Last week was an emotional one for everyone I think, but despite the subject matter, we all managed to stick together. I don't know about anyone else, but I found the lyrical content of much of last week's topic slightly less spicy, or even engaging, than I anticipated. Still there was more than enough to squeeze some lists from and here's those bracketed under B:
Amy Winehouse – Back to Black – A lot of nominations didn't fulfil the specific criteria (ie songs in the moment of separation) but they were great songs all the same and so many make the B list. From the opening line ("He left no time to regret/He kept his dick wet"), it's clear this is a voice that's both explicit and frank. The rest of the song (and the album) charts the same course.
Ray Charles – Hit the Road Jack – classic two-hander, with Ray getting the bum's rush for being broke. The only thing that damages its suitability is the feeling that he just might be talking his way out of trouble.
Lykke Li - Breaking it up – I have slight difficulty distinguishing the lyrics, never mind understanding them, but I love the cacophonic pop that underlies it.
The Wave Pictures – Now You Are Pregnant – Love this for the lyrics; a collage of memories combined with pithy phrases on the aftermath of a breakup (viz: "I don't need therapy/'Cos I have cigarettes").
Kate and Anna McGarrigle – Go Leave – Might just be developing a soft spot for these Quebecois folkies. Gloriously bitter opening verse "She's stronger/She will make it last longer/That's nice for you", sadly rest of the song doesn't quite match up.
Willie Nelson – Last thing I needed first thing in the morning – great title, good shift in chronology (second verse occurs earlier in time than first), some lovely observations and a nice hammond organ line.
Boys II Men - End of the Road – More than a little trite, and completely histrionic, but that chorus makes this still a stone-cold R'n'B anthem.
Chicago - If you leave me now – More cheese of the highest calibre. It's like Brie de Meaux backed by strings and a horn section.
Henry Purcell – Dido's Lament – From the ridiculous to the ... etc. I certainly lack the appropriate critical vocabulary to describe why this music is so moving. Simple words, forcefully sung. Does this open the door to a host of classical nominations?
Bon Iver - The Wolves I & II – What a great refrain - "What might have been lost" (with a question mark? Without?) there's even a touch of autotune underneath it. Even better live, too.
This week, I want your songs of victory. An emphasis on justifications again, as I'm willing to accept victories big and small, sporting and domestic, historical and moral. Googlers will have to get lucky to get in ...
The Rules: Don't reprint more than a third of a song's lyrics.
Deadline for submissions is midday Monday.
You don't have to be old or young, expert or amateur, just interested (this is a new one I just invented).
Toolbox: A List and column, RR index, Spill, collabo playlist
