Where does all the time go? Finding it hard to get the lists
written up at the moment, but given I had some requests for a new list here is
one. This week we look at top ten “band” songs. By band I don’t mean songs that
were recorded by a band, nor do I mean the best songs by Robbie Robertson’s ensemble.
No, I am copping out again and doing a list that is ipod searchable – the song
just has to have the word band in the title. It’s an enjoyable list to listen
this week, full of some toe tappers, some faux country/folk, some good old
fashioned rock n roll and some seriously poignant lyrics at some points as
well.
Enjoy the list and as always, please feel free to make some
comments about your thoughts on the list, suggestions of your own (I am more
inclined to keep making lists if I know people enjoy reading them)
10 - If Yr Famous and
You Know it Sack Your Band – Custard
Custard were one of those bands from the 90’s that didn’t
take themselves too seriously. Last year in one of my op-shop trips I came
across their best of, and just had to give it a go. It has some good moments on
it, but from my perspective can only be consumed in small doses. This is a
great track, although it is probably fair to say that the title promises more
than the actual track delivers. Not to worry though….the link shows lead singer
Dave McCormack playing it.
9 - One Man Band –
Leo Sayer
Yep, we all have our guilty pleasures, I don’t own this but
pretty sure my Mum has a Leo Sayer album with this on, which is why its stuck
in my head!
8 - Band on Every
Corner – The Whitlams
The Whitlams sound must un-Whitlam like in this one,
channelling country and celtic folk influences. A lot of fun, and one of the
better non best of tracks from Eternal Nightcap. Grab your pint class, sway
from side to side and sing a long…go on, you know you want to.
7 - Hi, We’re the Support
Band – Tim Rogers
Rogers tackles the the subject of the support band (“we
ain’t the ones you know”) in this fine effort from his excellent “What Rhymes
with Cars and Girls”.
6 - I Made the Prison
Band – Merle Haggard
In this upbeat, toe-tapping song from his 1967 album
“Branded Man”, Haggard sings about a prisoner being stuck inside a lonely
prison where “the walls are strong and the days are long”. The prisoner learns
to play guitar and then successfully makes it into the prison band, which
results in a complete change of the prisoner’s plans: “I'd been plannin' a
break since Christmas. I had the details all worked out. But now I know that I
ain't gonna go and there ain't no doubt … I gotta rehearse for the Friday night
show 'cause I made the prison band.” The rehabilitative power of music perhaps?
5 - Listen to the
Band – Monkees
Catchy, catchy track from the Monkees.
4 - Sgt Peppers
Lonely Hearts Club Band – The Beatles
I think my love of the Beatles is well established by now,
but I have to say this wouldn’t be one of my top Beatles songs. Nevertheless
its an enjoyable listen worthy of this list.
3 - Travelin’ Band –
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Off to CCR next for some great rock and roll. I love how
this song seems to arrive in a hurry and then not outstay its welcome.
Enjoyable listen.
2 - And the Band
Played Waltzing Matilda – The Pogues
Written by singer/songwriter Eric Bogle, this is an amazing
piece of songwriting. Essentially an anti-war song, it describes the struggles
of a WWI veteran and the bad memories that war has. I could pull out verses and
quote them, but if you are not familiar with the track you would be better off
just listening yourself. Many have covered it over the years, but I think the
Pogues version probably takes the cake. Enjoy.
1- Band on the Run –
Wings
It takes a pretty good song to top the number two track mentioned
above, and “Band on the Run” is a pretty good song.
The track tells the story of a band being confined to prison
and then escaping and going on the run. Written by McCartney, the song consists
of a three part structure, revolving around the themes of escape and
liberation. It is said that McCartney was inspired to write the song by a
comment from fellow Beatle George Harrison, who once quipped at a business
meeting “..if we ever get out of here”. The first part of the song is soft and
melodic, as the central character complains about prison life: “Stuck inside
these four walls, sent inside forever, Never seeing no one nice again like you,
mama” Harrison’s unwitting contribution, “if we ever get out of here” heralds
the start of the second part of the song, as the singer thinks about giving
everything away if he was able to escape. Guitar, drum and bass starts to
become more prominent. The third, and main part of the song bursts into life as
the full sounds of an orchestra emerge. McCartney is said to have likened this
to “a hole being blasted in the wall”, as the inmates escape and go on the run.
The lyrics describe the search party looking for the prisoners: “ ..the Jailer
Man and Sailor Sam, were searching every one, for the band on the run”, but
“…In the town they’re searching for us every where, but we never w ill be
found..”
That's another band of songs down for another week - tell me which "band" is your favourite?
See ya next time!
Ah yes, Wing - "the band The Beatles could have been!" Undeniably one of Macca's finest moments, Band On The Run. Good to see Leo Sayer too!
ReplyDeleteMy first thought was Formed A Band by Art Brut, which is worth a listen for amusement value even if you don't fall in love with them like I did.
Then Drunk In A Band by Del Amitri - a pretty hilarious confessional from Justin Currie.
Beyond that...
Bruce Springsteen - Where The Bands Are
Grand Funk Railroad - We're An American Band
Albert Hammond - Free Electric Band
Warren Zevon - Johnny Strikes Up The Band
Steely Dan - Parker's Band
Boston - Rock & Roll Band
Dan Fogelberg - Leader of the Band... eek, help, I'm trapped in America in the 70s!
The Libertines - Boys In The Band, proving my record collection doesn't end in 1979!