1000 Minutes: Dave #29

Not that I’m getting to the point where I need to choose other songs off of favorite albums, not by any means whatsoever, but that’s what I’ve done today. If you’re new to the site, here is what this is all about.

58. Idlewild – Idea Track (mp3) from 100 Broken Windows (3:13) [Time Remaining: 763:41]

Idlewild is a favorite band of mine almost solely based on the strength of this album. I have enjoyed their subsequent records, but very few albums – by Idlewild or otherwise – will ever be able to measure up to 100 Broken Windows. This song has lyrics that are slightly nonsensical, yet poetic. Once again, as usually is the case for me, it is the conjunction of the music and the vocals that make the song a highlight. The harmonies and guitar work mesh so lovely together. Everything comes together perfectly to form a beautiful three minutes. Even the barely audible poem recitation in the background adds to what is an amazing song.

59. Interpol – PDA (mp3) from Turn On The Bright Lights (5:00) [Time Remaining: 758:41]

This song is all about Daniel Kessler’s guitar. Much like all other Interpol tracks, the lyrics are deliberately (or perhaps not) obtuse. Written about the end of a relationship where the narrator believes a portion of the blame should be placed on his former partner; I don’t relate much to what is actually being said. The bridge is fantastic, and it’s really the music – not the lyrics – along with the harmonies towards the end that sweep me into an imaginary world where the actual lyrics are nothing close to what I imagine the band is trying to convey. I guess I’m just not much of a lyrics analyzer and focus more on what songs mean to me instead.

1000 Minutes: Dave #3

For today’s installment of the 1000 minutes project I was tempted to include 1901 from Phoenix, strictly due to the number of times I’ve listened to the song since it was put out. I think I’ll wait however and see if the song holds up after my initial infatuation subsides. In sticking to songs that have withstood the test of time, here is the third edition of my 1000 Minutes Adventure.

5. My Morning Jacket – The Way That He Sings (mp3) from At Dawn (5:36) [Time Remaining: 975:24]

I have several songs authored by My Morning Jacket that may or may not eventually be listed as a part of this, but this was the first song from the band that I absolutely loved. I saw the band live back in the Fall of 2002 well before they hit it big. They were one of the openers for a Doves show at Water Street. All I can remember is hearing this incredibly melodic and soulful music from a bunch of dudes who looked like they belonged in a death metal band. They were leaning forward banging their heads with their long hair and beards waving all about in time to music that didn’t fit their looks. I was hooked right from the beginning.

6. Idlewild – Mistake Pageant (mp3) from 100 Broken Windows (2:49) [Time Remaining: 972:35]

When all is said and done with these 1000 minutes I’m sure there will be several other songs taken from this particular Idlewild album as well as a few songs from the band’s later efforts. They are still one of my all time favorite bands and this song is pretty close to perfect in my opinion.

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mp3 Smörgåsbord #2

For the second installment of the Smörgåsbord we have some tubular songs. First, serve yourself up a song from the Scottish band after which Outkast named their movie, then dip into a song from a band named what Obama’s election may have been to many Republicans, and top those both off with a couple covers: one of Toots & The Maytalls by the craziest woman in music today, and one from the Enchantment Under the Sea dance.

Idlewild – Roseability (mp3) from 100 Broken Windows

Superdrag – Sucked Out (mp3) from Regretfully Yours

Amy Winehouse – Monkey Man (mp3) from The Ska EP (European fan-club only EP)

Death Cab for Cutie – Earth Angel (mp3) from Stubbs The Zombie OST