Perfect songs: Don't Give Up - Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush

This is one of those songs that seems to appear when I most need it. I have many go to tunes, Bob Dylan’s Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright, Always Look on the Bright Side of Life from Monty Python, and of course Bridge of Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel.

 

But this stunning duet by Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush really strengthens me in many ways.

 

I’ve loved this song since it came out in the mid 80s, a big Gabriel and Bush fan, the two of them together was too much for me to bear. I loved the album So, and played it until I was sure the grooves in the vinyl wore, and this track was no exception. Sledgehammer was the big track and a huge hit, visually and vocally, and then there was In Your Eyes from Say Anything. Every song was an instant classic, but the duet brought me to my knees, I played it over and over again, singing along to both parts.

 

It is a song I know very well, and is definitely, to me, a perfect song. I guess as my list of perfect songs has shown so far, I am drawn to melodic and melancholy songs, and again this fits that bill.

 

And yet it is not a song I play purposely these days, but it is true that it always seems to appear on the radio when I need it the most. There is no explanation for this, it simply happens, call it serendipity or synchronicity, I feel that it follows me to make sure I am ok. Only a few weeks ago I was in a bit of a bad place, and was driving home from somewhere and this came on the radio. It made me cry but it also gave me hope, and as I sobbed and sung I could feel my fog lifting.

 

Don’t Give Up.

 

It’ll make me cry, it’ll make me think, but it will always...no matter what...make me feel stronger and more alive than I was prior to hearing it.

 

Rest your head, you worry too much - those lyrics, it is like they know me, have gotten in my head.

 

The melding of those two lovely and unique voices is a perfect pairing, they sound amazing together. Gabriel’s clear, strong voice along side that theatrically stunning almost operatic voice of Bush.

 

Gabriel sings with fear and despair (the story was inspired by depression era photos AND thatcher) whilst Bush offers hope and encouragement within the chorus and her harmonies.

 

And so it goes, two intense verses from Gabriel and the soothing and comforting return from Bush within the chorus.

 

And then it lifts with the all important bridge, Kate singing powerfully and with conviction, “rest your head, you worry too much, it’s gonna be alright, when times get rough, you can fall back on us, don’t give up, please don’t give up.”

 

Gabriel sounds even more powerful in voice, though maybe not so much in words, as he counteracts with his section of the bridge.

 

The song continues with another verse and Kate riffing on the chorus. Where things head, who can know, but I feel the power and strength in her voice, through her vocals and words. Surely only positivity is next. Maybe that is not the intent of the song, but for me, that is what it is about, friends and those who love you holding you up and supporting you, giving you strength when you don’t feel so strong.

 

And then of course there is the superb Godley and Creme video that accompanies it, with Kate and Peter hanging on to each other as if their lives do indeed depend on it. It is as evocative and as sensual as the song itself, a perfect visual representation of how I think the song unfolds.

Perfect songs: Wichita Lineman - Glenn Campbell and Jimmy Webb

Jimmy Webb is a genius song writer, there is no doubt about it. And get Glenn Campbell to sing those songs and you have pure gold. I have been a long time fan of Campbell, and Wichita Lineman is one of those perfect songs.

 

The theme and lyrics describe a lonely telephone line man, up a pole on the line, possibly talking to a love or about an ex-love, and his longing for them out in the lonely country.

 

Whilst the specifics of the telephone line man may escape most, the feeling and emotion of the song everyone gets, it is timeless.

 

The melancholy of the lyrics and orchestration kill me, every...single...time...

 

I think I could listen to this song forever.

 

You mention Wichita Lineman to any music lover and the response will almost always be the same, a knowing nod, an ahh, and a wistful look, every song writer and poet wishes they wrote it.

 

“I need you more than want you and I want you for all time” is one of the most perfect lyrics ever written.

 

The strings and orchestration add extra depth to what is essentially a country song. Campbell has never sounded better, his translation of those lyrics is spot on. His voice is pure and clean, and the clarity of his sound singing those stunning lyrics against backdrop of the orchestration, it is pure perfection.

 

The song soars on the back of those strings, and pulls back on the stronger lyrics, building slowly for the guitar solo in the middle. Very simply executed, as the good songs often are.

 

REM have always done a lovely version of it (and Galveston) and when searching for that to add I found this gorgeous version with Michael Stipe singing with Patti Smith’s band, it’s not his best version, but worth it to see his interaction with Patti and the deep love they have always had. Totally melted my heart.

Perfect songs: Only You - Yazoo

I was watching some tele and Only You comes on and it made me realise this is a great candidate for a perfect song. Or one I’ll never tire of listening to!

 

I always loved Only You by Yazoo, a romantic sweet song with that 80s electronic edge to keep it from being too saccharine.

 

But when The Office (original version) used it in the final episode as Tim and Dawn’s song, it really resonated with me. It was the perfect song because it worked and was unexpected! And whilst I am not a sookie person I do appreciate romance done well, and that romance in that show was written so perfectly, that it had many people I know at their knees weaping, myself included and that song played a huge part in it.

 

It has that tinny electronic sound, this simplistic style juxtaposes against the yearning of the lyrics. And it somehow it actually holds up, it is as timeless now as it was in 1982.

 

Moyet’s voice is strong and powerful, yet gentle and calm. But it keeps steady and the keyboards get stronger and build rather than her vocals, which I think keeps it from being too over the top.

 

The lyrics and her voice are subtle and beautiful. It’s just one of those songs when you hear it you want more. Even the keyboard solo in the middle works.

 

It’s one of those timeless, perfect pop songs.

 

NOVEMBER ROUND UP

Is it just me or did November come earlier than usual this year?

And flew by just as quick?

I always say once we are celebrating my brother-in-law's birthday (very early in Nov) it's all down-hill to Christmas!

November was hectic at work, with my 2ic being transferred to another branch and the staff member temporarily doing her jobs on holidays, I found myself juggling all three jobs with the fabulous assistance of my part-timers. I did pre-school visits - something I've not done in years - storytelling and puppeting and loving every minute of it...even though I was totally exhausted at the end of each day. I entertained schools, I was guest speaker at Caves Beach View Club, helped celebrate Star Wars, and began the recruitment of the 2ic position, all on top of my regular jobs. I'm still here to tell the story...just!

And in addition to all of that we launched what will be our top-line library program - Share the Story with Carol Duncan, our first event being Carol interviewing - as only she does best - the interesting Mark Tedeschi QC. It was a well attended afternoon at our Belmont Library, and with Wendy Whiteley as one of our guest early in the new year, a program that will continue to grow and shine.

I am still on my online dating thing, which is equal parts fun, amusing, terrifying, and a complete nightmare...in other words, every thing I thought it would be and more, lol. Look, I have no expectations and ever the romantic hope I meet someone IRL, as that is truly a better story, and I'm all about good stories! But hey, if I meet someone via an app, who cares, and in the meantime I have many other types of stories to write about....soooooo many stories!!!! Plus at my old age, I am picky, and in no hurry to find just anyone, this person is going to be (or at least I bloody hope so) the last one, so they had better be freaking good!!!!

So due to that and the festive period I ate out a lot, Verde Luna, Foghorn, Talulah, Eurobar, East End Hub (twice - their breakfasts are to die for!), Murrays beach Cafe, Das Haus Hund, The Lass, and sat for a bit at Peg's before I realised I had sorta kinda been stood up (one of those other types of stories!)

We celebrated the fabulous Ms A's birthday at The Movies - seeing the superb The Dressmaker, The Lass, AND Moneypenny!! Birthdays should be celebrated over a week, yes??

I did my usual market thing, at my regular - Speers Point, and at Broadmeadow, I also indulged myself with a Pedi, and did some actual shopping for Christmas etc.

I stayed at Js, not once but twice...always a delight, caught up R and C for their birthdays. And had C visit from Sydney.

That was for out Twitter Christmas Party at The Lass, and then there was The Mambo opening night!

I also sat still - surprisingly - and caught my breath, because all this rushing about is a recipe for bad mental health, and whilst I had my moments, I was a-ok.

The beach and lake are always great places for breath-catching, or on my lounge with a book.

You can read about what I have been reading, listening to, and watching here.

And I started a new project within this blog, Perfect Songs.

Oh, and I decorated Club Cathy for Christmas.

As always some photos from round and about.

Perfect Songs: Crying - Roy Orbison

Roy Orbison's Crying is my third favourite song of all time and the third song in my Perfect Songs series.

 

I only have a top three when it comes to songs, after that just favourites...plenty of them and they vary. Maybe one day I'll work towards a top 5, 10 or 20...or maybe not.

 

So Crying...

 

I've always loved this song, but in 1987 Roy re-recorded it as a duet with k.d lang, and it won a Grammy, and the same duet charted again in 1992. I love the harmonies of that duet and by that age, 21, I was well versed in the sentiment of unrequited love (quite frankly a recurring theme in my life!) and the song just got me, or rather I just got the song!

You know that thing when you've known a song pretty much all your life and then suddenly you get it!?! It takes it up to a whole other level. That's Crying for me.

 

Roy's voice is perfection in it, well, let's face it Roy's voice IS perfection, those high angelic notes and deeper alto lines, his range is terrific, but when he hits those high notes, you get chills, the hair raises on the back of you neck, and it brings a tear to your eye...always! And he makes it all look effortless too. The thing about Roy's voice is the melancholy and longing in it, coupled with the fact his life wasn't exactly sunshine and roses, and that adds an additional element to the sound.

 

And on top of that, he is so freaking cool, all black, the dark sun glasses, the stillness of his guitar playing, his strong barely moving stance with just a hint of rhythm within his body or moreso his wrist, and that stoic face. He'd give Johnny Cash a run for his money with his I don't give a shit attitude...until he opens his mouth...I love the juxtaposition of it all.

 

The song itself is a simple melancholy melody, almost with a country twang...almost. It pauses and stops and starts with the emotion, and the harmonies roar and shine and build bringing in Roy's falsetto beautifully, at that point where he lifts it at You don't love me...the pain in that line kills me every time.

 

The words perfectly describe that moment when you see a lost love that you haven't quite forgotten. Whether it be lost or unrequited love, and that sinking feeling that overcomes you, be it a look, a touch of your hand, and that devastation you feel. A feeling you thought was gone and buried, but it rises to the surface so swiftly it takes your breath away and wounds you simultaneously. We've all been there, and I think that's what strikes the chord, a simple yet universal story backed by a simple yet solid melody.

   

I was all right for a while

I could smile for a while

but I saw you last night

 

Three simple lines...but so much meaning and depth

 

I thought that I was over you

but it's true so true

I love you even more

than I did before 

 

Oh boy, that sinking feeling, that depth of misery, that hopeful feeling that deep down you know is unfounded.

 

Crying simply is for anyone who has shed tears over a loved one, or appreciates a singer with complete control over his instrument.

 

Here's the original version followed by the duet with k.d. lang. Her harmonies take an already perfect song to a whole other level.

 

Perfect Songs: What is Life - George Harrison

The next perfect song is George Harrison's What is Life. 

Taken from the brilliant, All Things Must Pass, this is an upbeat, sixties soul style song. Co-produced by George and Phil Spector, it is one of the Wall of Sound songs.

Essentially a simple song, repetitive and uplifting, it's one of those songs you can't turn away from that makes you want to groove.

It begins with a great guitar riff, with a funkier guitar (played Eric Clapton), brass, and percussion overlay coming in. Funnily enough it is like the perfect pop The Beatles used to turn out, but maybe with a little more sophistication. 

The introduction screeches to a halt to let George sing. And he sounds lovely and clear, earnest and sweet. The verse builds until the joyous chorus and repeats until the end. A simply built song, that George said did not take long to write.

What I feel, I can't say
But my love is there for you any time of day
But if it's not love that you need
Then I'll try my best to make everything succeed.

Tell me, what is my life without your love?
And tell me, who am I without you, by my side?

And what's it really about? Proclaiming love - for a woman or for life itself, that is the question? A lot of people have spent many a long article working through this universal theme of love and life, turning it into something grand and philosophical. And that's great, I think it can be all of those things.

But mostly I think it's quite simply about love and how that makes life shine. That moment when you are surrendered to someone, the way they love you and the fact they are your life, in the best possible way. It's that universal feeling we all are searching for, some of us even lucky to have found. Pure and utter joy, sunshine and happiness, the feeling of perfection.

So this perfect song has that great beat, sheer joy, simple meaning and lyrics, and it goes straight to my heart...this song is one I really want to sing one day because I am experiencing that very feeling!!!

Perfect Songs: Last Goodbye - Jeff Buckley

So this is the first in a new side project on the blog called, Perfect Songs.

I love the album Grace and I adore Jeff Buckley’s voice. Every song on that album is great but it is Last Goodbye that really sings to me.

There is a haunting sound to his voice, made all the more poignant by the fact he is no longer with us.

It’s a sad song I guess, about a man telling his lover they are done.

We’ve all been there, on either side of the equation, sometimes both.

It’s confused yet strong lyrics of things must end yet does anyone really know anyone, do we even know ourselves; all those things we question when love goes wrong are a poetry of beauty within confounding.

The lyrics are great, “this is our last embrace, must I dream and always see your face.”

We’ve all been there, not only in dreams but reality, when you are out and you think you see a lost love in the crowd, their face attached magically to the body of someone else, you blink and they're gone, but the hurt returns like it was yesterday.

When he wails, “Kiss me, please kiss me. But kiss me out of desire, babe, not consolation,” you feel the urgency of his pain and the sexuality of his desire, despite the fact it’s over.

And there’s the music, it’s a romantic ballad set against a rock back drop, this gives it the edge it needs not to be sappy.

It starts with a slide guitar sound into a drum beat with a great guitar riff, it's kinda rocky until his voice kicks in and you know it's not a normal rock song, nor a traditional romantic ballad.

By the second verse, strings blend in and Jeff's voice moves a little higher, the rocky rhythms still in place.

At the 2 minute mark, his voice is gaining height and the strings are getting louder.

The strings make the romanticism soar, and there is a part about halfway through the song where the strings sweep in, the key changes, and Jeff almost wails with them. This section makes the hair stand up on the back of my neck always and almost always brings a tear to my eye. There is something majestic and symphonic about this that just lifts the song. 

And these are the reasons I will never tire of this beautiful song.

Here is the original video and track

And a great live version.