Monday, February 22, 2010
Mastery of sad songs
My nomination for saddest song might be this version of Tom's Diner by Suzanne Vega. There is someting really heartbreaking about the part of the story that comes in about 1:30 of the clip, followed by (in the video) her trying to smile and failing. Her expression at 2:00 is just chilling. What a raw video...
It's folk music, a lament, of a certain New York sort that is shot through with alienation and failure to connect.
Now watch how the sadness is bled out and the song becomes very different once DNA adds a dance track. It's no longer a lament (even with the exact same vocal track), and even offers a way out from alienation. There's a good message there--
It's folk music, a lament, of a certain New York sort that is shot through with alienation and failure to connect.
Now watch how the sadness is bled out and the song becomes very different once DNA adds a dance track. It's no longer a lament (even with the exact same vocal track), and even offers a way out from alienation. There's a good message there--
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I am not a fan of the sad song. Why be sad, when there are lands to explore, cities to be conquered, and things to be hewn with axes? All songs should be Viking sea shantys, and exhort men and women to good cheer, merriment, and reaving.
It depends on the season. I don't typically like sad songs when it's a perfect spring day outside. Who ever rolled their windows down and blasted Tears for Fears' Mad World as sung by Gary Jules? More than that, though, I go through seasons of the soul where more contemplative music speaks to me. Other times I just want some great bubblegum music.
But, Lane does have a point... Who's never up for some good reaving?
But, Lane does have a point... Who's never up for some good reaving?
The second version is in a higher key, too, which makes it sound brighter . . . interesting transformation, but I'm much more drawn to the first version because NOBODY sings like that anymore, totally unaccompanied (do they?) I always have a hard time focusing on lyrics, and that's ALL the first version's about. Wow.
# posted by 
: 5:36 PM
: 5:36 PM
What about songs that convey emotion based on instrumentation alone? Take for example Explosions in the Sky's song "Your Hand in Mine."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzIK5FaC38w
Is it sad? I suppose it's up for interpretation, I don't know why, but I find this song moving and not a little sad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzIK5FaC38w
Is it sad? I suppose it's up for interpretation, I don't know why, but I find this song moving and not a little sad.
Pope: Thank you (I mean that sincerely not sarcastically) for reminding me of ones of the saddest songs in terms of words and music - Gary Jules' Falling Awake. Thinking about it even without hearing it for a long time just pulls at my heart.
# posted by : 6:28 PM
: 6:28 PM
Reaving is archaic English for a combination of grand theft, aggravated kidnapping, arson and organized criminal activity. In other words, Tuesdays in Practice Court
I like the sadder version. I guess I'm just like that.
I think Antony and The Johnsons "Bird Gerhl" is sadder though, in the same alienated, I'm-trying-but-I-just-can't kind of way.
I think Antony and The Johnsons "Bird Gerhl" is sadder though, in the same alienated, I'm-trying-but-I-just-can't kind of way.
Having spent a lot of time in NY (and other places) solo, as an observer. I get both of these versions of the song. People watching, anywhere, can evoke so much emotion. I did not find this song sad; just contemplative.
I also agree iwth Swissgirls assessment of the 2 versions.
I also agree iwth Swissgirls assessment of the 2 versions.
And i agree with you, Christine; I too find it contemplative rather than sad . . .
At least Reaving is not Heaving (which often comes after the good cheer-merriment-sea shantys . . .)
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At least Reaving is not Heaving (which often comes after the good cheer-merriment-sea shantys . . .)
# posted by : 12:59 PM
: 12:59 PM << Home
