Week Four: Various Duets - Gary Numan & Bill Sharpe - "Change Your Mind" - Automatic

So, technically, this is not a duet in the sense that both of these lovely gentlemen are singing... in fact, I suppose it would fit more safely in the realm of "musical collaboration'; however, I do not foresee myself posting a week's worth of said collaborations in the near future.  Therefore, I am asking you to stomach this one as a duet.

Any respectable goth/darkwave/new wave club is sure to play this one on any given night.  It is completely danceable, and the synths kick major arse.  It's interesting how ahead of its time this type of synth-based music actually was, considering the fact that we are drowning in technology in this day and age.  Sadly, we have to tolerate the nonsense that artists like Justin Bieber and Lady Gaga turn out in 2012 when Gary Numan and Bill Sharpe were able to turn out these types of tunes in 1985!



Why don't you ever listen?
It's you I'm talking to
This time it's your decision
We're into something new
I know that I'm sinking
Oh any fool can see
Time that I was thinking
Of no-one else but me

Change your mind
Nothing ever stays the same
Change your mind
No-one ever plays the game game game
Change your mind
Give up what you can't defend
Change your mind
Think it up and start again gain gain

Why can't you reconsider
Listen if you care
Take familiar giver
Reject me if you dare
Give me what I'm asking
And save it all for me
Love that's everlasting
That's how it's meant to be

Change your mind
Nothing ever stays the same
Change your mind
No-one ever plays the game game game
Change your mind
Give up what you can't defend
Change your mind
Think it up and start again gain gain

Change your mind
Nothing ever stays the same
Change your mind
No-one ever plays the game game game
Change your mind
Give up what you can't defend
Change your mind
Think it up and start again gain gain

Week Four: Various Duets - Pete Yorn & Scarlett Johansson - "Relator" - Break Up

Way back in 2009, when I was still getting cable TV for free, as a result of the kindness of the young cable guy who set up my lines, this song showed up on VH-1.  It was so incredibly catchy, and it was one of those tunes that I found myself humming throughout the day - so be forewarned if you have never heard it.  The only way for me to be able to stop humming the same lines over and over was to eventually purchase it from iTunes. 

I can't remember how I ended up losing my free cable connection, but believe me, I did not shed a tear over it.  I have not watched TV in over two years, and I am all the better for it.  What I do miss is those rare moments when I was able to find little gems such as this song while flipping channels.  However, TouTube provides the same opportunities; so I am at no loss truly.

When I met you,
I didn't know what to do.
I was tired,
I was hungry,
I fight.
Now I'm away,
I write home everyday and I see you on the TV at night.

[Chorus]
You can see that life's for us to talk about.
You can leave whenever you want out.
Whoa.
You don't relate to me,
no girl,
you don't respect me,
no girl,
no girl. Oh yeah.

When I met you,
I didn't know what to do,
but I noticed that I didn't really feel.
Now you're away,
you write home everyday.
I don't beg,
I don't borrow,
I steal.

[Chorus]

You don't think that life's for us to talk about.
You can leave whenever you want out,
you want out.
Well, you don't relate to me,
no girl.
You don't respect me,
no girl.
(you can leave when ever you want out)
And you don't relate to me,
no girl.
And you don't respect me,
no girl.
(You can leave whenever you want out)
No you don't relate to me,
no girl.
And you don't respect me,
no girl.
No girl. Yeah.

Week Four: Various Duets - Johnny Cash & June Carter Cash - "It Ain't Me, Babe" - The Essential Johnny Cash

Although I am fully aware that this is a Bob Dylan song, I think it is incredibly fitting for these two lovely souls to be singing it.  I come from a very long line of Johnny Cash fans in my family, but I never really took a great interest in his work or life until the film, Walk the Line, with Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon.

After viewing the film, I became so intrigued with Johnny's complete dedication and devotion to June.  Although she definitely put up a good fight against his initial advances, his persistent pursuit of her won her heart in the end... and they lived happily ever after (or at least I would like to think so)!

Go away from my window
Leave at your own chosen speed
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'm not the one you need
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who's never weak but always strong
To protect you and defend you
Whether you are right or wrong
Someone to open each and every door

[CHORUS:]
But it ain't me babe
No, no, no, it ain't me babe
It ain't me you're lookin' for, babe

Go lightly from the ledge, babe
Go lightly on the ground
I'm not the one you want, babe
I'll only let you down
You say you're lookin' for someone
Who'll promise never to part
Someone to close his eyes to you
Someone to close his heart
Someone to die for you and more

[REPEAT CHORUS]

You say you're lookin' for someone
To pick you up each time you fall
To gather flowers constantly
And to come each time you call
And will love you for your life
And nothin' more

[REPEAT CHORUS]

Week Four: Various Duets - Iggy Pop & Kate Pierson - "Candy" - Brick by Brick

The first time I ever heard this song was on The Adventure Club with Josh & Alex, back when KDGE, The Edge, was located at 94.5 on the dial, as opposed to 102.1.  I had never been a huge Iggy Pop fan, but I adored Kate Pierson from her work with the B52's. 

Regardless, when I heard their voices together on this tune, I couldn't help but melt.  To me, this was such a vulnerable and sincere plea for a lost love.  And holy cow, could Kate Pierson possibly have a more beautiful pitch and range in her voice or possibly look any cuter in this video?

It's a rainy afternoon
In 1990
The big city geez it's been 20 years-
Candy-you were so fine

Beautiful beautiful
Girl from the north
You burned my heart
With a flickering torch
I had a dream that no one else could see
You gave me love for free

[CHORUS]
Candy, Candy, Candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me
I loved you so
Candy, Candy, Candy I can't let you go
Life is crazy
Candy baby

Yeah, well it hurt me real bad when you left
I'm glad you got out but...
But I miss you

I've had a hole in my heart
For so long
I've learned to fake it and
Just smile along

Down on the street
Those men are all the same
I need a love
Not games
Not games

[CHORUS]
Candy, Candy, Candy I can't let you go
All my life you're haunting me
I loved you so
Candy, Candy, Candy I can't let you go
Life is crazy
I know baby
Candy baby



Week Four: Various Duets - Amy Winehouse & Tony Bennett - "Body & Soul" - Lioness: Hidden Treasures

I actually shed tears on the day that Amy Winehouse passed away.  I was really pulling for her to get her life back together.  Say what you will about her, but I believe that she was a rare gem in this cookie-cutter world; I also adore her musical talent and vocals!

It really hurts my heart that Amy didn't make it because my time in sobriety has truly been the best years of my life.  However, I could not imagine having to rehash my past, especially the heartache and heartbreak, all the time, like she did every time she sang a song off of Back to Black.  I don't think anyone will ever truly understand what that must have been like for her, but you can kind of see the impact in the footage of her final concert performance.  RIP Sweet Amy!



My heart is sad and lonely
For you I sigh, for you dear only
Why haven't you seen it
I'm all for you body and soul

I spend my days in longing
And wondering why it's me that you're wronging
I tell you that I mean it
I'm all for you body and soul

I can't believe it
It's hard to conceive it
That you'd turn away romance

Are you pretending
It looks like the ending
Unless I could have one more chance to prove, dear

My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul

My life a wreck you're making
You know I'm yours for just the taking
I'd gladly surrender myself to you body and soul

Week Four: Various Duets - Morrissey & Siouxsie - "Interlude" - Interlude Single

When I began to hear rumors that Morrissey & Siouxsie were working on a duet, I told myself that it was far too good to be true.  Then I began reading more and more about the collaboration in the music magazines to which I subscribed, and I soon discovered that the only thing that was keeping the single from being released was bickering amongst the record labels as to which artists' label should release the song.

At that point, I was about ready to go out to wherever I had to go to serve as a mediator so that I could get my hot little hands on a copy of the single.  Finally, by the grace of all the deities, the single was released on Parlophone.

Then I had to fight yet another battle.  I had to find a local record shop that would be willing to wrangle me a copy.  This was in pre-internet days; so I could not jump online and place an order.  I still needed a middleman in the form of a super cool music dealer. 

Fortunately for me, the owner of Mohawk Music, which was upstairs from the deli where I worked in high school, promised me that she would work her magic and acquire the single for me.  She kept true to her word, and shortly after its release, I owned my very own copy of this magical tune from two of my greatest idols.

Time is like a dream

And now, for a time, you are mine

Let's hold fast to the dream

That tastes and sparkles like wine

Who knows (who knows)

If it's real

Or just something we're both dreaming of

What seems like an interlude now

Could be the beginning of love

Loving you

Is a world that's strange

So much more than my heart can hold

Loving you

Makes the whole world change

Loving you, I could not grow old

No, nobody knows

When love will end

So till then, sweet friend ...

Time is like a dream

And now, for a time, you are mine

Let's hold fast to the dream

That tastes and sparkles like wine

Who knows (who knows)

If it's real

Or just something we're both dreaming of ?

What seems like an interlude now

Could be the beginning of love

What seems like an interlude now

Could be the beginning of love

What seems like an interlude now

Could be the beginning of love

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "The Killing Jar" - Peepshow

Interestingly enough, this is a song that I just breezed over most of the time.  It never struck me as anything special... until I saw them play it live at the Bomb Factory in Deep Ellum back in 1995. 

Holy cannoli!  It was amazing!  The level of energy that they put into the live performance of this song was electrifying!  I was never able to listen to it in the same way again - without at least being drawn mentally back to the excitement of seeing them play live for the first time ever.

I also adore that buckle dress that Siouxsie wore in the video.  I would love to raid her closet and see all the deliciously dangerous looking outfits she has in her wardrobe.  I bet she has some items that I would kill for, and I am not even a huge fashion-obsessed individual.

Down where this ugly man
Seeks his sustenance
Down in the blue, midnight flare
A glass hand cuts through the water
Scything into his twisted roots

Then from his eyes
Spring fireflies
Breathing life
Into a roaring disguise

Needles and sins, sins and needles
He's gasping for air
In the wishing well
Dust to rust, ashes on gashes
Hand around the killing jar

A soft hoodwink of shadow
The size of make-believe
Punches through his spike of rage
A glass hand cuts through the water
Snuffing out the magic fury

Then from inside
Bolt lightning cries
Swiftly crushed
The final, muffled sighs

Needles and sins, sins and needles
He's gasping for air
In the wishing well
Dust to rust, ashes on gashes
Hand around the killing jar

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "Staring Back"/"Return" - Kiss Them For Me Single

Today, I have a real treat for you!  As I have previously mentioned, I am the proud owner of the "Kiss Them For Me" single from where I snagged the picture of the tattoo that currently rests right between my shoulder blades.

Anyone else who is lucky enough to own that single knows that tucked on the B-side is this wonderful little medley of tunes.  These songs are so unlike most of the Banshees songs, but their lullaby-like nature is so ephemeral and lovely.  When I first heard them, I thought surely my cd player was acting up and must have skipped to tracks on another disc.  However, it was none other than Siouxsie, herself, crooning these beautiful melodies.

Staring Back

My face in the window has become
The face of a woman I never knew
My face in the window has become
The face of a woman who never knew me

Now this ringing in my ears
Sends me spinning down the years
And I really need to know
Who is she?
Who is she?

Now this ringing in my ears
Sends me spinning down the years
And I really need to know
Who is she?
Who is she?

Who is she?
Staring back
Staring back at me
Who is she?
Staring back
Staring back at me
Who is she?
Who is she? 

Return

Wonder where that plane is leading to
Wonder where that boat will ever stop
Wonder if this path I am treading
Will disappear and let me drop

Down to a pen that's surely waiting
Down to the hell I know that I deserve
Even though the spirit is willing
The flesh is blackened to the deepest nerve

When will you learn?
The hurting, it will return
When will you ever learn?
This feeling is all you can discern

Oh my heart, it is a-broken
More than waste upon the golden sand
Fly my love on wings of mute confusion
Oh, in Never-Ever land

When will you learn?
When will you ever learn?
The hurting, it will return
This feeling is all you can discern

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "Peek-a-Boo" - Peepshow

It's somewhat safe to say that "Peek-a-Boo" is probably one of the most recognizable SATB songs.  I adore the fact that it includes an accordion.  There are so few individuals who can rock an accordion, but Martin is definitely part of the elite.

I know that many people who consider themselves to be SATB super-fans often turn their noses up at the Peepshow album as a sell-out album.  However, I must question their status as super-fans if they scoff at any of the albums.

Granted Peepshow is definitely a departure from their earlier material, it is still a fun album, and "Peek-a-Boo" gave them an opportunity to find greater success in the States.  So if people want to fault them for selling-out with "Peek-a-Boo", that is their choice, but I am grateful for their ability to be embraced here so that I could eventually see them play live for the first time in '95.

Creeping up the backstairs
Slinking into dark stalls
Shapeless and slumped in bathchairs
Furtive eyes peep out of holes
She has many guises
She'll do what you want her to
Playing dead and sweet submission
Cracks the whip deadpan on cue
Peek-a-boo Peek-a-boo
Peek-a-boo Peek-a-boo

Reeking like a pigsty
Peeling back and gagging free
Flaccid ego in your hand
Chokes on dry tears, can you understand?
She's jeering at the shadows
Sneering behind a smile
Lunge and thrust to pout and pucker
Into the face of the beguiled

Peek-a-boo Peek-a-boo
Golly jeepers
Where'd you get those weepers?
Peepshow creature
Where did you get those eyes?

Strobe lights pump and flicker
Dry lips crack out for more
`Come bite on this rag doll, baby!
That's right, now hit the floor'
They're sneaking out the back door
She gets up from all fours
Rhinestone fools and silver dollars
Curdle into bitter tears

Peek-a-boo Peek-a-boo
Golly jeepers
Where'd you get those weepers?
Peepshow creepshow
Where did you get those eyes?

Golly jeepers
Where'd you get those peepers?
Peepshow creature
Where did you get those eyes?

Golly jeepers
Where'd you get those weepers?
Peepshow creature
Where did you get those eyes?

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "Dazzle" - Hyaena

From the beautifully arranged opening orchestral strings, to the drum beats that follow, to Siouxsie's poignant lyrics, this song just rocks!  There is a particular remix of this song that all of the 80s and goth clubs that I used to frequent loved to play, and I loved when they played it too because I could always tell who the hardcore Siouxsie fans were by the way they danced to the song.  There is a repeat of the "skating bullets" phrase in the middle of the remix, and all the hardcore fans knew to repeat their same dance move to the repeated phrasing.  Everyone else who was kind of a fan had already moved on to "...on angel dust".  It's those little details that I always seem to relish the most.

Swallowing diamonds
A cutting throat
Your teeth when you grin
Reflecting beams on tombstones
A jamboree of surprises
Playing russian roulette
Or the lucky clip
A clenched fist to your heart
Coal dust on your lungs

A silver tongue for the chosen one
Heavy magnum in your side or a bloody thorn

Skating bullets on angel dust
In a dead sea of fluid mercury
Baby piano cries
Under your heavy index & thumb
Pull some strings -- let them sing

The stars that shine & the stars that shrink
In the face of stagnation the water runs
Before your eyes
Dazzle
It’s a glittering prize

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "Shadowtime" - Superstition

To me, the video for "Shadowtime" is one of the most visually appealing videos that I have ever seen.  To be perfectly honest, the song did not really strike me as anything special until I saw the video on the Twice Upon a Time: The Singles VHS tape that I purchased. 

Then one day when I went into a gift shop at Six Flags (of all places), I saw a Siouxsie shirt that just so happened to be the cover to this single.  It was priced way beyond my budget, but I decided to splurge anyway.  It quickly became my favorite shirt because people were always asking if that was me on my shirt.  Let me tell you, folks, that it was incredibly flattering every time I got asked that question.

A few years ago, I turned all of my concert t-shirts into a quilt, and that is where my Siouxsie shirt now remains --- safely sewn into a quilt square --- joined together with all of my other prized music shirts that hold equally fond memories.

The voice asleep, the voice has vanished
from the top of the sky to the place below
touch the surface and the mirror bends
your words resound, out of control
freeze into time now

Still inside, yet doubt survives
it all begins, beneath the skin
No-one is near, no-one will hear
your changeling song take shape
in Shadowtime

Turn your wish to a vapour, the silhouette fades
eclipse your blue eyes, and the outline remains
from the house of the moon to the stars up above
amidst the comets, first sight of love

so begins the countdown

Falling sky, a solar sigh
it all begins, beneath the skin
No-one is near, no-one will hear
your changeling song takes shape
in Shadowtime

Shadowtime --

Catching fire, taking hold
all that glitters leaves you cold
No-one is near, no-one will hear
your changeling song take shape
in Shadowtime

Shadowtime --

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "Cities in Dust" - Tinderbox

I fell in love with SATB in the 7th grade when I saw the video for "Kiss Them For Me" on MTV's 120 Minutes.  That's right, kiddies, back when there were videos on MTV.  To me, Siouxsie was the epitome of a total bad-@$$, and I desperately wanted to be just like her.  Luckily for me, prior to the Superstition release, SATB had put out a plethora of other albums; so I had ample opportunities to get my SATB fix in small doses, especially since my only income at that time consisted of a meager allowance and babysitting funds.

Then one day, about a year after discovering the band, at a music chain store (at the mall, believe it or not), I happened upon a copy of Twice Upon a Time: The Singles on VHS, which is how I fell in love with both this song and the accompanying video.



Water was running, children were running
You were running out of time
Under the mountain, a golden fountain
Were you praying at the Lares shrine?

But ohh, oh your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend

We found you hiding, we found you lying
Choking on the dirt and sand
Your former glories and all the stories
Dragged and washed with eager hands

But ohh, oh your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh your city lies in dust, my friend
Your city lies in dust

Water was running, children were running
We found you hiding, we found you lying
Water was running, children were running
We found you hiding, we found you lying

Your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend

Hot and burning in your nostrils
Pouring down your gaping mouth
Your molten bodies, blanket of cinders
Caught in the throes

And ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend
Your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city lies in dust, my friend
Ohh, oh, your city

Week Three: Siouxsie & the Banshees - "Kiss Them For Me" - Superstition

It is very difficult for me to convey, in words, my level of appreciation for and devotion to Siouxsie & the Banshees - other than to share with you the fact that I have this band's logo tattooed right smack-dab in the middle of my back, directly between my shoulder blades.  It happens to be the exact star on the back cover of the CD Maxi Single for this very song, "Kiss Them For Me."

When I was 17-years-old, I was fortunate enough to travel to London, and I was fortunate enough to stop by The 100 Club, where Siouxsie made her debut.  It was in the middle of the day when I made my way down Oxford Street, but as I set foot inside, I was overcome by the idea that this is where it all started.  I even teared up a little, but that was so not "punk rock"; so I dried it up rather quickly.



It glittered and it gleamed
for the arriving beauty queen
a ring and a car
now you're the prettiest by far

No party she'd not attend
no invitation she wouldn't send
transfixed by the inner sound
of your promise to be found

"Nothing or no-one will ever
make me let you down"

Kiss them for me -- I may be delayed
Kiss them for me -- if I am delayed

It's divoon, oh it's serene
in the fountains pink champagne
someone carving their devotion
in the heart shaped pool of fame

"Nothing or no-one will ever
make me let you down"

Kiss them for me -- I may be delayed
Kiss them for me -- I may find myself delayed

On the road to New Orleans
a spray of stars hit the screen
as the 10th impact shimmered
the forbidden candles beamed

Kiss them for me -- I may be delayed
Kiss them for me -- I may find myself delayed

Kiss them for me -- Kiss them for me

Kiss them for me -- I may find myself delayed

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Between Planets" - Automatic

And so I have saved the best for last... This is not one of the better known JAMC tunes, but it definitely holds the place of one of my favorites.  For some strange reason, it reminds me of having a secret crush - you know those kinds of crushes that are absolutely all-consuming and that you would never reveal to anyone?  They are the ones that leave you scratching your head going: "How in the world did this happen, and when will it go away?"  Yep, I've had a few of those in my lifetime.

I'm not sure what it is exactly that causes me to equate a crush to this song, but I think it may have something to do with the last two lines: "Baby you drive me crazy; Don't come around here no more."  Funny thing is that I generally need to be telling myself not to be going around my secret crush anymore, not the other way around!  :-)

Sadly, I could not find any live footage that did the song justice; so I had to resort to just the music, but it still kicks @ss!

Suicide standing sucking in her cheeks
Too much lips and too much eyes
Hasn't slept for weeks
She don't know just where it goes
Jackie T said she saw death
She's done it fifty ways
But she's been off that medicine
For almost fifteen days
She don't know just where it goes
So turn around and run back where you're from
You can't get on
Don't shake those hips don't bite those lips
Just keep it hid
Come on now you gave it away
And all the friends you had got paid
Come on now you were never that shy
And that's no way for you to say bye bye
Baby you drive me crazy
Don't come around here no more

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Cherry Came Too" - Darklands

"Cherry Came Too" is definitely a guilty pleasure song for me.  It is such a provocative little tune, and I feel as though I am being given a glimpse of one (or both) of the Reid brother's bizarre love lives.

Again, I feel that what draws me to JAMC songs so magnetically, aside from the appropriately placed killer feedback, is the lyrical content.  I just cannot get enough of phrases like: "barbed wire kisses" and "trigger itch in a killer's hand".  I don't know many souls who speak of love in such a manner, but sometimes, it truly can be torturous.  I adore the fact that JAMC doesn't shy away from admitting such.



When she walks towards me
I feel something
Crawl beneath my skin
And all the electric stars are shining
Beneath my skin and
Cherry takes me to the place above
With barbed wire kisses and her love
We’re going where the oceans blue
Kick the dust and you can come too
In the light of all my darkest mornings
Things fall into place
And all the soft orange coloured dawnings
Fall into place and
Cherry’s scratching like a grain of sand
The trigger itch in the killer’s hand
Me and Cherry are so extreme
Making love to the sound of a scream
Oh Cherry honey you got me stuck on a rope
You got me running around
With the fear in my head for you
And I want you
And I’ll give you my head
And all the things it said
And I’ll give you my thoughts
If those things weren’t lost
And I’ll give you my soul
To beat it with your pole
I’m going to give you my head
You could kick it dead
And I’ll give you my head
Come on and kick me dead
Come on and push me down
Come on and drag me down
Oh Cherry be bad
Come on and kiss my head

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "April Skies" - Darklands

This is a tune that causes me to have a real love/hate relationship with it.  I love it because I find it strangely soothing, but I hate it because it reminds me of one of the most difficult relationships that I ever had to endure in my life.  I won't go in depth at this time because I am sure that I will make more references to this particular period of my life in future posts.

All I truly know is that this little JAMC song makes me realize that the one thing I, as an individual, should never do is "sacrifice myself to you..."



Hey honey what you trying to say
as I stand here
don't you walk away
and the world comes tumbling down
hand in hand in a violent life
making love on the edge of a knife
and the world comes tumbling down
and it's hard
for me to say
and it's hard
for me to stay
I'm going down
to be by myself
I'm going back
for the good of my health
and there's one thing
I couldnt do
sacrifice myself to you
sacrifice
baby baby I just can't see
just what you mean to me
I take my aim and I fake my words
I'm just your long time curse
and if you walk away
I can't take it
but that's the way that you are
and that's the things that you say
but now you've gone too far
with all the things you say
get back to where you come from
I can't help it
under the April skies
under the April sun
sun grows cold
sky gets black
and you broke me up
and now you won't come back
shaking hand, life is dead
and a broken heart
and a screaming head
under the April sky

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Happy When It Rains" - Darklands

Growing up, listening to songs such as "Happy When It Rains", I was so convinced that I would know that I had met the love of my life when he spoke to me in cryptic phrases that I could fully understand, such as those used in JAMC songs, and when he vowed to me simple promises like that we would "[live] our lives in black".  I wanted him to fantasize about "[plugging] into my electric cool", and anyone who would have referred to my "[lips speaking] gold and honey" basically would have "had me at 'hello'"!

Even now, if anyone would compose something so elegantly phrased and so obviously a dark love ballad, I would pledge eternal loyalty, just to receive more words transformed into art and inspired by moi.  Alas, I'm not sure what most boys do with their time these days, but I am still waiting for my poet to sweep me off my feet.  I suppose I will be waiting for quite some time - until then, I still have JAMC to instill hope that boys like this do exist - just maybe not in my world...

Step back and watch the sweet thing
breaking everything she sees
she can take my darkest feeling
tear it up till I'm on me knees
plug into her electric cool
where things bend and break
and shake to the rule
talking fast couldn't tell me something
I would shed my skin for you
talking fast on the edge of nothing
I would break my back for you
don't know why, don't know why
things vaporise and rise to the sky
and we tried so hard
and we looked so good
and we lived our lives in black
but something about you felt like pain
you were my sunny day rain
you were the clouds in the sky
you were the darkest sky
but your lips spoke gold and honey
that's why I'm happy when it rains
I'm happy when it pours
looking at me enjoying something
that feels like feels like pain
to my brain
and if I tell you something
you take me back to nothing
I'm on the edge of something
you take me back
and I'm happy when it rains

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Sometimes Always" - Stoned and Dethroned

When this song was released in '94, I was so thrilled because I had just discovered Mazzy Star a few months earlier.  I read in one of my music magazines that this was a duet between Jim Reid and Hope Sandoval, and I was at my local music store ready to pick it up on the day it came out. 

I did not even know what to possibly expect, but once I popped that cassette into the tape deck of my Hyundai, this song was played over and over and over again.  I'm not sure that I had ever heard a JAMC song come close to being quite this sweet and mellow sounding.  Hope seems like such a sweet and mellow girl, so I'm sure her input had some influence over the unruly Reid boys.

Nonetheless, this is one of those tunes that when it happens to show up on the shuffle mode of my iPod, I inevitably have to listen to it a second time before moving on to the next random song.

I gave you all I had
I gave you good and bad
I gave but you just threw it back

I won't get on my knees
Don't make me do that please
I've been away but now I'm back

Don't be too sure of that
What makes you sure of that
You went away you can't come back

I walked away from you
I hurt you through and through
Aw honey give me one more chance

Aw you're a lucky son
Lucky son of a gun
You went away, you went away
You went away but now you're back

I got down on my knees
And then I begged you please
I always knew you'd take me back 

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Far Gone and Out" - Honey's Dead

The Jesus and Mary Chain was one of the first bands that taught me that not all lyrics have to make sense; sometimes it is just best to feel the music first and let the lyrics speak to you later.

Up until this point (around '92), I was all about analyzing the lyrics to everything and placing some kind of meaning on what the artist was saying.  Even then, I was a miniature literature teacher in the making.

Unfortunately, I did not have the internet to toss around my ideas about what certain lyrics were saying with other fans, so I was left with the analysis of my other pre-teen companions.

I just covered a poetry unit with my 8th graders, and one of the first selections we read was called "Introduction to Poetry" by Billy Collins.  He invites readers of poetry to "hold [a poem] up to the light" and "to waterski across the surface of a poem".  Of course my students always sit there clueless upon the first reading of the poem.

However, once we discuss the fact that not every single word has to be assigned intrinsic value and that sometimes it is okay to just feel the rhythm or to pay attention to one's own emotions while reading it or the beauty of the words that were chosen, I think it takes some of the pressure of poetry off.  I wish my teacher would have taken the time to share that little secret with me in the 8th grade!!

I can’t explain exactly what I’m doing standing in the rain
Don’t do it for fun
Do it if you feel it
Kiss it on the tongue
I’m taking my thoughts to a railway station
Put ’em on a train just to see what’s coming back
What’s coming back
It’s coming like a heart attack

Ice melts too fast
So nothing stays forever nothing’s gonna last
She’s dressed in black
A black that ends in nowhere and I just got to have her back
And I’m television sick and I’m television crazy
No one works so hard just to make me feel so bad
I’m feeling bad
Oh that’s too sad

Hey. hey. hey. she’s as mean as mean.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as black as black.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as mean as mean.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as black as black.
Hey. hey. hey. I got to get her back.
Hey. hey. hey. I got to get her back.
Hey. hey. hey. I got to get her back.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as mean as mean.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as sick as sick.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as cool as cool.
Hey. hey. hey. she’s as black as black.

Week Two: The Jesus & Mary Chain - "Head On" - Automatic

***UPDATE*** 10/21/2012

When I was looking at my ticket stubs to determine what I might post about in upcoming weeks, I came across my JAMC ticket stub, as well as the newspaper clipping about the show... Enjoy!

I can't claim to have been a Jesus & Mary Chain fan from the very beginning, mainly because I was about six years old when they formed.  However, from the first time I heard this song, when I was somewhere around the 7th grade, I was hooked on this band.

Back when you could still buy really awesome band/concert T-shirts at the mall, I convinced my mom to purchase me a JAMC T-shirt (the "Reverence" EP cover).  Much to her dismay, I remember wearing it to Mass one day.  An old lady came up and asked me if it was the name of my church youth group.  I simply chuckled as I shook my head, "No."  However, I could not help thinking how disgusted this poor old lady would have been if she had known that this band had placed a picture of the Virgin Mother with a blackened eye on one of their album covers.

There is no doubt in my mind that God has a sense of humor; so I am fairly certain that He would have forgiven me now for my childish antics.  If I recall correctly, He pardoned people in the Bible for far greater transgressions than a slightly inappropriate T-shirt.

Nevertheless, "Head On" is one of those tunes I am sure I will never tire of, primarily because it gets my engines revving.  Back in '97 or '98, I went to see JAMC perform a reunion tour, but when I arrived at the venue, there was a note posted on the door that read something along the lines of William and Jim had gotten into one of their infamous arguments and that only Jim would be performing that evening.  I was so disappointed because I was dying to hear this song played live - well, at least, live and played by both Reid brothers.  Ha!  I suppose that was my punishment for double-crossing God in His own house!!

As soon as I get my head round you
I come around catching sparks off you
I get an electric charge from you
That second hand living it just won't do

And the way I feel tonight
I could die and I wouldn't mind
And there's something going on inside
Makes you want to feel makes you want to try
Makes you want to blow the stars from the sky
I can't stand up I can't cool down
I can't get my head off the ground

As soon as I get my head round you
I come around catching sparks off you
And all I ever got from you
Was all I ever took from you

And the world could die in pain
And I wouldn't feel no shame
And there's nothing holding me to blame
Makes you want to feel makes you want to try
Makes you want to blow the stars from the sky
I'm taking myself to the dirty part of town
Where all my troubles can't be found

Week One: She & Him - "I Was Made For You" - Volume One

So, as I previously mentioned, I fairly recently went through a break up and ended a three-year relationship.  Inevitably, when any of my relationships end, the first thing that generally comes to mind is: "Oh, crap, I'm alone again!"  Then, after I get over the initial shock, I begin to develop the attitude of: "Hells, yeah, I'm alone again!"  Then after even more time, I begin to get giddy about all of the possibilities of what the future holds.  I begin to wonder if I will bump into my future love on the DART rail to my classes downtown, or at a coffee shop, or at the grocery store, or while I'm out with friends.  I wonder if I will be single for a long time or a short time.  I wonder if I will ever find anyone worth settling with, but none of this is experienced with a sense of sadness or desperation.  If anything, it is all so incredibly exciting.

This little tune reminds me that I could simply be taking a walk when I see "him" pass by.



I was takin' a walk 
When I saw you pass by
I thought I saw you lookin' my way
So I thought I'd give you a try

When I saw you smile
I saw a dream come true
So I asked you, maybe
Baby whatcha gonna do?

'Cause I have been waitin' for a long, long time
For a boy like you
I won't be waitin' anymore 'cause I know
Baby, baby
I was made for you

I was takin' a walk
When I saw you pass by
I thought I saw you lookin' my way
So I thought I'd give you a try

When I saw you smile
I saw a dream come true
So I asked you, maybe
Baby whatcha gonna do?

'Cause I have been waitin' for a long, long time
For a boy like you
I won't be waitin' anymore 'cause I know
baby, baby
I was made for you
I was made for you
I was made for you, yeah
I was made for you
I was made for you

Week One: She & Him - "Lingering Still" - Volume Two

One thing that I adore about She & Him is that their live performances sound so clean and true to their albums.  I am still in awe of how talented Zooey is, as well.  She's a phenomenal actress and a stellar ukelele player, and she even breaks out into a killer piano piece in the video below.  On top of all that, she seems like a really genuine person.  I would still like to know what happened between her and Ben Gibbard, but I also respect the fact that neither of them is smearing the other's name in public.

This particular song makes me want to lazily sway back in forth in a hammock, whilst drinking a cool lemonade and reading one of the classics, on a warm, sunny Texas afternoon.



I like to learn things slow
I like learning a lot
I like to get it all again and in the end
You know you get what you got
I like to mean what I say
But it don't always come through
Because if I say it all again, again, again
It doesn't make it all true

And the world's like a science
And I'm like a secret
And I saw you lingering still, still
I saw you lingering still

It's all just news to me
Don't really care if it hurts
Because if I know it I won't know it
Then I know that it will only get worse
He was different at first
But then he won't understand
Because he's never going to know me
If he doesn't want to just shake my hand

And the world's like a science
And I'm like a secret
And I saw you lingering still, still
I saw you lingering still



Week One: She & Him - "In the Sun" - Volume Two

Holy cannoli!  I do not think that I have seen a cuter video than this one.  I love the choreography!!  I read somewhere that M. Ward said that he was not going to participate in any of the ridiculous dance numbers for the filming of this video, or something along those lines, which is why I am guessing that he plays the "cool guy" role in the video.

This song doesn't exactly speak volumes to me, but I am itching for my summer break, hanging out "in the sun", with loads and loads of SPF slathered on, of course!

It's hard to be ignored
When I look at you, you look so bored
My baby, my darling, I've been taking a beating...

Well alright (well alright)
It's okay (It's okay)
We all get the slip sometimes every day
I'll just keep it to myself in the sun
In the sun

It's hard to take the blame
When I look at you, you're so ashamed
My baby, my darling, I've been thinking
Of leaving

Well alright (well alright)
It's okay (It's okay)
We all get the slip sometimes every day
I'll just keep it to myself in the sun
In the sun

Well alright (well alright)
It's okay (It's okay)
We all feel ashamed sometimes every day
I'll just keep it to myself in the sun
In the sun



Week One: She & Him - "Gonna Get Along Without You Now" - Volume Two

This little tune makes me chuckle because it is a frighteningly true story of my most recent relationship that ended almost two months ago.  He did indeed declare that he thought me to be "the neatest thing."  He did indeed give me a promise ring that he "asked me to wear."  Now, although I cannot claim that he "ran around with every girl in town", I am fairly certain that there was a night of drunken indiscretion on his part.

However, Zooey sings the truth by stating, "Gonna find somebody that's twice as cute 'cause I didn't like you anyhow."  And that was part of the problem; I had started pushing him away months and months before the official breakup because I had simply fallen out of love with him but was much, too much, of a coward to break things off.  So this post is dedicated to my ex, in the most loving way that a song like this can be dedicated to an ex, of course... tee hee!  :D

Please note that this live youtube clip differs substantially from the lyrics posted below; so I also included the full song below:

Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.
Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.

You told me I was the neatest thing,
You even asked me to wear your ring.
You ran around with every girl in town,
You didn't even care if it got me down.

Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.
Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.

Got along without you before I met you,
Gonna get along without you now.
Gonna find somebody that's twice as cute,
'Cause I didn't like you anyhow.

You told everybody that we were friends,
But this is where our friendship ends.
'Cause all of the sudden you changed your tune.
You haven't been around since way last June.

Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.
Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.

So long my honey,
Goodbye my dear.

Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.
Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.

You told me I was the neatest thing,
You even asked me to wear your ring.
You ran around with every girl in town,
You didn't even care if it got me down.

Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.
Uh huh, mmhmm.
Gonna get along without you now.

So long my honey,
Goodbye my dear.



Week One: She & Him - "Don't Look Back" - Volume Two

The first time I heard these lyrics, I was so confused.  The reason for this is because Zooey sings, "Orpheus melted the heart of Persephone...."  As a literature teacher, I actually cover the myth of "Orpheus & Eurydice" in my seventh grade class.  However, in the version we read, it's the heart of Hades that is affected.  Then I dug out some of the cobwebs in my old noggin and remembered that Persephone was the wife of Hades, after he kidnapped her as a result of being shot with an arrow of love by Eros.

It all made so much more sense, and I don't think that the name of Hades would lyrically fit well in that line anyways.  See, my dears, you never know when your seventh grade literature lessons will come in handy for interpreting modern day lyrics!

Orpheus melted the heart of Persephone, but I never had yours
I followed you back to the end of the path, but I never found the door

And you can work to save your love
You can bear it from the earth below
You can work but you can't let go
Oh, oh but you have to know

Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before
I don't have to see you every day, but I just want to know you're there

Quietly took to the dark of the day and the hiss of the summer night
The heat of the breeze was a cell block wall and when I looked you were out of sight
And you can work to save your love
You can bear it from the earth below

You can work but you can't let go
Oh, oh but you have to know

Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before
I don't have to see you every day, but I just want to know you're there
And you can work to save your love
You can bear it from the earth below

You can work but you can't let go
Oh, oh but you have to know

Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before
I don't have to see you every day, but I just want to know you're there

Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before
I don't have to see you every day, but I just want to know you're there

Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before
I don't have to see you every day, but I just want to know you're there

Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before

Week One: She & Him - "Thieves" - Volume Two

Have you ever experienced a hodge-podge of emotions simultaneously: happiness, sadness, giddiness, depression, etc?  Well, that's sort of how this song makes me feel.  I'm not sure if it's the song, or if it's the video that accompanies the song, that elicits these emotions.

Regardless, this is one of the most beautifully sung tunes that I have heard in awhile.  It has an almost lullaby-like quality to it.  I also adore the black-and-white concept that was selected for the video.

Both the song and the video are filled with such innocence and simplicity, which are two ideas I long for even more as I continue to grow older in this technologically saturated world.

In fact, it had been so long since I had received a bona fide letter from anyone that I recruited my mother's cousin, who was bedridden as a result of cancer treatments, to begin writing letters back and forth.  I cannot even begin to express the excitement I feel when a new letter arrives in my mailbox - yes, mailbox - not inbox.

There's thieves among us, painting the walls
With all kinds of lies, and lies I never told at all

What's in my pocket, you never knew
You didn't know me well so well as I knew you

And I know and you know too
A love like ours is terrible news

But that won't stop me crying
No that won't stop me crying over you

I'm not a prophet
Old love is in me

New love just seeps right in
And it makes me guilty

Why do you look like that?
It's not all that bad

I'll see you sometime
Sometimes lonely isn't sad

And I know and you know too
A love like ours is terrible news

But that won't stop me crying
No that won't stop me crying over you
No that won't stop me crying over you

We two are makers just made this mess
Two broken hearts don't beat any less

There's thieves among us, painting the walls
With all kinds of lies, and lies I never told at all

And I know and you know too
A love like ours is terrible news

But that won't stop me crying
No that won't stop me crying over you
No that won't stop me crying over you
No that won't stop me crying over you, you, you 

Week One: She & Him - "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?" - Volume One

I discovered She & Him as a result of watching the incredibly brilliant film, (500) Days of Summer.  I have spoken to people who have insanely mixed feelings about this film, but I personally find it to be inspiring and uplifting.  So what if there is a bit of heartbreak?  Life goes on, as the film suggests.

I remember watching Summer (Zooey Deschanel) singing that sweet little tune at karaoke night and thinking, "Wow, she's good!"  Then through the help of the internet, I realized that she had actually released an album with M. Ward, whom I consider to be a guitar genius!

So, as I was fiddling around youtube one day, I found this promo video for "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?", as well as for (500) Days of Summer.

Why do let me stay here?
All by myself
Why don't you come and play here?
I'm just sitting on the shelf

Why don't you sit right down and stay awhile?
We like the same things and I like your style
Its not a secret; why do you keep it?
I'm just sitting on the shelf

I got to get your presence
Let's make it known
I think you're just so pleasant
I would like you for my own

Why don't you sit right down and make me smile? (uh huh)
You make me feel like I am just a child
Why do you end it?
Just give me credit
I'm just sitting on the shelf

Introduction: The Soundtrack of a Heartbreak Beat

Bonjour, my dear blogland readers!  I hope all is well in your world.  I just wanted to take a minute to tell you a little about my blog.

I had been previously posting daily to a different blog that I reluctantly had to shut down at the request of my place of employment.  Actually, as the result of a new social media policy, we were given the option of having to post a huge disclaimer that stated something along the lines of our opinions not reflecting those of our employer, along with allowing them to monitor posts and make requests for alterations or deletions, or to simply shut down.

I was afraid that my posts would be way too forced and unnatural; so I made the latter choice.  However, I was having way too much fun reminiscing about the music that shaped me into the person that I am today.  Therefore, I started this new blog under a pseudonym and posted a vague profile pic.

It is simply an opportunity for me to share my experiences in regards to songs, albums, artists, and live shows.  If you happen upon this blog and if any of my posts spark memories for you, I encourage you to share them with me.  I would love to hear about what any of these artists or songs or albums or decades mean to you.

One final and parting piece of info: my week, in regards to posting, starts on Saturdays because that's just the kind of person I am...

XOXOXO
Anastasia