If you're around the same age as me then you remember the 90's as a period where you could switch on the radio or tv and be bombarded by countless great songs. They'd find you, you wouldn't have to find them. If you're younger than me than you probably wish you were coming into your music loving years in the 90's. Sure there were terrible songs released in that decade, but for the most part looking back is filled with fondness. Here's 10 songs that maybe got passed your radar or maybe they didn't, but they definitely weren't being featured on Much Music's hit list. Yes, they once played music...
1. REM - "E-Bow The Letter"
I know what you're saying. "REM are not an obscure band" No they are not, but they are one of those quasi popular groups who had many many great songs and relatively few singles. New Adventures In Hi-Fi is probably their one album that produced the fewest marketable tracks, but it's fantastic. "E-Bow The Letter" is said to be portions of a letter that Michael Stipe was writing to River Phoenix before he died. Sadly River never did get to hear the song, thankfully we all can.
2. Guano Apes - "Open Your Eyes"
The first track from Proud Like A God, Germany's Guano Apes' debut record, comes out of the blocks on full blitzkrieg mode and buries itself into the listener's head. Guano Apes formed in the late 90's and released a few more successful albums in the 2000s. Though their popularity never really caught on in North America, their songs are worth a listen. Especially for those thirsty for new (old) songs.
3. Dig - "Believe"
Dig came from the rock scene that took off in LA in the early 90's. There's not much else to know about Dig sadly. In the 90's it wasn't as easy to get info on a band like it is these days. "Believe" did get airplay and charted, but unless you noticed it immediately, it probably got buried in your past. Maybe this will awake some ghosts in your head. Apparently Dig are working on a new record! Let's hope it maintains the mentality of their first effort!
4. They Might Be Giants - "Birdhouse In Your Soul"
Most people know They Might Be Giants from their song "Boss Of Me" which was used in the opening of tv's Malcolm In The Middle. "Birdhouse In Your Soul" is a wonderful pop offering that was released in 1990. Before the whole Alternative Rock thing took off and TMBG were still wrestling to get noticed among hair bands and hangers-on to the 80's techno pop crowd.
5. Del Amitri - "Always The Last To Know"
Typically thought of as only a one hit wonder from the 90's for the pretty little ditty "Roll To Me" Del Amitri also play this i-know-it-but-who-sings it track "Always The Last To Know". It may not have charted very high in the US, but in their native Scotland their fans are very aware of Del Amitri's back catalog. It's a great song and I sympathize with him.....right until the very end of the song...not sure you have much of a case anymore pally.
6. Ween - "Voodoo Lady"
Dean and Gene Ween. Either you get themo or you don't. Ween are another one of those groups with a large following and many fans. A long history of songs and albums, but very little mainstream attention. Their music could be called experimental, brilliant or it could be called ludicrous, depending on who you ask. "Voodoo Lady" might be one of their most radio friendly tracks, but even then it stands out in a crowd. I used to own a Ween shirt....what ever happened to that..
7. The Rheostatics - "Bad Time To Be Poor"
Maybe not obscure to Canadian music fans, but im not sure how far the tales of the Rheostatics reached across the world. A power house of songwriting ability and talent, "Bad Time To Be Poor" is almost 90's music in a perfect peanut shell. Many Canadian groups borne in the 90's site The Rheostatics as a main source of inspiration and wonder. Take a listen, you'll see why.
8. Forest For The Trees - "Dream"
Perhaps Forest For The Trees' tenure was merely a dream. They released one album in 1997 with the single "Dream" getting it's video played in both US and Canada, then they vanished. Perhaps their scattered trip-hop/trance/acid rock blend was a little too much even for the post grunge world in the late 90's. Either way we have "Dream".
9. Artificial Joy Club - "Sick & Beautiful"
Anyone who watched Much Music all the time in about 1997-1998 will remember Canada's Artificial Joy Club. Another short lived alt rock combo who's singer had roots in the girl group pop scene. This is again what 90's rock was all about though...high energy, ambiguous sexuality and catchy, quirky hooks and lyrics. Almost completely randomized. But delightful!
10. King Cobb Steelie - "Rational"
I remember the video for this song had it called "Rationale" but on the back of the CD it's spelled as such, with no E. Kind of changes the tone of the song slightly, but either way what an opus. It's industrial rock, with a bluesy bass riff. Political and social lyrics. It's dream-like, ethereal and ubiquitous. Even once it's over you seem to carry a piece of it with you.
The term Easter Egg has transcended the colourful chocolate globes youngsters scan their homes for on Easter Sunday morning. It has been recently applied to any hidden gem tucked away in a form of entertainment. Something in the background of a movie, maybe a hidden special feature on a DVD. They're usually rewards for eagle-eyed fans who take the time to not only purchase the medium but fully absorb them. Musicians have been known to do similar things throughout the decades and while some or more interesting and intricate than others, here are 10 Easter Eggs found in songs or on albums.
1. Joe Walsh - "Life's Been Good"
This one isn't really tough to find. Nowadays, or at least when albums were still being purchased quite regularly, it isn't uncommon for an artist or band to include a song after the last track on an album. Perhaps it's just a song that isn't listed or maybe it appears after a few minutes of silence. Well what appears after the last track on Walsh's But Seriously, Folks... released in 1978 isn't really a song. I am not sure i'd even call it a reward for not stopping the album after a little bit of silence. Joe Walsh comes in after "Life's Been Good" fades out and says "Uh oh, here comes a flock of wah-wahs" and then multiple voices chime in and began to imitate duck sounds. You can't make that up folks. Why is it there? No one knows...Walsh himself probably can't even remember, but i'm sure at the time it was funny to him and maybe one other person. Thankfully it's been edited out in the single version for radio play.
2. Led Zeppelin - "In Through The Out Door"
Zeppelin's final album with the original four members was 1978's In Through The Out Door. Musically it was solid, though it did deviate slightly from the jazz and blues inspired rock that Zeppelin fans have come to know. The album sleeve itself was somewhat different. Gone were the intricate pictures, colourful spreads or even the number system that the band would assign to previous albums (1 through 4). In Through The Out Door merely featured black and white photographs of a smoky bar and inside it had bland black and white pencil drawings. Bland until that is someone had the idea (probably by accident) to get those pictures wet, for once they were wiped with water they would become permanently colourized. It was never mentioned in the liner notes and the band never officially announced the trick. It was simply just meant to be accidentally discovered.
3. Moist - "Creature"
This one is probably not a true Easter Egg as it appears it wasn't done deliberately. There a few hidden vocals on Moist's sophomore album Creature that it seems were picked up by in studio microphones and either not noticed in post or simply left in. At the end of track 2 "Theme From Cola" as soon as David Usher stops singing and the music ends turn the volume way up and hear the other band members' reactions to Usher's over eager performance. Also on the soft, piano-driven track "Disco Days" when David stops singing and the piano continues for another few minutes a faint conversation can heard behind the music, though what is being discussed is impossible to make out. Again, nothing too mind-blowing here, but sometimes it's the little things.
4. Damien Rice - "9 Crimes"
I've talked about Damien Rice's 2 albums before O and 9. On the second album there is a little treat for fans if you look in the pre-gap. Now a pregrap is essentially track 0 on a CD. Like how most songs have a second or two of silence between them track 1 usually has the same, but CD players typically are programmed to began playing on track 1 and skip the pregap all together. On Damien Rice's 9 when the first track starts playing, press the skip back button and hold it down to rewind the CD. You'll have to rewind through the 3 minute pregap, but it's worth it as there is a demo version of "9 Crimes" waiting to be listened to.
5. Radiohead - "Kid A"
Radiohead have always done things their way. From songs, to albums and videos Radiohead have been in a category all their own. When Kid A was released in 2000 it was noted to be quite a departure from their previous albums. While Radiohead albums have typically been a little left of center they always had the draw of mainstream radio and video play. Kid A seemed to be more experimental, a trait that would stick with the band for the next decade, but it's the album sleeve that caught people's attention here. There were no lyrics or band photos, just a few blank pages and some landscape paintings. Oh and a cryptic little swimming pool of blood...that's for another list. If you cracked the jewel case open however and looked under the CD tray, you would find a second booklet filled with poetry, original artwork, political satire and commentary and some truly bizarre scribblings. Don't go running out to buy a copy and see for yourself though, as the hidden booklet was only featured on original pressings of the album back in 2000.
6. Korn - "Daddy"
Korn are another band that used the album format to it's fullest extent. They usually include full, lush booklets with imagery relating to the album's themes. On 1998's Follow The Leader the first 60 seconds of the record is complete silence in honour of a fan that had passed away. And on their breakthrough self-titled album when the last track "Daddy" comes to an end it's followed by about 5 minutes of dead air, after which a hidden track begins to play. It isn't one of the most bizarre hidden tracks, but it could be one of the most disturbing. Producer Ross Robinson claims he found it on some old tapes as he was mixing in the studio and felt it needed to be heard on the record. It seems to be a recording of a husband and wife arguing while attempting to fix a car, but the way in which the man speaks to his wife is what makes it almost unlistenable. Add that to the fact that "Daddy" itself is an intense, personal track for Jonathan Davis, when the album is truly over you may need a moment of silence for yourself.
7. Incubus - "Chuck"
Chuck isn't a song by Incubus or an album, but rather a moustached, smirking face that seems to appear in their album sleeves. He is prominently featured on the cover of 1997's S.C.I.E.N.C.E and also makes appearances inside of the booklets for their next two albums. Who is he? No one really knows, Incubus' lips are sealed, but there are theories of course. Some say he was one of the band members' high school gym teacher. Some say he is Brandon Boyd's father's longtime friend. Others think he is the morphed combination of all 5 of Incubus' members faces. Perhaps it's one of the world's great mysteries that we are destined to ponder over forever.
8. Pearl Jam - "Yield"
Pearl Jam is another band who's albums are usually just as interesting and in depth as their songs. Who can forget the polaroids that came with No Code? Or the ancient textbook on the human condition known as Vitalogy? But did you know about the Yield game? Pearl Jam's 1997 album Yield was hyped more than any of their albums since their first, they even made a music video for a song off of it...the unforgettable "Do The Evolution". Next time you've got the album and booklet in front of you though, take a look at the yield sign on the cover. Because hidden in every picture inside that booklet is the same yield sign. Some are more obvious than others, but it's there. Something to accompany your next Yield session with.
9. Tool - "Lateralus"
I don't know if i'm smart enough to explain this one, but i'll try. In 2001 Tool were ready to release their first album in 6 years. 1995's Aenima was the last they did with Zoo Entertainment and they were stuck in legal red tape trying to get out of the contract for years after. So when they announced that recording for Lateralus had begun they wanted to make a special album for their fans. Tool is fronted by human enigma Maynard James Kennan and has the brilliant Adam Jones on lead guitar. Upon listening to Lateralus you can detect something is a bit off...the songs are incredible, don't get me wrong, but there's almost a formulaic undertone in some of them. The title track itself apparently uses a mathematical equation in it's rythym section. One fan discovered if you rip the songs, eliminate all the dead space and rearrange them in an order similar to that equation it creates one continuous song that transitions itself seamlessly. Again the band isn't budging on whether it was intentional or not, but it's quite a brilliant Easter Egg if it's legit. Way better than syncing the album up to an old timey movie.
10. Jimi Hendrix - "Third Stone From The Sun"
Here's one that might be hard to hear for yourself in these modern times. On Hendrix's album Are You Experienced the song "Third Stone From The Sun" was known as wildly psychadelic and instrumental track. Jimi's typical guitar swimming over a myriad of bizarre sounds just begging for a hallucinogenic background. That is until you sped the 33 1/2 RPM LP up to the 45 speed and discovered that those bizarre sounds is actually a conversation between two aliens orbiting the earth. Jimi never ceases to amaze m, even all these years later.
Sometimes I put quite a bit of effort into my lists. Try to keep them topical, on track with whats going on around me and in the world. Sometimes it's a personal list...songs that have been burning in my mind, fused together with each other through a common thread. Other times....I just feel basic and wanna get a quick list out for my loyal followers. Today is a basic day, but it's good. There's still good songs to be found in the basic. Beauty in the simplicity. 10 Songs that feature days of the week!
1. Marcy Playground - "It's Saturday"
Mention the name Marcy Playground and everyone is quick to mention "Sex & Candy" the ultra hit of 1997 that put this little band from a big city (NYC) on the map. Their second album Shapeshifter didn't quite capture the masses as their debut did, but it did provide this quirky little ditty, that features yodeling among other things. Check it out.
2. Hayden - "Home By Saturday"
Well it is a pretty awesome day, so let's give Saturday another song. Hayden is a great Canadian singer-songwriter. He's been all over this blog on numerous occasions so I know I don't have to say much about him. This song is from his damn near perfect album Elk Lake Serenade.
3. Simon & Garfunkel - "Wednesday Morning, 3 AM"
Also the name of Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel's first album way back in 1964. The song itself was buried at the end of side 2 and nearly forgotten under the colossal success of "Sounds Of Silence", but it fits perfectly with this list and is a sweet little track worth a listen.
4. Dredg - "Hungover On A Tuesday"
Dredg are a band that have been around for a long time, since the early 90's. Though they've never really gained widespread attention, they've maintained their goals and had the success they desired. "Hungover On A Tuesday" is from their 2005 concept album Catch Without Arms. If you're looking for a new band to get into and a good album to take off from, that is the album to listen to.
5. Finley Quaye - "Sunday Shining"
Finley Quaye is one of those nondescript artists. He was born in Scotland, yet his music style seems to vary between jazz and reggae, soul and folk, never settling on one defined genre. I think that's great, but it could be the reason he never found a big audience on this side of the Atlantic. North American masses tend be to be fickle and turn on an artist if their songs aren't of the same vein. "Sunday Shining: was Quaye's biggest hit in the US and Canada, but he's another artist worth a listen.
6. The Cure - "Friday, I'm In Love"
The Cure were one of the 80's biggest groups and to this day they have a style and cadence that has gone unmatched. Cure songs will never be dated and will live on forever. It's no surprise either with songs like "Friday, I'm In Love" simple, uplifting and unapologetic. This song is also a bonus as it mentions EVERY day of the week in it's lyrics...even the un-artsy Thursday.
7. Thursday - "Counting 5,4,3,2,1"
I couldn't think of a good enough song with Thursday in it's title, so I had to turn to New Jersey group Thursday to save the list. They're full of great lyrics, high energy live performances and have been involved in the screamo/hardcore scene since the late 90's. Plenty of great songs to choose from in their library "Jet Black New Year", "Division St." and "Counting 5,4,3,2,1". Would have been good for a counting list too. Hmmm.
8. Tegan & Sara - "Monday Monday Monday"
I will always be a fan of anything Tegan & Sara do. Even the collaborations are great. Tegan has done guest vocals on songs by Against Me!, Astronautalis, and Rachael Cantus. While Sara has worked with Theophilis London, Sara Baraielles and Kaki King. "Monday Monday Monday" is actually from their 2002 album If It Was You, which was released before they exploded in 2004 with So Jealous.
9. I Mother Earth - "Another Sunday"
Sunday is another of those days that had a plethora of songs about it that could have been included here. It's usually the morning after or the laziness or the stillness and realizations that occur on the sabbath that gets the artists' minds working. Canadian group I Mother Earth released their masterpiece Scenery And Fish in 1996 which also produced 3 other hit singles and countless more lazy Sunday memories for their fans.
10. The Rolling Stones - "Ruby Tuesday"
Nothing to say about this one. Had to include it, but for personal reasons I shall let the song speak for itself.
Music is the universal language. You don't need to understand something to enjoy it. That's why when I hear people putting down heavier music or even some rap music saying things like "If I can't understand what they're saying it's not music" I always ask them about songs in different languages. There's some good stuff all over the world...here's 10.
1. The Brilliant Green - "Ash Like Snow"
Hailing from Japan The Brilliant Green have modeled their craft after Western music which is why Tomoko Kawase sings almost half of the band's lyrics in English. "Ash Like Snow" is predominately in Japanese however and puts some of it's western inspirations to shame.
2. Noir Desir - "Le Vent Nous Portera"
The English translation is "The wind will carry us" and it's one of Noir Desir's biggest hits in the 21st century as this French band enjoyed the majority of their success in the 90's. Though they haven't been to widely known outside of France, Noir Desir are responsible for inspiring many young French groups. This song won them Album of the year and music video of the year (which left me quite sad, actually) in their native land.
3. Voodoo Glow Skulls - "El Coo Cooi"
Taken from their 1995 album Firme. The Voodoo Glow Skulls are from California and have a few members of Spanish decent. The term "El Coo Cooi" I believe is a term that Spanish people use to refer to monsters to scare kids into behaving. I could be wrong though.
4. Olivia - "A Little Pain"
I'm beginning to find that there are many songs by Japanese artists that not only have English titles, but are also sung partially in English. I suppose it has to do with the worldwide popularity of anime and Japanese culture. As it is it's almost impossible to find some of these Japanese songs that aren't mashed together with scenes from various Anime movies. Great song though....
5. Ashley MacIsaac - "Sleepy Maggie"
Looking back it was very impressive that MacIsaac's debut pop album Hi, How Are You Today was as successful as it was. Not surprising though, the songs were great. However, they were heavily influenced by East Coast celtic music and it's first single "Sleepy Maggie" had only Gaelic lyrics, sung by the talented Mary Jane Lamond. It's almost a shame he couldn't recapture the magic of it.
6. Hakan Hellstrom - "Kann Ingen Sorg For Mig Goteborg"
Sweden is generally known for giving the music world ABBA and Ace of Base, but it's also produced Hakan Hellstrom who sings in his native tongue. I'm not going to pretend I know what he's singing about, but I believe he is lamenting for his hometown of Gothenburg. More of this please
7. The Mars Volta - "L'Via L'Viaquez"
This song is one of the masterpiece opuses from The Mars Volta's album Frances The Mute. The album itself is extremely experimental, hypnotic and addicting. "L'Via "L'Viaquez" clocks in around the 12 minute mark, features RHCP's Jon Frusciante on solo duties and has singer Omar Rodriguez-Lopez wailing in Spanish.
8. Perfume - "Chocolate Disco"
I don't know if this song is actually called "Chocolate Disco" or that's just how it's known outside of Japan because thats what it sounds like they're saying. Either way you will listen to this song and you will watch it again...and it's not just because the girls are insanely cute. Ok, maybe it is....
9. Vanessa de Mata - "Boa Sorte" feat. Ben Harper
de Mata is a Brazilian singer with a slew of hits under her belt. "Boa Sorte" or "Good Luck" was introduced to me as I was heading to a Spanish speaking island for a relaxing vacation and I was in search of music to get me in the mood. It didn't take Ben Harper's contributions to get me hooked, de Mata's soulful voice and the songs peaceful cadence were more than enough...been a fan ever since
10. Sublime - "Caress Me Down"
Bradley Nowell had a one track mind...well ok, maybe a two track mind, but in this song he got into explicit detail about one of his favourite pass times. Check out the English translation for the song's Spanish finale to get what I mean
People these days throw the creeper moniker around a little too loosely. Someone shows some interest and pursues it a bit and they're immediately a creeper or being creepy if the feeling isn't mutual. Just take the fucking compliment and politely decline they're offer if you're not interested. Now if their name gets shaved into your household pet, then thats another issue. Here's 10 songs that touch on the creeper motif. Some that take it further than others.
1. "Eye In The Sky" - The Alan Parsons Project
Like many of the late 70's progressive/experimental rock groups The Alan Parsons Project made a slight switch to easy listening pop music in the 80's. "Eye In The Sky" is from the 1982 album of the same name and it talks about watching someone's moves and lies. Reading their mind. While it's not a ten on the creepy scale, someone believing they have that kind of influence on some one else definitely counts.
2. "I Will Possess Your Heart" - Death Cab For Cutie
Ben Gibbard says he based this song on something that happened to a friend of his. This guy was obsessing over a girl and even though she wasn't interested the guy maintained his position. They'd be together when she realized how good a guy he was and he'd just have to wait it out. The delusions of his belief that they were meant to be together and his persistence is what makes this song sort of creepy. Though it doesn't mention many boundaries being crossed.
3. "Cry Me A River" - Justin Timberlake
Yep. You're goddamn right I did. It's a great song...and while Justin claims it's fictional, c'mon we know what's up. It was released in the wake of his break up with Britney Spears, and while he's tapped some grade A ass since the dissolution, i'm sure it's good to have this bitter song to cling to sometimes. The video adds a little extra to the creep factor.
4. "Every Breath You Take" - The Police
On the surface this sounds like a pretty little love ditty, but Sting actually intended it to be a nasty little number aimed at his ex-wife. I've even heard this song used at weddings. I mean the lyrics are rather black and white, if you speak them, you see how obsessive and jealous they really are.
5. "Scared" - The Tragically Hip
This one isn't really about a fictional or true story about someone being creepy, but Gord Downie being weird as fuck. Telling us that he can make us scared if he wants us to. It's not about obsessive behaviour or stalking, it's rather about some bizarre scenarios that we can't really assign logic to at first, which yes makes me a little scared. Creepy Gord.....creepy.
6. "Lakini's Juice" - Live
Lakini is the Hindu god of destruction, a symbol of overindulgence. The song, like the previous, is less about a creepy act, but the thought of what one single emotion can turn someone into. Love or even it's crazier cousin, lust, has made humble men turn violent. Rational women become filled with fervor. Brought giants to their shattered knees. It's not creepy in a frightened for your life type of way, but creepy of what some people could be capable of.
7. "Private Eyes" - Hall & Oates
I fucking love Hall & Oates!! Another 80's song about watching someone while they don't know it. I guess it was the days before the internet when watching someone, following someone, required more involvement. A song about creeping someone's Facebook profile probably wouldn't be as timeless as this one was.
8. "I Never Knew You" - Cage
This one I think wins this list as "Creepiest song". It starts off innocent enough as a guy seeing a good looking girl, but he quickly gets uncontrollably infatuated with her. I think we've all been there, but pretty sure most of us cut it off before the going through her garbage and breaking into her home phase. It is a rather unique rap song, wish more rap was thought out like this one.
9. "Vermillion" - Slipknot
I knew when it seemed Slipknot had written a love song there would be more to it below the surface. Along with part 2, which I included in my Great Second Part Songs list, "Vermillion" is told through the eyes of a stalker who can't seem to get over her. Some great lines here "I get nervous; Perverse, when I see her it's worse" and "Hard to say what got my attention, fixed and crazy aphid attraction" That's Corey's strength.
10. "Possession" - Sarah MacLachlan
Uwe Vandrei was a Sarah MacLachlan fan. Like, big time. He would talk to anyone who would listen about her, at lengths. He was convinced they were meant for each other. He, of course, composed hundreds of letters and sent them to her. It was from those letters that Sarah came up with the lyrics for "Possession". Uwe attempted to sue Sarah for using his words in her song, but committed suicide before the verdict was decided. A terrible ending at the end of the day, but another testament at the true emotion that resides in us all. Sometimes all it takes to change who we are completely and all our big plans is one pretty girl.
Hmm not much padding really needed to introduce this one. Just a basic list today, by the numbers if you will.
Songs with Numbers for titles. 10 of 'em.
1. "30/30-150" - Stone Sour
If you ever wanted to see what's under Slipknot's masks here's your chance. Stone Sour's singer and lead guitarist also play in Slipknot. Many die hard metal fans give Stone Sour shit for released watered down rock and not being as hardcore as the 'Knot. "30/30-150", which is a reference to the dimensions of a shotgun's buckshot I believe, is an insanely metal track from their 2006 release Come What(ever) May. It's got great lyrics, great music and exceptional energy.
2. "2-15/16" - USS
USS is Ubiquitous Synergy Seeker, an electro/rock duo from Canada's east coast. They were both roofers before they hit it big in the music world and 2-15/16 is a common measurement in the framing/roofing inner circles. They're known for their quirky antics on stage which are also apparent in the lyrics and style of many of their songs. "2-15/16" is no exception.
3. "1234" - Feist
Though most people might of first heard of this song and perhaps Feist herself from a 2007 TV ad for the new iPod that was released that year, Leslie Feist has been involved in the Canadian music scene for many years. She got her first big break when she joined Indie group Broken Social Scene and then exploded with the release of her solo album Let It Die in 2004. "1234" was a release from her Grammy winning album The Reminder which is what got her notoriety around the world.
4. "25 or 6 to 4" - Chicago
It's kind of one of the great mysteries of the musical world, what does "25 or 6 to 4" mean? A time of day? A rhyme with no reason? Or some complex code for psychadelic drugs? The answer is known only to members of the great Chicago. It's a crowd pleaser and shows off the band's remarkable horn section wonderfully. For that reason it's a popular choice for college marching bands to play during sporting events.
5. "33" - Coheed & Cambria
One of my all time favourites, sometime soon i'm going to do an entire list on Coheed & Cambria. "33" was from their debut album Second Stage Turbine Blade. As for what the song is about, all of their songs follow the narrative of the same story. Without getting to detailed it's generally a love story taking place during an intergalactic war. Like I said...some time soon.
6. "33" - The Smashing Pumpkins
Hey another song named "33" but by a different artist! Hmm that gives Johnny Zhivago an idea.
This is perhaps my favourite Pumpkins tune. It's simplistic, moving and beautiful. Performed in a way that only Billy Corgan and company could perform it. Legendary video as well, it's actually a series of photographs edited together...except for one shot I believe...
7. "45" - Shinedown
Shinedown is one of those bands that has kind of flew under the radar for the majority of their existence. Boasting a loyal following and backing it up with some exceptional songs, but never relying heavily on mainstream exposure. "45" is a good song, but it's subject matter is defended as being more about living your life and having hope instead of suicide. Which I feel is unnecessary, write a song about whatever you want. If people don't like it fuck 'em. Let them riot.
8. "1985" - Bowling For Soup
There's an easy way to get a song with a number as your title...make it a year. Simple. I like Bowling For Soup. They write fun songs, nothing too heavy and don't take themselves too seriously. They didn't write this one though.....did I blow your mind? It was written by SR-71 and on their 2004 album Here We Go Again. I don't know all the details, but it seems like it was one of those scenarios where one band just hands one of their songs over to another and says "go for it". It worked.
9. "43" - Mushroomhead
Here's a great song from a great metal group. Now Mushroomhead may only be known to people as that group that claims Slipknot ripped off their gimmick. It's impossible to say who did what, though Mushroomhead have a good case, they were wearing masks and such a few years before Slipknot debuted. But then again so did Gwar, so did Mr. Bungle, so did Devo. It's one of those gray areas, so let's just all enjoy the music.
10. "198d" - At The Drive-In
I'm going to end this list on am obscure track from a fantastic group. If you've not heard of At The Drive-In I just did you a huge favour. You're welcome. This is from their early days, back in the 90's, but they really gained a following in the early 2000's and reaching their nadir in 2000 with the release of Relationship In Command. They would break up shortly after and form two other bands Sparta and The Mars Volta. Thankfully in 2009 there was a reunion of sorts, but nothing matches those magical years where songs like "198d" were being unleashed on our naive and unsuspecting ears. Seriously this song is creeping into my top 20 of all time. Fucking enjoy.
Hope that was all 6's and 7's for ya guys. Maybe a perfect 10.
Blowing off 15's...didn't take me 99
Musicians can get the material for their lyrics anywhere. Most commonly they derive inspiration from their own experiences and maybe even put a little spin on them. There are also times when one work of art can influence another. Movies based on books, video games based on tv shows, songs based on poems. Here are 10 songs that in one way or another were influenced by a work of fiction.
1. "Looking Glass" - Hypnogaja
I could do a whole list on songs about Lewis Carrol's Alice's Adventures In Wonderland, and maybe one day I will. One of my favourites is by LA alt-rock group Hypnogaja, "Looking Glass" captures the magic of the story perfectly and includes most of the characters. The White Rabbit, the Chersire Cat and of course the Red Queen.
2. "Between Angels & Insects" - Papa Roach
The themes in this song are quite similar to the themes of the Chuck Palahniuk novel Fight Club, though it's more likely the song was inspired by the movie. Some of the lyrics are taken directly from lines that Brad Pitt's Tyler Durden says in the film "Working jobs that you hate for shit you don't need". The video also uses some effects and angles that were used in the flick.
3. "For Whom The Bell Tolls" - Metallica
Metallica have many songs that are inspired by movies or novels "One", "Creeping Death" and "Where The Wild Things Are" are just a few. One of their most epic and popular songs is "For Whom The Bell Tolls" which is obviously based on the Ernest Hemingway novel of the same name. That opening riff is actually bass guitar played by the late Cliff Burton.
4. "Bat Country" - Avenged Sevenfold
"He who makes a beast out of himself gets rid of the pain of being a man" is a quote by 17th century author Dr. Samuel Johnson, which is not only the opening lyrics of this song, but is featured at the opening of Fear & Loathing In Las Vegas, which this song is based upon.
5. "Breakfast At Tiffany's" - Deep Blue Something
The biggest hit from this blink-and-you'll-miss-it 90's group was named after one the most popular movies of all time. Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard the film was based on a novel by the great Truman Capote. Maybe Deep Blue Something hoped to latch on to the astronomical success by using the title. Probably unlikely as the song is more about a failing relationship than the movie.
6. "Mars Attacks!" - Misfits
Here's an interesting one...while this song was written for the soundtrack of the 1996 film Mars Attacks it was rejected by Tim Burton. Though it was the Misfits' hope that it would be included as the movie was based on a short lived series of collectible cards about Martians invading the earth. Parents hated the cards as they mainly featured scenes of violence and terror between Earth and Mars. The Misfits were obviously fans which is why the song seems to have more depth and humanity than the movie. Jerry Only and co. wrote it based on the folklore of their beloved childhood cult-classics. Not from pre-screenings of a movie whihc is normally how artists get new material on soundtracks
7. "Heartlight" - Neil Diamond
Neil Diamond fans kind of blasted him for this one saying it was the beginning of his decline, but I tend to give the guy the benefit of the doubt. It was written after Neil had seen E.T. the Extraterrestrial. The adorable little space monkey's glowing heart at the end of the film inspired the song. Many fans touted Diamond as a sell out and a corporate shill, but it's not like he was singing about E.T! Nothing in the lyrics promoted the movie, it was simply an idea that came to him after watching the film. Art inspiring art...I see no problem with that.
8. "Afternoons & Coffee Spoons" - Crash Test Dummies
This one didn't click for me until one day I was sitting in my OAC (grade 13 for all you non-Canadians) English class reading The Lovesong of J Alfred Prufrock by T.S Eliot. Therein is a line that says "... have known the evenings, mornings, afternoons, I have measured out my life in coffee spoons..." Great poem by the way. If you haven't read it check it out. It's full of teen agnst and the human condition but delivered in such a fresh way...even though it was written over 100 years ago.
9. "The Ghost Of Tom Joad" - Bruce Springsteen
Tom Joad is a character in John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes Of Wrath. Springsteen wrote this song for his 1995 Greatest Hits album, but didn't like the rock version, so he shelved it and released it acoustic on his next record, the acoustic Ghost Of Tom Joad. The novel shared many the same traits as Springsteen songs working class mentality, community and perserverance.
10. "Scentless Apprentice" - Nirvana
This song was inspired by the novel Perfume by Patrick Suskind,
about a man born with an amazing sense of smell but no smell of his own.
He was an apprentice in a perfume shop and becomes a murderer of young
girls for their scent. Definitely one of the reasons I choose In Utero as my favourite Nirvana album.
