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Best Songs of 2012 - #19 - Paradise


This will be last in the series. Seems like a nice dreamy song to go out on. 

 

 


http://capturedtracks.com/captured/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/Credit_Shawn_Brackbill6_BW.jpg
Jack Tatum. Photo by Shawn Brackbill

 

Wild Nothing - Paradise






Wild Nothing formed in 2009 and so far have released two albums and an EP. They are a five piece, though Jack Tatum created the band and added members for touring. In other words, he is the principal creator of the music. He had other bands before Wild Nothing but this time, the twenty three year old is garnering some recognition.

Yes, that is actor Michelle Williams in the clip. The song is like a dream of a plane trip to an imagined country in 1988. It's very much in the eighties mould. This song definitly grows on you. They have been labeled as an indie dream/pop band. Personally I think there are far too many ridiculous labels for bands these days. I just purchased the album so I'm hoping it will hold up. It's been getting very good reviews. So far, so good.


Photo - Daniel McMahon



Other songs I enjoyed that could have made the list were:

Freelance whales - spitting image
Fujiya & Miyagi - Your Silent Face
Blonds - Time
Galleries - Young Wounds
Dry The River - Weights & Measures
Jason Karaban – Misplaced
Ivan & Alyosha – All The Times We Had
Two Door Cinema Club - The World Is Watching
Alberta Cross -magnolia
Angus Stone - Broken Brights
Beni - Last Night
A Fine Frenzy - Now Is The Start

and a couple from 2011 I didn't discover until 2012:

Butterfly Explosion - Sophia
Flume - Sleepless


I hope you enjoyed the series.


 


Three in two - published poems.

  



William Hogarth's The Distress'd Poet,1737


 Three poems published in two weeks. 

 

As fate would have it, late December saw three poems of mine appear in online journals. They were accepted months ago. In fact, I wasn't aware that they had appeared. Now that the 'silly season' is almost over, I present the links to the three and politely request if you could be so kind as to post a small comment on each of the sites. It would support me and the publication, which is always nice and helps to promote both.

Most of the links are for current issues so I can't guarantee they will be working come next issue.





Roundabouts - at Citizens for Decent Literature.

'He drives too Fast
To Impress his friends...'

It was written in 2012. It will be in my book, Caged Without Walls, coming out in a few months.



Waiting for the Symphony at Mused, Bella Online - A Journal for Women.

'Though entwined with friends and family...'

It was very nice of them to accept me as most Women Only publications I come across, and there are a few, accept strictly from women only. The poem was written in 2011. It will also be in Caged Without Walls.



Quiet herself - Ink, Sweat and Tears.

'She is not herself...' 


The poem was written in 2012.



Thank you!
Until next time,


















Best Songs of 2012 - #18 - When I was Young






Nada Surf

When I was Young

 

 


When I was Young begins slowly and builds. It seems to get better with each listen. I've been listening to it all year and still haven't tired of it. I think most of us can relate to the inexperience of youth and the dreams we once had.

Nada Surf have been around for many years of course, forming in 1992 and had a huge hit in 1996 with Popular. They have released seven albums.

When I was young is from their most recent album, The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy.

Official Site. 




Best Songs of 2012 #17 - Holes


Great Northern

Holes





As you can see, there is no video for this song. I beleive it is from a forthcoming album, as yet unreleased.

Great Northern are from Los Angeles. They released their debut album in 2007 and followed it up in 2009. They were recording in 2010, so it has taken a very long time to release their third. Lead singer Rachel Stolte said in January of this year on Twitter, 'hi everyone... hope you are all very well... we miss you... sorry this record is taking super long to finish... it's so close... xx GN.'

They had a site, but it has been closed. You can find them here on Facebook. Let's hope they have a more prominent 2013. If this song is any indication, it will be huge.


 


Best Songs of 2012 - #16 - Breathing Underwater




Metric - Breathing Underwater









I had this pegged as one of the best songs of the year about six months ago when I heard the album, Synthetica. It's a very solid album, a band at the top of their form. Their songs will be played for many years to come, I've no doubt about that. Breathing Underwater was released as a single in November, so I'm able to present the official video, (some other great songs I am unable to display as there is no video).

Metric are from Canada and have been around since 1998. They are not a young band, though you wouldn't know it from their sound. It is fresh, full of life and inventive. They have a long and colourful history, too much to go into detail here. Read more at Wikipedia or on their official site.





This series is almost over, but not quite yet.
See you soon.

Best of '12.




Best Songs of 2012 - #15 Sky On Fire


Handsome Poets - Sky On Fire 

 








Handomse Poets (love the name) are from the Netherlands. They have had one album released in 2011, self-titled and this is the latest single from their second album, Sky on Fire.

You can hear that beautiful distinctive European accent coming through. It's slightly cheesy but I love the energy of this song; the promise and exuberance of youth. It is well to remember that there is always a new generation just starting out, new hopes, dreams, unblemished by experience (mostly) and ready to take on the world. Good luck to them.

Official site.





More Best Songs soon!


Merry Christmas to you and yours



Here we are again, and hasn't it gone quick.


 


Quite simply, I wish you a Merry Christmas and hope you have a wonderful time, no matter what you're doing or who you're with, whether you're alone or surrounded by way too many family members than you'd care for (and there's always at least one who's a pain in the ass). There's always better or more miserable but for 2012, this is what we have.




Grow The F Up Kid 



http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mwvk31Yo8os/TvU2mWC9fiI/AAAAAAAACRQ/60erHmDqFMA/s1600/4d7a5ed140248-Space_Giants_X-mas.jpg
Not sure what's going on here, but it looks kinda cool.

Have a great time and see you soon!


Best Songs of 2012 #14 - Simple Song





#14 - Simple Song

 (Also best video of 2012).




Worth it for the video alone, though this song was in the list before I'd ever seen the clip.
James Mercer delivers yet again. How does the man do it?





The Shins have released four albums since 2001, though formed in 1996. Mercer had been in a previous band since 1992. Each album has been a brilliant display of pop production. Without investigating, I believe his philosophy is quality over quantity. You can hear it in the songs. The man spends time getting them right before even getting into the studio, something younger bands come learn from.

Simple Song is from the 2012 release Port of Morrow. Highly recommended.

Official site.


http://www.theshins.com/sites/theshins/files/shinsgroupapprovedhighres.jpg

The Second (Point Five) Amendment



The Solution: The Second (Point Five) Amendment




1.      All citizens shall have the right to bare legs. A citizen can bare legs to protect the home and family, in case of intruders, burglars, rapists, serial killers, body part collectors, homosexuals or an invading army.

2.      Stockpiling of legs is allowed.

3.      Assault legs are allowed, though it is important to remember that legs don’t kill people, people kill people. It is not the leg’s fault. Poor legs. Sad face.

 
4.      The baring of legs is also crucial to the protection of the family in case of marauding mutants or ninjas. (They will not help against zombies, as they don’t exist, don’t be silly. And in case they do, zombies prefer brains).



5.      Attractive legs, especially on females, are known to be as deadly as hideous ones. It has been documented that a hot pair of legs can stop a tank, ala Tiananmen Square style. (To all leg obsessed citizens unaware of the outside world, ie let alone its history; please scroll through a little thing called the internet).

Legs did the job - No gun required.
 

6.      There is no issue regarding the use of athletes, so high-powered legs are acceptable.



7.      Fat legs are also known to deter intruders, though the reflex response is generally slower. Best to use them as heavy artillery against a foreign force.

8.      Legs come in many forms, though legs of aliens should be hunted down and destroyed. The same applies to kikes, niggers, wops, fags and towel heads. 


9.   Every school teacher has the right to bare legs. The same with McDonalds employees and ministers. Goddamn it, every mo-fo over three should bare legs. This will solve the problem of bare legs.

10.  We will bare legs until Hell freezes over (though if very cold, purchase leg-ins). God help anyone who tries to stop us. Remember, the family that slays together, dies together. Amen. 


A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed.

                                




Unlucky 13? Not on your life.


Best Songs of 2012 #13


Seams - The Colour Purple

  
 




Seams are from Dundee, Scotland. They are very young. Katie, the singer, looks like she's about 17, but it is hard to tell as they have no official site or Wikipedia page so information is hard to come by. In fact, these images are from the few that I could find. I think they need more of a push. And there are a couple of other bands with the same name so they need to be more prominent. They do have Facebook though.





This is a nice acoustic version so at least you can see two of the members. As far as I know, they have only released one EP, Colours and Maps, with a second coming in early 2013. If they can produce more material like this, they will have a great career ahead of them. I hope so. It's a beautiful song and Katie has a great voice.






More to come.


Previous Best Songs of 2012.



Best Songs of 2012 #12 - Wild

 


 


Beach House

Wild






Beach House are a duo who formed in Baltimore in 2004. They have been described as a dream pop outfit, whatever that means, but this song does seem to fit that description. Personally I prefer the song complete, without the interruption that occurs in the video, but it's still a great song.

Wild comes from the band's fourth album, Bloom, which was released in 2012.

Official Site.

Best Songs of 2012.



A Better Reign Sport plus special offer

 

 

 

Christmas offer - Bottomless River 25% off.

 
Only until Christmas and only through me, not the publisher. Comes with a bonus story and other extras. Signed if you wish. $15 Australian.
 
Trailer and reviews here.
Email me: anthonyjlangford2 at yahoo com au.

 


(Much cheaper as of 2021 - see My Books  )

 

 


 

I promised no more depressing poetry for the remainder of the year and being silly season, pulled out this little ditty written earlier in the year. Completly at odds with most of the poems I've presented throughout the year, I hope you've enjoyed them all regardless.

 

 

A better reign Sport

  
I tied me Kangaroo down
According to Protocol
But he was sporty
And prone to serve his nature.
 
I sat back and washed my cuts
Waiting for inspiration to strike
But all I got was a kick to the head
That roo had returned
And he was a boxer
Such was his nature.
 
My Mrs liked a larrikin tune of old
But not an old larrikin
And she washed her hands of me
Though hers were already clean
And I was left with my lacerations.
 
Bloody and alone
Staring at the palms
Whose creases had been there since birth
Yet could not tell my future
Or I would have used a better rope
On that roo
And a better reign on that woman.
 
 
 
Though she was more storm than rain
And I’ve been through enough downpours already
To care about harnessing burdens
Animal, human or otherwise.
I roo the day
So I try hard to forget
That I’m trying to forget.
 
That shit can send you hopping mad.
 
 
 
 
Good luck with your Christmas prep.
Until next time.




 

Best Songs of 2012 #11 - We Come Running


 


Youngblood Hawke

We come Running






What does Youngblood Hawke and I Dream of Jeannie have in common?

The name Youngblood Hawke comes from the novel of the same name written by Herman Wouk in 1961. It was made into a film in 1964 which co-starred Hayden Rorke, who played the frustrated Doctor Bellows in the TV series.
Incidentally, Herman Wouk is still alive and if he makes it to 2015, will be 100 years old.

As for the band, well, they have only been around for a little over a year. They hail from California. We Come Running comes from their debut EP of the same name. They're not kidding. Bound to be in everyone's heads within months, no doubt, swallowed up by some TV commerical.

Stay tuned.

Official site.






Best Songs of 2012.

Best songs of 2012 #10 - Ayla

 



The Maccabees

Ayla






The Maccabees are from South London, England. The band's name was chosen at random from the Bible, though none of the members are religious. Their first single was released in 2005 though it wasn't until 2007 with the release of their debut album, did they really take off.

Ayla is taken from their third album, Given to the Wild, which was released in August, 2012. I love the clip was well, directed by the band.




Official Site.



Alya

 

Aimless am I
Listless I'm the blunt of the knife
Drifting to the corners of life
Ayla

I could make something right
Gentle with the kindness I'd like
So often it's a trick of the light
Ayla

And we wait for love
In the shape of us

Until the wait is over,
under halcyon skies
Until the wait is over,
for an innocent life

It's a weight off my mind
I could trust you, you could tell me it's fine
I could sew you a stitch and save nine
Ayla

None more admired
and out of soft focused desire
From honeyed milk to funeral pyre
Ayla

And we'll wait for love
In the shape of us
But the state of us
Daedalus

The wait is over,
under halcyon skies
The wait is over,
for an innocent life

The wait is over,
under halcyon skies
The wait is over,
for an innocent life

Until the wait is over
The wait is over
The wait is over






New publications + Somebody likes Mondays



Up and coming publications.

I have had a poem accepted at Mused - the BellaOnline Literary Review. It will appear in the Winter Solstice Issue out on December 21st. They are the self proclaimed 'Voice for Women' but they do accept submissions from men, unlike some sites I've come across. In other words, it's very nice to be a part of it. The poem is called Waiting for the Symphony. You can download their magazines for free.

I also had two poems accepted by the Citizens for Decent Literature, (a project of the Literary Underground). The poems are called  Roundabouts and Us & them and the things in between. I've never had two poems accepted at once before.  Not entirely sure when they will be up. It's nice to end the year on a high note. 


Submitting work has taken up a lot of my time this year and though I've had success I may scale it back next year as I want to start work on a new novel.
 

I promised no more depressing poetry for the year, so I had to dig back a little. This poem was written in 2011. I really should lighten up. The poem is self explanatory. 



Somebody must like Mondays

There’s a whoosh and bang
And I know it’s not the movie
I pause it
And the room is blanketed by silence
Yet the noise goes on
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm84/keithzworld/Happy%20Days%20Of%20The%20Week/6monday31.jpg
It reaches in from outside
Out Front
But somehow
Overhead
Which I soon recognise as Fireworks
On a Monday night.

Not being holiday season
I race to the door
And see exploding light shooting from
The middle of the intersection
Where four suburban roads meet
Two metres from my gate
I check around and see a guy
Deep in the background
Walking up the street
Pausing to look back
More likely at his handiwork
Pulling on his cigarette
Before he merges with the night.

 
 
I don’t know if he was alone
Yet I yell out,
‘Dickheads’
Which may not be so smart
Given that I’d only just watched a crime doco
The night before
About a disturbingly similar incident
In the UK
Where three teenagers
Caused mayhem outside a family home
The father came to move them on
And they kicked him to death
Metres from his two young daughters.

I would never approach them
As I know all too well (a story for another day)
About the unpredictable immediacy of violence
And the cowardly actions of young scum
Who more often than not
Grow into older scum
They are especially malignant in groups
And must be avoided
Whether they are at fault or not.

My baby daughter
Is asleep in the front room
So I was pissed off
That the loud intrusion might wake her
And it wasn’t late
So there were cars going by
Which created enough problems
If not the risk of an accident
http://avatar-lotos.at.ua/_ph/42/2/833564007.jpgAnd I realised that maybe I’m just getting old
As I was annoyed enough
To call the cops.

I suppose,
Once upon a time
I was a little shit too
Finding adrenaline in the night streets
Laughing at authority
As all those older are the enemy
But I wanted to see those fuckers caught.

Sometimes you catch yourself.

And then I went back to the movie.





Next week,
The final poem for 2012.
In the meantime, the Best Songs of 2012 will continue, right through until the last day of the year.

Until then,
Cheers