The best things associated to a thing are those which reference that thing but arent necessarily about it.
What an opening line.
Christmas is a prime example. At this time of year people inevitably start to talk about the best Christmas films or songs. The problem being, the majority of these can be very sugary and unwatchable at any other time of year. Even classics like "Scrooged" just feel wrong in the summer months. As everyone knows, the best Christmas film is "Die Hard" (followed closely by "Die Harder"). I put it down to the fact that the setting of Christmas time isnt the main plot line.
Similarly, at this time of year, I always find myself going back to Straight to Hell by the Clash. Whilst Joe Strummer references Christmas in the lyric, once again, there is far more within the song than simple yuletide sentiment. Powerful, lyrically and sonically, with a knack to always gives me that cold winter chill.
That isuntil this year. And I think I know why. Over the last few years Paper Planes has gradually propelled MIA to global recognition. And rightfully so. The Straight to Hell sampling banger has everything. It uses one of the best unused breaks of all time, drizzles it with lyrics influenced by the greatest TV series of all time (the wire) and slaps a great big hook in there for good measure. For years I have said I would love to use the Straight to Hell riff/break on a track and MIA popped up and did so. To perfection. But I think its the perfection that causes the problem. If she had done an awful job it would have done little but strengthen the original. Not to say it in anyway outdoes the original of course.
The problem is, there are some songs that just feel wrong in the colder months and some that feel right.
Paper Planes is a summer song.
A summer song that is so anthemic its impossible to ignore.
Straight to Hell is a winter song. A winter song that, now, every time I hear that opening riff I cant help but think of any number of lyrics and phrases with which MIA had effortlessly warmed it up.
I love Paper Planes but it has stolen Christmas, albeit inadvertently.
What an opening line.
Christmas is a prime example. At this time of year people inevitably start to talk about the best Christmas films or songs. The problem being, the majority of these can be very sugary and unwatchable at any other time of year. Even classics like "Scrooged" just feel wrong in the summer months. As everyone knows, the best Christmas film is "Die Hard" (followed closely by "Die Harder"). I put it down to the fact that the setting of Christmas time isnt the main plot line.
Similarly, at this time of year, I always find myself going back to Straight to Hell by the Clash. Whilst Joe Strummer references Christmas in the lyric, once again, there is far more within the song than simple yuletide sentiment. Powerful, lyrically and sonically, with a knack to always gives me that cold winter chill.
That isuntil this year. And I think I know why. Over the last few years Paper Planes has gradually propelled MIA to global recognition. And rightfully so. The Straight to Hell sampling banger has everything. It uses one of the best unused breaks of all time, drizzles it with lyrics influenced by the greatest TV series of all time (the wire) and slaps a great big hook in there for good measure. For years I have said I would love to use the Straight to Hell riff/break on a track and MIA popped up and did so. To perfection. But I think its the perfection that causes the problem. If she had done an awful job it would have done little but strengthen the original. Not to say it in anyway outdoes the original of course.
The problem is, there are some songs that just feel wrong in the colder months and some that feel right.
Paper Planes is a summer song.
A summer song that is so anthemic its impossible to ignore.
Straight to Hell is a winter song. A winter song that, now, every time I hear that opening riff I cant help but think of any number of lyrics and phrases with which MIA had effortlessly warmed it up.
I love Paper Planes but it has stolen Christmas, albeit inadvertently.
Satisfaction by the stones always reminds me of summer.
I heard Fairytale of New York for the first time this year, now it feels like Xmas.
Hope you have a good weekend