09.21.07
We’ve had pop country songs that make indie-rock seem sincere
We’re about to do a major revamp around these parts. In the meantime, we have a whole new posting strategy…in that we’re going to actually post. [It's amazing our plan to take over the world hasn't worked yet with that kind of crafty planning…—Daisy]
In order to facilitate that, we’re all going to write random posts about whatever we feel like that day. [Or, you know, like, review music and shows and stuff.—Cricket]
I present: Songs on my iPod that, when it’s on shuffle on the dock, people go “Um, WTF is that?”
This is pop/indie-rock heavy because people always seem shocked that I/we like it. Yes, I say all the time I hate rock music, but what I mean is cock rock–maybe that will help clarify.
11. “Hey There Delilah” – The Plain White T’s
Let’s just start out with the truth: I love heartfelt pop music. Sometimes I think that people who can’t appreciate this music must lead sad little lives. He loves his girlfriend who is far away! Get over yourself, people. The rhyme scheme alone could fell small nations. You just hate because you wish some emo boy would write a song like this about you (and make millions so you could buy expensive matching eyeliner).
10. “Gore Veil” – The Deadly Snakes
Something about this song makes people hate it. It might be the plucky melody or the sung da-da-da-dah! Cricket in particular hates this song. It’s existentialist musings about death set to tinkly pop, which means AWESOME to me. [Apparently I hate it so much I can't even remember it. No, no, please don't remind me, it's okay, I'm fine going about oblivious.—Cric]
9. “Heaven On Their Minds” from Jesus Christ Superstar
I can sing this play from the opening notes to the end. Life doesn’t get better than blasphemy set to ‘70’s rock opera. [Does this mean I won't get mocked for liking Phantom of the Opera?—Daisy]
8. “Dilaudid” – The Mountain Goats
This is one of those bands that I think sometimes out-clevers itself. Their lyrics are often amazing, but that whole indie, our singer doesn’t have to be able to sing thing gets lost on me. This song is sexy as hell, though.
7. “What a Waster” – The Libertines
Whatever.
6. “Citrus” – The Hold Steady
Typical discussion:
Random Dude: Who’s that?
Me: The Hold Steady.
Random Dude: Who?
Me: The Hold Steady!
Random Dude: Never heard of them. This song rules.
Me: God. If I never have this conversation again…!!!
I have to thank Cricket for bringing this band into my life. Sample lyric, “I’ve had kisses that make Judas seem sincere.” (Am now listening to it on repeat.) [Wait, really? How has everyone in the world not heard and loved this song?—Cricket]
5. “Barrett’s Privateers” – Stan Rogers
Avast and all that. If you don’t know this song, do yourself a favor and download it. It’s a sea shanty. Who doesn’t love call and response sea shanties? If you don’t, you’re dead to me.
4. “The Collection of Marie Claire” – Daniel Lanois
This song has so much going for it in the WTF stakes—it’s creepy as hell, half in French, and did I mention creepy? I have an unholy love from Daniel Lanois, most people just know him for his producing (and if you don’t, uh…?) but his original music is, well, somewhat dated now, but good all the same. This number is a murder ballad. If you download it and can’t understand the French bits, email me.
3. BBC “From Our Own Correspondent” Podcast
Why do people flip out when the iPod kicks out some talking? This never fails to amuse me. If you’re interested in the world this is a good podcast.
2. “Moment of Clarity” – Jay-Z
Seriously, who doesn’t like Jay-Z? Only people who are trying way too hard to be cool. [I wouldn't know a Jay-Z song if it hit me in the face. I think this is more a factor of my obliviousness to genres of music I don't listen to than trying to hard to be cool.—Cricket]
1. “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race” – Fall Out Boy
A few words on this: Go. To. Hell. Haters. [I know by haters you mean me. I'm not hating so much as mercilessly mocking. And if you weren't so loved, would you be teased so much? Wait, where did I just hear that…—Cric] And to elaborate: this is a bookending example of my love of pop music. I particularly love pop music that is in turns ironic and totally genuine. Several years ago, I said to a friend of mine, “How can you not love a band with song-titles like that?” and, dear readers, I stand by that statement with this song—it ain’t a scene, it’s a goddamned arms race. If you’re in any scene and don’t feel that lyric, well, you must be seriously stoned. (Cricket echoed this lyric with one by Cory Branan when I was pontificating about it yesterday, in case you think I’m putting you on with this.) A band that markets itself by posting pictures of their dicks on the internet? Does it get better? Only if that comes with a side order of lyrics like “Bandwagon’s full. Please, catch another.”
How did Panic! At the Disco not even make it on to this list? Damn! [Um, I don't know. I'm going to cry in my George Strait songs now and try and pretend like I never act holier-than-thou.—Cricket]
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