I’d completed this episode and was quietly content with having a good, tight lineup involving songs called “Song” when I was gripped with the terrible thought that I’d repeated myself. On checking the track record however, I was pleased to discover that previously I’d done an episode more focused on tributes, odes and homages which is scarcely the same thing. My mind is holding together! Rejoice at that news! I could stand for President and not forget my own name!
One theme of this episode is not going for the obvious choice.
The Cure emerged from the ‘80s with the curious distinction of having pivoted not once, not twice, but three times. Ramshackle indie kids, Joy Division wannabes, gimmicky pop act and then with 1989’s Disintegration a Gothic masterpiece. Love Song is the more famous “Song” off it but Plainsong sets the tone for the entire album, as becomes typical, waiting a full two minutes before the singing kicks in.
Everyone knows In The Aeroplane, Over The Sea by Neutral Milk Hotel, but less familiar to many is their debut album On Avery Island. Song Against Sex does seem to deliver what it says. Who knows what goes on inside Jeff Mangum’s mind - and we’re all the richer for many of his outpourings - but it’s fair to say he has at best a difficult relationship with intimacy.
You might not expect The Four Tops to appear, but it’s good to mix things up. It’s The Same Old Song was anecdotally conceived, written, recorded and released by Berry Gordy within twenty-four hours. It also comes as the culmination over the end credits of one of my favourite films, Blood Simple. Nor do we play a lot of emo - but good to hear from Everyone Asked About You.
Cello Song by Nick Drake? Cello Song by Fontaines DC. That’s how you do a cover. Unrecognisable for the first two or three minutes (and very little, if any, cello, as it happens). Another innovative cover is one of the most covered of all tunes, Song to the Siren, this time by James Yorkston and this time without his Athletes.
Beautiful song called Beautiful Song by Horsegirl. A couple of lovely reggae interjections by Scientist, surprisingly making their debut, and Israel Vibration; final track is the not especially folky Folk Song by the much missed Sundays.
Song2 by Blur? Good Song by Blur. Space Song by Beach House? Rough Song by Beach House. Ship Song by Nick Cave? Song for Jesse by Nick Cave. Expect the unexpected.
So, still got all my marbles for now. Enjoy the episode.
Tracklist:-
Plainsong, The Cure
Song against sex, Neutral Milk Hotel
It’s the same old song, The Four Tops
Cello song, Fontaines DC
Song for Chris, Everyone Asked About You
Beautiful song, Horsegirl
Good song, Blur
Drum song, Scientist
The same song, Israel Vibration
Song for Jesse, Nick Cave and Warren Ellis
Song to the siren, James Yorkston
Rough song, Beach House
Folk song, The Sundays