35 of 1001 Songs: Lead Belly’s The Gallis Pole

The next song on the list is getting me back to the blues, and it’s catchy and interesting. The instrumentals were where it was really at for me among the other sounds happening. Also, it’s a song you definitely are going to have go back and read the lyrics over as it moves extremely quick. I imagine people had to be moving with the pace of this song.

History: This song existed before Lead Belly covered it. His version though switched it up a bit though with more emphasis on the lyrics, and an instrument that would liven the tune up a lot. It was also the song that launched the song to be more familiar to the public as it is today. The song would go on to be covered by many other artists though like Bob Dylan and Led Zeppelin, charting the song’s popularity didn’t stop with artists.

Vocals: There was actually a song that came on after The Gallis Pole that I really enjoyed by Lead Belly called, Where Did You Sleep Last Night? I was listening to that and wishing that was on the list instead. It sounded so much better, but I guess it lacks historical and cultural significance that got the other on the list. The singer really has a great voicing, but The Gallis Pole utilizes more of spoken word techniques, and has a certain pacing that I didn’t felt showed off the vocals as much. The way he paces his vocals works for the overall tone of the tune though.

Instrumentals: The most impressive thing about the song instrumentally is the use of the 12 string guitar. It shows a lot of talent a long to make your way around on that instrument much less play it in the style that it’s being played in this tune. Also, it is the primary instrument, but you don’t need too much more because the instrumentals and the vocals are enough to give this song enough rhythm and memorable moments without the addition of more.

Lyrics: So for a song that Lead Belly turned into a bit more of faster tune the lyrics are really dark. It’s basically about a guy about to be hanged on the gallows pole. Anyway, throughout the song it sounds as if he continuing to try to bargain his way off. A lot of songs I’m hearing from the 30’s either contain dark content, or lighter content like “Over the Rainbow”, but for the most part every song has this somber edge to it. It makes sense though considering the 30’s may have not been the easiest time to live in for anyone.

The Gallis Pole is a piece of blues history. I think Lead Belly has some better songs that show the talent of his vocals and instrument talent, but it makes sense as to why this was chosen from his collection because it does have a lot of value lyrically. Plus, the song was already a classic before he went on to popularize it anyways.

Rating 7 of 10.

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33 of 1001 Songs: Judy Garland’s Over the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow is perhaps the most recognizable song of all time no matter what age you are. Judy Garland would sing the song in 1939. As I was listening it was easy to see why this song has had such long standing appeal. It has this very hopeful vibe to the tune that stays throughout. The singer seems to be a serious situation hoping for a positive change. It’s a realist song with a positive edge.

History: This song would be an Academy Award winning tune performed by Judy Garland. Before albums, songs were released as singles, so songs made for movies seemed to have the potential to garner a lot more individual attention. This song was specifically written for the movie, The Wizard of Oz. The song has spawned many covers, some that became quit popular for the artist who covered it.

Vocals: I think the lovely aspect of the song is how mature the song sounds. It has lyrics that sound like they are for a more adult person to sing, with even a mature backing instrumental to give it power. Garland’s voicing is what makes it more accessible to all age groups. When she recorded this in the 30’s she was younger and the youthful vibe of her voice makes this song more appealing to all age groups. Whether you’re a kid who is feeling alone, or not like they are understood to an adult who is feeling under appreciated, or just hopeless in a job, this song has a wide range of appeal in relating to how people feel in a given moment. Garland’s voice ranges from sounding somber to almost dreamy.

Instrumentals: The instrumentals sound very classical and true to what you would hear in the 30’s. Somehow though this song has managed to translate into a timeless sound. The orchestra arrangement sounds like something out of a Disney movie, and I think since most people will grow up hearing this song and ones like it they will associate it with more so a timeless childhood tale than anything.

Lyrics: The lyrics are perhaps the best bit, at least for me, regarding the song. It has a lot of dreamy imagery, for example the rainbow, that makes the song have a whimsical and carefree vibe.  For me I mostly heard the song growing up, so instead it made me think of all the things I want to be when I’m adult as a child. To be honest, I don’t know that I would go back and listen to this song as an adult though. It’s more of a nostalgia thing with me.

The song is a beautifully written song, and with the simple yet serious toned message it’s no wonder it’s had the long term appeal that it has had. Garland also has a very lovely voice. To be honest though the song got better as she got older and her voice sounded more like a woman though. For many the song will be best heard when you’re viewing the movie The Wizard of Oz.

Rating 7.5 of 10.

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32 of 1001 Songs: MGMT’s Time to Pretend

This is another song I remember listening to a good bit when it was first released. I have to say of the ones I’ve went back and listened to again though this one catchy still and I liked it, but as far as meaning it got me disgruntled. It’s a very early twenties song, and maybe maturing just makes it rub me the wrong way. I arrangement of the instrumental sounds though does give it this very movie tone though, and I can’t deny it is quite catchy.

History: This song became quite a hit when the second version was released on their album, Oracular Spectacular. There was an earlier version on their EP. Basically the song is about as straight in meaning as you can get. This song made many best of lists, including Time’s. It would also be the most successful song that MGMT has had to date.

Vocals: The lead vocals are distorted sounding, but they blend well with the instrumentals. Now I have no idea what the vocals would sound like without all the layers of mechanics to it though. So it could be a hard song to perform live because of the way the vocalist sounds. I like the energy of the song though, and the tone of the song does have this youthful and hopeful vibe that matches the tone of the tune. There is a lot of energy working through the vocals as well despite the monotone, almost robotic quality of the vocals.

Instrumentals: This song is classified as rock though I would almost say it’s more for electronic fans. Well there are only two guys working on the album. The vocalist contributed to several instruments, and so does one other guy. Everything from keyboards, guitars, drums, and synthesizers can be heard on this song, and it’s combined well to get the sound they get for the song, which makes anyone listen think of the rockstar lifestyle. Perhaps it is the channeling of instrumentals that have been used in all sorts of rock, especially the rock of rockstars, to give us that imagery as you listen.

Lyrics: Just as you would imagine the rockstar life the lyrics are pretty materialistic, and vulgar. The song in it’s own way is very dark though. While it might reflect the lifestyle of having anything you want from drugs to models, it also gets even darker as the song goes on as the singer reflects on the loses with fame though. Including the boredom of a normal life, losing the closeness of family, and the idea of your childhood home in exchange for what fame can bring. By the end of the song the rockstars have had children, divorced, and are chocking on the vomit from overdoses of their addictions. Whether the singer’s view this as a negative is left to obscurity because even in the way they discuss the song they don’t portray it negatively.

The song is very catchy, and honestly dark despite the light electronic sound it carries throughout the whole tune. I have to say I still hear the appeal of what I did when I first listened to it though, but I also feel like I’ve grown away from listening to things with such lyrical content. Perhaps the regular person might find value in the warnings of materialism and fame, but otherwise there isn’t much to garner from it after listening despite a really catchy beat.

Rating 8 of 10.

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31 of 1001 Songs: Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit

So far there has been no song as impacting on the list, and probably won’t be, as Billie Holiday’s Strange Fruit. It’s got to be the darkest yet as well with the imagery created throughout. Holiday though uses her vocals to bring the tone of the song to life, and get the listener’s attention. The whole arrangement shows why it is a song that has stood the test of time.

History: The song is said to be inspired by a photo of lynchings and a poem that contains very similar words to the song. Holiday though would have a tough time getting this song to the audience because of the subject matter, especially with it still be 1939, and a country still bending to racism. She performed the song for the audiences she could though, and even with the fear of how it would be perceived in the South the song would get to listeners. It’s still a popular song today even with Time listing it as song of the century.

Vocals: Holiday’s vocals sound very unique. They have a smoky and very deep sound that gives her voicing power. The power is needed to just convey how strong the content of the song is. The lyrics by themselves are quite eerie, but when you take the voice and put it on top of that you get something even stronger that resonates with you. I don’t think it’s the instrumentals that exactly make this the lasting song it has been, but more so the bold message of the time, and the harsh realities of what African Americans were living in the 30’s, and for a long time.

Instrumentals: The music has a very jazz sound to it, but with the way the tone of the song is channeled in the instrumentals are very toned down so they don’t overwhelm the vocals nor the lyrics. Even during a live performance one venue owner wanted it to be the last song with only the spotlight on her face for the effect to resonate with audiences. With this song it just isn’t about the instruments even though they are well played.

Lyrics: The lyrics are dark, and if you look at the poem and image that inspired them it only makes the song a lot darker. Lynchings were still common happenings in the 30’s, and up to the Civil Rights movement. It shows how bold Holiday was especially as a woman and African American to be so vocal on something that no one could really not smooth over as not horrific. This song is just a dark look at a history involving America that isn’t pretty.

Holiday’s song shows why she was one of the power women of her genre. She had songs that moved people and shook up controversy. She even got some people who may have not been listening to listen when they heard this song. Now this song lives on through the hit it became for Holiday, and through the numerous covers and inclusions, even in Kanye West’s recent album, which utilizes a cover that Nina Simone did.

Rating 9 of 10.

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29 of 1001 Songs: Robert Johnson’s Hellhound on my Trail

So I used this single cover of Cross Road Blues because finding a cover to use for Hell Hound on My Trail was even more complicated. It seems the song has inspired many art prints and artistic endeavors of those who enjoy the tune. Johnson is a very bluesy artist, and while I’m sure plenty of women enjoy his music there is a masculine tone that is present in most songs that show cases the appeal.

History: This song further puts into the tale that Johnson sold his soul to the devil to achieve his musical talents. People continued to let this song fuel the tale even though plenty of artist before Johnson had discussed the topic of hellhounds. The song though has achieved a legacy as well. It’s been inducted in blues’ hall of fame, and has been credited as one of the most influential blues song there is. It’s still one of Johnson’s most popular singles to date.

Vocals: Johnson also has some of the most blues driven vocals on the list so far, and along with that come the very blues music. I can’t say that I’m huge fan of many of the aspects of blues outside the guitar though I admit there is plenty of talent in the genre. Johnson singing style is very emotional, so sometimes it includes ranges that go everywhere, but it heightens the emotions of the music he is singing as well, so that is a positive aspect of the song.

Instrumentals: The pacing of the instrumentals are done very well to amp up the emotions of the lyrics and the singing. The guitar has a nice rhythm, and it is memorable. I guess still I was feeling underwhelmed with the whole tone of the song still though. While I like how Johnson has arranged the song I still wasn’t feeling a connection with the instrumentals or the vocals, but I think it’s the possible theme of the lyrics that steer me the most away from the song.

Lyrics: The lyrics sound like a man on the run from something bad, which makes sense as to why this song continues the idea that Johnson sold his soul to the devil for his talent. With the idea in southern churches at the time, which the south is where Johnson is from, that hellhounds were actually sent to catch sinners it would be relevant that Johnson thought he would be the target of hellhounds if he thought they existed. I do find it intriguing how the culture of the time is so weaved into Johsnon’s music. Whether it’s faith imagery that was popular at the time or dealing with racial perceptions he stays for relevant to the 30’s. I still just don’t think I could even listen to the content.

Johnson has made his name in blues legend. If you listen to blues there is a very good chance you’re listening to Johnson. There are definitely all the elements there for blues from the emotional lyrics, the guitar, and even the voicing. It’s arranged in a way that sets a tone, and it’s inspired many musicians afterwards to pattern the genre in the same way.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/3UVgH9JqSnQ&source=uds

28 of 1001 Songs: Santogold’s L.E.S. Artistes

So at the time this song was recorded the artist now known as Santigold instead spelled it Santogold, so I just spelled it the way it was at the time of recording. This was an artist I had heard the name of, but wasn’t familiar with, and I have to say it was a nice surprise. This artist sings what is known as pop, but also the modern take on new wave that honestly has struggled to be as popular a genre since it left with the 80’s. To be hones though I don’t know that new wave could ever truly exist anymore without the sounds I acquaint with the genre.

History: Santogold would cause a stir with her debut album that would release a couple of hits. Her second single would be L.E.S Artistes. The song did receive good critical attention, but it seems that Rolling Stones would really love it. It also was a bigger hit in the U.K. than it was even in America at the time of it’s release. The song was released in 2008, but there are already bands covering the song.

Vocals: Santi White is the vocalist, and she does have great vocals. They don’t over do it, so the spotlight of the song is evenly balanced all around between her singing and the arrangement of sounds backing her. For those who like a cooler pop sound her voicing captures it very well. It’s chill, but also still maintaining an artsy vibe to the whole song.

Instrumentals: The song does involve a new wave aspect. So you hear traditional instruments like the drums and guitars, but there is a whole other layer of sound happening as well beneath what they’ve arranged through those outlets. There are wide range of instruments being credited for appearing on the album including a horn arrangement, organs and more. It’s the keyboard that brings in a bit of the new wave sound some might be looking for though.

Lyrics: I honestly like the very inspiring lyrics of this song. Santi White did explain the lyrics to be about her move to New York and how she believed their was a fake artist vibe going around, and it rubbed her the wrong way. So this song essentially puts off the vibe about being real about who you are and the beliefs you have as an individual. There are some easy to relate to ideas in the song. Like most music nowadays the lyrics are obscure enough so just about anyone can take it to a situation and apply it to your own situation, and with a song like this that does work.

Santogold now Santigold, has made a good song with this, and it has gotten me interested in exploring further. It’s upbeat, and balances the tones of seriousness well without being a downer. The vocals are also strong, and don’t over power the song too much, and leave even balance for every element of the song as well. My biggest obstacle is that I just don’t know how well I would remember this song down the line.

Rating 8 of 10.

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27 of 1001 Songs: Robert Johnson’s Cross Road Blues

Robert Johnson’s song is very bluesy and very filled with attitude. I did like it, but I think of the older songs I’ve listened to so far it was my least favorite. It’s very simple, but for those who like a more toned down blues style this is definitely an appealing song. Johnson’s voicing is timed to fit the instruments as well, but his voice goes way beyond to make up the majority of the talent for the song.

History: There is a lot of interesting history behind Robert Johnson’s song, that would also contribute to the myth that he sold his soul to the devil in the spot referenced in the song to gain his musical talents. If so that tragically just ruins the song! There are a few other possible meanings, with one being the difficulty of being black in some spots in the south, and others simply stating loneliness. The song is a very traditionally composed blues song though. The song is quite popular in pop culture with it being covered many times, and used in soundtracks.

Vocals: Robert Johnson does have some of the most bluesy vocals I’ve heard. He does add to that vibe created by the lyrics and the instrumentals. Johnson though shows a lot of talent with the range and control of his voicing though. Of all the aspects of the tune it’s really the voicing that is most impressive because it carries so much of the rhythm and tone of the tune.

Instrumentals: The primary instrument is just the guitar, and it’s very suiting to have a lone guitar to fit the lone vocalist. The guitar is well played, but behind the strong vocals it does quite fail in comparison into what your ears will be directed to. I like the chords that are strummed though, and the composition of the instrumentals is very creative and very talented. I don’t quite understand all the technical terms and what was utilized, but it makes for a sound that is raw with talent.

Lyrics: Essentially the lyrics are quite simple, but what they have stirred people to interpret is far complex. The lyrics are basically about a guy trying to get a ride, but he is failing to get anyone to give him one. From these very simple verses lots of meanings have been derived. I wonder if he just meant he couldn’t get a ride and it bummed him out so he wrote about it? That isn’t apart of what is suggested it means. Instead it means everything from his life circumstance to racism. Those are possible though. The potential for darker meaning though makes this tune difficult to listen to.

Robert Johnson seems to be a favorite blues singer of popular culture with even Martin Scorsese giving his music use in his movies. When this song was made in 1936 I’m sure that wasn’t imagined by Robert Johnson. The song though wasn’t too much my pace. I could see the talent in the tune, but the pacing and the overall tone wasn’t too my preference.

https://youtube.googleapis.com/v/Yd60nI4sa9A&source=uds

26 of 1001 Songs: Kings of Leon’s Sex on Fire

Kings of Leon’s album Only By the Night seemed to be the peak of success, but also the one that prior fans of the band broke away from liking the more cleaned up sound they were heading in. This isn’t about the album though Only By the Night, but instead about the most popular song from the album “Sex on Fire.” The song to do this day is still popular, and hate it or love it it is pretty dang catchy.

History: The first single to be released from Only By the Night was “Sex on Fire.” It was perhaps the best choice the band could make as it caught a lot of attention. It would be the first time the band would achieve number ones in many countries over seas, and spur many digital downloads, and it would sky rocket the band to fame over seas in the United Kingdom. The song has received many positive reviews, but not everyone has been so kind to it. The song though did receive quite a few award nominations, particularly at the Grammy’s, apart from the album itself.

Vocals: Caleb Followill is the vocalist of Kings of Leon, and his voice really is something to listen to, and he can carry it well live too. It does have the distinctive quality of being from the South, and I think it gives a song like this even more character. It’s nicely toned with the Southern instrumentals in the song that do give it a bit of Southern rock vibe yet not too country. It’s also obvious that Followill has cleaned up his vocals in the studio a bit in comparison to how his voicing was sounding on previous albums where it was a bit more raw.

Instrumentals: In an interesting mix the instrumental arrangement is what inspired the lyrics. The music was composed first, and then the lyrics were set to the vibe of the song. I think it also shows something about the band I like. The other musicians in the band are two brothers of the singer, and a cousin. You have Nathan Followill, Jared Followill and Matthew Followill. The obvious catchy part to this tune is the guitar. The guitar rhythm will get stuck in your head if no other part of the song does, but I honestly do enjoy how it sounds.

Lyrics: I remember the lyrics getting some jokes as while the song sounds sexy, the lyrics leave for some interesting thoughts on why the sex is on fire. Regardless, it doesn’t make the song any less sexy. The way the vocalist is pacing his voicing to the lyrics, and the projection of the instrumentals with it make it a song that does necessarily emphasize the importance of the lyrics, but more so the vocals and the instrumentals. Let’s be honest it’s obvious the lyrics weren’t taken too much thought to. If you read the lyrics there are just parts that make you go “huh?”

King’s of Leon’s “Sex on Fire” might be a song I honestly just turn on for the heck of at random points in the future. It has a good sound, and it honestly never gets old. There just isn’t always the occasion you are looking to put on music like this. I do enjoy the best parts of the tune though that isn’t the actual lyrics, but so the composition of it.

Rating 9 of 10.

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25 of 1001 Songs: The Carters’ Can the Circle be Unbroken? (Bye and Bye)

This is a beautiful song from The Carters. It made me think of O’ Brother Where Art Thou? while I was listening. The music is in contrast to much of what I’ve been hearing from the 30’s, which includes mostly blues and jazz, and now with The Carters introduction of country music. Even though there is a touch of folk in the song.

History: The song is derived from an older song titled, Will the Circle be Unbroken? The song is a bit dark in nature with it’s themes, but I assume the Carters redid the song to fit with the death of their own family member. The song is very popular among folk artists, and a huge lists of artists have covered the song, and even redid the lyrics once again to make them more uplifting. Personally, I do like the vibe of this one though.

Vocals: Sara Carter and Maybelle are the main ones to carry vocals in the band. A.P also contributes vocals to this song, which he rarely did in other singles. What stood out to me was the harmonizing of their voicing. Everyone sounds within the same range, but contributes to the different sounds of the song. Though the lyrics are depressing I feel like they keep the song from getting too bummer because of the vocals and the way they keep them flowing in a lighter range.

Instrumentals: The instruments are traditional folk stuff. The group consisted of A.P Carter who did not contribute to anything instrumentally, Sara who did played an instrument, but I’m not able to place what it was. Maybelle though actually was the most popular instrumentally in the group with her guitar playing. The playing would be distinctive to her, and go on to inspire other styles as well. The group also was the first to really break out the country music genre.

Lyrics: The band is A.P Carter and Sara who are married, and their sister in law, Maybelle. So the band’s lyrics seem to be able to hit home with all of them as being about A.P.’s mom and her death I’m sure they could all feel the impact of that. To be honest, it seems that country music is one of the few to deal with the darker side of life regarding death and funeral’s that most other genres don’t touch on in the same way or at all. It doesn’t make light of the situation, but with the instrumental arrangement and the vocals it keeps the song from falling into despair. Especially since the lyrics do talk about the prospect of the mother moving on to heaven, and this not being the end of her existence.

The Carter’s arranged a song that does hit you and one you can’t stop listening to intently once it catches your ears. It’s definitely a song I see myself going to back to listen to as it stirred something in me that got me to wanting to write again which feels like a rare thing now. With how huge this genre has been and it’s nice blend of American folk it has wide appeal, even just emotionally.

Rating 9.5 of 10.

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24 of 1001 Songs: Elbow’s One Day Like This

 Elbow’s One Day Like This is a very inspiring sounding song that is well composed to hit a spot with the listener regardless of whether the music feels like it is your style. The vocalist voicing is very somber, and the instrumentals never over whelm, and it brings in a unique type of alternative rock for the listener to enjoy. The positive vibe of the song though is welcome, but I kept trying to pin point quite what I was looking for to hit me the entire time of listening.

History: Elbow’s song sounds like a lot like “Hey Jude” in some ways, and the band admits it was an inspiration for the tune. The song would be the second single from Elbow’s fourth album, The Seldom Seen Kid. For the British band this would mark a hit on the U.K. charts with it placing in the top 40.

Vocals: Guy Garvey is the lead singer of the band, and he has a really good voice. It’s strong, but also doesn’t show off much. He also captures the emotion. I think he sounds like a real singer. There isn’t some over dramatic style added to it that over does the emotion, but instead lets the singer sing it as if he he is really singing it from the heart. I also like how the elements of the song work to go with the vocals. The instrumentals sound good, but it doesn’t over power the lead singer.

Instrumentals: Garvey also plays guitar, Richard Jupp is on drums, Craig Potter on keyboards, Mark Potter is on guitar and vocals, and there is Pete Turner who also does backing vocals and bass guitar. There are a lot of pieces of instruments to the music, and it all comes together very well to make a strongly composed song. The instrumentals go a bit rock, but honestly the rock vibe isn’t prominent, and the song does aim for this mainstream sound. I like the way the instrumentals advance throughout the tune to become more momentous. I do feel there was a point, especially near the end where the instruments sound like they are repeating the same beat, and it by the end it’s lacking a bit of creativity to keep it inspiring.

Lyrics: I have to say the lyrics are very beautiful, and I love that someone is just rejoicing in the feeling of love in this song. It isn’t so direct that someone would listen and have to feel necessarily romantic love either. It’s one of the rare occasions where  vague lyrics work to create something that many people can apply positively to their life. Near the end the lyrics go much like the beat of the song though, and provide the same chorus till the end.

Elbow creates an innocent vibe with this song that is welcome in a world where music likes to push it’s boundaries. There is a lot of talent from the musicians and the vocalist to make a song that sounds cohesive in a lot of ways. It does repeat itself in beat and writing a bit by the end, but that doesn’t subtract from the good beginning it had.

Rating 7.5 of 10.

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