Packing for the big move, I came across my East River Pipe albums. Damn, why hasn't anyone else ever mentioned them here? Don't you know? Its ok, I shall tell you.
F.M. Cornog (responsible for "all songs and noises") is a pure genius. More Jersey than even Springsteen himself, he writes of cars, love, relationships, drugs/alcohol and lost dreams. Its like Magnetic Fields from the heart instead of the head. Fantasies of escaping but, where Isaac Brock (of Modest Mouse) would write about running only to find you can't escape yourself, Cornog knows you can get away from the surroundings that remind you of who you are, if only for a night, safe in the knowledge that everything will be waiting for you when you return. And the music! More lush sugary sweet guitar on one track than most bands can fit on an entire album (and these aren't "guitar band" records).
The songs about cars are one of the things that always suprise me (as its a subject I really have no interest it). Shiny, Shiny Pimpmobile is one of the sweetest sounding songs I've ever heard. And Atlantic City (Gonna Make A Million Tonight) can still make me misty eyed, two years after I first heard it.
from Atlantic City:
The streets are clean
and the lines are drawn just right
and the momma bird
just tucked the baby bird in tight
but theres something callin' to me over the bridge
I talk to Jesus, but he woln't forgive
you hear those sirens?
Atlantic City, here I come...
Well my momma loved me
but, shes blind and she couldn't see
that my daddy beat me everyday
so mercilessly
and once your minds in pieces
does it just get worse?
I keep travelin' these highways
in a long black hearse
I don't want to admit it
but baby, I was your curse
yeah I was your curse...
and from Party Drive:
you can break my bones
but don't take me home
Pure heartbreak.
I know I said he writes about drugs and alcohol (and he does) but they're never the main focus of the songs. They're just there, in the background, not fun, not rebelion, just part of life. route 26? or 22? a joint for me, a beer for you...
And who can resist a love song titled Prettiest Whore?
I really think some of you (Flux) would like this guy.
Edit: Message completely changed from its origional form before anyone replied. And, hey! This is my 5ooth post! Wowsers!
[ 25-11-2001: Message edited by: Bioluminescent K9 ] |
