As a post script to Tuesday's entry, I thought I'd write about other name songs. I think that most name songs aren't actually about the 'person' named in the song. The names are aliases to cover the true identities of the subject. Apart from Martha which is indeed about Martha Wainwright (and the reason she wrote Bloody Motherf-ing A-hole). Anyway, that's just my theory and here are the songs.
Daniel, Lior
A song that showcases the talents of Lior particularly well, with a great chorus and beautiful lyrics. He's a great live performer, very charismatic. Too bad he's married.
Alice Childress, Ben Folds Five
This one is about Anna Goodman's marriage to Ben Folds and its not-so-nice ending. It took a few years for the story to come out about their writing partnership. They've written some great stuff over the years, but these days it's more of a solo effort, for obvious reasons.
Jamie, Kate Miller-Heidke
A rather recent discovery (I did only buy the album last weekend) but it's a beautiful little song. The EP Circular Breathing is folky and shows off her voice.
Laura, The Scissor Sisters
Not really about Laura Bush, despite the band dedicating it to her during their Melbourne show back in February. They also have a Mary song, as do Supergrass.
Carmella, Beth Orton
I think this song is about a prostitute and a pimp but it's well put together and has some good vocals.
Suzanne, Hope Sandoval and the Warm Inventions
Not the Leonard Cohen song (also covered by Judy Collins), but a different one. Much in the same vein though with a similar slow, heavy mood.
Ruby, The Kaiser Chiefs
One of the most infectious songs I've heard this year and one I'll definitely be voting for in the Hottest 100.
Hazey Jane I and II, Nick Drake
Two contrasting and amazing songs from Bryter Layter.
Charlie No. 1, 2 and 3, The Whitlams
These are apparently about Stevie Plunder, former band member who disappeared in tragic circumstances before Eternal Nightcap was recorded. Each creates a very different mood.
Cecilia, Simon and Garfunkel
I challenge anyone to listen to this song without tapping on something or singing along.
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... my head's like a kite
A self indulgent discussion of musical tastes.
Our detractors were right
... my head's like a kite
Quote of the Moment
It was not your fault but mine, and it was your heart on the line.Little Lion Man, Mumford and Sons.
Listening To...
- Hottest 100!
- The Decemberists- The Crane Wife, Picaresque, The Hazards of Love
- Vampire Weekend- Contra
Blog Archive
Gigs Coming Up
- Gogol Bordello- March 30th, Billboard
- Wilco- May 5th and 6th, The Forum
Title- WTF?
From the line of a song by The Shins called 'Turn A Square'.
Little did I know that a band has named themselves this as well. I'm assuming they've ripped off their name from the above-mentioned song.
Little did I know that a band has named themselves this as well. I'm assuming they've ripped off their name from the above-mentioned song.
About Me
- Sara
- Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- 12 INS and EN teacher
1 comment:
I never knew very much about the background of this song, but when I first heard it, upon moving in 1996 to an outback mining town 4000kms from home and that relationship, I instantly thought of her. Different name, same number of syllables. "I miss my friends, sometimes I wish they lived out here, but they wouldn't dig this town"
Thanks, now I understand a little more about the song's background.
I named my cat after this song in 1998, she still treats me well.
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