NICK CAVE

NICK CAVE

I was not an early adapter or fan of Nick Cave. I wouldn't even call myself a fan now. I resisted him for a very long time too!

Sounds odd I know.

I knew a few people that were seriously into Nick - overly obsessed, so much so that most other music was shut out. I couldn't understand that sort of behaviour, still don't - there is so much rich music in the world. I didn't want a part of something sooo intense that it negated everything else.

Of course I knew songs, knew him etc and eventually was drawn to him myself. But on my own terms, in my own way.

I remember being out in a club - who can remember where - and Red Right Hand was playing. It's hypnotic trance lured me in and that was the end of my resistance. I have other tunes I love more, but it will always get me going...more on it later. 

So I started with a best of CD and then purchased albums based on songs I liked from the most. I do not profess to know a lot about him or his music, except to say I do enjoy it and have a mild fascination with him as an interesting male singer. He is dark, broody and rather cranky - why so cranky Nick - is it a put on, or for real? He is very sexy, and obviously highly intelligent...which makes him even more appealing! But he also seems to have a decent sense of humour too...you just don't see it that often.

So yes, I am ashamed to say it took a while to get me to Nick. But I am here now, I love his deep lyrics, and the richness of his voice, the intensity and the bueauty of what I am hearing.

It is incredibly hard to pick which songs, and looking back there are others I could have added, but I like these choices.

TRACK SEVENTEEN: Red Right Hand

It's slow, hypnotic rhythm reels you in, slowly and surely. Nick at his sexiest, scariest and meanest! Favourite lyrics: "He's a ghost, he's a god, he's a man, he's a guru." and "You're one microscopic cog in his catastrophic plan."

TRACK EIGHTEEN: Into my arms

A melancholy ballad, one even Nick says he is proud of writing. And why wouldn't you, it is stunning. His deep, strong voice against the piano - what else do you need. It is devastating and haunting, sad and uplifting. Favourite lyric: "And I don't believe in the existence of angels, but looking at you I wonder if that's true." Wow, imagine someone writing that about you...

TRACK NINETEEN: The Ship Song

If Into my arms is beautiful, there are no words to describe The Ship Song. It is beyond perfection and always gives me shivers and brings a tear to my eye. It is an epic song that just hits the right notes - literally and figuratively. The Strings soar and Nick has never sounded more fragile and gorgeous. Favourite lyric: every single word, but I do especially like, "We make a little history baby, every time you come around." Sigh...we've all been there...

Oh, and the video is perfection too...what gorgeous little girls...

TRACK TWENTY: Breathless

This is probably my favourite song, it's an absolute delight. It's uplifting, catchy, and insanely happy for Nick. I adore it's joy - pure and simple. Great flute riff and a sweet, clear guitar tone. His phrasing and lyrics are sublime: gambolling lambs, bubbling brook, red-breasted robin, fishes, bluebells, foxes and rabbits, oh my!! And still your hands, still your heart, still your mind, still your soul...gorgeous. And the clip shows his joy and sense of humour, love it!

When I first heard this, I played it over and over. I do not think I will ever tire of it.