my siblings, Anna...) would tell you I can't function without music. ESPECIALLY in the morning. Nor can I drive with out singing along with the stereo...or occasionally belting it out. The whole beginning of the song describes my mornings. But Geddy is a crafty one! He gets you hooked in at the beginning and then gets to the meat of his message. Good idea...one they've been teaching us in english classes since we first started taking them...
Granted, this song was written a good while back, (January 1, 1980), but I still feel it has just as much meaning today as it did then. I can't say I'm a huge fan of today's music, mostly because it seems that the artists who perform them didn't actually write the music themselves and don't connect to it as well as artists from the past. It seems like in todays world, if you can find a repetitive catchy beat that people can dance to, through in some slang and some provocative lyrics, you've got yourself a hit! But don't worry, if you can't create that beat yourself, you can use someone elses or use synthesizers and other things. I can't knock techno and dance music too much, cause I enjoy a good bit of it, but if you listen to a top 40 radio station today, you're not going to get many songs with well thought out lyrics, a "knock-you-off-your-feet" guitar riff, and/or an impressive drum and bass combo that makes your heart pound even harder. There's no emotion backing music up any more it seems. And as far as rock is concerned, it has morphed from being a way to express one's feeling about politics, life, and so forth to repetitive chords and screaming that you can't understand a word of. Who knows, the lyrics could be fantastic, but you can't understand them!
...Side note...That last line just made me think of "In A Gadda Da Vida" or "In the Garden of Eden" as it was supposed to be. Sure Iron Butterfly might have been stoned out of their minds when they wrote this song, but anyone who can play for that long is pretty impressive in my opinion.
Ok, back on topic and wrapping up. Spirit of Radio by Rush. I am a fan of the Canadian band, and I would have to say this is my favorite song by them. I would suggest to those who don't know anything about them to first come back down to planet Earth, and then check out "Limelight," "Tom Sawyer," and "YYZ." Some might enjoy "Free Will" as well. And for those out there who can't quite get into Geddy's voice, try to focus on the instrumental parts. They're well worth it.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Day 1 "That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)"
This is an idea I had recently. I'm going to post a song of the day that I've got stuck in my mind and want to talk about and leave the floor open for comments. Any opinions and views are welcome with one rule...you have to say WHY. Also, if there are any songs you would like to discuss, mention it in a comment, and it very well might come up.
To preface anything else, I want to make sure I don't step over any copyright lines. All songs and lyrics that I post are written by a particular artist that I will list. I'm not on here stealing music or anything, I'm just asking for opinions on music and hoping to get other people interested in music they might not have heard before.
So lets get this thing started.
Today I chose the song:
"That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)"
by Panic! At the Disco
"Things are shaping up to be pretty odd
Little deaths in musical beds
So it seems I'm someone I've never met
You will only hear these elegant crimes
Fall on your ears from criminal dimes
They spill unfound from a pretty mouth
And everybody gets there, everybody gets there
And everybody gets their way
I never said I missed her when everybody kissed her
Now I'm the only one to blame
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I want to go where everyone goes
I want to know what everyone knows
I want to go where everyone feels the same
I never said I'd leave the city
I never said I'd leave this town
A falling out we won't tiptoe about
When everybody gets there, everybody gets there
And everybody gets their way
I never said I missed her when everybody kissed her
Now I'm the only one to blame
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
(Well, things have changed for me
Come on every body, let's dance and sing)
I feel the same, and I say
(I'm singing it all night long
So come on everybody and join the party)
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
(Well, things have changed for me
Come on everyone, let's dance and sing)
I feel the same, and I say
(I'm singing it all night long
So come on everybody and sing along)
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me"
I chose this song for today mostly because of yesterday. I spent a good bit of yesterday looking through old pictures and thinking about how much everything really has changed since, well, high school...or in at least 2-3 years. The thought of times changing pops up in most songs that you hear, several of which will pop up on here, but it's there because it is something that affects everyone. An important part of music is the ability to relate to it.
Another reason for placing this song on here is for the style of the song. The album this song is from, "Pretty Odd," was heavily influenced by the Beatles, which everyone who knows me knows I am a huge fan of them! I even felt the music video had a bit of "Magical Mystery Tour" to it. I love the acoustic intro and the electric guitar that backs the rest of the song. Overall, I think this song was pieced together very well.
Ok, now it's your turn. Tell me your thoughts and we'll start up a discussion, then tomorrow we'll have song #2. Hopefully I can keep this up. I at least want to do this all summer, and if it works out well, I'll keep going on until people stop commenting. Enjoy the music!
To preface anything else, I want to make sure I don't step over any copyright lines. All songs and lyrics that I post are written by a particular artist that I will list. I'm not on here stealing music or anything, I'm just asking for opinions on music and hoping to get other people interested in music they might not have heard before.
So lets get this thing started.
Today I chose the song:
"That Green Gentleman (Things Have Changed)"
by Panic! At the Disco
"Things are shaping up to be pretty odd
Little deaths in musical beds
So it seems I'm someone I've never met
You will only hear these elegant crimes
Fall on your ears from criminal dimes
They spill unfound from a pretty mouth
And everybody gets there, everybody gets there
And everybody gets their way
I never said I missed her when everybody kissed her
Now I'm the only one to blame
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I want to go where everyone goes
I want to know what everyone knows
I want to go where everyone feels the same
I never said I'd leave the city
I never said I'd leave this town
A falling out we won't tiptoe about
When everybody gets there, everybody gets there
And everybody gets their way
I never said I missed her when everybody kissed her
Now I'm the only one to blame
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I feel the same, and I say
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
(Well, things have changed for me
Come on every body, let's dance and sing)
I feel the same, and I say
(I'm singing it all night long
So come on everybody and join the party)
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
(Well, things have changed for me
Come on everyone, let's dance and sing)
I feel the same, and I say
(I'm singing it all night long
So come on everybody and sing along)
Things have changed for me, and that's okay
I'm on my way, and I say
Things have changed for me"
I chose this song for today mostly because of yesterday. I spent a good bit of yesterday looking through old pictures and thinking about how much everything really has changed since, well, high school...or in at least 2-3 years. The thought of times changing pops up in most songs that you hear, several of which will pop up on here, but it's there because it is something that affects everyone. An important part of music is the ability to relate to it.
Another reason for placing this song on here is for the style of the song. The album this song is from, "Pretty Odd," was heavily influenced by the Beatles, which everyone who knows me knows I am a huge fan of them! I even felt the music video had a bit of "Magical Mystery Tour" to it. I love the acoustic intro and the electric guitar that backs the rest of the song. Overall, I think this song was pieced together very well.
Ok, now it's your turn. Tell me your thoughts and we'll start up a discussion, then tomorrow we'll have song #2. Hopefully I can keep this up. I at least want to do this all summer, and if it works out well, I'll keep going on until people stop commenting. Enjoy the music!
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