Monday, July 30, 2007

Moloko / Roisin Murphy: Forever More

With my constant intake of music (of which i never seem to express properly here) I tend to pass by an excellent track.

This time it comes courtesy of Moloko. The song is "Forever More", a single from their last album, Statues (2003). Its just so good. It has totally picked up my spirits (which as you might now is difficult to do) and I listen to it constantly in physical and mental repeat.

It starts slowly from simple synth lines and builds up into an eruption of dance floor magic with beats, organs and horns. But what makes the track really stand out is Roisin Murphy's vocals. She has such an interesting range and can get high or low. She really shines at the low registers it gives her a sensual and firm grip on any song she sings.

"Forever More" is a plea for "someone to love me". Coming from what seems like a place where a real and reciprocal love is expected but isn't forthcoming. "Will we receive?/ Without ever asking/ I'm just curious".

That's another thing, Roisin's phrasing and intonations are absolutely amazing. When you hear her sing "curious" and "furious" you can just see the defiant look that would come with it. Or that's just me. Anyway, SUCH a good song. Here's the vid of the single version of the song (the album's version is over 7 minutes. of awesomeness.):



Being at the end of the Moloko canon, it comes a million miles away from "Fun for Me" from 1995 (1997 in the US with the "electronica" hype craze). Back then, as enjoyable as it is, they were going for more quirky thrills. As time went on and with the gigantic international danceclub success of "Sing it Back", they found great success keeping it simple yet inventive with Roisin ascending to be the queen of the dancefloor with her vocals still throwing some interesting quirks but serve to add weight to the songs rather than be misperceived as novelty. With this came the future singles/dance floor burners:

"The Time is Now" (whenever i hear this song, I feel the same way Roisin does in this video)


"Pure Pleasure Seeker" (a performance sure to please Morris Day and the Time fans)


"Familiar Feeling" (I wish I could dance like this)


Along with other great singles. To get an overview, please pop by your favorite record shop and pick up their singles compilation "Catalogue". Unfortunately, its the only Moloko record aside from their debut "Do You Like My Tight Sweater?" from 1995/97 that is available in the US. If you can, pick up the imports "I Am Not a Doctor" (1998) "Things to Make and Do" (2000) and "Statues" (2003).

After Statues Roisin went on to a successful solo career with an excellent album Ruby Blue which produced smashing singles.

"If We're in Love"


"Sow Into You"



aaand now the lead single "Overpowered" from a forthcoming album called "Overpowered" oddly enough. An instant classic to my ears. Fantastic video.



This song is waiting to overthrow "Forever More" in my brain but it will take a little bit. Once the "oxytoxins" kick in.

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

landlord

My landlords are an elderly couple. Both 86.

They are nice, but can get cranky and haven't really accepted their oldness.

The husband is out every day working in our little yard and driveway.
He is not in good shape.
The paramedics asked later what ailments he had including heart-attack, stroke, etc.

he pretty much said "yah, all that".

So while i was between class and work and came home, i had noticed that the stones at the edge of the driveway were being moved. a bad idea if i ever saw one.

after a while inside, i heard hollering from the driveway. "HELP!"

i looked out and saw it was Dan on the ground and ran out. i made a mistake because he wanted me to help him up and i did.

i propped him up (incorrectly) and helped him shuffle to the chair, only later realizing that i shouldn't have moved him.

i should have just made him lie down and gotten something to cushion his head with and support his leg.

his wife couldnt hear him
they had the windows closed with a/c and tv on

she was a little out of it at first
when the situation presented itself, she was more in control

but of course leading off with the old people yelling at each other thing.

he was in a good bit of pain, it was awful.

we tried calling family and then we realized that the ambulance needed to be called.

he was relieved to see them.

after the ambulance took him (i'm sure he'll be fine) a cop said we should discourage him from exerting himself.

i've tried. but he just hasn't faced up to reality.

tho the reality sucks and what is it really.

but when you may have broken your hip, its a little too real.

i really don't want to get old.
or at least i want to take care of myself a little better.