Something happened to me recently that hasn’t happened in a long time. I was totally moved by some song lyrics.
Wise beyond any of the psychobabble that is my daily life and profession, they could have been written by a 12-year-old…
You’ve gotta make it new
You’ve gotta keep it new to keep it true
And you’re allowed to do anything you gotta do…
Beskirted Ezra Furman on New Album Cover
I’ve always been more of a music than a lyrics guy. Guess that’s why I preferred Paul over John most of my life.
But with these 3 simple lines, Ezra Furman and his Boyfriends got me.
Here’s a fun, quick 3-step experiment (2 min. 20 sec.):
1. Click here
2. Click on #7 track, ‘Ordinary Life’
3. Close your eyes & listen to track
What did you think? Was it worth the 140 seconds?
It should be noted that I saw Mr. Furman live in Munich back in ’10, then with the Harpoons; I even picked up a copy of one of his early records.
Check out this catchy MTV-friendly video from Inside the Human Body:
Sounding a mix between a young David Byrne and the Violent Femmes at their most fey, this chameleon from Chicago is doing something right.
He’s still making records after his 15 minutes, that is.
I realize my last several posts have been about new music. But in the age of pre-packaged rock stars, I find Matthew E. White and Ezra Furman a BIG breath of fresh air (Big & Tall sized suits & frilly dresses vs. skinny jeans & hipster boots).
White Is The New Black
Besides, if this childhood photo is anything to go by I was hooked on tunes from a very early age – early favorites were Carole King’s Tapestry & Chipmunks Sing The Beatles; I really loved that orange chair, too.
I Feel The Earth Move circa ’73
And maybe this is the new hip – your parents’ give-away closet? Impossible to imitate. Nice.
So if you liked ‘Ordinary Life’, give the rest of the album a listen.
Better yet, go “old school” – pick it up at the shop and put it in the home stereo…you still got one of those?
“Ob-La-Di-Bla-Da, Brother!” – John Lennon circa ’68
Let me know your thoughts on Ezra or the state of pop music in 2015?
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