Today there are as many different sounding love songs as there are different types of love. To quote George Carlin, "Pancakes, Hot Cakes, Griddle Cakes, and Flap Jacks. Why are there four names for grilled batter but only one word for love?" In this episode we put on display some of the kooky and beautiful dimensions of what this funny feeling inspires.
We start the show with, "Long Time," by an artist called Sirens. Sirens uses her bass guitar and a loop pedal to build up accompaniments powerful enough to match her soulful singing. The result is a modern style inspired by the raspy female jazz singers of the roaring '20's.
Next is, "Turn the Heat Down," by a band called Continue. The worlds foremost psychedelic post-punk rock and roll band, Continue has spent years cloistered away from scrutinizing ears, cultivating a sound to challenge all preconceived notions about what's acceptable in music. Simultaneously pop and avante-garde, dance music and sound collage, the trio is driven by guitarist Jacob Porst's experimental solos and drummer Tyler Armstrong's expressive, almost talkative, rhythms.
"When that bass drum hits my ear, man, I can feel it. Do you remember when we were only 10? It was a windy day on the playground when you broke my heart. Can we try again, can we try again?"
This recording comes courtesy of WOZQ in Northampton, MA from a live session recorded on the air in December 2009.
After that, we hear "You're the One Lee," by New Haven, CT's Miracle Legion. The group gained a substantial following in the 1980's for their unique brand of uninhibited garage rock and recorded a handful of albums as poignant today as when they were released. The groups front man, Mark Mulcahy, still tours and records music. He's managed to keep some of Miracle Legions albums in print and available at his website, www.mezzotint.com.
Next comes, "Your Song," by Cleveland, OH's Mountain Men. Through it's lyrics and layered instrumentation, the song confesses in no uncertain terms the depth of emotion one person can feel for another.
"Your hair is brown and your eyes are green. You're the prettiest thing I've ever seen. It breaks my heart to see you weep."
Those who know will always remember her sunflower crown, his cream-colored tie, and the most fun party any of us ever attended. The bar is set high for the next couple to get married.
On a less personal note, Zebu's, "Pomegranate Tree," brings in a cool wave of romance crashing against the summer shore. The song paints a picture of escaping the monotony of the day-to-day to a relaxing island sunset, complete with hammocks and parasoled cocktails. The dream of NSA summer love is only made sweeter by the ripe fruit just within reach.
Next, The Primate Fiasco offers a modern take on the immolating sense of being in love. The all consuming, self-destructive force of being in love has been written about in countless songs, but "Global Warming," captures that power in the language of current events.
"Goose bumps, tropical storms, the Earth's not the only thing getting warm. If I was a ocean I'd move in."
After that, we hear Son of Dinosaurs from Buffalo, NY. The group is informally banned from playing in their home town, but you may be lucky enough to catch them on tour someday.
We follow with our friend Perfvgivm and the song, "Love is Stern. His album Broken Motor departs in many ways from the haunting, ethereal Americana characterizing his other songs, instead embracing more up tempo and danceable aspects of roots and folk music. All of his releases are available on consignment from a number of record stores throughout Brooklyn, NY and from his website, Rustlevv.com.
Finally, we close out Love Songs show with the popiest of The Brooklyn What's songs, the synth driven, "We Are the Only Ones." The electronic, pop-punk sound stands in striking contrast to the hairy, topless, sweat and PBR soaked debauchery the groups live performances are known for, but still manages to capture the reckless abandon of being young and in love.
"I'll be outside your house 3 AM. We'll go out to the beach and dance in the sand, smoke cigarettes and talk about shitty bands if the cops don't come make us leave."
And that concludes another episode of Homemade Music. Hopefully the spirit of the music added some small bit of love to everyone listening. With our world in the state it's in, every little bit of love counts. Tune in next time for an episode dedicated to the wonders of summertime. Thank you for listening and keep making and supporting homemade music.
- KBOO