When I was in the shower
Or so I thought...
That song was "Sir Psycho Sexy" by rocky funksters Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Ever since a respected friend of mine (hat tip to Almachine Stenhouse) pointed out on an old Cornish music forum that the outro for this song was possibly one of the most beautiful pieces of music ever written I've found that every time I listen to, or even consider it, that haunting guitar sound of John Frusciante gets me every time. It makes me purr.
I then followed this chain of thought, and realised there are a number of songs that probably do the same, albeit in different ways. I could name 4 right away, and as the day's gone on others have occurred to me until I came to a nice round 10. And 10's always a good number for a blog post.
Their methods are varied: some do it on whimsy and positivity, others because they represent certain parts of my life, or even other peoples' lives. There are those such as the above where the music in itself is enough, a delicateness of emotion that shows perhaps a more vulnerable side to the artist's, and by reflection my own, personality. And still others just contain that unknown quality where well crafted and personal lyrics combine with a melody that could pierce Xena's iron corset. Ok, that is quite a known quality as they go, but the point stands: Music opens me up. If only there was much to see inside...
Sir Psycho Sexy - Red Hot Chilli Peppers
If this song ended at 4 minutes or so it would still be a cool song. The portrayal of the sex-obsessed protagonist (probably a version of Kiedis himself) is dirty and funky and just too slow to comfortably dance to (a quality I enjoy in itself). As it goes on though there's a more delicate side to it with Frusciante's guitar almost telling the story of the softer side of Sir Psycho's character as it gently fades out and this is what keeps me coming back. There's a raw kind of innocence there that can't be replicated, and it represents one of the classic Frusciante moments for me.
Innuendo - Queen
Not an obvious one maybe, but for me it's Freddie Mercury's last great work. When it was being recorded he was practically a dead man walking who knew his time was close, and I think this really comes across in the strength and feeling in the vocal and lyrics. As with most Queen songs it's a little ridiculous in places but for me it gets the balance right and keeps a serious tone and slight melancholy to it throughout. Also ever since childhood I've felt that this is Freddie's last little message to the world, a classic one of courage and self belief and his own battle to maintain his dignity throughout. Oh, and yes, for those who didn't know - I am a secret Queen fan (outed).
Coming Back To Life - Pink Floyd
A personal one, this. Having discovered the Floyd at around 16, by the time I was 17 I'd gotten around to digging about their maybe less acclaimed work, and this song, from the last studio album grabbed me in an odd way. At the time I was very much smitten with a female friend of mine who had a boyfriend *, and thinking myself the mysterious and down-trodden reciprocater of the non-reciprocated I believed this song told my story ("While you were hanging yourself on someone else's words, Dying to believe in what you heard"). Of course, it's almost certainly about something else entirely, but it still brings back that perceived loneliness and self-pity to me now that always seems so ludicrous taken outside of the situation.
Little Wing - Jimi Hendrix
Ah Jimi. From that chopped first note I'm taken on a seamlessly beautiful journey that uplifts and makes me think all is good with the world. A combination of all round musical perfection including some of the most classic blues guitar and positive, encouraging lyrics blends to land me in a good place. Only tempered by that fade at the end that seems almost inexplicable in its timing as the guitar ratchets up another notch. Perhaps we were never meant to know.
Saturday Night - Suede
Britpop did a good line in the alternative tearjerker, and here's probably a classic of both genres. Again the initial guitar sets the early tone. But it's Brett Anderson's lyric that grabs the show. The way he lengthens the vowel sounds is almost perfect for the role as the melancholy, lovesick fool who'll do anything to please his beau. You know he would do anything.
Tender - Blur
An iconic festival classic, one of the great break-up songs, an excuse to scream "OH MY BABY" in a ridiculous voice? All of these. Albarn and Coxon's singing trade off as a gospel choir (almost Queen-like in it's pomposity) drag us all through it. I think Tender really peaks at the end when everyone gets involved and there's all sorts of harmonising and random shouting of "Oh my baby"s all over the shop. And despite it's cheesy soulfullness I approve and, sod it, it makes me feel good. So there.
For What Is Chatteris - Half Man Half Biscuit
Has a band ever written about actual real day to day life better than Half Man Half Biscuit? This jaunty-yet-lonely number about living in a small town without a lost love, or maybe even friend, hits a chord with my small-town/village side. I love its simple descriptions of basic amenities and lack of much else to think about. It's simple & effective, and generally reminds me of home despite Portscatho being nothing like the Chatteris described in the song. It's more a state of mind anyway, and no sleight on Portscatho (or Chatteris) intended. And if you don't get it, then piss off to Ely or St. Ives.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down - The Band
I love The Band. Having discovered The Last Waltz thanks to a couple of good friends who I don't see enough of I watched & rewatched the DVD of it over and over with good people from Cornwall to Madrid to Brighton. And 'Dixie' is their best song in the show. Beautifully sentimental on record, live Levon Helm's vocal takes a new level of heart. The American Civil War never seemed so real in my mind, it's such a performance. And listen to the drums as he sings, quite brilliant even without considering he's singing concurrently. If there was a civil war where you are now and your family had to make a choice this song would be your soundtrack. Breathtaking.
Daniel - Elton John
This takes me back to long car journeys with my mum to see family with but an Elton John Greatest Hits for company. This song always makes me think of the rain falling against the car windscreen thinking of some, in my case imaginary, brother who lived some imaginary life that I'd never know. And I always felt sad for Daniel without knowing why. Now I understand the words more, but to me the beauty of the song comes from that regretful melody and Elton's innocent childlike vocal. A real memory-grabber.
Take This Bread - The Felice Brothers
A happy go-lucky song to finish. The intro about the forest fires in California leads into an upbeat song about looking out for everyone around you. I think, like Dixie above, it has its roots in the American Civil War, whether real or imagined. That "Neighbour Odetta" is an angel in herself and the refrain catches the earworm in me every time. I'd love to get a group of good friends on a long trip to sing along to it. Also, incidentally, it's the song I'd like to have played at my funeral as I burn up. Preferably with everyone having a clap. But anyway, enough morbidity. It's a positive song, and I challenge you not to be uplifted by it.
Well, as emotional rollercoasters go that was up there. And then down there. And then upside down and twisting around a bit before being spat out through a tunnel covered in my own vomit and sobbing loudly. Isn't it great what music can do?
If you fancy a good weep you can listen to all 10 on the youtube playlist.
* We ended up going out for over a year in the end. It was worth the self-torture.
