To get over the schmaltzy nature of Valentine’s Day yesterday here is our anti V-day declaration in the spirit of past posts on this site.
Don’t forget we are still in the running for an IPhone 4 giveaway so get your entries in here.
Stars – ‘Your Ex-Lover Is Dead‘
In my mind this track is about that strange, and somewhat satisfying, moment when you have finally chased away the ghosts of a past relationship. Torquil Campbell and Amy Millan’s wonderful vocal interplay is ideal to narrate the track’s bittersweet feel.
The two most telling moments are the hushed tones of the orchestral break down giving the simple reassurance that you’ll “live through this and you won’t look back“. There is still time for one more crescendo framed with the startling realisation: “I’m not sorry I met you, I’m not sorry It’s over, I’m not sorry there’s nothing to say“.
The Good Life – ‘Album Of The Year‘
There are several stellar songs in Tim Kasher‘s repertoire but ‘Album Of The Year‘ is perhaps my favourite of them all. The frontman candidly unleashes what is a seemingly autobiographical tale of a couple disintegrating over a period of 12 month.
the song slowly evolves from the first time that he meets “her” her until the last time he sees “her” rising musically from an an acoustic number to a full Brazilian beat and a final shout-along. It is almost like eavesdropping on someone in a confessional as he lays out candid observations, humour and audible heartbreak.
Yeasayer have been infected by today’s Valentine’s Day bug.
In addition to unveiling a new video for the dreamy ‘I Remember‘, taken from last year’s ‘Odd Blood‘, they are also giving away a mini EP featuring the track plus 2 sweet remixes.
As has become customary here is the annual Valentine’s Day post featuring some of my favourite love themed songs. Whether you have been in a relationship for a long time or have just found a special someone stick these on for 15 minutes or so today.
Bright Eyes’ ‘The First Day Of Our Life‘
Conor Oberst delivers near enough the perfect love song managing to be heartfelt and honest without sounding contrived. My friend described it as ‘one of those songs that if you’d want in the soundtrack to your life if there was one‘. I couldnt put it better myself.
Band Of Horses – ‘No One’s Gonna Love You‘
Back in the summer Cee Lo Green‘s delivered his imperious take of ‘No One’s Gonna Love You‘ but for Valentine’s Day I feel the original is perhaps more appropriate for this day. Band Of Horses‘ wide-eyed declaration of affection shoots unashamedly for the heart and should warm even the biggest cynic.
Beck – ‘Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometimes‘
Having featured not one but two Michel Gondry helmed videos this weekend it is quite fitting that the final selection is a track taken from the soundtrack of his ‘Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind‘ masterpiece. The truth is I have been planning to use this song for a while; Beck‘s splendid interpretation of The Korgis ‘Everybody’s Got To Learn Sometimes‘ is guaranteed to give you goosebumps.
As it is Valentine’s Day tomorrow I thought I would close off this episode of Weekend Videos with a love song. Air‘s ‘Moon Safari‘ has always been a strong contender for my Desert Island Album‘s list and ‘All I Need‘ is one of it’s most striking moments on the album with Beth Hirsch lending a timeless feel.
The video in itself is quite unique in its documentary approach following a young couple describing their perceptions of love. Happy Valentine’s Day!
Last year I launched a bit of an attack on the concept of Valentine’s Day itselfy, this year I have mellowed down a little bit. I still think you shouldn’t need an excuse to treat your significant other but it is nice to see all the couples around Camden.
If you forgot to buy him/her a special treat you are still in time to head over to Vouchercodes.co.uk and use their Amazon promo codes. Alternatively you can dedicate these songs to them (pretending they were from you)
For all you lovers out there enjoy your day!
TRACKS
Colin Hay – I Just Don’t Think I’ll Ever Get Over You
With the credit crunch affecting several Global players you would expect it to impact on other aspects of our lives. However, It seems that institutionalised romanticism ™ is alive and well in the year 2009. My friend was travelling around London today and presented me with the scenarios he saw, which animal are you today?
The ones who have been waiting eagerly to spend all day together – (deep in each others gaze)
The ones who were slightly embarrassed and not sure what to do- (Woman hiding behind a rose)
The ones who didnt really want to be there- (Man thinking about the football results)
The singletons observing everyone else in slight envy because they don’t fit in any of the above categories.
Meanwhie, one of Cougar Microbes regular readers broke up with her boyfriend this week and sold his guitar on ebay. Ouch!
These tracks are for the singletons and the ones who are away from the ones they love. There will be other opportunities that won’t be dictated by the greeting card industry.
to feature an array of amazing releases and artists (past, present, old and new) with the goal of promoting them to anyone interested and anyone who stumbles across this site.
If you like any of the tracks, please go buy the albums and help finance the artists producing this great music.
If there are any issues with the tracks featured do not hesitate to contact: "team (AT) Cougar Microbes (DOT) com and we will happily oblige.
To get over the schmaltzy nature of Valentine’s Day yesterday here is our anti V-day declaration in the spirit of past posts on this site.
