Bang Bang Bang

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl :: Bang Bang Bang
song is off the newly released album Record Collection
released today (U.S.), September 28, 2010
Available here.

“Un deux trois,
bang, bang, bang.”

Catchy and clever is what I’ve come to expect from Mark Ronson, and the first song I’ve “spun” off of this new album does not disappoint my expectations; in actuality, this song exceeds my expectations. This is almost a song I wish had come out earlier so that it could have had the opportunity to be a Summer hit, but since I’m listening in the midst of a early Autumn/”Indian Summer” heatwave, it works.

I love the cultural and musical hybrid sound, the melding of language and style, cross-genre and so very danceable - this song is near impossible to not get sticky-stuck in your head. You’ll see, if you hit play you will be humming this tune for the rest of your afternoon. In this case, that’s a good thing.

The album, and Mark’s new posse called The Business International, are said to feature the collaborations of Boy George, Simon Le Bon, Wiley, Miike Snow and a Kaiser Chief, to name a few, as well as MNDR and US rapper Q-Tip, on this song. I cannot wait to throw this album in and get completely addicted.

What I want from you

Rootless Tree (live) :: Damien Rice

“What I want from this,
is learn to let go,
no not of you,
of all that’s been told.”

The live version here, as well as the Live from Abbey Road version, are my favorites. I completely prefer them to the album version, especially because the live versions feel so much more raw, real and emotional. The song, about letting go and the emotional turmoil of break-ups and loss - especially anger, which is not often touched on in songs of heartbreak - just cuts so deeply live. The pain and confusion and anger, you can hear it in the blending of voices, and the evoked emotions, of both Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan in this version.

Break-ups, when they are real and they stick (not just the temporary result of a fight or misunderstanding), are so unique and precarious emotionally. The landscape to them, much like the reaction to loss, are not something anyone can predict or define. We all grieve differently, we all heal at our own pace, and we all find ways to let go and find release on our own.

Is this a forever break-up/letting go song though? Is he saying fuck you because he wants her gone, or because he wants her to fight back? Does he want to let go of her/the relationship, or of the things that have hurt so he can then forgive? There are moments of confusion lyrically where I’m not so sure. But, I suppose that makes this song even more honest and relatable. How often do we doubt our decisions in love, especially when saying goodbye?