BU TUNES
By Sarah Winslow and Tara Hankinson
Staff Writers
Dear Student Body:
We feel and fear that students may have settled into a music-listening rut, which is inexcusable in the wondrous world of free Internet radio and song previews. Below is a healthy bunch of songs that, in our opinion, are relatable to most college students and even reflect the University’s present state.
“Untitled” — Interpol
This song is an Interpol fan favorite. The simplicity of the lyrics and title certainly don’t devalue the song’s mysterious, yet beautiful sound. Paul Banks, lead singer of Interpol, sighs: “Surprise, sometimes, will come around/I will surprise you sometime … I’ll come around when you’re down.” Ironically enough, his soft voice emits a playfully romantic message, perhaps to a lover in doubt of the relationship’s once enticing spark. The mellow, repetitive guitars, followed by an intensifying bass and drums accompaniment, lead to the vocals and complete the perfect crescendo in tonal color. After the vocals stop, the song takes a sharp and haunting turn into a fade-out that leaves the listener perplexed by the intense ambiguity—something you can relate to your latest weekend fling.
“Scatterbrain” — Radiohead
The mournful vocals and somber guitar background evoke sentiments of sheer sadness — but seriously folks, this is Radiohead. What else is new? “Hail to the Thief” is one of Radiohead’s more political albums and “Scatterbrain” exemplifies the spirit of the album. Listeners can detect the obvious reference to war, particularly a scene from a battlefield. “Yesterday’s headlines blown by the wind/ Yesterday’s people end up scatterbrain/ Any fool can easy pick a hole I only wish I could fall in/ A moving target in a firing range.” It is possible that Thomas Yorke, lead singer, tries to increase societal awareness of the gruesome realities of war, but this song serves as a reference to vulnerability. Don’t let your persuasive friend get the best of you by heeding her advice to go out every night of the week. Nobody wants to be labeled a scatterbrain in class. Not cool.
“Flow Natural” — Tito el Bambino
While studying abroad in South America, Winslow discovered reggaeton. “Flow Natural” mixes the reggaeton beat, contoured by Arabic undertones. Bambino collaborates with the famous Beenie Man—ultimately creating a dance floor favorite. The strong beat and high-strung, yet sensual Arabic woman’s voice in the refrain is catchy. Spicy Spanish lyrics conjure a visual of a man approaching a “morena hottie” on the dance floor. He adores her “natural flow” and stunning beauty—pretty much the common theme in most reggaeton songs. Just think of last weekend when you were grooving on the dance floor, drenched in sweat and accidentally spilled warm beer. At least the dim-lit ambience and silky beads of perspiration made you think you looked hot.
“J’aime Vous Voir Quitter” — Islands
With the stress of classes and the new school year, friendships will inevitably be tested. Let’s hope that your friendship isn’t treated as poorly as the one between Nick Thorburn, leader of Islands, and his former bandmate J’aime Tambeur. After Tambeur left the band, Thorburn wrote this song stating, “You said you had my back/But I was attacked by a pack of dogs frothing at the mouth.” Ouch! I’m sure we can be more civil than that.
“Sunshine” — CocoRosie
Sisters Bianca and Sierra Casady of CocoRosie write all sorts of mysterious songs, solidifying them as a staple of the New Weird America movement, or alternative folk. “Sunshine” is a childish song about playing outside, riding bikes and roller skating. Since August has come and gone, we suggest you take CocoRosie’s advice and enjoy the next few weeks of good weather, starting with Fall Fest on Saturday.
