This all points to the fact that there's something universal lurking in a great pop tune — and though we've been trying to describe it, I don't know that we can really get there.
DJRadiohead:
To your first point, The Ramones made compact, sturdy songs with catchy pop hooks — tell me that is not art and craft. They might not be in equal measure and no one says they must be. I contend both art and craft are present. They might not be highbrow or ornate but those are some well-crafted pop songs. I win!
It is not easy to bring this discussion to a close because it feels like there is still a lot to say — we have been yammering on for 1,700 words and have not even touched upon half of the album! Even if we did continue this long enough for me to tell you how much I like "Empire State" or that I think "C'mon" is a lot of fun or that "Satellite" was probably the first song that caught my attention when I listened to this album it would not be enough. If I did that I would have to stand aside for you to respond or to go off in another direction entirely which would cause me to go back and listen some more and then I would find something else and...
I would still feel like there is more to say.
Article comments
1 - Mat Brewster
Good job fellas. Glad to see the fanboy is back. Guess I'll add another record to my increasingly long list of "to buy." One of you has some explaining to do with my wife when she sees the music bill.
2 - Mark Saleski
you see, sir brewster...we have this all figured out. if you spend only, say, $50/year on clothing, then you've got extra cash for music.
3 - Mark Sahm
Gents, I've given this album the iTunes preview listen twice now. While I will say musically that the sounds were pleasant, there was nothing that grabbed me... I will describe it as somewhere between Tom Petty and upbeat Travis, perhaps a little too upbeat for my tastes. I will try to revisit it in a week and see if anything changes.
Nevertheless, I enjoyed reading the post. You know, it's funny in retrospect, but what began as a little tiff over Eliot Smith has evolved into some interesting discussions. A Boba Fett nod to you both... happy 4th of July.