Monday, May 11, 2015

Monday




We've had the Wilco discussion many times. Two camps, with very little in between. I'm happy to say it hasn't been lovers and haters, but more like lovers and "I don't get it." I get that.

I tend to get a bit obsessive with Wilco. Like an epic film, the more viewings, or in the band's case, spins, the more treasure I discover, especially beginning with "Summerteeth," the band's third record and my favorite.

But in the case of today's tune, appropriately titled "Monday" from Wilco's second release "Being There," it's all about the ability to hit the rock and roll nail on the head. I think "Monday" does just that.

"Monday" should appeal to everyone, and I'm well aware as a fan of Wilco, that not everything Tweedy and company has released will appeal to the masses.

Is there one song that knocks you out from someone that almost always does not?

10 comments:

William Repsher said...

Lately I've been compiling more electronic/disco tracks for a boxing class, the key to which is always having an insistent/pronounced beat. Via youtube, I've found plenty of interesting remixes of classic rock tracks (search Harvest Dancing in the Moonlight remix), but the main thing I've found is a resurgence of disco-sounding electronic/dance music that's pretty interesting.

The problem being, and pertaining to your question, it's not uncommon for one DJ or group to have one song that's mind-bendingly good and an album that's otherwise filled with complete dreck. It's a strange scene that takes even more work than filing through indie rock to find those key tracks amidst all that "great" music that isn't so great. But I'm surprised, and pleased to find, there are plenty of artists out there who got what Chic, Barry White and Howard Casey were doing, and have added to it.

Re: Wilco. I thought they took a huge creative hit when Jay Bennett was left (or asked to leave?). I don't know what his role was exactly, but either he contributed more than people thought he did, or he simply brought out the best in Tweety's creativity. It's obvious afterwards that Tweety can still do his thing ... it's just that he seemed to be doing it on a much higher level when Jay was around. I'm sure he was a pain in the ass to work with, appeared to be obsessive about sound and details, but you can hear the results.

William Repsher said...

"Tweedy" ... must have ben thinking about Tweety Bird. I always get them mixed up. This is what happens when you post before being fully awake.

buzzbabyjesus said...

I thought, "if this starts out with acoustic guitar, I'm out of here."
Fortunately it's a fine alternative arena rocker.

I hate AC/DC, because of the vocals, but I can't resist "Rock N Roll Ain't Noise Pollution".

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_IWlPHMziU

Anonymous said...

Selena Gomez's "Come and Get It". pop music needs more banghra.

mauijim said...

Lost interest in Jethro Tull when punk hit but dug 1st 2 songs on comeback lp Crest o Knave even with those electronic drums that carbon dated its time period. Dont know about you guys but its hard to listen to any 80-90s material these days due to electronic drums. Joni lps during that decade are the most damaged

Shriner said...

Interesting question...

If we eliminate "one-hit wonders" (or maybe two-hit wonders) from the conversation...

A short list of songs I like by bands/artists (multiple records) that I haven't really liked anything else by them when I've tried (iTunes makes this easy to find...)

"Only One" -- The Goo Goo Dolls
"(I Love It When You) Call Me Names" -- Joan Armatrading
"Holiday" -- Nazareth (and, no, I really can't stand "Hair of the Dog"...)
"Since You've Been Gone" -- Rainbow
"Hey Ya!" -- Outkast
"I Write Sins Not Tragedies" -- Panic At The Disco
"I Got You" -- Split Enz (did not like Crowded House, either...)
"Take The Skinheads Bowling" -- Camper Van Beethoven.
"Wouldn't It Be Good" -- Nik Kershaw



There are tons of bands where I might only like two songs -- but I limited it where there was just one song from a multi-album band/artist.


And, yes, on paper, I should like Wilco, but I still don't get it...and I keep trying...

rick said...

"Right in Time" --Lucinda Williams
"In the Air Tonight"--Phil Collins
"I've Been Waiting" --Matthew Sweet
"Braver New World" --Jimmy Dale Gilmore
"Karma Chameleon"--Culture Club
"Crush"--Dave Matthews
"Dog Days are Over"--Florence and the Machine
"Learn to Fly"--Foo Fighters
"Come Monday"--Jimmy Buffett

Chris Collins said...

funny, but I just rediscovered this song THIS WEEK and played it about 8 times in a row.

I generally could never stand the Smashing Pumpkins but I always loved "1979".

buzzbabyjesus said...

Just because I mentioned it, I watched the video for "Rock N Roll Ain't Noise Pollution" 5 times in a row. The sheer perfection of every second knocks me out. Everything works.

Anonymous said...

Sal:

I would nominate "Angelyne" by the Jayhawks from Rainy Day Music (2003).

Great song from a band I like but miostly find hit or miss. Still, this song is always played on repeat until I get my fix.

Michael D.