Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 28th December '10 - Pulp - Do You Remember The First Time?

Formed in 1978, it took Sheffield band Pulp 16 years to hit the big time but when they did they became one of the biggest bands of the 'Britpop' era.

The success began in 1994 when they released their album 'His 'N' Hers'. The first three singles, 'Babies', 'Razzamatazz' and 'Lipgloss', met with critical acclaim and cult popularity but it wasn't until the fourth single 'Do You Remember The First Time?' that they broke into the UK top 40. This meant when the album was released they'd created enough of a following to see the album peak on the UK album chart at number nine and have the album receive a Mercury Music Prize nomination that year.

1995 was a big year for Pulp. It saw the release of their single 'Common People', which was an instant classic as far as fans were concerned and is still much loved today. They then, by default of The Stone Roses having to cancel their performance due to guitarist John Squire breaking his collarbone, Pulp ended up headlining that year's Glastonbury Festival. Their performance on the Saturday night, in only the second year that the even had been televised, is still seen by many as the greatest headline set at the festival. I watched the set a couple of weeks ago when it was shown on BBC4 (amusing in itself as the BBC didn't start broadcasting Glastonbury until '97 with the festival being broadcast by Channel 4 in '94 & '95 and the festival having a year off in '96) and found the set just as exciting and enjoyable to watch as it had been 15 years earlier when I'd last seen it on TV.

Later that year the bands album 'Different Class' was released featuring the singles 'Common People' and 'Sorted for E's & Wizz/Mis-Shapes' that had preceded its release. The next single released from it was the crowd-pleaser 'Disco 2000', one of the tracks first debuted at that summers Glastonbury Festival. The album also went on to win the 1996 Mercury Music Prize.

After that things started to go awry. Key band member Russell Senior left the band and, in the wake of the break up of a long-term relationship and battling cocaine addiction, lead singer and main songwriter Jarvis Cocker struggled to write the follow-up album to 'Different Class'. As a result of all these factors the album that resulted, 'This Is Hardcore', was a bleak album.

A much lighter album, 'We Love Life', was released in 2001 but all was not well in the band and they split from record label Island in 2002 before going on hiatus.

This November, while I was away travelling in the US, I was greeted one morning by the exciting news that Pulp in their original line-up were reforming to play shows in 2011. Who knows what will happen beyond this but, suffice to say, I'll be there in Hyde Park next summer with all the same excitement I had when I saw them first time round at Kentish Town Forum in 1995.

I'll leave you with their spectacular breakthrough single from 1994, 'Do You Remember The First Time?', with the performance footage coming from that legendary headlining set at Glastonbury in 1995.

Hope you all enjoy it and I'll catch you all next week (and, realistically, next year as it'll be 2011!!). Enjoy!!

Pulp - Do You Remember The First Time?

You say you've got to go home
Cos he's sitting on his own again this evening.
I know you're gonna let him bore your pants off again.
Oh God, it's half past eight,
You'll be late.
You say you've never been sure,
Though it makes good sense for you to be together.
Still you bought a toy that can reach the places he never goes.
Oh, now it's getting late.
He's so straight.

Do you remember the first time?
I can't remember a worse time.
But you know that we've changed so much since then,
Oh yeah,
We've grown.
Now I don't care what you're doing,
No I don't care if you screw him.
Just as long as you save a piece for me,
Oh yeah

You say you've got to go home.
Well at least there's someone there that you can talk to.
And you never have to face up to the night on your own.
Jesus, it must be great to be straight.

Do you remember the first time?
I can't remember a worse time.
But you know that we've changed so much since then,
Oh yeah,
We've grown.
Now I don't care what you're doing,
No I don't care if you screw him.
Just as long as you save a piece for me,
Oh yeah

Christmas Song Stuck In My Head This Year - The Ronettes - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

Phil Spector seemingly had a history of erratic behaviour involving guns and so when, last year, he was finally convicted of the shooting and death of actress Lana Clarkson in 2003 it was no real surprise. All of this, however, can never detract from the amazing music he created throughout his career as a record producer.

For me, Christmas isn't really Christmas without the album 'A Christmas Gift for You from Phil Spector' as it really just feels so Christmassy. This is helped by Spector's 'Wall Of Sound' method of recording which is best described in this quote from songwriter Jeff Barry who worked extensively with Spector - "You're going to have four or five guitars line up, gut-string guitars, and they're going to follow the chords...two basses in fifths, with the same type of line, and strings...six or seven horns, adding the little punches…formula percussion instruments — the little bells, the shakers, the tambourines. Phil used his own formula for echo, and some overtone arrangements with the strings. But by and large there was a formula arrangement."

This large ensemble of musicians were recorded, on the whole, at Gold Studios in Los Angeles as Spector liked to work with their echo chambers. The process is best described from this quote from Wikipedia - 'Microphones in the recording studio captured the sound, which was then transmitted to an echo chamber—a basement room outfitted with speakers and microphones. The signal from the studio would be played through the speakers and would reverberate around the room, being picked up by the microphones. The echo-laden sound was then channelled back to the control room, where it was transferred to tape.

The natural reverberation and echo from the hard walls of the room gave his productions their distinctive quality and resulted in a rich and complex sound when played on AM radio, with an impressive depth rarely heard in mono recordings.'

The Christmas album showcases this extremely well and is now a much loved album but, on its release, it didn't sell so well. This was, for the most part, due to the fact it was released on 22nd November 1963. This was also the same day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated so people, understandably, were not really in the mood for jolly Christmas tunes. However as time passed it became a staple of many people’s Christmas playlists including mine.

I hope you enjoy my favourite track from the album, 'I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus' performed by The Ronettes!!

The Ronettes - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus

I Saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus,
Underneath the mistletoe last night!
She didn't see me creep,
Down stairs to have a peek!
She thought that i was tucked up
In my bedroom fast asleep.

Then I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus,
Underneath his beard so snowy white!
Oh, what a laugh it would have been,
If Daddy had only seen,
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night!

I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus,
Underneath the misletoe last night!
She didn't see me creep,
Down stairs to have a peek!
She thought that i was tucked up
In my bedroom fast asleep!

Then I saw Mommy tickle Santa Claus,
Underneath his beard so snowy white!
What a laugh it would have been
If Daddy had only seen,
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night,
Mommy kissing Santa Claus last night!!!

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 19th December '10 - Cher - You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me

I know it's only a few weeks since I last posted about a Cher song from the 'Burlesque' soundtrack but, aside from the songs being particularly catchy and getting stuck in your head, Cher's two songs from the soundtrack are seriously good.

This week's song, in my opinion, is one of the greatest songs Cher's ever recorded and it has so far gained nominations in both the Critics Choice Awards and the Golden Globes as well as being long-listed for selection for the Oscars.

'You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me' is a soaring empowerment ballad that channels the emotions of being seemingly at rock bottom but knowing that you're not knocked down that easily. I'm sure Cher managed to tap into the memories of her life experiences when recording this song as it oozes real emotion and feeling. I know I find this song inspirational, especially on the days when it feels like there's no hope and that my life is going nowhere.

In the 45 years since she first hit the music scene, Cher has become not only a renowned singer but also a record producer, movie director and an Oscar winning actress. With the new movie 'Burlesque' and it's astounding soundtrack it shows that it'll be a long time before Cher gives up her crown as the Goddess Of Pop. I also hope this song wins every award it's nominated for as I think it deserves it.

I hope you like this week's song as much as I do!

Chere - You Haven't Seen The Last Of Me

Feeling broken
Barely holding on
But there’s just something so strong
Somewhere inside me
And I am down but I’ll get up again
Don’t count me out just yet

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me
You haven’t seen the last of me

They can say that
I won’t stay around
But I’m gonna stand my ground
You’re not gonna stop me
You don’t know me
You don’t know who I am
Don’t count me out so fast

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me

There will be no fade out
This is not the end
I’m down now
But i’ll be standing tall again
Times are hard but
I was built tough
I’m gonna show you all what I’m made of

I’ve been brought down to my knees
And I’ve been pushed way past the point of breaking
But I can take it
I’ll be back
Back on my feet
This is far from over
I am far from over
You haven’t seen the last of me

No no
I’m not going nowhere
I’m staying right here
Oh no
You won’t see me begging
I’m not taking my bow
Can’t stop me
It’s not the end
You haven’t seen the last of me
Oh no
You haven’t seen the last of me
You haven’t seen the last of me

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 12th December '10 - The Beatles - Real Love

This week’s song has been in my head for a number of reasons.

Firstly, this week saw the 30th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. Though I can't claim to have been as touched or inspired by him as many of my friends I do feel he was, and even in death continues to be, a very important person in musical and humanitarian terms.

'Real Love' was written and recorded by John over several takes between 1979 & 1980 but was never fully completed. In 1995 'Real Love' and another incomplete Lennon track, 'Free As A Bird', were reworked by the then surviving members of the band, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and George Harrison. Both songs were released as singles - 'Free As A Bird' in late '95 and then 'Real Love' in '96 - and are, as Ringo Starr said when interviewed about recording the songs in '95, "...the end of the line, really. There's nothing more we can do as the Beatles.".

Secondly, this week I finally watched the films 'Before Sunrise' & 'Before Sunset'. Even though I wanted to see the former when it first came out in '95 and the latter in '04, I'm glad I didn't see them until now as I feel that to have seen them any earlier in my life before the experiences I've had would have meant I appreciated them less without realising it. Both are great films and I think are more realistic about love and relationships, in terms of what is said in the narrative, than most romantic movies.

Finally, due to the influence of the films, I've been flitting back and forth on my feelings on relationships and love all week. I've only had two serious relationships in my life. The first ended because I had changed as I got older and, though my ex is a wonderful person and still my best friend, I just didn't have the feelings I used to have for him. The second was a nightmare where I fell foul to physical and mental abuse, the emotional scars from which still have some lingering residue but which are getting less as time passes.

The last four years since then I have had minor flirtations and a couple of dates but nothing solid has sprung forth and, as I get older (I'm 31 next month), the fears of being alone and never finding the right person, raising a family of my own etc get stronger. There are days when I'm fine with it all and other days when I feel a strong sense of despair. I have met some amazing guys over the last few years, a couple who I could even have potentially let myself fall for, but I always either let my heart rule my head and get carried away only to be disappointed or I block it out completely for fear of being hurt.

Watching the films made me realise that, yes, a lot of it can be in your head - at least to begin with - but that ultimately love can be real and that settling for second best should never be an option because it'll only leave you wishing for the ones you preferred that went before, even if you'd not been the one for them.

I've learnt that one of my problems is that I can't tell so many things. I can't tell when someone just wants a good time and when they want more than that. I can't tell when I'm trying too hard or not trying hard enough. I can't tell whether someone is genuinely interested in me or not.

The only thing I know for certain is that I want real love. So here's hoping this song is the start and that positive things follow.

Catch you next week!!

The Beatles - Real Love

All my little plans and schemes,
Lost like some forgotten dreams.
Seems that all I really was doing
Was waitin' for you.

Just like little girls and boys,
Playing with their little toys.
Seems like all we really were doing
Was waitin' for love.

Don't need to be alone,
No need to be alone.

It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real.

From this moment on I know,
Exactly where my life will go.
Seems that all I really was doing
Was waitin' for love.

Don't need to be afraid,
No need to be afraid.

It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real.

Thought I'd been in love before,
But in my heart I wanted more.
Seems like all I really was doing
Was waitin' for you.

Don't to be alone,
No need to be alone.

It's real love, yeah it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes, it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love, it's real,
It's real love, it's real,
Yes it's real love....

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 04th December '10 - The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

Though I didn't exactly discover The Avett Brothers when I was in America - I first encountered them on the BBC's Glastonbury coverage - but it was on my trip to America that made me fall in love with them.

Formed in 2000 out of the roots of Scott & Seth Avett's band Nemo, they brought in stand-up bass player Bob Crawford and set about work on their first full length studio album, 'A Carolina Jubilee' (which was preceeded by the live album 'Live At The Double Door Inn'). A second album, 'Mignonette', was released in 2004 and then 'Live Vol. 2' in 2005.

In 2007 the band made their first appearance on TV in the US on 'Late Night With Conan O'Brian' and released their third studio album 'Emotionalism' (which I love). Then 2009 saw the release of their fourth studio album 'I And Love And You', the title track of which was the first song of theirs I heard.

When I arrived in Los Angeles for the first week of my trip I discovered that the band were playing at the Nokia Theater. Now, as I knew little about them, for them to be playing the same venue where I'd seen The Who a couple of years previous was a bit of a shock. I toyed with the idea of paying the $40 for a ticket but then wondered if it was wise spending that much money to see a band I knew little about bar one song. This was a decision I came to regret. By the time I got to San Francisco the dvd 'Live Vol. 3' had been released and I decided to buy a copy to see what I thought. I was blown away.

Also featuring Joe Kwon on Cello and Jacob Edwards on drums, The Avett Brothers infuse bluegrass, country, punk, pop melodies, folk, rock and roll, honky tonk, and ragtime together to make some of the greatest music I've heard in a long time. I just hope they play in the UK next year so I can make up for my lack of good judgement in Los Angeles.

As I said, 'I And Love And You' was the first song I heard - the actual Glastonbury performance is the video I'm using this week - and it's just such a sweet song and it's easy to fall in love with in my opinion.

Hope you all enjoy it & I'll catch you all next weel!

The Avett Brothers - I And Love And You

Load the car and write the note
Grab your bag and grab your coat
Tell the ones that need to know
We are headed north

One foot in and one foot back
But it don't pay, to live like that
So i cut the ties and i jumped the tracks
For never to return

Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in
Are you aware the shape I'm in
My hands they shake my head it spins
Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in

When at first I learned to speak
I used all my words to fight
With him and her and you and me
Oh but its just a waste of time
Yeah its such a waste of time

That woman shes got eyes that shine
Like a pair of stolen polished dimes
She asked to dance I said it's fine
I'll see you in the morning time

Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in
Are you aware the shape im in
My hands they shake my head it spins
Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in

Three words that became hard to say
I and love and you
What you were then, I am today
Look at the things I do

Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in
Are you aware the shape I'm in
My hands they shake my head it spins
Ah Brooklyn Brooklyn take me in

Dumbed down and numbed by time and age
Your dreams to catch the world, the cage
The highway sets the travelers stage
All exits look the same

Three words that became hard to say
I and love and you
I and love and you
I and love and you

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Song Stuck In My Head This Week - 02nd December '10 - Cher - Welcome To Burlesque

It's been a busy old week this week, and one with little internet access which is why this blog is so late.

This week I saw two great movies, 'Love And Other Drugs' and 'Burlesque'. It is from the latter that this weeks song choice comes from.

The movie is packed full of catchy songs and great performances and I can't wait til it comes out in the UK so I can see it again.

Here's one of my favourites for you!

Cher - Welcome To Burlesque

Show a little more,
Show a little less,
Add a little smoke,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Everything you dream of,
But never can possess,
Nothing's what it seems,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Oh, everyone is buying,
Put your money in my hand,
If you got a little extra,
Well, give it to the band.

You may not be guilty,
But you're ready to confess,
Tell me what you need,
Welcome to Burlesque.

You can dream of Coco,
Do it at your risk,
The triplets grant you mercy,
But not your every wish.

Yes, it keeps you guessing,
So cool and statuesque,
"Behave yourself" says Georgia,
Welcome to Burlesque.

Oh, everyone is buying,
Put your money in my hand,
If you want a little extra,
Well, you know where I am.

Something very dark,
Is playing with your mind,
It's not the end of days,
Just a bump and grind.

Show a little more,
Show a little less,
Add a little smoke,
Welcome to Burlesque.