I spend a lot of time thinking about the meaning behind song titles. Sometimes they don't seem to mean anything, or at least not anything I can discern. Of course, other times a song title can cue us into the song's major topic, or if we're lucky, themes. Knowing this, I thought it would be interesting to look at songs that have the same titles. Would their content or themes coincide? I found some surprising results. Even more surprising: out of all these songs, there's not a stinker among the bunch.
Hell, I thought about putting "Rain King" by Sonic Youth and Counting Crows on here, or "Creep" by Radiohead and Stone Temple Pilots and TLC, but that would just be cruel.
So here are songs marching two by two... toward greatness.
“All I Need”
Air – Moon Safari (1998)
Radiohead – In Rainbows (2007)
I love this pairing, both musically and thematically. What do they need, after all? Thom says he’s “a moth who just wants to share your light.” Meanwhile, Air’s guest singer Beth Hirsch says all she needs is “to get behind the sun and cast my weight.”
“Strange”
Galaxie 500 – On Fire (1989)
Built to Spill – Ancient Melodies of the Future (2001)
BTS' Doug Martsch sings, “This strange plan is random at best.” By the end of the song he admits, “It’s strange but not all that strange.” In an alternative universe more than a decade ago Galaxie 500’s Dean Wareham wails, “Why’s everybody actin’ funny? Why’s everybody look so strange?” What’s a fellow to do? He stood in line, and ate his Twinkie.
“She’s the One”
Caribou – Andorra (2007)
The Beta Band – The Three E.P.s (1997)
I like this pairing quite a bit. The Caribou track is one of my favorites off this album. As for The Beta Band, The Three E.P.s is every bit as good as John Cusack would have you believe.
“Paper Tiger”
Spoon – Kill the Moonlight (2002)
Beck – Sea Change (2002)
2002 was a fantastic year for music, and for tracks named “Paper Tiger.” For anyone who doesn’t know, a paper tiger is “a person, group, nation, or thing that has the appearance of strength or power but is actually weak or ineffectual.” Thankfully neither of these songs are weak or ineffectual. The Beck song in particular has always blown me away.
“Words”
Cyann & Ben – Sweet Beliefs (2006)
Doves – The Last Broadcast (2002)
This is perhaps the most homogenous pairing here, and so far, the most rockin’. We’ve got your shoegazers right here, folks.
“Heaven”
The Rapture – Echoes (2003)
Talking Heads – Fear of Music (1979)
These two songs couldn’t be more different. But for some reason, I rather like them together. The Rapture tells us, “If you focus very hard, the train will come for you at last,” while a countdown leads us to seven, God’s “number.” But maybe we shouldn’t worry about getting to heaven at all, David Byrne suggests. He puts it best when he says, “Heaven is a place where nothing ever happens.”
Monday, March 10, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Songs Marching Two by Two
Monday, March 3, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Better Late Than Never
I had my iPod on random again the other day, and out of nowhere it started playing a bunch of 2007 songs I had completely forgot about. So many, in fact, that it inspired me to make this mix. In a year that gave birth to a plethora of great albums, other artists were bound to be overlooked. So, here's a mix of 2007 artists that probably deserved some blog love, hence the title. Oh, yeah, and its Tuesday, not Monday, so there's that too...
Monday, February 25, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
File Under Drunken Mixtape by Backdrifter
Mixtape: Science - Songs about ... Science
Remember to take caution with radioactive and biohazardous materials. Here is a little mix that I've been meaning to do for awhile. It has all of my old friends on it, because I'm an unoriginal drunk bastard. Don your labcoats and strap on some latex gloves... songs dealing with chemicals, physics, astronomy, microbiology, even robots for fuck's sake! Excitement - I know I can feel it.
SonicRyan - had I any idea what "Hexenzsene" was, it would have made a fine addition I'm sure.
That's some organic chemistry for yo bitches! Wait for it. Wait for it.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Dirty Bars and the Occasional All Ages Show
The other day I had the 'ol iTunes on random, and out of nowhere came an Unwound song that I hadn't heard in ages, so long in fact that I did not recognize the song one bit. But the song ("Hexenzsene" from New Plastic Ideas in case you're wondering) rocked my ass in a way that my ass hadn't been rocked in quite some time, and it felt good. The distortion and dissonance hit the spot, and suddenly, as is usually the case when I hear a song for the first time in years, memories started flooding back. First came recollections of listening to Repetition in the car, which moved on to memories of road trips to see ...Trail of Dead in St. Louis, finishing my Algebra homework while listening to Hum through my headphones, drinking mochas as the coffee shop blared Sunny Day Real Estate, and so on. These bands formed a skeletal version of the mixtape you're (hopefully) about to listen to, the others came through after a series of mental connections. Some editing to the mix was done to keep it concise and to help it flow (sorry Polvo, Pavement), but overall it's every bit what I imagined: loud and abrasive, but not completely lacking in melody. Enjoy.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
When Folk Gets Freaky
Freak folk. Psych folk. New Weird America. Whatever you want to call this wave of ambient, acoustic psychedelia, I dig it. And you should, too.
Nick Drake may technically be a part of Old Weird America, but you have to give props to the man who Devendra Banhart calls "a saint." Seventies folk maiden Vashti Bunyan officially joined the new psych folk movement when she paired up with Animal Collective on the third track here, "Prospect Hummer." Also, sorry if you're tired of this White Flight song. I have to give out the Lawrence love.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Commercial Radio
Even if you didn't watch last night's big game, you probably still heard about the Arcade Fire song "No Cars Go" being used in an ad for the NFL on Fox. Apparently, the idea of an indie rock band having a song used to promote both sports and a major television network is still a big deal in 2008. (Though it does make me wonder why no one noticed when "Words" by Doves was used to advertise the NFL on NBC during the 2006 season. I guess I just probably just watch more football than the average indie rock fan.) Honestly, I could care less. Does it really matter to people if a song gets used in a commercial? I hope not. And to help prove my point, here's a mix of great songs by great bands that just so happened to also be used in commercials.
Iggy Pop - "Lust for Life"
You can't have a discussion about using songs for commercials without bringing up "Lust for Life." What hasn't this song been used to hock?
Nick Drake - "Pink Moon"
Back in 2000, when the idea of using lesser known songs as soundtracks for commercials really started to take off, no one probably benefited more than Nick Drake's estate. I'm not sure exactly how or why it happened, but somehow the Volkswagen ad featuring "Pink Moon" affected viewers to at least buy the album of the same name (an L.A. Times article reports that 6,000 copies of Pink Moon were sold in 1999, while 74,000 were sold in 2000), if not a few Volkswagen Cabrios as well. VW has continued to use "indie" bands in their commercials (most recently a huge campaign using several tracks off Wilco's Sky Blue Sky), and "Pink Moon" continues to be incredible.
Modest Mouse - "Gravity Rides Everything"
Issac Brock had this to say about using songs in commercials.
From The A.V. Club:
"Figuring out ways to pay the rent isn't really a tough decision. Around the time we did the beer commercial and the shoe commercial, I thought, "Am I compromising my music by doing this?" And I think not. I like keeping the lights on in my house. People who don't have to make their living playing music can bitch about my principles while they spend their parents' money or wash dishes for some asshole. Principles are something that people are a lot better at checking in other people than keeping their own. My rationale behind the beer commercial was, "I like drinking MGD! I like beer probably more than I should, probably more than is healthy." I was hoping I could get a lifetime supply out of the deal, but I guess I'll have to buy it with that big ol' check." [Laughs.]
Air - "Playground Love"
This is another older one, from 2001 I believe. Despite being before the YouTube era, you can actually watch it on AOL. (Sorta, the quality is bad, it is not supposed to be this choppy) I remember liking this commercial a lot; the song is gorgeous and the commercial was very cinematic too.
The Decemberists - "Summersong"
Just because you've never seen your favorite band in a commercial doesn't mean its never happened. Check out this Decemberists ad that aired in Ireland.
Blur - "The Universal"
At one point in time, I want to say in 2002, it was possible that an entire commercial block could have been soundtracked by some Damon Albarn related band. There were at least 2 Blur songs being used in commercials (this one, with "Tender" being the other), as well as a remix of a Gorillaz song. That's pretty crazy, but still not quite as bad as Moby.
The Cure - "Pictures of You"
The song definitely fits the ad, don't you think?
of Montreal - "Gronlandic Edit"
Even after the Outback debacle (the band has even stopped playing "Wraith Pinned to Mist... in the States), of Montreal did this ad, which is just goofy. "Düsseldorf!" anyone? This song is still one of 2007's best. [Shameless self promotion: Watch footage of them playing this song and "Oslo in the Summertime" in Lawrence]
The Shins - "New Slang"
Remember when the indie kids started hating the Shins after Garden State came out? I was always a little surprised that anyone made it past hearing "New Slang" in a McDonald's commercial. Then again, indie kids are known for having a good sense of irony, and perhaps knowing the song references finding "the dirt in your fries" made it easier to swallow.
Mogwai - "Summer"
Another older one, from 2000 or 2001, so again, there's no footage to share, which is a shame because this was another decent ad that matched the visuals along with the music. (A post on how my issue with artists "selling out" now is worse than it was 7 years ago because seven years ago they at least tried to match the artsy songs with artsy commercials is still in the can) However, someone over at Coke Machine Glow wrote an essay on selling out for commercials, and at the bottom of the essay wrote about "Three “Indie” Songs Featured in Commercials that are Better Than Music Videos Anyway." Luckily, they were able to recall the Mogwai ad very well.
"With this, Mogwai had the kind of video budget they’ve yet to enjoy, and all they had to pay for it was a two-second shot of the Levi’s logo at the end. Two young people attractive enough to appear in a Broken Social Scene video meet in a deserted, midnight street. Unexpectedly, a herd of computer-animated Buffalo (Bison?), the rendering of which far outpacing the animals in Mogwai’s “Hunted by a Freak” video, swirl in a miasma of hair and sweat around and finally past the couple, who stand calm and unperturbed. Mogwai’s subtle buildup is matched by the suddenly chaotic scene, and fades with the pack into a stunning calm."
Low - "Little Drummer Boy"
This song was used by the Gap in, I believe, 1998 or '99.
Flaming Lips - "Do You Realize??"
I distinctly remember seeing this song either used for Kodak, or for HP (similarly to the Cure one) back in Autumn of 2003. The ad mainly used the first lyric, "Do you realize / that you have the most / beautiful face," which makes sense for a commercial about photographs. This song has been used for other ads too, including one for Mitsubishi this recent one for Land Rover. Of course, they probably need the money after the whole ripping off Cat Stevens thing.
The New Pornographers - "The Bleeding Heart Show"
Pitchfork brought up this ad to Carl Newman in an interview last year. Here's an excerpt:
"Pitchfork: I saw an ad for one of those quasi-legit universities, the University of Phoenix, and it happened to have a song of yours in the background.
Carl Newman: Yeah, I know. It's weird, isn't it?
Pitchfork: What's the deal with that?
Carl Newman: It's one of those things that just, you get a call, and somebody said "hey, the University of Phoenix wants to use the end of "Bleeding Heart Show" in a commercial." And I thought, "eh, fair enough." And I really honestly didn't know that University of Phoenix was a huge online university. I actually thought it was, like, the University of Phoenix; like, every city has its big university, you know? And I thought, "oh, it'll show in the Southwest." It seemed kind of odd to me, like, I've never heard of a university having a TV commercial, but I thought, oh well. All of a sudden, people started saying "I saw your commercial during 'Saturday Night Live'" or "I saw your commercial during 'American Idol'," and I thought, "what the hell is up with that?" Then I began to realize that, well, I guess we inadvertently signed up to be in a big commercial. How about that?"
But wait, it gets better. Newman still feels like he can make an unnecessary, elitist statement by taking a jab at of Montreal for their Outback ad...:
"One thing that made me feel better was, right around the time that commercial started showing up, there was also the Outback Steakhouse commercial with Of Montreal in it. And I thought, "thank God, that's really going to deflect some attention away from us." At least we didn't give our song to Outback."
...and play the "Well, I've Gotta Eat Too" card, all in the same paragraph...:
"We're just trying to get by in this world. When you play music for so long and don't make any money, and people start offering you money for things that involve no effort on your part, you start going, "I'll do that."
Douchey, yes. But still, the song is fucking great. (One of the few New Pornographers songs I like, but it should be noted my opinions do not reflect the entire Range Life staff.)
There you have it. Great songs are great no matter what. Before I go, do you have any additions to this list? What am I forgetting? We could make another one next week out of songs I forgot were used in commercials, that could be neat.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Femme Fatale was cooking up her own list of songs from commercials. Seriously, this was unplanned. We were simultaneously making two different playlists with songs from commercials. Mine does focus more on current commercials, though I couldn't resist "Gravity Rides Everything" and Iron and Wine's take on "Such Great Heights."
A couple years ago Stereogum posted a little contest asking readers to come up with their best product + song combinations. Many of the comments are pretty funny, so if you get a chance, check it out. (Ex: Arcade Fire uses "Wake Up" in a Easy-Bake Oven commercial: "Children bake up, pull your white cake out, before it turns the edges into crust." HA!)
Isn't it sad when commercials play better music than the radio?
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Mixtape, uh, Tuesday:
Study Songs
Well, you know what they say, better late than never, right? This mixtape is topical, as homework - assigned reading specifically - kept me pretty busy until very late Monday night. Originally this mixtape was inspired by a visit to the web site Pandora and requested a Mogwai radio station. In fact, it was that Mogwai station where I first heard Gregor Samsa. Initially, my mix was going to be all instrumental post-rock, but I mixed it up a little with some Animal Collective and Six Organs of Admittance (and would have put on some Sea and Cake and Papa M if Project Playlist and Fileden weren't acting so screwy). Whether you've got some studying to do, or just need some background music, have a listen.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Unappreciated Songs - Redeemed
Lately I've been spouting off quite a bit about what makes good music, and one criterion is that it challenges me. That said, there have been plenty of times when I've heard a song and, for whatever reason -- the music, the vocals, the subject matter -- I am completely turned off. Thankfully, this process is reverseable.
Today I'm dedicating this playlist to all those songs I didn't appreciate, but which I now adore.
Sorry I didn't get you, songs.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Java Rock
If you've lived in Lawrence for more than just a few months, or have ever seen a show at Liberty Hall or the Bottleneck in the dead of winter, chances are you've stopped over at Java Break for a cup of Joe to keep you warm and caffeinated. What you may not know is that in the days before iPod's were readily available (and discounted for KU students), the Java Break staff would make their own customized playlists (on, like, Winamp or some shit!). Despite the fact that most of the playlists were rarely altered, thus making repeated visits (and there were plenty before I could drink legally) incredibly repetitive, I honestly owe the Java Break staff as much credit for turning me on to some of my favorite artists as anything else. So, in honor of the great music, and because its definitely latte weather, here's a mixtape that I hope will warm you up and make the old Java Break staff proud.
Before I go, I should not that one track is mislabeled. The artist performing the eighth song is actually Hayden, and the song title is "Bad as They Seem." Feel free to share any of your coffee house favorites, or let me know if I forgot anything (I know that there are at least a couple of you reading that have been to the 'ol Java Break once or twice), in the comments section.
Monday, January 7, 2008
Mixtape Monday:
Best of 2007
Here at Range Life we've been dreaming up new features for the new year. One of them is Mixtape Monday, and it's an opportunity for us to bring you music on a variety of topics (and, as you know, we love making lists). For our first mixtape I've compiled some of my favorite songs from 2007. Admittedly, this is harder than it seems. For some artists my choices were clear; for others, I had to plunder the depths of my soul. (Have any of you heard of that film Sophie's Choice, where the mother has to choose which of her children will live, and which will die? Just think of me hovering over my playlist.)1. The Clientele - "Bookshop Cassanova" [mp3]
2. Yeasayer - "2080" [mp3]
3. The New Pornographers - "Myriad Harbour" [mp3]
4. The Besnard Lakes - "Devastation" [mp3]
5. Iron & Wine - "Carousel" [mp3]
6. Okkervil River - "Plus Ones" [mp3]
7. Spoon - "Black Like Me" [mp3]
8. Of Montreal - "She's a Rejector" [mp3]
9. The Twilight Sad - "Mapped By What Surrounded Them" [mp3]
10. The National - "Guest Room" [mp3]
11. Radiohead - "House of Cards" [mp3]
12. Deerhunter - "Hazel St." [mp3]
13. Animal Collective - "Derek" [mp3]
AWARDS: Spoon wins the honor of "Worst Song Title," while Animal Collective wins an award for "Finally Ending An Album with an Excellent Song." Lastly, props to Kevin Barnes for acknowledging it's not cool to hit a chick (even if she did really mess you up, poor guy).