19-2000 by Gorillaz

Damon Albarn, the brains behind the fictitious band Gorillaz, recently said that Demon Days will be Gorillaz' last studio album.

That's too bad. Although I didn't particularly like Demon Days, I thought that their first album was unbelievably good and very ingenius. To create a fictitious band (complete with story lines of each respective member) was really something, probably akin to when Paul McCartney created the concept of Sgt. Pepper, an album that would do the touring for them.

Anyway, on to the song review of 19-2000.

I can't remember if 19-2000 was the first or second Gorillaz song I heard (the other being Clint Eastwood). But at the time, it was all Creed, Korn, and Creed and Korn clones, on the radio, and I found it rather refreshing to hear something else.

19-2000 was fun and upbeat, a great pick-me-up song, with a really catchy melody. It was different and strangely funny. A great song stemming from a great concept. Astig! Cool!

Song Rating: ****

Je t'aime... moi non plus by Serge Gainsbourg (feat. Jane Birken)

I oftentimes find myself in the mood to listen to Serge Gainsbourg. The controversial Gainsbourg (who once said 'I want to fuck you' to Whitney Houston on live French TV) would make you feel like you are a French James Bond out to save the girl from distress. (Or it could also be Austin Powers, take your pick).

Anyway, Je T'aime Moi Non Plus (I love you.. I don't either) is a back and forth conversation between a man and a woman. If the song were to be described in one word, the word would have to be "orgasmic". Because that's what it actually sounds like, with the moans and sultry bedroom voice.

I don't understand French, but my bestfriend (Wikipedia) translated the lyrics for me. Some of the words are..

"I come and I go, in between your hips"
"You are the wave, I am the naked island"
"Physical love is without end"

So wiki also said Gainsbourg and Birken were actually engaged in sexual intercourse when they were recording this song. Upon listening, it may not be hard to imagine that it's actually possible.

Song Rating: ****

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Link: Je t'aime... moi non plus

Black Wave / Bad Vibrations by Arcade Fire

When Arcade Fire pre-released the first track off their Neon Bible album last December in iTunes, they committed a boo-boo. They initially had wanted to release Intervention (Track #4) but perhaps administrative errors caused them to mistakenly release Black Wave / Bad Vibrations (Track #5).

Anyway, the track certainly takes a lot of listening before growing into it. This actually seems two songs in one, with the first part having a different tone, beat and style than the second one. It starts off with Regine doing her thing, kinda eerie and high pitched vocals and the second part is sung by her husband Win, definitely darker and edgier than the first part.

Back when Arcade Fire released this song, I couldn't believe that my current favorite band could do so medicore. Now, I kinda like it.

Song Rating: ****

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Link: Black Wave / Bad Vibrations by Arcade Fire, Live at Brixton Academy

(Just Like) Starting Over

Ummm... I guess a little bit of introduction is in order.

I'm Barry, and I'm going to be regularly contributing my song reviews to this space.

I'm not exactly taking over from Rad, per se; it's more of that I thought that I could help him out a bit, since I'm, for lack of a better word, bored. I don't know if and when Rad will be back, but for now, I will be your co-host.

Anyway, I used to maintain a music blog, #9 Dream, and even had ambitious plans for it (aka earning from Adsense). But sadly, about two weeks into it, laziness got the better of me and I scrapped the whole thing.

Anyway, enough talk and on to my first review... something I think appropriate for the occasion.

(Just Like) Starting Over by John Lennon

Lennon did not get to see this song go to #1 in the charts as he was sadly killed a few weeks before the song was released. Anyway, the song has a timeless feel as there are hints of the 60s, 70s and 80s rolled into this song. Oh, and let's not forget the 50s as John goes into his Elvis-bit in opening the chorus.

The song talks of a failed relationship, but the hero is still hoping and wanting to work things out. There just has been too many moments shared with each other, and to throw it all away would indeed be a waste. I guess we all have been in this situation before, haven't we? :)

This is nowhere near my favorite Lennon song of all time, but on its' own, it's good enough.

Song Rating: ****

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Link: (Just Like) Starting Over Video

Walk Slowly by Wolfmann+

Finallyyyy I paid my visit to my suking record bar, and guess what I found.. the Wolfmann+ disc wuhoooo!! I've been waiting for this purchase ever since I heard the whole album (don't ask me how ok?) Anyway, If you haven't purchased this disc I would recommend you do since this will soon be a rarity. This is the first and last time you'd hear Wilfred's work along with the allstars.. it's sad actually.. yeah yeah you heard it before. fuck you.

Anyway, I would think that this last track wasn't composed by wilf well I don't know. But I am under the impression it's for Wilf but not by him. :(.. Just from the title.. It's a sad track. but you'd still remnant's of Wilf's genius.. but you have to have sharp ears. :) It's a slow song bidding Wilf farewell.. I especially like the part where his bandmates "toasts" beer with him..

"I'd like to toast this bottle of beer for you... THANK YOU."

Thank you.

Song Rating - ****