Mystery Train Playlist 18/11/10

1. Unless it’s kicks by Okkervil River
I went through a phase a few years ago when Okkervil River were my favourite band. The first time I saw them live was at the tiny Jade Monkey venue in support of Black Sheep Boy album and they blew me away with their melancholy. I thought the lead singer looked a little like Sean Lennon. They played St Jerome’s in support of the album Stage Names, upon which this uplifting track is found at track 2. My favourite line is “what gives this life its grace unless it’s kicks, man?”. I view this as a timely reminder not to forget to have fun and not get bogged down in worry.

2.The Twist- Frightened Rabbit
This track is off Midnight Organ Flight, a triumphant album by this Scottish band full of heartache and pain. I originally interpreted that this track was a love song about meeting someone on the dance floor, but when you examine the lyrics, that is definitely not the case. It is really about two people that are longing for someone else, but because they can’t have them, they are settling for the human heat and false connection of the gyrating and hip bumping of the dance floor. There is significant self loathing by the protagonist, with lines such as “Let’s pretend I’m attractive and then, you won’t mind, we can twist for a while.” The song has an uplifting mood to it, despite the lyrics, and was used during a love scene on the US TV show Chuck.

3.New Song by Steering by Stars
This song was selected at random for local content purposes. I have heard this band’s name before, and the track length was appropriate. It was recorded live, and there were not many noticeable lyrics. Sounded ok though

4. The Charging Sky- Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins
This song has a bit of a country vibe to it. I like Jenny Lewis’s voice and also her subversive and amusing lyrics. Not sure about the complete meaning of this song, but at least part of it concerns a woman down on her luck that has begun praying as an insurance policy. I found that amusing. She also raises the issue of high rates of death in Africa and which has been happening for so long that it has become passé for those in the West. I prefer singers that deal with politics in a non-preachy way, which makes it more effective.

5. All to myself- Sufjan Stevens
I still need to listen to his new album more to determine my favourite tracks, but this one is up there right now. His lyrics are very complex, but my initial take on this track is that it deals with selfishness of a lover. Not sure. Beautiful melody though, and can’t wait for his tour.

6. Comfort Me- The Audreys
I have been a fan of the Audreys since I saw Taasha and guitarist perform a night of cover versions at the Wheatsheaf. I would listen to her sing anything, including the phone book and the dictionary. This song dealt with relationships from my recollection, having only heard it once. I think I will be playing it again

7. Reeling the Liars In- Swans
I am still getting my head around the Swans’ new album, My father will guide me up a rope to the sky, but I love the title of the album. There is some resemblance to Nick Cave/The Birthday Party, which is why I played Nick next. Given my views on politicians, I felt that this song was apt. It is the only mellow track on the album. I will play some of their more aggressive stuff later on.

8. What can I give you?- Nick Cave
This song has some of Nick Cave’s most beautiful romantic lyrics ever. It basically deals with a person who has never had any beauty or love in his life, until this lady that he adores enters. He is in such awe of her and in such doubt about his own worth that he asks, what can I give you in return? She has rescued him, she is worshipped by the angels and the stars, what can his love mean to her? If I ever get married, this would be a song that I would consider high on the play list.

9. Sky Blue Sky- Wilco
I remember hearing Jeff Tweedy talking about the origins of this song. He was going through a very rough patch, both in his marriage and with prescription medication addiction. He wrote this song on a day when a marching band was playing in his home town. A marching band often represents celebration of something. Jeff is just thankful that he hasn’t died, which is good enough for now. It isn’t totally hopeless though, because “for now” means that he has hope to improve in the future.