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?

It's been a long time coming

#943 - A Change Is Gonna Come :: Sam Cooke

“It’s been a long, a long time coming,
but I know a change gonna come.”

I’m known to say things like “it will get better”, and most of the time I actually believe it. The worst of times have come into my life, but they have always passed eventually, and everytime something amazing has followed.

It may be terribly naive of me to feel this way, to believe in life itself, but I’m okay with that. I’ve been through too much, and seen both the happiest and the saddest of days, to not know that the good times come around - and change happens, sometimes whether we are ready, or not.

This song reminds me of how I try to feel, and the sentiments I try to hang on to.

Jenny & Johnny :: a mini-review

Scissor Runner :: Jenny & Johnny
from the newly released album I’m Having Fun Now
released today (U.S.), August 31, 2010
Available here.

"A scissor runner stole my heart."

I am completely and utterly enamoured with this song, and this album. I’ve been reading about Jenny (Lewis) & Johnny (Johnathan Rice) for awhile now, and the album I’m Happy Now has been one I’ve been anticipating, and counting the days until, the most this Summer. And Summer, honestly, is the perfect season for this fun, breezy, poppy, fuzzy and bright. There is optimism in this, hope, romance, freedom, and a sweet escape that vacations, first loves, and childhood play bring.

I want to drive to the beach with the windows rolled down blasting this song all the way. I want to wear flowy dresses and spin circles around to this song. I want to make out in the backseat at the drive-in to this song. I want Summer to last forever when I listen to this song (which is a lot for me to say since it is my least favorite season).

Im ready to be heartbroken

Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken :: Camera Obscura

"I can't see further than my own nose at this moment."

Everytime I hear this song my thoughts are immediately taken to scenes from Say Anything. I'm sure the name Lloyd has a lot to do with it - Lloyd Dobler being such a iconic character, especially to my generation, he is the definitive Lloyd to me (and honestly, the only one I can recall at this moment). I'm also reminded of the line in Say Anything when Lloyd says "I want to get hurt," when discussing the possibility of dating Diane Court with his two female best friends, Corey and D.C.

I'm also prone to start contemplating if any of us are really ever ready to be heartbroken. Is the action of taking a risk with someone, opening ourselves up enough to fall in love, or to even just date someone - is that action an acknowledgement that we are willing to be hurt by someone else? Or, when faced with attraction/desire/possibility of love do we suddenly all become the naive optimist who still believes in love at first sight/soulmates/true love?

And, what of those of us who are jaded by design (or really, jaded by bad experiences)? What happens when someone with low expectations, or just the inner prediction of failure, chooses to fall in love? Are they honestly saying "yes, I will walk into a coming bus? Dive head first into a pool of pirannahs? Just smile and say, yeah, you, go on and hurt me?" A train of thought such as how Lloyd sees Corey when he tells her, via a hand-held cassette recorder, "You probably got it all figured out, Corey. If you start out depressed everything's kind of a pleasant surprise."

Are we all expecting the worse anyway? Do we think we are the exception? Or are we all just a combination of blind foolishness and self-destruction when it comes to love?

For me, I guess I'm a little like Lloyd. I'm willing to get hurt, but I am ever-hopeful I won't be. To be honest I tend to prefer one of the last exchanges spoken in the film,

"Nobody thinks it will work, do they?" (Diane)
"No. You just described every great success story." (Lloyd)