It has just been too long, I have been too busy, the world spins too quickly, and I spin with it, but I always have a playlist while I work regardless, so it's absurd that I haven't just typed it up here. Other projects have me absurdly busy (one, a book about Lewis Carroll that I've been slaving over lately, not to mention another that I just finished). More, I'm trying to prepare a syllabus for spring semester (graduate level book editing, so this is no small feat this time).
Overbooked, dizzying amounts of work, but doing the list is actually a pleasure and not a chore, and I must thank Steve for the kick in the pants to get me back to it.
So thanks for that!
Enough said - the list of the moment.
Thanks for listening, as ever.
"La Cienega Just Smiled" by Ryan Adams: Of all the songs on Gold, I think this is the best cut. "Answering Bell" is also a great cut, but this one strikes me as the more profound. The lyrics seem more real here… “I’m too scared to know how I feel about you now…” This much rings true. God knows I’ve been there. There are times when it is scary to admit how just how much one cares because those intense feelings can be absolutely terrifying, especially if uninvited or inconvenient or unexpected. To guess, I think that’s what Adams means here – how we feel about another can, under the wrong circumstances, be scary as hell, especially if we know we ought not feel that way, or if it is inconvenient in some way (bad timing, other relationships, the impossibility of it all, and so on… or perhaps the feelings are unreturned or the relationship is unworkable for some reason).
Whatever the matter is in this case, Adams keeps coming back to the refrain, “I’m too scared to know how I feel about you now…” and this, I think, almost all of us can relate to. Perhaps if not in the present, then in the past, and if you haven’t yet been there, trust me, you will, and it will hurt like hell. If any song captures the feeling and the wistfulness of such relationships, it's this one by Ryan Adams, who seems to be particularly good at capturing relationships (“Come Pick Me Up” is another classic, but that has more to do with being in the relationship or just ending it and a fucked up relationship at that — about getting fucked, and then getting fucked, if you follow).
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Steve
Nice to see you back at last, Sadi. Interesting List, as always...working from the bottom up...
"Centrefold" - This song was in one of the first UK Top 30 singles charts I started collecting from the newspaper in 1982. Definitely a song designed to appeal to younger males lol. I preferred their follow-up "Freeze Frame" myself. Yes, I have had a few 'fairground experiences', as it were, over the years, though I can't think of any songs I heard while there (which is unusual for me!).
'Bizarre Love Triangle' - This reminds me that this is one of many songs I only have on cassette. I recently decided to transfer my tape collection to my computer as I know my tapes don't age well beyond the 15-20 year mark!! A tedious process I know but I'm impressed with the sound quality of most so far, so it seems worthwhile (not to mention money saving lol). The only New Order tunes I have on CD right now are 'Blue Monday', 'Regret' and 'True Faith'.
'Rich Girl' - I have a 3 CD set of Hall & Oates, really enjoyed some of their stuff. More familiar with their 80's stuff than 70's, I have lots of memories of listening to them on BBC Radio 1's 'American Top 30' (they rarely had hits in the UK charts). I guess I've never been around rich girls, so can't say I've noticed your observations re. this song, though it wouldn't surprise me. Just think of some other examples of this phenomenon...The Police 'Every Breath You Take' and lovers, or Springsteen's 'Born In The USA' and Republican politicians!!
'Baby I Love You Way' - More familiar with the 80's and 90's versions by Will To Power & Big Mountain, I always found this song to be a bit too insipid for me, though the latter's reggae pop version was a bit more bareable.
"I Will Survive" - I have the original of this, a great tune, overplayed perhaps, and a bit melodramatic, but powerful nonetheless.
"Tell It Like It Is" - Funnily enough, this is the only Neville tune I have in my collection, not a huge fan of his, but this was one of his better tunes to be sure, though thankfully, being something of a novice with regard to the opposite sex, I can't say I've experienced the topic of this song.
'The Sign' - Not a huge fan of Ace Of Base, though I did like their UK 1998 hit "Always Have, Always Will" which had a 60's feel to it, and didn't sound as clunky and stilted musically as most of their pop hits (though I generally love synthesizers, they usually made them sound awful, IMHO). I always felt their songs appealed more to teenage girls than anyone else.
I am vaguely familiar with Ryan Adams music but he doesn't stand out from the crowd for me, I have heard of Cake but that's all, and I don't know Tabitha's Secret, period.
2 - Kitty
This guy needs to get a grip. Too much time on his hands.
3 - Steve
By the way, Sadi, good to hear you're keeping busy with what sounds like very worthwhile work.
Sadi, have you thought at all about putting together your List of favourite festive songs this Christmas by any chance?? (Judging by your workload, it may be Christmas before your next List huh?? lol).
4 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Hey Steve: Freeze Frame was a good song (is) but Centerfold always made me laugh, hence it's there.
Blue Monday and True Faith are great songs as well, but i have to say at this point in my life, Bizarre Love Triangle is sort of appropriate and uplifting in a way, especially the line, "everytime i see you darling, i get down on my knees and i pray... you'll say the words that i can't say."
Baby i love your way - you found that stupid! eeks! Not me, babe. I always found it rather wonderful. The reggae version is TERRIFIC i agree. But that said, i do prefer "I'm in you." I also like by Bread, "Sometimes" which is similar in some ways, or reminds me of anyway... that will probably make the next list... But i can't imagine not like Baby I Love Your Way. That's a very visceral reaction, Steve! Like my reaction to Jimmy Buffet, who i just can't seem to 'get.' I know so many people just adore him and i've truly tried but i just can't connect - i don't get the fans and i don't get him. Maybe because i'm not American? Do you need to be American to get Jimmy Buffett? I don't know. Only an American can answer that and i welcome any and all thoughts on this... i seriously wonder about this all the time since he is such a big deal... and i just don't get it .. that said, i love the very American Willie Nelson and listen to Johnny Cash all the time, so it's odd... Help!
The Gloria Gaynor version of I will survive is too over the top for me. I like the Cake version because it is rather straight-forward and although it is more spoken, it is in a ways, nastier. Gloria Gaynor's version may be, and i hate this word, "empowering" but Cake's version is more true to reality - it's like, "I'm so absolutely over this crap and i love that. It's a real slap in the face, and in that way, it rings more sincere. I think you should take a listen. I'll put it on tant mieux for you.
so visit and give me until tommorow and then go to list of the moment, tant mieux>
Hall & Oates were always fun and take me right back to a time in my life. Rich Girl is an interesting song to me because i always saw it from their point of view. But i know a woman who is rather rich and sings it all the time (or rather, she comes from money) and yet sings this song as if it applied. I find this weird. It's hardly complimentary. Weird. Why would anyone do this? Any insight, Steve?
Rest in next post...
s.r.p.
5 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
I also have only that song by the Neville Brothers... I love the live version best, which i found on the soundtrack to The Big Easy film...
As for Ryan Adams - he's pretty great in my view. I like his work a lot. I also like John Cale, Nick Drake, and a lot of work that he sort of reminds me of. I said sort of.... not entirely but "sort of"
La Cienaga Just Smiled is a great great song. Maybe just befitting my mood just now... If you want to hear, again, i can use same method. Let me know.
Christmas list may work out... not a bad idea...
Sounds like Themetime radio by our Bob D.
Ah, you glide over the Dylan song, of course... i expected as much. Of course, to me, it remains the most important song on the list, but then, you know me... a huge Dylan fan. I'm pleased to say that this section of tantmieux>tantmieux is getting a ton of traffic and great comments. It's also endorsed and getting a lot of pick-up from Expectingrain and Google News, which is great.
I'm seeing Dylan (again, and i saw him just a few months ago... ) this coming Sunday, so you can expect another review next week... so that is forthcoming.
I'm also interviewing D.A. Pennebaker, the filmographer who is amazingly talented and who made the Dylan documentary (among so many others that you would be interested in - Google his name) but did "Don't Look Back" which is a great Dylan documentary and some parts of Eat the Document, tho not all...
I am just formulating my questions.
The list has been not so active because i landed a book contract to write a book about Lewis Carroll, so i'm sort of in disbelief, but yes, the contract is official and with a rather big publisher, so i'm still reeling... good news. Hard work does pay off ... sometimes... so not a waste of time after all. Who knew.
As to other comment, whatevernevermind.
okay babe... i'm here.
s.r.p.
6 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
oh, Ace of Base, I Saw the Sign - an ex put that on a tape for me as a rather nasty message. It rather backfired because i liked the song too much. Quelle idiot. Whatever. I found it funny...
7 - Steve
Well, re. 'Baby...', when I said 'insipid', perhaps bland would have been a better word, by that I mean musically, though lyrically the song is harmless enough...remember, I focus more on the music than the lyrics, whereas I think you're the opposite of me. I would be quite happy to express those sentiments to the woman I loved...just with different music lol.
I can't say I enjoy Jimmy Buffett much myself but I also have a somewhat Scottish background, I think maybe he is 'too American' for me also, for lack of a better word, just like some British bands are too Brit for America (e.g. Madness, though they did have one hit there I suppose, but that's nothing compared to the 27 UK Top 40 hits they had!). I don't have any other Peter Frampton myself, he's a bit before my time and was bigger stateside than in the UK.
Re. Dylan, I have 10 songs in my collection written or co-written by the man himself but all covered by various other folks! I must say, your interest in Dylan reminds me a bit of Rosie O'Donnell's fascination with Barbara Streisand!! But hey, if you can make a career out of it, more power to you, I firmly believe it's important to love one's work, whatever it is.
Re. Adams, yeah, not really a fan of Cale or Drake either, so I guess that explains that...I just find them a little bland musically, that's all, good songwriters though they may be.
Re. Rich Girl, I think some folks just listen to a few words and the music (like me maybe lol), not all the verses etc. It's been an eyeopener recently going thru my old music and listening to the lyrics as if for the first time, 'cause I hadn't paid much attention to them before.
8 - Steve
Re. Cake, what genre would you say they fit in??? If it's alternative indie rock, I might give it a pass, but otherwise I would be curious to see that song done differently.
9 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
hey Steve - i think the Scottish thing you note re: Jimmy Buffett may actually be astute. It may well be that he is simply an American phenomenon that we cannot connect with - a cultural thing, which makes sense. I'm more into Billy Bragg... he would be my Jimmy Buffett... you know?
Dylan covers! Quelle horreur!!! I can't stand other people singing Dylan... It just never sounds right to me. The only person who can do Dylan, in my book, is Dylan - who, by the way - i am going to see tomorrow night, so expect my review in the next few days (i know you may not be into it, but you may be curious... no?)
The only good cover i ever heard of Dylan is the recent album by Maria Maldaur. She was pretty big on the folk scene in the village at the same time as Dylan and has an amazing voice (was always quite beautiful, especially when i see the footage of her when she was young and so young... god... But she is good. You might want to check her out... She just put out a new album of covers of his song, and if I like it, and as i said, i normally hate Dylan covers, then i think that may say a lot (or maybe not, but i think you would like her.) You can find the album dylan love songs
I plan to buy it as well. I heard some of it and am taken with it, really.
Not a fan of Cale or Drake! Eeks!. I should have known, but i say no more. I realize not your scene but eeks!
Rich Girl - yes, the lyrics are a real kick in the ass. Still a mystery as to why any rich girl that i ever knew or know would sing along to this song happily as if it were somehow complimentary. Duh. What an idiot. Yes, do check out the lyrics.
As to Cake - i really prefer their version of "I Will Survive" but i don't know that you would... I like it because it's rather dry, and i like that... it's not dramatic like Gaynors and to me, the end of the relationship doesn't merit the drama that Gaynor gives it. it's almost too much.
Cake's version essentially says, "i'm bored... i've moved on... you really don't affect me that much... i'll survive. you bore me..." At least, that's what i get from it and i find that a more accurate feeling of how i have felt at the end anyway...
10 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Oh, just saw your comment re: Cake - as to what category. I've never been big on categories, as you can likely tell. I wouldn't really know how to categorize them. Maybe ask someone else (anyone feel free to jump in and say here, if the spirit moves you).
But really Steve, i don't think you'd like them. I'm happy to give you a listen on Tant Mieux but i don't think you'd like...
As to Nick Drake, have you given him a chance?
Have you heard Pink Moon? Hazey Jane (his spelling)? Cello Song? Northern Sky? Or John Cale "Paris 1919"? If not, i think it might be worth a shot... you might find yourself surprised.
Again, always happy to upload a listen... so let me know... i'm your wish genie... ; )
11 - Steve
Wow, yes, Billy Bragg, very English indeed!!
I think I may have checked out "Northern Sky" by Nick Drake on your site if memory serves, it was okay I think, but not spectacular.
The only Cale tune I have is a cover of the Velvet Underground's "Sunday Morning" by OMD.
Don't like Dylan covers, huh?? Not even by bands you like, eh??
Maria Muldaur??...have to check her out...
12 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Yes, do check out Maria Maldaur on Amazon (link i think i provided) i think they probably have a Listen thing... i don't have the album yet, tho i will.... but try it....
Billy Bragg - rocks my world... and will be on next list.... I just read a great interview with him in a magazine called Stop Smiling....
have you heard of it?
Small magazine, but i hope it lasts... smart and good writing...
13 - Steve
No, I haven't actually. What is the mag's focus?? Music, politics...???
14 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
hey steve, pardon my delays here... i'm trying to write a film review as well as edit other stuff...
Stop Smiling does all sorts of stuff... film, music and books... maybe you could look it up on the web... they're pretty small, but i hope they last. A good mag. They just interviewed Billy Bragg.
15 - Steve
Oh, OK, Sadi, thanks for the info, much appreciated. Don't worry about delays, I know your life is busy (there are even times when I can't be at my keyboard!!), so not to worry, I understand.
16 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
hey Steve,
did not at all mean it as to stop writing...truly, not at all...only that i can't respond as quickly since i'm just not at keyboard as much since i'm reading a lot for research and doing less writing. But do write for sure, since i always have to check my email and i always respond to comments when i see them, so no worries. I'll really make a concerted effort to not let the list slide.
i really enjoy doing it... so while i'm doing all this research, it's a nice little break in a way... so there you have it... and thank you! you were the impetus!
don't stop writing! heavens no! not at all what i meant! ; )
17 - Steve
Well, Sadi, thanks for your kind remarks, there's nothing I like more than being helpful.
I was wondering, do you recall a couple of groups from the early 80's called Dollar and Modern Romance?? They just had really good compilations released this year, both with hits that hadn't been released on compilation before. If you liked either group, they are well worth getting, part of Warner's new 'The Platinum Collection' series.
18 - Tom
You're right on the money about "Rich Girl". The song was actually written about a rich guy, however....
19 - Soleil
List of the moment includes:
Rodgrigo y Gabriela self-titled album. Great instrumental rock band from Ireland. Def worth a listen...
Quiet Drive's cover of "Time after Time". I just can't get enough of that song no matter who's singing it.
Gomez - How we operate...a very eclectic song.
20 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
hey Steve - i never heard of that group -- and i thought i knew... eeks!~ sorry, babe... they any good?
21 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
hey Tom:
that's the ultimate irony. Rich isn't it?
"Rich Girl" written by a rich guy... well, maybe who better? He ought know the type, eh?
thanks for chiming in... be well... s.
22 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
Soleil - hey - will have to check out what you list... i'm downloading some stuff, so will add. It often takes a while to download, but maybe it will make the next list. I'm a bit absorbed in research for something else right now, but will certainly check out - hey, thanks for sharing!
; )
23 - Steve
Well, Sadi, if you like pop, you'd probably like Dollar (a male/female duo), some of their songs were produced by Trevor Horn who's produced Yes, Frankie Goes..., ABC etc.. They had UK hits between 1978 and 1988 (their last hit was a cover of Erasure's 'Oh L'Amour').
If you like salsa, you'd like Modern Romance (all male group - they did a cover of 'Cherry Pink & Apple Blossom White'). They had hits from 1981-1983 or so.
24 - sadi ranson-polizzotti
oh Steve, you been reading my mind, babe... ABC is on my next list. Funny too; i was just thinking the other day of Frankie Goes to Hollywood and their hit that I know "Relax" which is the only one I know, i admit... but ABC - my god, i could tell you stories about that - but not here - (college recollections) - but their hit, Be Near Me - I remember that song well.
I'm amped for the next list with also some Billy Idol, which I find on my playlist lately and the Psych Furs of all things... i seem to be regresssing.
Of course, none of this has knocked Dylan off the list. I listen to way to much Dylan; it's becoming a problem, i think when one starts to speak in Dylan-eze --- gaaaawwwddd
see ya, babe..
25 - Steve
whoops, sent my comment twice by mistake, sorry, got interrupted here lol.
Frankie's other UK hits were "Two Tribes" (#1 there the whole summer of 1984!), "The Power Of Love" (no connection with Huey Lewis or Jennifer Rush/Celine Dion tunes of the same name), "Welcome To The Pleasuredome", "So Hard", "Warriors Of The Wasteland" and "Watching The Wildlife". They also did a cover of Bruce Springsteen's "Born To Run" and Dionne Warwick's "....San Jose" on their debut album.
ABC are definitely an all-time fave, I have all of their albums, except for a few compilations.
I've got 3 tracks by the Furs ("Heartbreak Beat", "Love My Way" and "Heaven"), and two or three Billy Idol albums.