Friday, July 13, 2024
Friday Pick of the Week
I've let this blog feature slip a bit because, frankly, I've been working too much to have read many books that aren't about baseball, or experienced much non-athletic culture.
However, I have gotten out just a bit lately, and so I have a couple picks this week.
The first is the film Joshua. It's the story of yuppie Manhattan parents who have a 10-year-old prodigy son named Joshua, and what happens when they bring a new baby home from the hospital. Let's just say that Joshua isn't happy about it.
The film is perfectly cast, has a dark and original script, and contains a truly radical (for American cinema) idea: What happens if a child really is a monster? And not because he's the son of the devil or something, but just because he's malevolent?
And Joshua is malevolent: When a homeless man asks him for money in Central Park, Joshua looks him in the eye and says, "I'll give you five dollars if I can throw a rock at you."
How do you love your child then? What if you don't?
As Joshua says to his father, "You know, you don't have to love me. It's not like a rule or something."
Fantastic. Can't recommend it for parents of young children, but otherwise, it's the most original and subversive American film in some time.
Pick number two is the new album by Crowded House, "Time on Earth."
Crowded House is, of course, a band from Down Under founded by the Kiwi, Neil Finn, an absolutely brilliant songwriter. Check out his earliest work with the band Split Enz. Has there ever been a lovelier song than "Message To My Girl"? In it, Finn admits that he once hesitated to say "I love you" to a woman, for fear that "that would give away too much," but he has moved past that:
Now I wake up happy
warm in a lover's embrace
no one else can touch us
while we're in this place
so I sing it to the world
simple message to my girl
If you're not a fan, you may know Crowded House from their biggest hit, "Don't Dream It's Over" (which, come to think of it, might actually be that song that's lovelier than Message To My Girl).
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know that they won't win
Longtime readers of this blog will remember that I have written about Crowded House before, when the band's drummer, Paul Hester, hanged himself from a tree. In addition to being a gifted musician, Hester was really a gentle soul, and the news was terribly sad.
Now, more than two years after that event, Neil Finn has reformed Crowded House and recorded this new album, and it's a quiet gem, nothing earthshaking, just melodic, smart, beautifully crafted songs. And because of Hester, there's a wistfulness and a sorrow that deepens the album, the way that an awareness of mortality and loss infuses and adds meaning to all the most powerful art. (This melancholy strain seems a consistent theme of art from Australia and New Zealand, but there are others on this board who can speak to that better than I.)
The sentiment is most explicit on two songs, "A Sigh" and "Silent House."
"A Sigh," just guitar and keyboard, contains these lyrics:
...A sigh
From the emptiest part
It's a tender place
A sigh
is more than I can bear
This show is not fooling anyone
but it's all for you
but I think your mind is made up
And then the song just trails off, as if after the recognition of such a decision, it can't go on, can't bear to face what happens next.
Silent House is about the end of a different kind of a relationship.
I remember the years,
when your mind was still clear
All the flickering lights
that filled this silent house
Everything that you made by hand
Everything that you know by heart
I will try to connect all the pieces that you've left
I remember the years
when your mind was still clear
all the laughter and light
that filled this silent house....
Anyone who's ever known the pain of a house once shared will understand.
I love the way Finn infuses that old cliche, "everything that you know by heart," with new meaning—it's not that you know it by rote, which is what the expression usually means, but that you know a thing through your heart, the way you might feel something with your hand, or recognize it with your eyes, or take note of a familiar sound. Some things, Finn suggests, can not be explained or learned or understood unless you know them by heart. And that is both the beauty and the tragedy of the human condition: to believe in the heart, to believe in romance, to believe in love, even after one has lost so much.
"Time on Earth"—it's wonderful. Have a listen.
However, I have gotten out just a bit lately, and so I have a couple picks this week.
The first is the film Joshua. It's the story of yuppie Manhattan parents who have a 10-year-old prodigy son named Joshua, and what happens when they bring a new baby home from the hospital. Let's just say that Joshua isn't happy about it.
The film is perfectly cast, has a dark and original script, and contains a truly radical (for American cinema) idea: What happens if a child really is a monster? And not because he's the son of the devil or something, but just because he's malevolent?
And Joshua is malevolent: When a homeless man asks him for money in Central Park, Joshua looks him in the eye and says, "I'll give you five dollars if I can throw a rock at you."
How do you love your child then? What if you don't?
As Joshua says to his father, "You know, you don't have to love me. It's not like a rule or something."
Fantastic. Can't recommend it for parents of young children, but otherwise, it's the most original and subversive American film in some time.
Pick number two is the new album by Crowded House, "Time on Earth."
Crowded House is, of course, a band from Down Under founded by the Kiwi, Neil Finn, an absolutely brilliant songwriter. Check out his earliest work with the band Split Enz. Has there ever been a lovelier song than "Message To My Girl"? In it, Finn admits that he once hesitated to say "I love you" to a woman, for fear that "that would give away too much," but he has moved past that:
Now I wake up happy
warm in a lover's embrace
no one else can touch us
while we're in this place
so I sing it to the world
simple message to my girl
If you're not a fan, you may know Crowded House from their biggest hit, "Don't Dream It's Over" (which, come to think of it, might actually be that song that's lovelier than Message To My Girl).
Hey now, hey now
Don't dream it's over
Hey now, hey now
When the world comes in
They come, they come
To build a wall between us
We know that they won't win
Longtime readers of this blog will remember that I have written about Crowded House before, when the band's drummer, Paul Hester, hanged himself from a tree. In addition to being a gifted musician, Hester was really a gentle soul, and the news was terribly sad.
Now, more than two years after that event, Neil Finn has reformed Crowded House and recorded this new album, and it's a quiet gem, nothing earthshaking, just melodic, smart, beautifully crafted songs. And because of Hester, there's a wistfulness and a sorrow that deepens the album, the way that an awareness of mortality and loss infuses and adds meaning to all the most powerful art. (This melancholy strain seems a consistent theme of art from Australia and New Zealand, but there are others on this board who can speak to that better than I.)
The sentiment is most explicit on two songs, "A Sigh" and "Silent House."
"A Sigh," just guitar and keyboard, contains these lyrics:
...A sigh
From the emptiest part
It's a tender place
A sigh
is more than I can bear
This show is not fooling anyone
but it's all for you
but I think your mind is made up
And then the song just trails off, as if after the recognition of such a decision, it can't go on, can't bear to face what happens next.
Silent House is about the end of a different kind of a relationship.
I remember the years,
when your mind was still clear
All the flickering lights
that filled this silent house
Everything that you made by hand
Everything that you know by heart
I will try to connect all the pieces that you've left
I remember the years
when your mind was still clear
all the laughter and light
that filled this silent house....
Anyone who's ever known the pain of a house once shared will understand.
I love the way Finn infuses that old cliche, "everything that you know by heart," with new meaning—it's not that you know it by rote, which is what the expression usually means, but that you know a thing through your heart, the way you might feel something with your hand, or recognize it with your eyes, or take note of a familiar sound. Some things, Finn suggests, can not be explained or learned or understood unless you know them by heart. And that is both the beauty and the tragedy of the human condition: to believe in the heart, to believe in romance, to believe in love, even after one has lost so much.
"Time on Earth"—it's wonderful. Have a listen.
Comments:
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Richard, this is your weekly gift to Richard Thomas, I presume: viz., weekly tribute to New Zealand. Last weekend it was about NZL govt and ecology; now the Finn brothers.
Actually, I've long had an interest in the cultures of Australia. I spent time there at a particularly important moment n my life, and one of my closest friends in the world lives in Australia. But yes, I defer to Richard Thomas in my understanding of it.
Next week: I go on about Men at Work.
Next week: I go on about Men at Work.
Ah, but the reference to Australia cancels the compliment, eadw (sorry, Judith), so your theory falters. Richard, don't defer to me on Australia, since I've never been there, though I hear it's an interesting place.
The Finn brothers are Kiwis, but their ties to Australia are good and well-established, with the likes of Paul Hester (R.I.P.), Nick Seymour both hailing from country.
I can't wait to hear the new album.
I can't wait to hear the new album.
In spite of some historical connectionss (e.g. the ANZACs), there are significant differences between Australia and New Zealand.
Thank you, Richard (Thomas), for pointing out this out. Just as you've never been to Australia, I've never been to New Zealand, though I have a second cousin who lives there.
Thank you, Richard (Thomas), for pointing out this out. Just as you've never been to Australia, I've never been to New Zealand, though I have a second cousin who lives there.
Here's a nice article in today's Daily Telegraph for fans:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/07/12/nosplit/bmhouse112.xml&DCMP;=EMC-art_13072007
I agree with Rich about the melancholy strain of antipodeon pop... saw it too with Go-Betweens, in particular with its songs by Grant McLennan: another early, tragic death (although not suicide or accident) just last year. Also the work of a terrific band that hardly in the US anyone knows: My Friend the Chocolate Cake, fronted by David Bridie. Their song "A Midlife's Tale" is perhaps the most exquisitely poignant one I know--possible exception being "Fall at Your Feet" by, er, Crowded House.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2007/07/12/nosplit/bmhouse112.xml&DCMP;=EMC-art_13072007
I agree with Rich about the melancholy strain of antipodeon pop... saw it too with Go-Betweens, in particular with its songs by Grant McLennan: another early, tragic death (although not suicide or accident) just last year. Also the work of a terrific band that hardly in the US anyone knows: My Friend the Chocolate Cake, fronted by David Bridie. Their song "A Midlife's Tale" is perhaps the most exquisitely poignant one I know--possible exception being "Fall at Your Feet" by, er, Crowded House.
And, in fact, I've never been to New Zealand...though I have been to Tasmania.
Didn't mean to lump NZ and Australia together. Interested in them both.
Didn't mean to lump NZ and Australia together. Interested in them both.
Quite so, Judith, on the differences, though similar outlooks too, no? I in fact have many distant relatives in Australia, since my great-grandfather had the foresight and wisdom to emigrate from Adelaide to NZ.
eadw, you probably know John Dix's classic, Stranded in Paradise: New Zealand Rock and Roll 1955 to the Modern Era (was to 1988, updated 2004). A good read.
"Time on Earth" sounds great, so thanks for the pick, Richard
eadw, you probably know John Dix's classic, Stranded in Paradise: New Zealand Rock and Roll 1955 to the Modern Era (was to 1988, updated 2004). A good read.
"Time on Earth" sounds great, so thanks for the pick, Richard
To each his own, I suppose. But to argue that this is great poetry baffles and amazes. Decent enough pop music, a diversion, maybe, but true art? I don't think so. This is just narcissistic whining about a broken heart. Oooh, very profound.
When I think of great lyrics that approach poetry, I think of Bruce Cockburn, Sarah Harmer, Randall Bramblett, Al James of Dolorean, Jim McMurtry, David Brown of Brazzaville to name a few. Check em out.
But, like I said, to each his own. But Richard's taste are very VH1. The 80s are over, Richard!
When I think of great lyrics that approach poetry, I think of Bruce Cockburn, Sarah Harmer, Randall Bramblett, Al James of Dolorean, Jim McMurtry, David Brown of Brazzaville to name a few. Check em out.
But, like I said, to each his own. But Richard's taste are very VH1. The 80s are over, Richard!
Bruce Cockburn?
—I want to raise every voice -- at least I've got to try
Every time I think about it water rises to my eyes.
Situation desperate, echoes of the victims cry
If I had a rocket launcher...Some son of a bitch would die—
But yes, to each his own.
—I want to raise every voice -- at least I've got to try
Every time I think about it water rises to my eyes.
Situation desperate, echoes of the victims cry
If I had a rocket launcher...Some son of a bitch would die—
But yes, to each his own.
Excuse me, but why shouldn't parents of young children see that movie? Do you want to shield them from unpleasant truths? Do you figure it will make it impossible for them ever again to see their children in the same innocent life? Will it trigger some sort of horrible curse bringing tragedy and destruction upon the family? You said it's an unusual movie for American tastes. That implies you like the idea of broadening American tastes. So why not be consistent?
Scrunching Eurotrash
Scrunching Eurotrash
rocket launcher -- a tongue in cheek song that's not really typical. How about Charity of Night, a better song about finding love in violent times and the hopelessness of revolution.
On the dresser wax drips in slow motion down the long side of
A black candle
Ecstatic halo of flame and pheromone-
or this:
Heavy northern autumn sky
Mist-hung forest -- Dark spruce, bright maple --
And the great lake rolling forever to the narrow gray beach
I look west along the red road of the frail sun
Where it hovers between shelf of cloud and spiky trees,
Receding shore;
The world is full of seasons; of anguish, of laughter
And it comes to mind to write you this:
Nothing is sure
Nothing is pure
And no matter who we think we are
Everyone gets his chance to be nothing
Wave on wave of life
Like the great wide ocean's roll
Haunting hands of memory
Pluck silver strands of soul
The damage and the dying done
The clarity of light
Gentle bows and glasses raised
To the charity of night
On the dresser wax drips in slow motion down the long side of
A black candle
Ecstatic halo of flame and pheromone-
or this:
Heavy northern autumn sky
Mist-hung forest -- Dark spruce, bright maple --
And the great lake rolling forever to the narrow gray beach
I look west along the red road of the frail sun
Where it hovers between shelf of cloud and spiky trees,
Receding shore;
The world is full of seasons; of anguish, of laughter
And it comes to mind to write you this:
Nothing is sure
Nothing is pure
And no matter who we think we are
Everyone gets his chance to be nothing
Wave on wave of life
Like the great wide ocean's roll
Haunting hands of memory
Pluck silver strands of soul
The damage and the dying done
The clarity of light
Gentle bows and glasses raised
To the charity of night
Let's face it, though. We should never try to uncover meaning in pop music and just enjoy it. After all, it doesn't get much better than "she loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah."
Well said anon 2:21. Think Twice loves to just pick at Richard over the trivial. It's peculiar. So in Richard's defense I post the following from the great poet Elvis:
You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
Well, you aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
You aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.
It doesn't get much better than that either.
You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
You aint nothin but a hound dog
Cryin all the time.
Well, you aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
When they said you was high classed,
Well, that was just a lie.
You aint never caught a rabbit
And you aint no friend of mine.
It doesn't get much better than that either.
To Think Twice,
Maybe you should pick your battles alittle more wisely, dear. You are obviously bright, but I think all that good energy is misdirected.
Looking forward to your next argument,
Anon 2:40
Maybe you should pick your battles alittle more wisely, dear. You are obviously bright, but I think all that good energy is misdirected.
Looking forward to your next argument,
Anon 2:40
Doesn't get ANY better than the Cyrkle's 1966 hit:
I should have known you'd bid me farewell
There's a lesson to be learned from this and I learned it very well
Now I know you're not the only starfish in the sea
If I never hear your name again, it's all the same to me
And I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
You never cared for secrets I'd confide
For you I'm just an ornament, somethin' for your pride
Always runnin', never carin', that's the life you live
Stolen minutes of your time were all you had to give
And I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
The story's in the past with nothin' to recall
I've got my life to live and I don't need you at all
The roller coaster ride we took is nearly at an end
I bought my ticket with my tears, that's all I'm gonna spend
And I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
Oh, oh, oh
I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
I should have known you'd bid me farewell
There's a lesson to be learned from this and I learned it very well
Now I know you're not the only starfish in the sea
If I never hear your name again, it's all the same to me
And I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
You never cared for secrets I'd confide
For you I'm just an ornament, somethin' for your pride
Always runnin', never carin', that's the life you live
Stolen minutes of your time were all you had to give
And I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
The story's in the past with nothin' to recall
I've got my life to live and I don't need you at all
The roller coaster ride we took is nearly at an end
I bought my ticket with my tears, that's all I'm gonna spend
And I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
Oh, oh, oh
I think it's gonna be all right
Yeah, the worst is over now
The mornin' sun is shinin' like a red rubber ball
Since we're all pasting lyrics now, and since I feel so strongly about "Midlife's Tale" as the greatest antipodean pop song of all time, even without the exquisite melody which must be listened to here goes:
My neighbour does some funny things
He's got three kids and he's got six drinks to go
Before he sleeps tonight
Singing liberation songs out on the front veranda
My neighbour falls asleep out there
He wakes up the next morning with the sun
And it reminds him that its time, it's off to work we go
It's always one day starting way behind another
Get it back now, get it back now, get it back now (repeat)
Dreaming is a casual thing you do if you believe
That just by chance one day the lovely things will come true
But he's way past thinking that, it's now a day by day proposal
He's lost his magic, Christ, he'd like to get it back now
Get it back now, get it back now, get it back now (repeat)
Once upon a time there were so many plans
Holidays and blossoms and some find romance
But it's all behind him now, there's no game plan to be followed
He's lost his magic, Christ, he'd like to get it back now
Get it back now, get it back now, get it back now (repeat four times)
My neighbour does some funny things
He's got three kids and he's got six drinks to go
Before he sleeps tonight
Singing liberation songs out on the front veranda
My neighbour falls asleep out there
He wakes up the next morning with the sun
And it reminds him that its time, it's off to work we go
It's always one day starting way behind another
Get it back now, get it back now, get it back now (repeat)
Dreaming is a casual thing you do if you believe
That just by chance one day the lovely things will come true
But he's way past thinking that, it's now a day by day proposal
He's lost his magic, Christ, he'd like to get it back now
Get it back now, get it back now, get it back now (repeat)
Once upon a time there were so many plans
Holidays and blossoms and some find romance
But it's all behind him now, there's no game plan to be followed
He's lost his magic, Christ, he'd like to get it back now
Get it back now, get it back now, get it back now (repeat four times)
Possibly the greatest pop song of all time contains these immortal lines:
My boy Lollipop
You make my heart go giddy-up
You are as sweet as candy
You're my sugar dandy
Of course, 50 Cent recently tried to match this with the following:
I'll take you to the candy shop
I'll let you lick the lollipop
Go 'head girl, don't you stop
Keep going 'til you hit the spot
Helpfully, "Fitty" points out that he "melts in your mouth, not in your hands".
Ah for more innocent days.....
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My boy Lollipop
You make my heart go giddy-up
You are as sweet as candy
You're my sugar dandy
Of course, 50 Cent recently tried to match this with the following:
I'll take you to the candy shop
I'll let you lick the lollipop
Go 'head girl, don't you stop
Keep going 'til you hit the spot
Helpfully, "Fitty" points out that he "melts in your mouth, not in your hands".
Ah for more innocent days.....
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