Eric's choice: Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band - "To All the Lights in the Windows" vs. Derrick's choice: Autokratz - "Stay the Same"
(Apologies for the image accompanying "Stay the Same" on youtube. That was the best link I could find for the original song (not a remix) that didn't involve watching an ad.)
So, one side, we have indie-folkster Conor Oberst's most Bright Eyes-like song from the last Mystic Valley Band record, Outer South. On the other, we have London electronica duo Autokratz's third single, "Stay the Same." As for Oberst, the live version found here is not great in terms of video quality, but it certainly matches, if not exceeds, the studio version in performance quality. A superbly-performed song about heartbreak that's satisfyingly hummable. Key lyric:
But I'm going to do what I can for you, I will make a pleaTo all the lights in the windows, the puddles in the streetsAnd all the lovers that you've been teasing from your balconyMay they carry you far from my memory
It's worthwhile to keep in mind that this pick represents one of my favorite songs of 2009, though, I admit, it perhaps isn't one of the best songs of the year. It isn't particularly groundbreaking (in fact, it's almost Conor-by-numbers), but in many years' time, when we're looking back at Oberst's entire discography, I think this song will stand as one of his best (and most accessible/memorable/cover-able). Your move, Doc. (He'll post his response in the comments.)
Ok, well, lyrically, "Stay the Same" doesn't compare. It is not a particularly wordy song. Nonetheless, I like the lyrics to "To All the Lights in the Windows" so much that I will still give that Conor. At first listen you may think it impossible to compare the two tracks musically. But like Eric said, the Oberst song is "Conor-by-numbers." And it just so happens that so is the Autokratz track. So we can judge them by how well each outfit executes the song. Well, I have to give to this to Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band. Sometimes listening to "Stay the Same" I feel as if the boys are just going through the motions despite it having all the elements for a great electro pop song. Whereas with Oberst, it feels as if every guitar strum and every word is there for a reason. That's good song writing, good musicianship and good execution. My vote goes to Oberst.
ReplyDeleteI'm usually an Oberst apologist, but it's surprising to see this song singled out. I've skipped it on the album more times than not; I'm sure I heard it performed in Albuquerque, but I don't remember it. Listening to it more closely today, I can see its carefulness, and the depth of its story - - but I'm not sure you can call it a _single_.
ReplyDeleteOberst has a gift with lyrics, and this song is a good example. But his songs aren't great - or at least accessible - until he brings a powerful melody or musical theme. See "Lua," "Calendar," even "Middleman." But his default is to write beautiful lyrics, and frame them in repetitive half-melodies. I think "Lights" veers too far in this direction. We've heard the melody before, as "Conor-by-numbers." The music doesn't bring us in. This is more a beautiful poem, less a song.