U2 - New Years Day

Nothing changes

On New Years Day

I was debating whether it's totally lame of me to post this song today simply because it's titled "New Years Day" and today is, after all, just that. Happy New Year everyone! Anyway, I got over it and figured I really like this song so what does it matter when I post it?

I always felt that U2 was before my time. That I'm too young to fully appreciate U2, even though I can listen to a plethora of classic rock bands and love them. That U2 is for people in their 30s and 40s. In the end, it's just one of those bands whose importance I understand in the context of music but one I've never personally listened to much. Nevertheless, I've always liked the song "New Year's Day" from their third LP--War.

Even though I could try and write my own opinion of the song, nothing really tops the own song writer's opinion. The following is by Bono from the book In His Own Words: "'New Years Day' is a love song. Subconsciously, I must have been thinking about Lech Walesa being interned and his wife not being allowed to see him. Then when we released the song, they announced that martial law would be lifted in Poland on New Year's Day." For those who don't know, Lech Walesa was the former president of Poland.

This song is U2's first hit single and was the first one that landed on the Billboard Hot 100. It's their 3rd most frequently performed live song. While performing, The Edge switches back and forth between piano and guitar. Bono has also played guitar in some of their earlier performances.

Favourite Part: I love everything The Edge does with his guitar and keyboard in this song.

New Years Day - U2

Death Cab for Cutie - What Sarah Said

Love is watching someone die

So who's gonna watch you die?

Wow. That's definitely the most emo sounding lyrics I've posted thus far. I always loved "What Sarah Said" and it still gives me goosebumps when I hear Ben Gibbard ask that question. I've always pondered the meaning of those two lines, but only recently understood them. Because even though it sounds like something from those corny but cute comics on "Love is ...," it's meaning is as simple as those comics make love out to be. Watching a loved one die is one of the toughest things one can experience in life, but we wouldn't do it if we didn't love them, right? Ok ... I'll stop being morbid and depressing. [:

I'm sure by now you've heard of and most likely even heard some songs by Death Cab for Cutie. But for those who don't know much about them, here are the facts:

• The band was formed in Bellingham, Washington as a side project for frontman Ben Gibbard who was studying engineering at the time (1997).
• After releasing eight songs on cassette (no joke), the band decided to become legit and gave themselves the title Death Cab for Cutie (named after a song by the Bonzo Dog Band (wtf?)).
• They signed with Seattle-based Barsuk Records and released their debut LP, Something About Airplanes, in 1998.
• Ben Gibbard continued to work on his side project: the Postal Service.
• Fast forward: they released Plans, their 4th album and first under a major label in 2005. They remained on the Billboard charts for nearly a year, achieved platinum status, practically became the freakin soundtrack for the television series The O.C., and were nominated for a Grammy.
• Blah blah blah ....

One of my favourite things about Death Cab are their lyrics. I love that they're simple yet descriptive and filled with meaning. I think this song is a perfect example.

Modest Mouse - Parting of the Sensory

Some day you will die somehow

And something's going to steal your carbon

"Parting of the Sensory" is definitely my favorite track off of Modest Mouse's We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank. It's a little more raw than some of the other tracks but still contains all the musical elements that make them so good. Formed in '93 in "The Shed" (practice space next to Brock's mother's trailer) in Issaquah, WA, they've come a long way for an "indie" band. Their 6th album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News had a top 40 hit and was well received by a large audience. Their latest album reached #1 on US Billboard 200 charts and features the Smith's former guitarist, Johnny Marr, who also toured with them as a member of the band.

Earlier this year Brock told Rolling Stone magazine that Modest Mouse will be releasing an EP of polished unreleased tracks from their last two LPs. He also mentioned that he's been going fishing with the Shin's lead singer. Fast forward 9 months: the front-men are proud father's of a new baby boy! Just kidding. Billboard magazine released rumours of a possible Modest Mouse/Built to Spill/Love As Laughter album covering each other's songs. Whether or not this is actually true is uncertain but fans should keep their fingers crossed.

Check out live performances of four of their songs on AOL Live Sessions (as if you couldn't just YouTube them).