My (life in) music lists

Tunes

Eighties’ best 100 redux: #86 Public Image Ltd. “Rise” (1986)

Post author By jprobichaud
Post date November 14, 2024
3 Comments on Eighties’ best 100 redux: #86 Public Image Ltd. “Rise” (1986)

At song #86, we’ve got “Rise” by John Lydon’s (aka Johnny Rotten) other band, Public Image Ltd (or PiL).

Fans of the band might call this pick an obvious choice because it was one of PiL’s biggest hits and one of their more accessible tunes. To be frank, I’ve never considered myself a fan of either of John Lydon’s bands. I get that both are groundbreaking (though PiL was around infinitely longer than The Sex Pistols, their influence is not quite as wide-reaching) but they’re both bands that I could never get into. So why did this song make it to my top 100? Let me tell you a story.

I got a hold of the very excellent alternative 80s box set, “Left of the dial” by Rhino records, a number of years ago and began listening to it with only a cursory scan at the track listing. The compilation is filled with a nice mix of songs I already loved, songs that were new to me, and lost nuggets. One of these nuggets came upon me towards the end of the third disc. I can’t remember what I was doing at the time (I might’ve been at work) but I had instant recall at the song’s first few notes and was bopping along to the groove (yes, I just said “groove”) so much so that I had to check to see who it was. To say I was surprised to see it was Public Image Ltd. is an understatement but it made total sense once I got over the shock. I think what sets “Rise” apart from the others for me is the juxtaposition of Lydon’s discordant vocals with the melodic, almost singalong background vocals.

I shortly thereafter went back to listen PiL’s greatest hits album to see if maybe they’re a band I just didn’t get at the time but could only make it halfway through the disc. So I still wasn’t a fan at the time but I did and do love this song. Maybe it’s time to give them another go.

Original Eighties best 100 position: #84

Favourite lyric: “They put a hot wire to my head / ‘Cos of the things I did and said / And made these feelings go away / Model citizen in every way” John Lydon: rebel with a cause.

Where are they now?: Public Image Ltd. reformed with a new lineup in 2009 and released “This is PiL” in 2012, their first album of new material in 20 years. This was followed by album reissues, a new compilation, further touring, and two albums of new material, including last year’s “End of world”.

For the rest of the Eighties’ best 100 redux list, click here.

Tags Best tunes, Retro, British rock, 1980s, Alternative, Alternative Rock, Post-Punk, New Wave, John Lydon, Public Image Ltd.

Vinyl

Vinyl love: Billy Bragg “The best of Billy Bragg at the BBC”

Post author By jprobichaud
Post date November 10, 2024
No Comments on Vinyl love: Billy Bragg “The best of Billy Bragg at the BBC”

(Vinyl Love is a series of posts that quite simply lists, describes, and displays the pieces in my growing vinyl collection. You can bet that each record was given a spin during the drafting of each corresponding post.)

Artist: Billy Bragg
Album Title: The best Of Billy Bragg At The BBC 1983 – 2019
Year released: 2019
Details: 3 x LP, heavyweight vinyl

The skinny: That thing I mentioned back at the beginning of the year? The thing where I put on a record and do nothing but listen to it, read the liner notes, enjoy the album artwork, follow along with the lyrics, and really just experience each record? Yeah, I’m still doing it, albeit at meandering pace. I started alphabetically and am just now reaching Billy Bragg ten months later. I’ve been a fan of the Bard of Barking since high school and yet, for the longest time, have had few of his records* on my vinyl shelves. So a few years ago, when I saw on the upcoming release charts a compilation of his best performances on BBC radio, I jumped at the chance and hit the pre-order button. This 3 LP set pressed to heavyweight vinyl shows Billy Bragg at his purest, for the most part, just him and his guitar, telling it like it is.

Standout track: “Levi Stubbs’ tears (with Frank Turner at Glastonbury)”

*His record reissues have been few and far between since I started collecting – the only proper studio that I’ve seen re-released has been the 30th anniversary of his debut, which of course, I purchased.

Tags 12", Alternative, BBC, Billy Bragg, British rock, Compilation, Folk-Punk, Heavyweight, John Peel, Singer/Songwriter, Triple vinyl

Tunes

Best tunes of 2020: #13 Moaning “Ego”

Post author By jprobichaud
Post date October 25, 2024
2 Comments on Best tunes of 2020: #13 Moaning “Ego”

<< #14 | #12 >>

Moaning is an American indie rock trio that was formed in Los Angeles, California back in 2014. This wasn’t the first rodeo, though, for Sean Solomon (vocals, guitars), Pascal Stevenson (bass, synthesizers), and Andrew MacKelvie (drums, percussion). All three members were veterans of the hometown music scene and in fact were in a previous band together, having met and formed a friendship back in high school. This band seemed fated for more success, though, after some chance encounters led to Alex Newport producing their self-titled debut album and to their signing with iconic indie label Sub Pop for its release.

Moaning quickly drew comparisons Joy Division with their bass-heavy, dark, and angular post punk sound and Sean Solomon’s dour vocal delivery. They could’ve done worse in many people’s eyes and ears, especially since the mention in the same breath was not imbued with any derogatory irony. From album one to album two, the progression left room for the haunting synths to appear, giving the whole party a retro and nostalgic feel. And not forgetting of course, that at their base, all of their songs are dance floor, freak-out ready.

“The highest high, the lowest low
I wanna lose my ego
It’s easier to complain
But there is beauty in the mundane”

Track one opens Moaning’s sophomore album like a scraping footstep in an empty and very likely haunted house just after midnight. “Ego” is a driving and rumbling bass line that Peter Hook might be proud of and the drums just trounce along, adding a thudding heartbeat to this psychological thriller. Wailing synths grace the chorus, only slightly foretold by alien sounding creaks, just below the surface, seething and biding their time to strike. And as dark and sinister as this all sounds, the inspiration for the lyrics are quite the opposite, exploring the idea of thinking of others outside of one self, putting aside your own bs to see that the world is still happening around you.