Musical opinions are entirely subjective, so when MAGNET approached me to offer my thoughts on some songs, both old and new, I hesitated. I’m not a critic. (Thank god!) But in addition to being a musician, I’m a fan, and it’s fun to discuss what you might like or dislike about whatever record or song you’re digging (or not) at a given moment. I was a bit worried about being too harsh on a tune I might not be into, but the sentiments offered here are sincere. That’s all you can ask, right? Although, if one of my songs is part of a future edition of this exercise, please be kind! (No, just be honest.) —Tommy Keene
The Psychedelic Furs “Sister Europe” from The Psychedelic Furs
When I first heard this one, the opening drumbeat sent me and many fans of producer Steve Lillywhite to record stores to investigate his latest project. The Furs here unleash a worthy take on the Roxy Music classic “A Song For Europe.” Long live the chorused guitar!
The Dream Syndicate “The Days Of Wine And Roses” from The Days Of Wine And Roses
Steve Wynn does Lou Reed better than Lou Reed. This iconic masterpiece and its searing title tune arrived amidst the jangly forest of American indie rock that was emanating from the South in the early ’80s and sliced right through it. I saw the Dream Syndicate in L.A. right after this LP came out; they opened for the Psychedelic Furs and proverbially blew them off the stage. Wynn smirked to the new-wave teens in the audience, “I’m an American, ha ha ha.”
The New Pornographers “Dancehall Domine” from Brill Bruisers
The Pornographers consistently have such fantastic production and arrangements, which always turn great songs into true gems. Also, Carl Newman and Neko Case’s harmonies are so beautifully right for each other.
Matthew Sweet “You Don’t Love Me” from Girlfriend
This is simply a beautiful song from his most acclaimed record. I had the pleasure of opening solo for Matthew and his band last year and witnessed the way this number has matured and transformed into a powerhouse assault. Quite astounding! Think of “Overture” from the Who’s Tommy versus the fiery version on Live At Leeds.
Doug Gillard “Ready For Death” from Parade On
Doug Gillard is one of the most underrated singer/songwriters around, but undeniably one of the greatest and most creative guitarists on the planet. The solo on this one is proof. There’s a great hook in the chorus to boot.
Paul Weller “Saturns Pattern” from Saturns Pattern
A brilliant number from the Governor, with a generous nod to one of his muses, Sly Stone. Weller has inexplicably reinvented himself many times, and this one is pointed in a groovy direction. But where did that accent go?
Blur “There Are Too Many Of Us” from The Magic Whip
Not quite the triumphant return to greatness one would hope for now that their secret weapon, guitarist Graham Coxon, has rejoined the lineup, but a snaky, insidiously sublime track nonetheless. The many moods of Damon Albarn’s other projects seem to dominate here. I wish they’d let Coxon rip on guitar a little more, like on his gem of a solo album, Happiness In Magazines.
The Kinks “Dancing In The Street” from Kinda Kinks
Ray and Dave Davies have so many great songs of their own, but the urgency of the rhythm guitar and Ray’s ultra-cool double-tracked vocal put this cover of the Martha And The Vandellas hit in a league with other great British Invasion Motown takes, like the Beatles’ “You Really Got A Hold On Me” and the Who’s “Heat Wave.”
Courtney Barnett “Pedestrian At Best” from Sometimes I Sit And Think, And Sometimes I Just Sit
I’m always wary of people who seem to come out of nowhere and get this huge hype. Sometimes it’s warranted, and sometimes it’s not. I loathe irony in rock ‘n’ roll unless it’s truly funny—this isn’t. And blatantly singing o ff-key to appear indi fferent or more punk rock is incredibly annoying.
Ricked Wicky “Mobility” from I Sell The Circus
It’s amazing how Robert Pollard can write a cool, sexy song with just three chords or so, but there you go. By the way, it’s a lot more di fficult to come up with a tune like this than, say, “The Long And Winding Road.”
