Into the Heart: Boy at 40

The freshman album by U2 was anything but naive. With Steve Lillywhite at the helm, this album is extremely philosophical and psychological for these literal boys -19 and 20 when this album was released. But their religious studies had them thinking deep for many years, and would, in fact, almost tear the band apart. 
 
Famously known for the cover art,  Boy would catch the ears of many critics, hailing it as an album that shows the potential of a poetic and philosophical band.





I Will Follow 
A tribute to the mother he lost at 14, the symbolism is deep for a song with so much spirit:
I was on the inside
When they pulled the four walls down
I was looking through the window
I was lost, I am found.

 
Twilight
A coming of age song, where "in the shadows, boy mean man, this song deals with the confusion of becoming an adult.

An Cat Dubh
The black cat, the woman, the other woman, the scorned lover. This is so much like the types of songs we hear in Achtung Baby. This song is about women, and love and sex, but innocently symbolized in the cat that sleeps next to it's victim bird. 
And in the daylight
A blackbird makes a violent sight
And when she is done
She sleeps beside the one
 
Into The Heart
Foreshadowing their Innocence / Experience albums, just what did these four lads think they already knew about being young and innocent and the challenges of getting older?
Into the heart, into the heart of a child
I can't go back
I can't stay awhile.
Into the heart.

Out Of Control
A standard in today's shows about being young and living life. 

Stories For Boys
Again, another song of innocence 

There's a picture book
With colour photographs
There's a comic strip
That makes me laugh

The Ocean
The shortest of U2 songs, paying homage to Oscar Wilde an as well as some religious allusions and potential delusions of grandeur. The bass line on this is what gives away Adam's true talent, creating the sounds of the ebb and flow and even fog horns of the ocean. 

A picture in grey
Dorian Gray
Just me by the sea.

And I felt like a star
I felt the world could go far
If they listened to what I said.
The sea

Washes my feet
Washes my feet
Splashes the sole of my shoes.


A Day Without Me
One of the more reflective songs on the album about life and what it would be like without them in it.


Another Time, Another Place
Everyone seems to be more concerned about the Gaelicy-German that Bono utters, as opposed to what this is really about. But it seems to be about lovers or the loss of a lover. In all, this seems to be a foreign sound for U2. The Edge is not playing Edge like-notes and the sound seems a little moving towards a Sunday Bloody Sunday sound - but that's two albums away.
 
Bright morning lights
Wipe the sleep from another day's eye
Turn away from the wall
And there's Nothing at all
Being naked and afraid
In the open space of my bed

Electric Co.
Short for electric conversion therapy, this peppy song is a reference to a friend who was suicidal and was taken in for electric shock therapy. This is an early indicator of Love is Blindness - like "love songs" about extremists.  

Red, running red
Play for real
The toy could feel
A hole in your head
You go in shock
You're spoon-fed

If you don't know...Electric co.

Shadows and Tall Trees
Quite the somber, self examination song to end on, but again, it was where the band was. Everything was an examination of self in relation to their religious studies. 

 Boy is a rare example of a first album for a band that would become world famous. While deep in philosophy and questioning of life, the music lends itself to the listener, allowing them to be let in, even if they don't want the message, questions, or answers. It foreshadows much of the discussion we would have with Bono, Edge, Adam, and Larry in the future 13 albums and numerous world tours.

 

 Scot Anderson of the Iowa City Press-Citizen called Boy 'an album that, while flawed, shows the potential of the band'. Anderson thought certain songs were too long or too short, but believed U2 distinguished themselves from their peers with their spirit and humanity, making 'a most refreshing splash in the New Wave.'

 

October

Before there was the Joshua Tree and Rattle and Hum, in 1981 U2 produced an album that would spawn only one recognizable song. October is one of my favorite U2 albums. The only recognizable song to many would be Gloria. The rest of the songs, gems if you ask me, are dreamy at times and are wrought with politics, religion, and young angst.

Gloria

This is where our Bono becomes David, the King and Psalm writer and makes his debut of sorts. He mixes traditional Catholic Latin Gloria...in te domine (Glory, In You Lord) with a sort of power ballad to the father, son and Holy Ghost Himself. Statements like But only in you I'm complete make reference to the band's overall Christian beliefs. Add a catchy bass solo by Adam Clayton and the praise-filled song become a band favorite.

I Fall Down

I don't know who Julie and John are but it seems as if they are down on their luck. But Julie seems like a pretty positive person. And let's just say that The Edge really loves pianos on this album.

I Threw A Brick Through A Window

Adam has strong bass presence on this song, one of my favorites on the album. It could be a song about a typical male adolescent sibling argument; it could also be about the Troubles. And in this song, Bono is flirting with symbolism and allegory, his literary genius comes out in this song with lyrics such as No one...no one is blinder, Than he who will not see, No one...no one is blinder, Than me. Its definitely a song about conflict of some kind and it has a very haunting feeling to it.

Rejoice

Did you know how devout to Christianity Bono, The Edge and Larry were? Enough to not only write this song, but to write this song about Adam not carrying that same devout belief that the others did.

These are some extremely deep lyrics for 20 something kids to be writing Just tell me what am I supposed to say, I can't change the world, But I can change the world in me, If I rejoice, Rejoice...

Fire

Yup, if you haven't gotten the religious overtones of the album yet, this one might just do it. It even starts out with sort of a chant that you might hear in church. It's a very apocalyptic, fire and brimstone song. He also references going home in this song, and I don't think he meant anywhere near the River Liffey.

Tomorrow

Such a beautiful, sad, haunting song about the Troubles. The pipes even add to the sorrow of this song. Won't you come back tomorrow, Won't you be back tomorrow, Will you be back tomorrow, Can I sleep tonight?It isn't about the person who died, but the song writer himself, telling a black funeral cab to return another day. It's also the cry for what  Christ stands for Open up, open up, To the lamb of God, To the love of he who made , The blind to see, He's coming back, He's coming back, I believe it, Jesus coming.

October

Ahh, the song I play each October 1st. The piano notes are like the first chilly nights of the month. Simple song about the month the album was released.

With A Shout

When a song contains references to Jerusalem, sides of the hill and messiah, you know where the band was coming from. It shocks so many that songs that sound like typical U2, Larry's Apprentice Boys sharpshooter drumming, Adam's bass and the perfect notes from The Edge, could really be about the crucifixion of Christ. Again, it was songs like this that almost drove the band apart since Adam was not devout like his band mates.

Stranger In A Strange Land

A song NEVER performed live that was inspired not my Northern Ireland like many think, but my an encounter with a soldier at a crossing in Germany. It was the beginning of Bono reflecting on politics and life around the world.

Scarlet

It has some future Passengers sounds, and some sounds that U2 don't reproduce until 2000. Chant worthy and very tribal.

Is That All

This song seems like a temper tantrum to me. Singing this song makes me angry ...  Singing this song makes me happy. This seems like a song to just get the album over but I could be wrong. Bono, if you're out there - help me out on this one. 

 

So there you have it. The religious undertones of a young U2, just mastering what would be their signature sound before The Joshua Tree. They would have been great, very energetic men of the religious word, but secretly, I am glad they found that maybe being in a band could also be a platform for preaching the word ...

Begin One Direction comments ... now!

If I had known the world was ending, I would’ve brought better books — A look back and forward at The Walking Dead

To me, the best zombie movies aren’t the splatter fests of gore and violence with goofy characters and tongue in cheek antics. Good zombie movies show us how messed up we are, they make us question our station in society… and our society’s station in the world. They show us gore and violence and all that cool stuff too… but there’s always an undercurrent of social commentary and thoughtfulness.
― Robert Kirkman, The Walking Dead, Vol. 1: Days Gone Bye 

While not shocking, the news that Season 11 would be the final season of The Walking Dead is met with many emotions. Okay, it felt a little like Carol told us to look at the flowers. Many of us have been there since the first season, and while we might not be as steadfast as we used to be and knew it was inevitable, knowing that the show will be done is a bitter pill to swallow. It was in the first two seasons, that the fandom of The Walking Dead pulled in so many people from around the globe together each week to see how many times Lori could lose Carl, Shane could be an ass, Daryl would make us swoon, and we fell in love (and hate) with so many characters.  Friends now, but then strangers I would never meet save for the show. The Walking Dead created a community. 

I've kicked the front seat from the back while yelling for candy, toured Coney Island, went for a boat ride, gave back to the community, and sat with a stupid grim on my face through two season premiers with the cast with those of you I've met because of this show.

We've laughed, cried, called out songs together before they were played, and were loyal pre and post show to discussions and reviews.

And while many of us have been very critical about decisions on the show throughout the seasons, there are moments we never forget. We can name those unforgettable episodes, we mourned the tragic loss of characters, and we enjoyed Spaghetti Tuesday every Wednesday. When new characters arrived, we were critical because we were loyal to our original surviving members of our TWD family. Let's admit it, those first few seasons were an emotional roller coaster. We survived on live tweeting and were beyond elated when cast members would join in our friendly banter. We watched character arcs that didn't match the comic. We watched season finales that left us scratching our heads. 

After the Season 10 finale on October 4th, we'll have a very long Season 11. And remember, we also jumped in time. So there could be many gaps to fill, am I right? We can only imagine where the final shows will take us ... we only advise that you don't f#@k this up show runners and writers. We're your loyal advisors if needed. We appreciate your opening credit teasers and ample Easter eggs.

And where does this go from here? There are the spin offs, Fear the Walking Dead and the yet to be titled Carol and Daryl hour. Rick might have his own movie. There will be absolutely nothing like those first seasons of the show, the Comic Cons and other conventions. And then the action figures and countless adventures I took them on. That's what I will miss the most. The fandom of TWD.

To the cast from Season 1 through Season 11 ... thank you. We know and appreciate your time and dedication to your craft, and appreciate the time you take for appearances and for charity events. You've allowed us to feel like we've been part of something special. We look forward to seeing you continue in other roles and artistic and creative endeavors. 

And since this is a music blog, how about some of the memorable songs performed or played during the last ten seasons? While most of the show's music is created by Bear McCreary or Global Stage Orchestra, there have been some popular and memorable song moments ... and some that we just can't seem to get out of our heads. Special thanks to TV Insider and Tune Find for this treasure trove of song info! All songs are hyperlinked - so check them out and re-live some of your favorite Walking Dead moments.

Running - Delta Spirit 

 

The Regulator – Clutch (Nebraska) 

Sniff N Tears - Driver's Seat

 

Civilian - Wye Oak

 

Oats in the Water – Ben Howard 

 

Serpents - Sharon Von Etten  

 

Space Junk - Wang Chung  (this song appears when Rick is in the tank in Atlanta and in his final episode)

 

Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine No More – Walker Brothers  

 

Tomorrow is a Long Time – Bob Dylan 

 

Running to the Rain – Peter Gabriel 

 

I See a Darkness – Johnny Cash 

 

 

Easy Street – Collapsible Hearts Club 

 

Hold On – Tom Waits 

 

Lead Me Home – Jamie N Commons 

 

Fast and Loose – Motorhead 

 

Precious Memories – Stanley Brothers 

 

Be Good – Emily Kinney 

 

The Troubles – U2

 

It’s Nobody’s Fault But Mine – Blind Willie Johnson 

 

Far Away – Gov't Mule 

 

Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright – Bob Dylan 

 

Care of Cell 44 – The Zombies 

 

When the Wild Wind Blows – Iron Maiden (Eugene)

 

 

When I was a kid I asked my grandpa once if he ever killed any Germans in the war. He wouldn't answer. He said that was grown-up stuff, so so I asked if the Germans ever tried to kill him. But he got real quiet. He said he was dead the minute he stepped into enemy territory. Every day he woke up and told himself, "Rest in peace. Now get up and go to war." And then after a few years of pretending he was dead he made it out alive. That's the trick of it, I think. We do what we need to do and then we get to live. But no matter what we find in DC, I know we'll be okay. Because this is how we survive. 

We tell ourselves that we are the walking dead. 

 

— Rick Grimes, Season 5: Them —

Nothing Left To Do But Smile Smile Smile

Counting stars by candlelight, all are dim but one is bright ~ Terrapin Station The Grateful Dead

Twenty-five ago, before I entered the Dead Head world, I remember my friends holding vigil for Jerry Garcia. August 9th is the day Jerry left this world.

I get it now.

Once I became a fan I understood the love of Jerry Garcia. He brought happiness to so many by singing songs that brought joy, conveyed feelings that so many of us felt but didn't know how to say, and taught us how to live and love in the moment.

Something was lost that day years ago, but something has been passed along. Jerry left us with one lesson and that is to keep the love going through music.

Even if you are not a Dead Head, I hope you can understand. I hope you can live in that moment for one second.

There is nothing like singing your soul out, under the stars, to your favorite Grateful Dead song, or version of that song. Singing it and understanding what he meant when he wrote it or remembering a time when you heard that song.

I will never hear Morning Dew the same way again - it will brings me back to sitting next to Rob E on Dino's drum riser, back to my better half asking me to marry him.

Or Touch of Grey, I will always remember those snow angels in a parking lot in Burlington, VT.

And my last memory of Scott, listening to Stella Blue.

Thank You Jerry! We are still spreading your message and we are still counting stars by candlelight.

Boardwalk Soul: Nicole Atkins - Italian Ice

I didn’t want it to be like a Muscle Shoals tribute record, but I love sounds from the past,” she says. “I’m trying to keep those elements, like the melodies and that classic songwriting tone, but push them into the future. ~Nicole Atkins with Nashville Scene Lorie Liebig May 25, 2020

As songs were released in the past few weeks from the pandemic-delayed release of Nicole Atkins' fifth album Italian Ice, there was a vibe that was becoming obvious. From Captain to Domino to Mind Eraser, there wasn't just a vibe about these songs, it was actually a feeling. Call me Madame Marie, but after listening to Italian Ice from AM Gold to Splinters, the songs do evoke many feelings especially for those of use who grew up late 70s and early 80s where the sounds of Paul Anka in one room would be met in the dining room with someone listening to Quarterflash and the neighbor jamming to the Four Tops. If you close your eyes you are taken to a time and feeling of carefree revelry. Whether you grew up like Nicole on the Jersey Shore, or like me in Western PA, everyone knows that feeling of carefree abandonment in the summer. Nights by the fire pit, walking through the cavernous Casino on the boardwalk, or enjoying a night on your city apartment roof looking at the stars and listening to songs that make you forget.

Nicole's goal of capturing the feeling of Asbury Park, I can only attest to from an adult's point of view. But damn, she makes me wish my dad drove us to the Jersey Shore as a kid. Jersey was a mythic place having grown up in Western Pa, and Italian Ice just adds to all those feelings I thought it would be like to ride a carousal, see the tide lit up at night by the boardwalk vendors, and hear all the sounds and smell all the smells (that I did imagine were like the county fair, but without the cow and horse smells).

Heading to iconic Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Nicole assembled a dream band : Dap Kings guitarist and WFUV DJ Binky Griptite, singer - song writer John Paul White, Swampers members David Hood and Spooner Oldham, drummer McKenzie Smith, musician extraordinaire Jim Sclavunos, and David "Moose" Sherman. Co-produced by Nicole and Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes), she invited even more friends to join in on the party at 3614 Jackson Highway such as Seth Avett, Erin Rae, Carl Broemel, and Hamilton Leithauser.

Unknown Photo Credit

In a studio where Cher, Aretha Franklin, Bob Seger, The Rolling Stones, George Michael, and so many stellar others recorded, Nicole has brought her own artistry and sound to create an album that culminates in a trip through time through a genre she has called "pop-noir."

Overall, the album has this literal feel that you've turned on a time and space distant AM radio station and you're hit with sounds that evoke memories of driving with the windows rolled all the way down and singing at the top of your lungs, to those slow drives through the almost autumn golden leaves, the sun shining through like a Def Leppard video of course for good measure. From crooning tunes to 80's INXS synth sounds, Italian ice captures many moods and sounds and adds its own flair for good measure.

Italian Ice isn't all cotton candy and merry-go -rounds though. Nicole brings some tones of the state of the world in AM Gold and also hearkens the Sandy ravaged boardwalk in In the Splinters. But Italian Ice is also a lot of truths of Nicole's own resilience on amazing catchy tunes such as Never Going Home Again where she sings of trials and tribulations on the road: Woke up feeling half dead in a Hello Kitty bed in Youngstown, Ohio. And throws in the great punch to add a dash of pride. Left the money, kept creative control for the sake of rock and roll. They are songs each as unique and creative as this artist who has kept us musically entertained throughout the pandemic.

Go support your local artists (Nicole) and or your local stores (record stores) and buy Italian Ice.

From video- Domino

2020: The Mix Tapes

In today’s world of fear and unease and social distancing, it’s hard to imagine sharing experiences like these ever again,” Grohl writes. “I don’t know when it will be safe to return to singing arm in arm at the top of our lungs, hearts racing, bodies moving, souls bursting with life. But I do know that we will do it again, because we have to. ~ Dave Grohl

As a music fan the past few months have been a challenge. This is, of course, an understatement. We also know the musicians we look to as therapists are also having to think about the economic impact, withdrawal from the energy of the crowd, and absurd stories from the road. We've been tuning into live streams, playlists, podcasts, and reading the op-eds. We also wonder about the venues and their employees and know they need our support now and when they can re-open. 

And the next question is about the future of how we enjoy music.Will rail riders be a thing of the not so distant past? How will we ever again enjoy the sweaty high five from our favorite lead singers? Will I ever again get my shoes stuck in a drying beer that was spilled on the floor? As frustrating as all of this may sound, we love music enough to adapt. If you tell us no more general admission standing room only. Okay. I have to sit one seat apart from my friends and strangers ... as long as they don't decide to yell at each other instead of have their annoying sidebar conversations instead of watching the band... okay. Will I miss the surge and movement of the crowd, thinking at any moment, the rogue wave of humanity will suck you under, only to be saved by security? Sad you lost your prime viewing spot in the process. Yes. But if we want music, we must adapt.

For a brief time a few weeks ago, I didn't listen to music (yeah, that was a really bad week). And then my significant other would play the same songs every night. Whiter Shade of Pale, The Rain Song, and A Day in the Life. Understanding they brought him comfort, to me, when I hear those songs in the future, is it going to bring me back to this hopeless, helpless, desperate moment ... and realized, just like a mix tape, there are some songs you love and some, after time, you learn to take it for what it was worth at the moment. Music can transport you to a time and a place. It can bring back a feeling of sunshine or dancing your heart out in the middle of a rain storm.

How many of you have gone back to the songs from your high school days?

We can honestly say that we are all in this together, even though it may feel as if sometimes we are alone. We all need each other more than ever. So get back to those playlists and create a mix tape for yourself and others. We're in charge of this set list - so let's make it a good one.

If you are able, please consider donating to support our favorite venues and their staff. Some links below:

Support your record stores https://vimeo.com/416397006

https://www.nivassoc.org/ National Independent Venue Association

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-bowery-ballroom-and-mercury-lounge-staff?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link-tip&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet - Bowery Ballroom and Mercury Lounge Go Fund Me

https://www.gofundme.com/f/p8xzr-arlene039s-grocery-staff-fund Arlene's Grocery Go Fund Me

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer.
― Albert Camus

Being a Music Fan During ..... a Pandemic and You’d Give Anything to Able to Yell at Someone For Talking During the Show

For(c) Lance Mercer

This post, formerly known as Being a Music Fan During a Global Health Emergency has been updated to reflect how many of us feel.

Maybe saying that'd I'd give anything to yell at someone talking too loud during a show is a bit of desperation. First of all, thank you to all of the artists that are putting on music for us daily. We need each other in this relationship to keep our heads above water. 

For you the reader, I hope you and your family and friends are healthy and secure during these very trying times. To our healthcare professionals, first responders, and front line workers: 

To our artists, we cannot wait until the days when we can cram into venues and sing with you at the top of our lungs. Hopefully we're buying merch to help you out. We cannot thank you enough for the wonderful and creative collaborative dance mash-ups, afternoon concerts, and day-long show streaming to keep our homes filled with our favorite chords and lyrics.

We know you've had to cancel shows and return ticket money. But you've also had to home school your kids and take care of your loved ones. Please continue to let us know how we can help you. 

We've also lost some music legends these past weeks, making this time even more meaningful to come together in song. 

Stay healthy, safe, resilient, and kind. 

We'll see you at the show. 

Singing from the windows

voices outside and no one knows

singing from the windows

we'll get going again

****************************************************
Being a Music Fan During a Global Health Emergency  (March 9, 200
Again, here in Seattle what we are witnessing we would not wish for anyone. What we do wish for the rest of the country is that they can avoid the harsh negative effects of this and retain their sense of community and take care of one another. Just as we look forward to our next concerts and the ability to gather together and play loud songs as energized as ever.

We are so sorry…
And deeply upset..

If anyone out there feels the same based on this news, we share that emotion with you.

- Ed & Pearl Jam~

Besides the immediate reaction of "I get it" to all of the bands and festivals that are postponing or canceling due to Covid 19, an underlying theme has been ... but I really needed your show. The joy we get coming together en masse to hear music and sing loud is what everyone is saying we should not do at this time. And for our most vulnerable and to not make the spread of any illness in our communitintes worse...it is the correct action to take at this time. 

(c) Tara Foto

But, selfishly, what do we, the music fans do? A dear friend suggested bands do FM radio shows like in the 90's. Another mentioned lots of streaming options be made available to shows or Unplugged or Storytellers like events. We Need Music. Especially those who are working tirelessness during this time, or even those who are isolated or quartntined. Music is our healing. Music is our medicine. 

In light of SXSW cancelling and possibly Coachella, and Pearl Jam postponing their tour, the evident impact is economic: for the band, the community, the businesses, and possibly the fans. The cascading impact of such decisions will be felt for a while. 

As made clear in Pearl Jam's announcement, it is also the unknown lack of solid and clear guidance that led to this decision - so it's time the action rests upon the masses to be responsible and protect the communities that gather to enjoy music.

(c) PMCarlson

And what do the artists do? The economic impact and logistical nightmare of canceling and postponing shows or entire festivals is and will be crippling to some. Supporting your artists by buying their albums and merch, and then making sure you support their live efforts after all of this is said and done. 

In the meantime, we should all remember to be there for each other, pass along facts and share vetted information, and look after those in our music family that can be impacted by COVID. We should also keep an eye out for those impacted by the sheer overwhelming everywhere of this in the news. All of this all of the time can be too much for some. 

That's where we come in. Get your 90's cassette mixed tape talents out and go to town on some mixed-tape Spotify lists for friends. 
If you're all healthy, go check out some music in a local pub or venue. Invite friends over to stream a couch tour of your favorite band - please don't charge them for drinks and food. 

When this is all over, think about the amazing feeling of standing in a venue, surrounded by those you've never met - but have so much in common because "it's your band". Singing those lyrics together at the top of your lungs, feeling the energy of being one collectively in this most amazing family who loves music, who breathes and wants and needs those special moments when it feels like you're alone and it's just you and the band - singing a song like they wrote it just for you!

 \mm/  Rage, Rest, Wash Your Hands    \mm/

Repeat.