rolling melodies : lyrical mastery : grateful eardrums
Hi All -
I don't have a formal top ten album list, but these would surely be included: The Joshua Tree by U2, Parachutes by Coldplay and Under The Iron Sea by Keane. I think these are incredible albums because they have a cohesive sound and story.
Now, an album usually has to prove it has some staying power to be considered great, but the new album Happy The Man by the Irish band, The Guggenheim Grotto gets a pass because it is really wonderful. When I recently heard the first single Fee Da Da Dee I was so thrilled. Although the album is lyrically melancholy with songs about love and loss the melodies are upbeat and bright.
This band seems to be old school and really wants you to purchase their music, so I haven't found any other full previews available online for this album. But, I'm pretty sure if you like Fee Da Da Dee, you'll love it all. In order to make sense of the metaphor from the photo above, here are some lyrics from my favorite sing-along song Just Not Just. It reminds me very much of the experiences of many during this financial crisis. They've done everything right and it's just not enough. I've been there in the past and who knows what the future holds.
Just Not Just
so there’s this girl on a hill
with a kite strapped to her back
she’s crying ‘come on hurry blow
hurry pick me up and throw me skywards’
she’s got a prayer in her mouth
and she’s done all of the math
she’s got a feather for a heart but
it still doesn’t guarantee her ...
cos not everything you run to wants you
(it’s just not just, it’s not just, it’s just wrong)
and not everything you love will love you...
(it’s just not just, it’s not just, it’s just wrong)
...
it’s the tragedy of dreamers
like me and you ...
I wish I could convey the beautiful harmonies in Lost Forever, which is about the loss of romantic love. Amazon is the best place I've found to listen to all album previews without having to select one at a time. I hope you love this album. Let me know either way!
xo, Cindy
Thanks for the recommendation - I'm always looking for great new music.
ReplyDeletei love this feather! it looks like a bird's eye.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great song, sometimes it's the truth that hurts the most, but often times the most important thing we should listen to.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your sweet comments, they're all much appreciated!
love that photo! very dreamy!
ReplyDeleteLovely - the photo is pure perfection....
ReplyDeletecan you just come over and go through all the new music i need? your picks are so awesome...
ReplyDeleteOkay, I'm off to go take a wisten! I think I've said it before and I'll undoubtably say it again, i adore your music taste--think you're pretty much spot on--so I'll just have to wisten :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend, hopefully the chaos on Wall Street will calm down. It's such a scary time, your lyrics suited the mood and feeling of anxiety perfectly!
XOXO
oh, i really hope you guys like this album! and, thanks for the photo love - although it was not in motion when i took the photo, to me, it looks like a wind is blowing on it as mentioned in the song.
ReplyDeleteterrific post. i love love love the image : )
ReplyDeleteoh my stars, thank you paul!
ReplyDeleteI love Joshua Tree, but my favorite of theirs is the much underrated Achtung Baby.
ReplyDeleteAt this very moment I am trying find our Parachutes Cd. The case is empty and I have scoured the house looking for it.:(
Do you like Snow Patrol? I saw them live in San Francisco and they were great! Their newest album comes out on Tuesday.
One more thing, have you ever heard "Some Surprise" with Gary Lightbody, of Snow Patrol and Lisa Hannigan? Pull it up on You tube. I love their voices together. The did this song for a cd caled Cake Sale.
I can't wait to listen to the album you mentioned too.
elizabeth, you are so good about going to concerts. if you come to ny to do so, please take me, too! we had free passes to see coldplay this week and didn't go. they were filming something for nissan/yahoo and there so many restrictions - like no cameras. plus, we were just too tired.
ReplyDeletei do like snow patrol and i'm overwhelmed ($$) with all of the new music coming out now. the song you mentioned in pure sweetness and reminds me of parachutes. when we all first heard that album there were so many swoon-worthy songs. chris martin's voice was so innocent and lovely. hope you find the cd!
i would be sad if you didn't like guggenheim grotto.
I took a listen to the guggenheim grotto, I really liked it a lot!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter went to a club in Berkeley this past Friday, and saw a local band, from our suburb town, play. I listened to their songs on their my space page,and was very much impressed. The name of their band is Mr. Loveless. I think they have a short video on you tube. ANYWAY, they are the type, I think, that will make it,and you can say, I saw them play way back when in Berkeley in small club. My daughter went to high school with two of the band members, so it is real fun for her.
OOps, I miss wrote the bands name from our town. It is called Mister Loveless
ReplyDeletethat is so neat for your daughter. i listened to them on my space and they remind me a little bit of the doors.
ReplyDeleteHey Cindy & Elizabeth,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Rob, I play in Mister Loveless. I hope you don't feel as though I am eavesdropping on your conversation but I was just delighted to find this. It's not often I hear about our band from a perspective like yours. I just wanted to say thanks!
Take care,
rob
PS I listened to to the Guggenheim Grotto. They remind me a bit of Badly Drawn Boy. Thanks for the heads up.
Hi Rob!
ReplyDeleteWell, it's official, you are the very first rock star to visit us. Mister Loveless sounds great and I appreciate the intro from Elizabeth. I think we'll be seeing(hearing) a lot more about you. Keep going.
Yes, Badly Drawn Boy is similar to Guggenheim Grotto. Excellent!
Thanks so much for visiting ... we'll be listening.
Cheers!