Simple, Solemn, Stupid
Voltaire once wrote that “Anything too stupid to be said is sung.” I’d agree with that statement if I could add ‘that’s profound but is’ after ‘Anything’. I’d especially agree with it with regard to love. True, stupid love lyrics that lack profundity abound, but that’s not really what I’m after. A large part of Spellbound’s story involves a romance between Nicodemus and a spellwright who didn’t make a solid appearance in book one. (You’ll never guess.)
Here’s what I’m after: love songs or songs about love that are a moody, odd, bittersweet, lyric- rather than melody-driven, intelligent, and obscure. I don’t know why this last is so important to me, but once a song is popular it looses its edge. U2’s “With or Without You” is one of the most evocative love songs ever, but….well…everyone knows that. Besides it’s not quite moody or weird enough for me.
When I buy a song, I tend to listen to it on repeat until I have a strong urge to vomit. Why? I’m not sure. Then I move on to another song. I’m hunting for some new ones as I write Nico’s story, so let’s play this game: I’ll give you the list of my recent obsessions and those of you reading this blog (all two of you) will suggest other songs which I will either mock or accept.
With Whom to Dance, The Magnetic Fields
Hold On, Tom Waits
Question, Old 97’s
The Stranger, Melissa Ferrick
Porcelain, Better than Ezra
Hallelujah, Rufus Wainwright
Two Coins, Dispatch
Out Loud, Dispatch
Beloved One, Ben Harper
16, Maybe Less, Calexico & Iron & Wine
Lemon Parade, Tonic
One final rule though, NOTHING SUNG BY LEONARD COHEN! I have an irrational hatred/fear of that guy’s voice. His lyrics…brilliant. His voice…terrifying. Why? I’m not sure. It’s irrational.
Comments
7 Responses to “Simple, Solemn, Stupid”
Erin
1:04 pm Jun-21-2007
Easily, by Muse. (Offfff course
)
blakecharlton
9:50 am Jun-22-2007
Erin! Certainly fits the bill for my “weird” requirement
And it’s wonderfully moody. But Muse is my black coffee music–most often its too much for me, but when i want it i REALLLLY want it 
Let’s see if I can obsess about this one.
Erin
1:07 pm Jun-24-2007
Finnnnneee…
9 Crimes by Damien Rice?
Jess
11:16 pm Jun-26-2007
Okay, long-time lurker, first-time caller, etc. I’m really partial to “Red Red Red” by Fiona Apple. I think the lyrics are obscure and they’re definitely moody. For months and months I thought this was a breakup song, but the more I listen to it the more I think it’s a long-long-long-term relationship song.
I also like the Van Morrison/Sinead O’Connor live version of “Have I Told You Lately That I Love You,” which takes a lovely, if trite, song and makes it feel like a modern relationship…actually, a modern drunken relationship, but that’s inevitable with Van Morrison on vocals.
Mock or accept at will, Blake.
Jess Weare
blakecharlton
2:53 pm Jul-5-2007
okay, my bad, i got this right before the weekend of wedding madness (see not yet posted post) and so it fell off my radar. fortunately, radar is up and running again.
JESS! it makes me really happy for some reason that you were a lurker.
okay, so the Van & Sinead combo is going to strike me as amazing irish combo! But “Have I Told You….” too famous for me to obsess about.
“Red x 3″, on the other hand, is GREAT! wow. and I usually hate fiona apple (can’t trust anyone who names themselves after fruit or food in general). and I’m agreeing with you, jess; I think this is the “irresistible force meets an unmovable object” feeling of a long term relationship.
Jess
3:01 am Jul-7-2007
The Van Morrison/Sinead collaboration is on the “Live on Letterman” album; it’s available on iTunes. As far as I can tell, I’m the only person in the world who likes this version of this song. I’m willing to accept that the whole world besides me is completely wrong.
blakecharlton
11:27 pm Jul-7-2007
Yep. that’s pretty some intoxicated singing. I think your wisdom is paramount, Jess. The rest of the world might just have to be wrong forever about this one.
To the above list of songs, I’m also going to add “Gotta Have You” by the Weepies.