Existensminimum - "Changing Lines"
You know how famous crooners will cover new songs in an "I'm a crooner" kind of way, with lots of brass instruments, and a tongue in their cheek? Well, two things about this song: i) it would sound so much like an ACTUAL song written by one of those guys, that it wouldn't have that kitshcy quality ii) it really OUGHT to be recorded as one, because I think it would be fantastic. Stephin Merritt, you should do it. All it needs in addition is more obvious running metaphors (or is it subway metaphors?) and a big vocal finish; it should go up instead of down.
That heartbeat, that pulse, is the constant pressing of the "inflate" button. [Buy]
If LCD Soundsystem didn't realise anyone was listening, or if that sequence where all the cards jump off the deck at the end of solitaire, were a song, it might sound like this. I feel like sitting up straight when I listen to this. Sometimes, the song goes and takes a swim (the pool is ten blocks away) and comes back. [Buy]
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Harry Truman, Candice Bergen, and Dylan; happy birthday.
Posted by Dan at May 8, 2006 12:23 AMYou all should know that I spend over a half-hour trying to beat solitaire just so I could compare the song to the jumpy thing.
Posted by: Jack at May 8, 2006 3:20 AMHeypenny is much much better than Existensminimum. The album is smoother, yet maintains the rootsy sound. Plus, Ben's voice is complimentary to the wandering harmonies.
Posted by: illman at May 8, 2006 9:44 AMthanks Dan, what an honor! i've been excitedly showing my friends that i do have something in common with murphey brown.
Posted by: Dylan at May 8, 2006 6:53 PMHey Penny just blew my face off
Posted by: Justin at May 9, 2006 10:16 AMI liked Exitensminimum more. It's weird an quirky in a really cool way.
Posted by: Patric at May 17, 2006 1:49 PMChanging Lines is a much better song. So complex , full of life and utterly beautiful.
Posted by: Pete at May 18, 2006 10:12 AM