“Writers are liars, my dear, surely you know that by now? And yet, things need not have happened to be true. Tales and dreams are the shadow-truths that will endure when mere facts are dust and ashes, and forgot.” - Neil Gaiman - Dream Country
With every paper I'd deliver Bad news on the doorstep I couldn't take one more step
I can't remember if I cried When I read about his widowed bride Something touched me deep inside The day the music died
Why?: It's always been a great song, especially the unabridged version (along with Stairway to Heaven) which almost certainly indicated, at least back in the less automated days of radio that the DJ was in desperate need of a bathroom break and here was 8 minutes in which they could do so.
Joking aside, it's a lovely tribute to things past and gone but never forgotten.
I can't stand it, I know you planned it I'mma set it straight, this Watergate But I can't stand rockin' when I'm in this place Because I feel disgrace because you're all in my face But make no mistakes and switch up my channel I'm Buddy Rich when I fly off the handle What could it be, it's a mirage You're scheming on a thing, that's sabotage
Why?: Like many of you, the first song I'd ever heard by these guys was "Fight For Your Right To Party". I can't give you any specific memory here. It was a hit and everyone loved the song around me. The 80s were a weird time and spawned plenty of one-hit wonders. This could easily have been them. That song was super catchy. They could have quite easily have faded away. But often, as with many talented artists, don't let their mega hit fool you. These guys were super talented and spawned more than one hit and some super great music. Their sophomore album, 'Paul's Boutique' widely panned, only to be recognized later for the masterpiece it is. And it didn't stop there.
No surprise, these guys started out punk and made the move to rap. As I said before, punk is funny, and they carried that through.
Their videos have always been as amusing as their songs. This one is no exception. It taps into all the cop movies and shows I don't ever recall watching in their entirety but am familiar enough with because I suspect Dad and older brother did and I, being the baby, had zero say on what we were going to watch on the one television.
This comic book cover is from the beautiful comic book inspired by the video in honour of Adam Yauch by artist Derek Langille. Link below.
Favourite Lyrics: And yet I'll gaze At the colour of spring Immerse in that one moment Left in love with everything
Why?: Hmm. I’m a day late aren’t I? Happy Vernal Equinox to my friends on the other side of the planet some of who
perpetually live one day in the future from me. This one’s for you guys
(especially my Talk Talk buds!). 🥰😘
It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world Every time you wake up I hope it's under a blue sky It's a cruel, crazy, beautiful world One day when you wake up I will have to say goodbye Goodbye It's your world so live in it!
Artist: New Order Title: Blue Monday Favourite Lyrics: I thought I told you to leave me While I walked down to the beach Tell me, how does it feel When your heart grows cold?
Why?: I’ve always enjoyed New Order’s music. This is the second song I had heard by them, the first being ‘Bizarre Love Triangle’. It’s a good dance song. Very much a part of my youth where it would be a regular part of the playlist at the clubs I would frequent, and late 80’s early 90’s CFNY, when the Edge played decent music. They still play ok music, but I’ve become an old cantankerous woman, bitter at the world and find myself unable to relate to what the younglings call music these days *get off my lawn, ya damn kids!* I liked, and still enjoy depressing songs. I understand that this song’s title is in reference to the day the news broke about Ian Curtis. Ian Curtis committed suicide on May 18th... um... a long time ago. I think I mentioned before I really dislike commemorating sad events which is why this post didn’t go up back in May, along with all the other Ian Curtis commemorative posts. FYI, I didn’t know who Joy Division were until after I’d discovered New Order. Also, this song should have been posted along time ago, but Mondays back in February were just intent on delivering shitty news to me, so I held off, and this song got buried in my list of songs until today, the day after Ian Curtis' birthday. That's me, late to the party and bad at timing.
Artist: Manic Street Preachers Title: Love’s Sweet Exile Favourite Lyrics: Our lives drift into a faceless sense of void Everything of meaning becomes destroyed There's too much concrete for us to breathe We are kept down 'cos we hate
Why?: I’m not 100% sure what it was about this song that slapped me across the face. There are a handful of songs where upon first hearing them, I sit and am awed into stunned silence and just listen. One day I will eventually sit down and toss out a list of the songs I consider to be perfectly crafted songs/albums. In the meantime, there is this song. I love it. I have no explanation why, only that it pulls at my heartstrings whenever it is on and if I listen hard, I might be brought to emotional tears. And sometimes, it is as simple as a progression of guitar notes or chords. There are a few songs that can do this to me. This is one of them. I just wanted to share. Sorry if you were expecting some deep rooted reason or meaningful explanation. And for those who believe it might have something to do with the video, you’re probably right. I have a weak spot for hot men wearing makeup. ;) #childofthe80s
Que será, será Whatever will be, will be The future's not ours to see Que será, será What will be, will be
Why: Sad to hear of Doris Day's passing. Was having a brief conversation about her on Instagram and what was my favourite song by her only a few days ago. It's the only song I know by her because my mom used to sing it. My mother loved this song and would sing what she knew and hum the rest. My mom could sing really well.
Why: Some of my earliest memories of music are the things my mother used to listen to. So it was all classical music (or traditional Korean music). I have a lot to thank my mother for. She provided the basis of my love of good music, and in this case, dance. I love to dance, but my dancing is probably best described as drunk flailing. I have great respect for anyone who studied dance. Again, some of my earliest memories include me plunked in front of the TV and being absolutely mesmerized by this piece and performance (not THIS particular performance and I wouldn’t even know where to begin to find the one performance that caught my attention the first time). And while it’s not Christmas, it’s his birthday. Enjoy.
I can't resist The feeling's so much stronger now I must make sure To do the things I want to do Life's just too short For answers to your problems
~ ‘I Can’t Resist’ - The Reaction
I’ve spent the last (almost) month reading these outpourings of utter grief and despair from Talk Talk fans around the world. I think reading their sadness just made mine worse. It sucks that someone who was a huge part of your life is just gone. Even if there was never any more presence in your life than perhaps songs (for those who've had the opportunity to meet him, I'll tell you I’m envious, but so happy you had that treasured moment for yourself ). He obviously filled some part of your life with something special and meaningful. I’m a newbie fan, so while I can’t claim years, the short time I’ve had this and him in my life has been wonderful. His music is great. I enjoy it immensely and haven’t really stopped listening since.
I was listening to this song on my way to work today. The opening lines kind of slapped me across the face. I’ve been in a kind of numb state for a while (long
story short - something happened in December, Talk Talk's music helped
me deal with some of it so my life has been interspersed with moments of grooving to Talk Talk’s earlier stuff and general malaise when I read posts from his fans lately. Mark dies and everything that got helped got
tossed out the window and I was a mess. Mood swing anyone?). This past weekend was a particularly low point. I was irritable and didn’t know what to do with myself. I knew what was happening and I am not pleased with myself. I know I’m stronger than this. I’m better than this. But I’ve been letting this, for lack of a better description, mid-life crisis, get the better of me. Mark Hollis’ dying served as a catalyst for it. I think it’s fair to say these lyrics felt like it was his statement for me to move on. For everyone else still grieving, please don’t think I’m being dismissive of your feelings. I just found what I needed to move on. I hope you do soon too, which is why I wanted to share this epiphany (See what I did there? 😉) with you.
Life is too short. There may not be any answers. I’m off to do ALL the things now. After all… to pilfer some more lyrics from him… Life is what you make it.
Artist: Aretha Franklin and George Michael Title: I Knew You Were Waiting For Me Favourite Lyrics: When the river was deep, I didn't falter When the mountain was high, I still believed When the valley was low, It didn't stop me I knew you were waiting, I knew you were waiting for me
Why?: In tribute to Aretha Franklin, I racked my brain. Of course “Respect” is a great song and would have been the go to for her. But in my own personal list of music and what it means to me, this is the first song I could recall from my youth where I knew who she was. She was that older black singer with a great voice and she’s singing a song with George Michael. I liked this song. The lyrics still speak to me. The songs I like are about love. This chorus is no different. But there’s momentum here. A desire to move forward because my lover will wait for me to reach these goals. Note: This was originally published with video link and lyric choice only.
Favourite Lyrics: Funny how I find myself in love with you. If I could buy my reasoning, I'd pay to lose.
Why?: Mark Hollis’ deeply emotive voice. The lyrics speak of a tumultuous relationship. Love, drama, and so much emotion. I think of my own love life and the song makes me nostalgic. Quintessential 80’s new wave. A little alternative, a little pop, a little weird (watch both versions of the video, but also animal documentary footage! It was as if they crafted a perfect video for my nine year old self. I want to know who do I write to to get my digital cable provider to give me the option of watching any animal documentary with the choice of David Attenborough, Lorne Greene or David Suzuki narrating and the choice to have the original soundtrack or Talk Talk... sorry I digress). Also, Mark Hollis is super cute in the second version of the video. Nobody said I needed deep valid reasons for enjoying music, okay? Jesus... I could go on for pages about this, but I'm not here to scare anyone off. ... k. I'll stop gushing.
Honestly, I’m saddened that it took me this long to start seeking Talk Talk’s extended library of music. I love their music and they’ve broken up. Also, this song is no longer a song about a human relationship in my life. I sing it to my Precious motorcycle often. I'll be sure to explain someday.
Edit update: December 31, 2018: So… when I posted this video, I basically dove headfirst into this band. Like… dove in… In my head, I’ve gone and married all the core band members several times, written their last names after mine… you know… going through my mid-life crisis by being a teenaged girl. It was Duran Duran the first time round.
Pity my husband who had to put up with me listening to Talk Talk non-stop for about a month (and counting) and visibly cringes if I mention the name Mark (eeeeeee. OMG…. I love this man so much… eeee!) Hollis, Paul (automatically I had the hawts for him because he's the bass player! Plus have you seen him lately with his Rustin Man stuffs? Still adorable.) Webb and Lee (OMG... he's like, not wearing a shirt... and he's hawt! And why are drummers shy? Roger Taylor from Duran Duran... hawt... shy... gah!) Harris and anymore. I think the whole Talk Talk library, and beyond (I’m talking, Mark Hollis’ solo stuff, O.Rang, Rustin Man) is very much worth a listen. It’s really great stuff.
Edit update 2: March 1, 2019: So of course, you understand that this was written months before February 25th, 2019. The day the news broke I was beside myself. Like, seriously? I just got into you and you go and die on me?! But as a Firefly fan, I know what it is to be disappointed by things cut short and what heartbreak is. *Yes, that was a terrible joke. This is why I have kept my day job. Shut up.* Needless to say, it’s a great song still. RIP Mark Hollis. Thanks for making me feel 14 again. *sniffle*. Edit update 3: May 7, 2019: First... apologies to the band for instantly objectifying them. I blame unbalanced hormones (But... daaaaamn! Super talented and hawt... Sorry! It's Scotch this time you can blame. Hehe). And hey! I can post multiple links in my blog! Here is the second video:
Note: This was originally published with video link and lyric choice only.
