Today has been an absolute shitheap of a day. Teaching – you really wonder if it’s worth it some days, and unfortunately for me, those days are becoming more and more frequent. These two tracks are slowly working their magic and after several listens I’m beginning to remember that the world isn’t such a bad place after all. Maybe.
‘The Great Skua’ was the first British Sea Power track I ever heard, and it remains my favourite for its sheer bulk and audacity. An instrumental track that builds and builds, complete with blustery cymbal crashes and a melody line that can be either uplifting or can tug at the heartstrings, depending on the mood of the moment. There’s this bit around the 3.50 minute mark that sounds almost like a train whistle and as the sound archs high it’s almost like you’re about to take off. Gets me every time.
The Great Skua – British Sea Power
‘Open The Door’ is also a favourite, something about the melody of this one has a big effect on me too and the lyrics took no time at all to pick up. These two lines resonate quite strongly with me at times.
I’m not afraid of the big black bear
Only humans make me scared
Open The Door – British Sea Power
British Sea Power’s album Do You Like Rock Music? was my last musical purchase of 2008 – the actual physical CD no less – and it’s been worth every last cent. Other highlights include ‘Waving Flags’ and ‘No Lucifer’. Highly recommended.
Sorry to hear about shit day, as they say in the army “Crack on”.
Thanks for post. The Great Skua MUST be one of the greatest tracks of the last ten years.
I’d never heard Open The Door before so ta. As for the melody…I can’t decide if it’s “Over The Rainbow” or “Puff The Magic Dragon”!!
The live performance of ‘The Great Skua’ on the most recent tour was breathtaking as it was accompanied by the most incredible and moving bit of wildlife film.
Thanks Mike! I’ll do my best. I agree, it is an outstanding track, and I’ve just added it to a little compliation being created by music bloggers over at Elbows. We’re counting down the top 500 songs of the decade (so far) and you can read about it in the forum, definitely worth a look.
Oh JC, I’m so envious yet happy that at least you got to see them! I can only imagine how wonderful that combination would’ve been.
Wow. Those are great songs.
I will be looking for this CD the next time I’m out.
Sorry about your shit day … but thanks for the music.
Have you heard their debut ‘The Decline of British Sea Power’? It’s different, but in a lot of ways better.
You’re welcome SiS, and thanks!
I have heard the debut CDV, and it is a different sound, you’re right. I haven’t spent as much time with it though.
I think that their second album, Open Season, is great as well. Songs like “It Ended On A Oily Stage”, “Please Stand Up”, and “Larsen B” will grab you right away. The rest of the CD you will like more every time you listen to it.
Hi Joe – I’ve heard ‘The Decline…’ but I haven’t checked out ‘Open Season’ yet. Thanks heaps for the tip!