BSE? Round 3 Part 1

Shit's getting real now. This round is going down in two 8 song parts partly because I'm writing more for these later rounds and partly because 16 at one time is a lot.

Match 3.1

Victor: Brian Wilson - BNL

Defeated: Peacebone – Animal Collective

Why did this song deserve to be here?

What a cool song. To those who don’t know the band this might actually be animal collectives most accessible song. Once you get past the noise intro there’s a pop song in there. Of course being animal collective it’s still quite original and noisy. There’s a galloping synthesizer keeping the beat throughout the whole song and space age noises come in to provide our countermelody to the vocals. Speaking of which I don’t think the lyrics make much sense but they do sound good. This is one of those cases where each individual sentence is more important than a cohesive whole. Lines like “I was a jugular vein in a juggler’s girl” don’t really make much sense but damn do they sound sweet. Of course he even addresses this somewhat in one nugget of wisdom “It’s not my words that you should follow, it’s your insight”

Why did it lose?

I know it’s odd that I brought back a first round to have it go all the way to the 4^th round. But the first round was easily the hardest match BNL has faced and of all the other 3^rd round songs Peacebone is one of the easiest. Not to take anything away from the song or Brian Wilson’s victory but I think I can only see maybe 1 or 2 more remaining songs on the list Brian Wilson could have beat. Spoiler warning: this song will lose next round

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxvGHQHiY70 (hmmm that’s an odd one (Though I would expect no less FROM ac….))

Match 3.2

Victor: A Day in the Life – The Beatles

Defeated: Stand by Me – Ben E. King

Why did it deserve to be here?

This is one of the most recognizable songs out there. Of course it helps that it has one of the most common chord progressions ever. It’s actually often referred to as the “Stand by Me Progression” and it goes C Am F G for the musically inclined. Some of the songs it’s in are Earth Angel, Duke of Earl, Every Breath you Take and This Magic Moment. So how does a song with such a common progression be so recognizable. Well it definitely starts with the bass. It gives us our first taste of the background riff and continues throughout the song. This riff’s picked up by the orchestration later in the song. I must say that adding strings to a pop song often cheapens it and makes it sound over produced but they work very well in Stand By Me. I think this is due to the simplisticness of the other parts, the song’s not trying to do too much.

Why did it lose?

Another causality of The Beatles. A Day in the Life is so damn good

Match 3.3

Victor: No Woman No Cry – Bob Marley

Defeated: Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

Why did it deserve to be here?

What a strange song for a folk artist. There’s such a strange hate coming off of this song. I guess I always knew that it was about the fall of someone a little too big for their britches but this is the first long look I’ve taken at the song in a while and I’m really seeing a lot contempt in the lyrics. It’s strange though, there’s definitely pity present too. Wiki suggests that Bobby was referring to a friend of Andy Warhol who had some sort of fall. That’s all well and good but I think it’s a bit more general than that and Dylan is referring to that sort of extravagant lifestyle in general.

The song had some interesting effects on the music world too. For one it was the first single to break out despite being well over 3 minutes (clocking out at 6 minutes and 13 seconds) This is also the song where Bobby got famously booed for using electric instruments because he was “selling out [man]” Reportedly someone even shouted “Judas” at him during one of his concerts. Fucking Hippies eh?

The song definitely sounds like Dylan with some of the most famous instances of Dylan’s particular vocal style (e.g. HOw does it FEEEEeeel.) We’ve got Bob tearing up the harmonica at various points in the song too. Our big stand-out instrumentation wise though has to be the organ which plays throughout the song and has a very unique and interesting quality to it.

I’m happy to say that Bob likes this song as much as we do. It kills me when artists don’t like their own songs (see Sweet Child of Mine and GNR.) So I’m glad to hear Bob’s Opus is among his own favorites.

Why did it lose?

This is the first of the real giants to fall and it took a giant to do it. I think many (most) would disagree with this pick but I gotta go with my own instincts. Marley crafted a masterpiece and gets me every time.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk3mAX5xdxo

Match 3.4

Victor: Lost in the Supermarket – The Clash

Defeated: For What it’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield

Why did it deserve to be here?

Great in it’s simplicity. The main riff in this song are two one measure long notes. Of course there’s lots of other assorted guitar parts scattered through the song and they’re richy and twangy. I always thought this was a Vietnam war song but apparently it’s about some small riotish happenings over clubgoing, huh. But this song gets it’s notoriety for being a representative of this 60’s generation of civil unrest. It may be about curfews and clubs at it’s core but it’s applicability to so much of the sixties makes it so much more memorable.

Why did it lose?

Jeez, it’s not getting any easier is it? I love FWIW but I just can’t pick it over the Clash here. Probably another controversial pick, but I think it’s the right one.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZP0pzDRtQw

Match 3.5

Victor: Heroes – David Bowie

Defeated: Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

Why did it deserve to be here?

This song is an utter heartbreaker and a song of hope at the same time. Cyndi’s talking about leaving someone and the uncertainty that goes with. The chorus reassures us “If you’re lost you can look and you will find me, Time After Time.” These few repeated lines that make up the chorus really drive home the point. Themes of leaving, distance, and memories are all touched upon in the verse but none of that is as important the support Cyndi offers.

The music is sooooooo eighties too and I love it. Synthes and electronic drum beats only fit the mood in very specific songs and mostly these songs are overly poppy 80’s Jams (see She Blinded Me With Science, I Wear My Sunglasses at Night, Living in a Box etc.) Somehow Lauper turned this synth beats into something that fits a serious composition perfectly. The ticking clock in the background is especially effective. It’s thematically spot on and musically interesting.

Why did it lose?

It’s hard to even say, both these hold special places for me. I think Bowie is better musically though. Cyndi is pretty damn eighties too.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdQY7BusJNU

Match 3.6

Victor: Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Defeated: Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Why did it deserve to be here?

I’ve told people before that if I ever had a daughter Eileen would be my first pick for names. “Eileen? Like from the song?” Yeah, from the song. “Isn’t Eileen like a sexual object in that song? Is that how you want people to see her? I remember that line about the dress” Wtf, shut up. It’s a pretty name from a pretty song. Everyone I tell this has pretty much this same reaction and I want to slap them.

The song itself is a marvelous hoedown. The video is awesome with the band members all wearing overalls without shirts and playing banjos. The lyrics are fun and happy and the music matches it well. Just an all around hit.

Why did it lose?

My gut wanted Come on Eileen, it’s been one of my favorites for song long! But I have to admit that Boys is objectively better. Though I don’t think I share quite the enthusiasm that Rushlow has for it. It was close.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oc-P8oDuS0Q

Match 3.7

Victor: The Modern Leper – Frightened Rabbit

Defeated: Stan - Eminem

Why did it deserve to be here?

Drew has been giving me flack the whole way along here about this song. I still agree with all of those picks though easily. Listening to Stan still gives me chills to this day. It’s easy to make a song that’s sad or a song that’s happy but what about those other emotions? Eminem captures anger, fear, paranoia and obsession in this 7 minute package. First off the Dido sample is amazing. “Thank You” (The source material) is a cheery song about how things are ok with someone in your life. So Eminem takes this happy tale and turns it around completely. Suddenly the someone isn’t a significant other, it’s a distant celebrity. The one thing keeping Stan sane is the thought of Eminem in his life (“with your picture on my wall, it reminds me that it’s not so bad.”) He tries repeatedly to contact Shady and get a response back with no success. This eventually leads him into a dark spiral that ends with a brutal suicide in which he also kills his pregnant girlfriend.

Slim comes in at the end as a voice of reason for Stan, but of course by now his letter’s too late. This an interesting perspective from the celebrity side of the artist-observer equation. Slim is commenting how the celebrity can’t always be everything the fan wants them to be. This case is especially exaggerated as Stan is looking for soulmate of sorts, but it can applied to the fan who wants a regular correspondence or special recognition as well.

The style of the song of the song is perfect. Slim distinguishes his own voice from the teetering character Stan using extra desperation and anger in the voice whereas “Slim” speaks with more of a calming concerned voice. Stan also sounds like a fan and references concerts and songs much like a fan would. The verses sound like letters but still hold to a flow and rhyming scheme. Eminems words are calculated well and the song achieves all the goals Slim has set.

Why did it lose?

Both have pretty fantastic lyrics. Maybe it’s just my personal tastes of Pop/Indie music over Hip-Hop pushing Modern Leper over the top. Leper has a great tune saddled with it’s poignant words.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snHfdV3gw9Q

Match 3.8

Victor: The Message – Grandmaster Flash

Defeated: Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag – James Brown

Why did it deserve to be here?

Ok, this is a pretty sweet song but it took a pretty weak bracket to bring it to the third round. It probably would have lost to Sweet Child o’ Mine immediately if it wasn’t for the fact that GNR doesn’t like the song themselves. 99 Problems ain’t exactly a hard 2^nd round either. All that aside it’s just one of those sweet old dance songs. This is really how dance should be done. The horns are kickin’ James Brown is bringing the funk and everything is in it’s right place.

Why did it lose?

The Message does deserve it’s spot handily, you gotta give it to the Grandmaster.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtqDB2spyG0 (I wish all music videos were like this)

Fifty

At the age of ten every cousin on my Dad’s side spent a week with our grandparents in Florida. This was a big BIG deal. You got to ride the plane by yourself and then spend a week with Grandma and Grandpa doing all the Florida stuff like Disney land and Universal studios. At the beginning of the trip my dad came over to me and reached into his pocket and pulled out a 50 dollar bill “Now this fifty dollars is yours to spend however you like while you’re in Florida with Grandpa and Grandma. So bring back some nice souvenirs” Now to my ten-year-old self 50 bucks was an insurmountable amount of money. It was a sum of cash that couldn’t be spent in a lifetime. I was overjoyed and vowed not to waste it.

When I got to Florida I had a great time. I got to go to Disney land and do all the things I hadn’t done before. Though, I was still a little too scared to go on Space Mountain. I didn’t get to meet Mickey, though we tried very hard. And all the while, in the back of my head was the fifty. Every souvenir stand I passed I scorned, “What would I do with that after I brought home?” I kept asking myself.

Eventually, the trip neared its end and still intact was my fifty dollar bill. My grandpa, grandma and I were visiting somewhere I don’t remember and my grandma stopped to go to the bathroom. Outside the women’s restroom there was a classy souvenir shop with golf umbrellas for sale.

“Why don’t you get your father a golf umbrella with some of the money he gave you?” my grandfather asked.

I scrounged my head on this one. It seemed like a nice thing to do but I couldn’t figure out what the difference was between a golf umbrella and a regular one. So why get one when we have at 5 at home?

“I just don’t see the point, what would he do with it?”

My grandfather is the kindest and most polite man I have ever known. He’s soft spoken, intelligent and a true gentleman, especially when it comes to my grandmother. He avoids confrontation and chuckles often in conversation to prevent awkward gaps.

“You know what, that’s selfish. Your father gave you fifty dollars and you won’t even spend ten of it on him, absolutely selfish.”

I was in shock. I had never heard this man be angry about anything and here he was angry at me. He didn't raise his voice or act like I was in trouble he just let it be known I was complete disappointment to him at that point in time. The disdain and disgust in his voice is something I won't ever forget.

“But I don’t get why…”

“There’s no excuse. This is absolutely greedy and I can’t believe you.”

At this moment my grandmother returned. I was in tears but hid my face so she wouldn’t notice. My grandfather said nothing and continued to have a stern expression about him for the rest of the day. We never said anything about it again and I’ve never seen my grandfather angry since then and I hope I never ever do.

When I returned from Florida my dad asked me what souvenirs I’d bought and I told him I didn’t get any.

“What? None? Well ok.” And he took his fifty back.

Insomniac

Sleep in the night has been a rare commodity these days. It's extremely unfortunate since I have a class at 10:30 on North campus this semester. It's 6:45 and I'm not even tired so what's the point when I have to wake at 9:30? I spent all of Saturday trying to adjust my schedule by missing sleep the night before and it seemed like it was going to work since I passed out quickly the next night at a reasonable 2am. But then tonight rolled around and I wasn't even tired by four but by then I had to try. I've been sitting here in my bed for two and a half hours. I may have to resort to drugs soon or at least beer.

Loose ends

The end of school breaks always remind me of things I wanted to do but didn't get the chance. There were countless magic decks I wanted to make, video games I wanted to play, books I wanted to read (song contests I wanted to update...) These are of course just the material things, really I just wanted to spend more time with friends and family. My parents leaving early to go on vacation is a reminder that breaks near over and I won't see a lot of people again for a long time.

Break is a constant "There's always tomorrow" and now I've reached the last day I can truly say that. I'm not sure what I'm doing tomorrow yet. The Hamily wants to have an early dinner at five but I also promised Emaley I'd spend some time with her and I already kinda ditched her today in the same fashion. And of course there's Jay, Kevin and Ryan too who I all would like to see before the break ends.

With all these loose ends I'm just hoping I can wrap up a couple of them.

Coffee Douche, in the style of Sara Thelen

They've just tried out a new premium roast and they want to tell you all about it. They claim to be an aficionado but they really just go to Bigby every day. The drink they just ordered has about five different adjectives in front of it. They are the Coffee Douche.

Most often spotted in coffee shop with a laptop for hours on end, but can also be seen just about everywhere with a to-go coffee cup glued to their hand. When you have conversation with them they'll try to tell you all about the coffee stuck in their grip. "oh yes it's an Iced Carmel Mocha, very good but I think the Hazelnut Mint Mocha Mocha is a better roast." Barf, I don't tell people about every milkshake I've ever ordered because I assume they don't give a shit.

So Coffee Douche, enjoy your premium blend. I guess you’ll be taking it black because I can see you’ve already creamed yourself.

BSE? Round 2 Part 2

Oh my round 2 is over and that means we are 3/4 of the way through this thing. Still going strong and feeling good about my picks thus far. I thought I'd have more time to update over the holidays but hanging out, magic cards, new video games and all that good stuff have been keeping me rather busy (And yeah job hunting and thinking about my last semester as well(A little)) As far as further take backs as Ian mentioned, BNL will almost assuredly be the last of them. Now that we're in these further rounds I'm researching deeper and spending more time on each pick I make. From now on rounds will complete in a single post so we're in the home stretch here, 32 songs left to consider!

Match 2.17

Victor: Under Pressure - Queen

Defeated: Take Me Home, Country Roads – John Denver

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I think everyone can relate to this song; sometimes you just want to be home. John Denver’s home here is in the middle of nowhere close to nature but you can insert your home into it still rather easily. I like the instruments, there’s a banjo, twangy guitars and of course John Denver himself singing in his usual cheesy fashion. The lyrics are well formed too. “Misty taste of moonshine” is both easy on the ears and has a good mental image to it as well.

Why did it lose?

More difficult than you might think, I like Denver’s lyrics better but Queen/ Bowie’s music more.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN86d0CdgHQ

Match 2.18

Victor: Waterloo – The Kinks

Defeated: Imagine – John Lennon

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Well, yeah it’s Imagine. It’s #3 on Rolling Stone’s greatest songs of all time. It’s a renowned classic. Of course the song is all about the message, which I always thought was particularly interesting. It’s a song that denounces Religion, Government, and Capitalism but still managed to be very popular in a cold war world. I guess it’s just orchestrated so well that many people just glaze over its message and only the people who really want to hear it do.

Why did it lose?

I still however find the song to be overrated. The piano’s ok but the orchestra is just too over the top for me.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VM0Z75KEd_o

Match 2.19

Victor: All My Friends – LCD Soundsystem

Defeated: I Heard it Through the Grapevine – Marvin Gaye

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I remember my brother on the school bus having a conversation about this song with some guy we knew about this song. He apparently had just realized that this was a sad song. That’s kind of crazy to me, isn’t that the whole point? A lot of lost love songs tend to be a little vague on the terms of the breakup but this one is pretty straight to the point. She’s getting back together with an ex and Marvin heard about it in the worst way possible. Though I put down orchestras for Imagine, it works perfectly in here. The strings are more intense (I don’t remember the turn but there are a lot of quite back forth shrill bow strokes) and fit quite well and add a lot.

Why did it lose?

A simple one is better than the other for me.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hajBdDM2qdg

Match 2.20

Victor: No Children – The Mountain Goats

Defeated: Missed the Boat – Modest Mouse

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I like this song a lot as a song to bridge the gap between those hardcore “I knew them before they were cool” Modest Mouse fans and those who only know Float On but like it quite a bit. It’s got that catchiness that Float On somehow captured perfectly but it’s on an album that feels more like traditional Modest Mouse. I got a little flack for picking this song over other MM works from Mike and Caitlin and it’s probably warranted. However, I’m probably closer to the casual camp of the Modest Mouse fans than the hardcore one. As such this is song I know best from the two Modest Mouse albums I know and I like it quite a lot, though I prefer The Moon and Antarctica greatly more as an album.

As I already said the catchiness is unmistakable and the guitars are quite good and varied without sounding too much like noise. The lyrics are good but fit better as single lines than a cohesive whole. All in all it’s quite a piece.

Why did it lose?

No Children just does so much right lyrically. I gotta give it to them.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O4XskfT6vNY

Match 2.21

Victor: Hey Ya! - Outkast

Defeated: Smells like Teen Spirit - Nirvana

Why did this song deserve to be here?

What’s better for a voice of a generation that doesn’t care about caring than a guy who doesn’t want to be that voice? Kurt nailed the feelings of the generation Xers in Teen Spirit with I couldn’t care less attitude. Lines like “Here we are now, entertain us” Capture the feeling of a truly apathetic set of teens.

The Music of course is grunge at it’s finest. The Guitars are loud and fuzzy, the drums crash about as often as they can and Kurt mumbles out the words in a barely audible slur.

Why did it lose?

Two songs at the pinnacle of their genre, but I think Hey Ya crosses more boundaries than teen spirit.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTWKbfoikeg

Match 2.22

Victor: Gold Soundz - Pavement

Defeated: Mistaken for Strangers – The National

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Another song where it’s all about the words, I guess I’m all about the words too so it’s to be expected. We should definitely not discount the music here though, there’s some good drumming here with some key off beats and rolls. The guitar is sproingy with intelligent melodies.

The words are sooooo good though. The line that sticks out for me is “You wouldn't want an angel watching over you? / Surprise surprise, they wouldn't want to watch.” Wow, early adult life is so boring that angels don’t even care to watch it. This song is of course about the awkward transition into adulthood and this is where the title is based. “You get mistaken for strangers by your own friends” Not recognizing old friends as you charge forward into adult life, ugh.

Why did it lose?

Sooooooo good

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgRsYkKb1eI

Match 2.23

Victor: Purple Rain - Prince

Defeated: Bohemian Rhapsody - Queen

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Queen produced a rock song that also feels like an opera (off the album A Night at the Opera appropriately enough.) This song has so much going on it feels like it could have been at least 3 good songs. Instead it’s one fantastic epic. Queen’s precise and perfectly in tune singing is fantastic as always. It has the oomph of a rock singing and complicatedness of a classical piece. The guitars are rocking it hard in this song at the end and the solo in the middle is great. The parts all clash nicely with each other going from slow ballad to Opera to rock song and finishing back with the ballad. There’s so much to listen to here.

Why did it lose?

Purple rain is just as epic and I like Prince’s emotional singing a little better. Plus the guitar is awesome.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJ9rUzIMcZQ

Match 2.24

Victor: Losing My Religion – R.E.M.

Defeated: Godspeed (Sweet Dreams) – Radney Foster

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Well there goes the last representative from the genre of country. This is another song the Dixie Chicks covered but whereas I might like the Dixie Chick version of landslide better I definitely prefer Radney’s original version. Radney has yet to really break out in the world of music but other people who have seem to recognize his song writing talents. Dixie Chicks cover of this song is renown and Keith Urban made a version of Radney’s song I’m In as well as a cover of his song Raining on a Sunday. It’s really a shame Radney never really made a name for himself. The best chart position he ever got #74 on the country charts. My dad and brother went to go see him in Chicago last September. He was playing in a sports bar and the cover was $10. They tell me he still put on a good show despite not playing my dad’s favorite song Old Silver. Radney’s songs aren’t known for their complicated melodies but he is quite the lyricist. Most of the song is basic chords but there is some good background female vocals and what I believe is a acoustic Bass.

Why did it lose?

Losing My Religion is too fantastic

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eos7FbtuTbo (excuse the quality, this was the best I found)

Match 2.25

Victor: Sympathy for the Devil – Rolling Stones

Defeated: Random Rules – Silver Jews

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Songs about heartbreak have a natural tendency to be emotional. Somehow though, the Silver Jews captured a laid back attitude towards it. But really this isn’t a song about heartbreak. It’s more about reconciling with someone who was part of your heartbreak in the past and the emotions behind that. It has obviously been a long time since the breakup alluded to in this song and our singer even notices “the tan line on [his ex lover’s] ring finger.” Visiting with an Ex is an awkward experience and Stephen has captured it pretty well in this song. His Ex doesn’t even recognize him (“you look like someone I used to know.") how disconcerting is that?

Why did it lose?

Sympathy for the devil is pretty damn cool.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtbneH8T1S0

Match 2.26

Victor: Disarm – Smashing Pumpkins

Defeated: Mrs. Robinson – Simon and Garfunkel

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song is considered the magnum opus of Simon and Garfunkel by many people. We’ve got all our usual Simon and Garfunkel attributes. The singing is perfectly intone as always. The guitar is more interesting than usual, with good licks and different strum pattern then we normally expect. The lyrics are a little subtle for their subject matter. Simon only refers to even a possibility of an affair about there times. Wiki tells me that the song was modified to be included in the graduate and was originally “Mrs Roosevelt” so maybe this contributes to that

Why did it lose?

I like disarm better

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_jmDscGi7E

Match 2.27

Victor: Chicago – Sufjan Stevens

Defeated: I am the Resurection – The Stone Roses

Why did this song deserve to be here?

So there are two versions of this song, one is about 3 and one half minutes long and the other is around 8 minutes. I have no idea why anyone would ever prefer the 3.5 minute version over the other. There is about 4 minutes of pure awesome instrumental sections at the end of the eight minute version that was cut from the other. The guitar work in this last section is mesmerizing. There’s a complete stop in the middle of it and then the guitar picks up again with a whole other sound. The lyrics in the first half are sweet too. It’s a mix of hating organized religion and singling out someone the band knows as a shit head. It’s a great piece of brit pop.

Why did it lose?

Not completely sure. I’ll say it has something to do with the clever instrumentation in Chicago.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6QnK0yql8s

Match 2.28

Victor: Greener – Tally Hall

Defeated: Wolf like Me – TV on the Radio

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Ok, how cool is it to have a song about being a werewolf? I love the intensity in this song. Everything is building up to that unavoidable transformation. But it’s more than our singer being a werewolf; he seems to have found a mate. It’s not some sort of bizarre werewolf love song though. It’s just someone that he can relate to with his transformation. The lyrics can be taken in a non literal way too. Being a werewolf could be any sort of dark secret and the transformation might be the worst side coming out of a person. The singing is awesome with tinges of vulnerability and grotesqueness all mixed into one package. The drums pack a big punch and give us the feeling of a pounding heart leading up to an inevitable transformation.

Why did it lose?

Greener has cool guitar work and relatable and poignant lyrics. It’s such a tight song.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1-xRk6llh4

Match 2.29

Victor: Cold Days from The Birdhouse – The Twilight Sad

Defeated: Pale Blue Eyes – The Velvet Underground

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is a song I like to put on to relax a little. That slow hand guitar with slides has a way of putting the mind at ease. There are absolutely no drums either keeping with the easy going feeling. The only percussion happening in the song is on beat hits of a tambourine. Lou Reed does a good job with the voice here as well. It’s deliberate, yet somewhat fragile. It gives off the perfect tone for this failed relationship vibe that the song gives us.

Why did it lose?

Twilight Sad does a lot with song and is a great standout on an album full of good songs

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dnjaevCMj_o

Match 2.30

Victor: The Rat – The Walkmen

Defeated: The Start of Something - Voxtrot

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I saw Voxtrot at Pitchfork Music Festival a few years ago. I have to admit that they were somewhat disappointing. His voice was obviously not doing well that day or something as his usual mellow tones came out grungy. It showed the most on this song which constantly bombards the listener with lyrics. It was still a good show nonetheless as I enjoyed hearing the songs from the EPs. As a song that has so many fast words you might expect The Start of Something to have meatballs in the mix as far as individual lines go. Somehow though, throughout the song they keep the lyrics meaningful and poetic. Best line: "If I die clutching your photograph don't call me boring//it's just cause I like you.” Damn that ones good.

This is another failed relationship song but Voxtrot describes the feeling much better than most bands. They cover a lot of ground with all the lyrics in there. He talks about writing the letter you never should have sent, the grief of a partner with a new lover, and the necessity of trying to let the whole thing die. The repeated lines at the end of the song really drive home that last thought.

“Marianne, let the ghosts sleep tonight
Marianne, let the ghosts sleep
Just shut your eyes, burn the past”

Why did it lose?

The Rat hits some great anger and the drums are fantastic, more on that later.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueFj9V6WWLg

Match 2.31

Victor: Baba O’Riley – The Who

Defeated: I Am Trying To Break Your Heart - Wilco

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Such a sweet song, I’m trying to break down all the lyrics but there’s a lot going on and it’s a little hard to follow. The actual flow of time in the song is said to be backwards and this makes sense considering Tweedy starts off as “an American Aquarium Drinker” and ends as “a disposable Dixie Cup drinker” As I can tell Tweedy is in a drunken stupor and decides to pay his Ex a visit. He asks for sex and gets laughed at. It’s pretty harsh stuff.

Tweedy delivers every portion of this perfectly. The instruments all sound like they’re falling all over each other. Notes and new instruments come in on off beats with out of key notes. If being drunk and upset could be orchestrated, it would be like this. Tweedy’s voice is perfect here too. He’s slurring every word and he’s often off beat. If I didn’t know any better I would say that he had a drink before going into the studio.

Why did it lose?

Classic Rock at it’s finest (No, Really.) I’m giving it to the oldie here.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlxH9-TYseY

Match 2.32

Victor: Changes – 2pac

Defeated: Maps – Yeah Yeah Yeahs

Why did this song deserve to be here?

DID YOU KNOW THAT: Maps stands for “My Angus Please Stay” Angus being Karen’s bf at the time (NOW YOU KNOW)

There are three kinds of YYYs fans.

1. Those who only know Maps and have somewhat of a disdain for the rest of the catalogue
2. Those who know the rest of the catalogue but hold a disdain for Maps
3. Those who hold no grudges either way

I try to place myself in the 3^rd category, but it does seem rather obvious to me that Maps is the best song there. It’s wildly different than the bombastic shouting and screeching that Karen O throws around in the average YYYS song. Everything has been mellowed out and taken down a notch. It’s different but it’s absolutely awesome. Last Lollapalooza I was at YYYs performed and played this song. Karen O lost her place somewhere the second verse and forgot some lyrics. I think everyone in the audience forgave her simultaneously.

Why did it lose?

Not as easy as Caitlin would have you believe. You've all got Rock Band poisoning your perspective. Me and Maps are like this. *crossed fingers* But Changes of course has such good lyrics and the sample from Way it Is is great. I even have great memories associated with Changes

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJf2FQDl8Ig (Acoustic version! Very nice)

BSE? Round 2 Part 1

Back in SJ and feeling good. Now I can write these without feeling bad that I should be doing homework instead. Of course I never really felt that bad about it. The choices are getting harder now that we're out of round 1 but I think everything's good so far.

Match 2.1

Victor: Peacebone – Animal Collective

Defeated: Wake Up – Arcade Fire

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I remember when Where the Wild Things are used this song in its trailer and I really don’t think they could have made a better choice. That trailer reminded me how much I like this song. It’s about getting older as you might expect from its use there. The words are sparse but each one has a point to it which is something rare these days. The climax of the song is very satisfying too. When he shouts “I guess we’ll just have adjust” I’m always like yeeeeeeeah. Fuzzy guitars fill the background and the background vocals provide a very full sound. There’s a momentum change towards the end of the song and man is it good

Why did it lose?

This is a good battle between two modern songs, both fairly indieish bands. I had a really hard time trying to pick one here. Usually, I tend to pick the song with the deeper meaning in ties. But Peacebone was just cooler all around and though there isn’t in meaning, there is a lot of flow.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zdNdjF-htY

Match 2.2

Victor: Brian Wilson – Barenaked Ladies

Defeated: Roam – The B52’s

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Yes, I’ve revoked The Weight’s win last round. I’m not terribly sure why but I just don’t feel it was the right choice now. I know Ian expressed grief over BNL’s loss, so this one’s for you buddy. Sorry to The Band, The Weight is also a really damn good song.

As for Roam, I’ve always championed the difficulty of producing perfected pop songs and Roam fits that bill. It’s infinitely catchy and the lyrics are easy to interpret but have so much assonance, alliteration, rhymes and all that good stuff. Every single line in this song has so many sounds devices, it’s really astounding. Twangy B52’s guitars provide the accompaniment to the voice and send the pop note home.

Why did it lose?

Catchy pop can only get you so far I guess. Brian Wilson has almost all those elements but just a little more that’s hard to place.

Link: Roam http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IWEfmCvu8R8

The Weight http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY_5JOEmFK0

Match 2.3

Victor: A Day in the Life – The Beatles

Defeated: God Only Knows – The Beach Boys

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Speaking of Brian Wilson! We’ve got some classic Beach Boys here. There jangling tambourines in the background and a love song being song over them. The vocals are impressive as always with every member perfectly in key and with the precision of a capella. I like the bit of doubt he throws at the start of each verse

“If you should ever leave me,
Well life would still go on believe me”

But then he knocks it down immediately “The world would mean nothing to me”

This song tops many lists, #25 song ever on Rolling Stone, #1 song of the Sixties on pitchfork. I can’t say I share that much enthusiasm for it but I can see why others do.

Why did it lose?

It’s Beatles vs. Beach Boys already. Oh, the joys of alphabetical seeding. A sort of classic match but Beatles just evolved to something so much more than this song.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NDfH_J4MAUQ

Match 2.4

Victor: Stand By Me – Ben E. King

Defeated: Just a Friend – Biz Markie

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Comedic rapper Biz Markie somehow turns into the most endearing story teller ever in this tale of deceit. The outcome of story is known right when he starts and you feel sorry for the Biz. He’s just a guy looking for an honest relationship. The song only has one real riff and it’s a piano bit that mimics the melody of the chorus but somehow those simple notes give the song just enough melancholy.

Why did it lose?

Well there’s really not much music in the song and stand by me is pretty great.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9aofoBrFNdg

Match 2.5

Victor: Like a Rolling Stone – Bob Dylan

Defeated: I Gotta Feeling – Black Eyed Peas

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The Black Eyed Peas are one of the worst contempory groups popular today. Let’s Get Retarded, Imma Bee, and Boom Boom Pow are all black stains on pop music today. Bland music, uninspired lyrics, boring beats make up this collection of terrible songs. Somehow in all that though they produced I Gotta Feeling which is one of the best party songs I’ve heard. I think one big difference lies in the relatability. I Gotta Feeling is about cutting loose and forgetting that that feeling isn’t going to last forever. Whereas Boom Boom Pow is about how Will.I.Am is better than other people? Imma Bee is about how good his life is? Yeah, that’s great. The musics better too, stuff happens in this song. There’s riffs, there’s bridges, there’s choruses and synthes and creative voice technology. Most importantly, it’s got the beat.

Why did it lose?

This just isn’t a match

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSD4vsh1zDA

Match 2.6

Victor: No Woman, No Cry – Bob Marley

Defeated: The Way it is – Bruce Hornsby

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song always gave a good perspective on the topics of racial and economic segregation as it was in the 1980’s. Most of the lyrics are observation of the state of things. One line in the song turns this from observation to hope “But don't you believe them.” Don’t believe the naysayers who claim that the way it is is the way it is.

You can definitely tell this is a song from the 80’s. If the piano doesn’t give it away then the synth drums will. But it all fits well, the piano in particular is very well composed and of course provides the background to one of my favorite hip-hop songs.

Why did it lose?

This one seemed hard on the surface but No Woman, No Cry actually runs away with it quite easily.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1NAGhiVqdg

Match 2.7

Victor: For What It’s Worth – Buffalo Springfield

Defeated: Father and Son – Cat Stevens

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This is king of all call and answer songs. Cat Steven perfectly portrays a conversation of a father and son and the miscommunications between them. The son wants to break away for his own life and the father wants him to settle down.

Yusef’s singing here shines very bright. The difference of tone and pitch between the father and son is beautifully executed. There’s the calm, collected father and energetic, emotive son. The background singing adds a nice harmony and Stevens’ guitar work is terrific as always.

Why did it lose?

FWIW is going to be very hard to beat. It’s such a message

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q29YR5-t3gg

Match 2.8

Victor: Lost in the Supermarket – The Clash

Defeated: Brimful of Asha - Cornershop

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Certain Songs remind me vividly of England. This song was explosively popular during my short stint across the pond and I remember hearing it on the bus on the way to school after Oasis played for the 3^rd time that day. I happen to think this may be one of the hardest songs to dislike ever. I can imagine people not liking Dylan songs or Beatles hits but this song is song universal.

The lyrics are just about the coolest thing ever. Its tribute to Indian film, in particular a background singer/dancer. Songs are heavily featured in Indian film, the main actors lipsync but the background dancers sing the songs and this particular dancer apparently has done the most. It’s a pretty sweet song topic.

The music is awesome too, there’s a simple 3 chord progression that continues through the song but the strumming pattern makes it recognizable and unique. So much happens in the background too, there’s backwards noises, other guitar and even an orchestra at the end.

Why did it lose?

Lost in the Supermarket is positively brilliant, but so is Brimful. Supermarket’s emotional qualities push it over.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDe6regyJnU

Match 2.9

Victor: Time After Time – Cyndi Lauper

Defeated: Just Like Heaven – The Cure

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s just a beautiful song about the loss of someone. This one is such a heartbreaker since it begins with such joy. The listener has no idea there was a loss until the third verse. The implications here is that the person drowned but drowning can represent any sort of separation from outside circumstances be it distance, work, death etc. Anyone who has lost significant other can easily find meaning in the lyrics here.

The instrumentation is fantastic as well. The bass is very essential in this song and it’s line is the glue for the song. There’s also several guitar solos and one very emotive piano solo towards the end.

Why did it lose?

This was such a close one, I had to watch both music videos and read the wikis to even get an idea. They’re somewhat similar songs and I’m giving it to Cyndi this time but these both are deserving of a 3^rd round position.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_ux2H473I

Match 2.10

Victor: Heroes – David Bowie

Defeated: The Crystal Cat – Dan Deacon

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song is hard to describe in words but if it can be down those words better be bombastic. There’s so much energy, it’s exuding from every pore of this song. You can’t help but sing along to the nonsense Dan’s chanting. The vocal effects are in true Deacon style, they’re wacky but fitting since everything else is just as cranked up.

Why did it lose?

Heroes does everything right.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFlBJ1xZK10 (This one’s pretty sweet)

Match 2.11

Victor: Come on Eileen – Dexy’s Midnight Runners

Defeated: Loser - Beck

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It came in late only to lose in the next round, oh well. I love the instruments in this, I have no idea what that springy sound in the background is but I love it. Beck’s ramblings reflect the whole feeling of the song quite well. I think we all feel like a loser who doesn’t care that they’re a loser sometimes. This song captures that essence perfectly.

Why did it lose?

Come on Eileen… so catchy and good

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgSPaXgAdzE

Match 2.12

Victor: The Boys of Summer – Don Henley

Defeated: Hotel California – The Eagles

Why did this song deserve to be here?

It’s pretty sweet that the whole song is a metaphor for the trappings of fame. The guitars are sweet and the intro is well composed. I dunno, what can I say about this song that hasn’t already been said. It’s a rock classic.

Why did it lose?

Ah Henley v. Henley. Turns out Eagles+80’s=awesome though. I dunno, but I like Boys better for no particular reason.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ygI3BZxdCY

Match 2.13

Victor: Stan - Eminem

Defeated: Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton

Why did this song deserve to be here?

This song probably has the saddest concept out of all the songs on the list (and I already have a tendency to prefer sad song.) In 1991 Clapton’s 4 year old son fell out the 53^rd story window of his friend’s apartment and he did not recover. This song is all about the pain that Clapton felt about the incident. Wow, that’s such a heart wrencher. Blair Clark actually introduced me to this song and the incident behind it and it has always felt like one of the songs I grew up with.

The words really can tear you up too:

“Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven”

At such a young age of 4 Clapton is not even sure if his son would recognize him in the afterlife, wow.

Of course this is Clapton too, so we’re dealing with an absolutely brilliant guitar piece too. The picking is slow and deliberate. I don’t think he could have written it better.

Why did it lose?

I even feel bad not letting it advance, but Eminem did literally everything perfect in his song.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6t4Zs5Yq_k

Match 2.14

Victor: The Modern Leper – Frightened Rabbit

Defeated: Landslide – Fleetwood Mac

Why did this song deserve to be here?

I’d actually like to talk about the Dixie Chicks for a bit. My real exposure to this song is through them and after I’ve familiarize myself with both versions I’m not sure which I prefer. I am a Dixie Chicks fan but you might notice that they didn’t have a song on this list. This is because every song I considered from them turned out to be a cover. I put a lot of emphasis on lyrics as you might have noticed so actually writing a song is very important to me (and the Tears for Fears version is still the superior one.) As a result I didn’t include a Dixie Chicks song, but in a way they do have two representatives. One is this song and one is the Radney Foster song Godspeed.

Why did it lose?

Modern Leper is so good….

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MPc5YCBz9LQ

Match 2.15

Victor: The Message – Grandmaster Flash

Defeated: Gin and Juice – The Gourds

Why did this song deserve to be here?

Now that I’ve told you why I don’t like covers as much let me explain why I like this one so much. One reason I hate Ben Folds (aside from his boring music) is because of his cover of Bitches Ain’t Shit. He stole the idea to cover a hip-hop song in a different style right out from under The Gourds. Poor Gourds, this cover is constantly mislabeled and credited to Phish. This cover is both hilarious and infinitely catchy. The solo in the middle sells it so well too. That’s what turns it from a joke into a legitimate awesome cover. The new style and formation of the lyrics is what gives it the ability to get over that just-a-cover hump for me.

Why did it lose?

But it still loses credit for being a cover. Also The Message is awesome.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4hGSR5njZE

Match 2.16

Victor: Papas got a brand new Bag – James Brown

Defeated: 99 Problems – Jay-Z

Why did this song deserve to be here?

The second verse about being harassed by a racist cop is one of the most memorable verses in Hip-Hop. The words are great, the flow is slick and the beat is present. It’s just a sweet song.

Best line,

“But ain't nothin sweet 'bout how I hold my gun
I got 99 problems being a bitch ain't one.”

Why did it lose?

For being the second round these are both kinda meatballs for me. I just like 99 less.

Link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WwoM5fLITfk