Pet Shop Boys - gin and jag, 2009

"Boredom deplores a vacuum" – At least that what how this line of the song reads in the lyrics section of the Pet Shop Boys' official website. But in the actual recording, Neil clearly sings "Boredom abhors a vacuum" [my emphasis], which more closely matches how the original phrase that inspired this line is most often rendered. It's a takeoff on the ancient dictum "Nature abhors a vacuum," attributed to the Greek philospher-scientist Aristotle (384-322 BC). I know of no reason for the deplores/abhors discrepancy aside from a simple mistake on someone's part."

AC Newman - chantry's ticket, 2014

"Eighteen months later, Wallace and Chantry return home from Taiwan after becoming engaged. They marry and contemplate the rest of their lives while sitting on Wallace's rooftop."

REM - make it all okay, 2004

"The song begins with some piano which is quickly accompanied by Michael’s vocals and an acoustic guitar. The first thing I noticed was Michael’s melody, especially during the “Didn’t you now?” part. It’s really catchy and sounds just nice in general. Mike’s bass comes in with some tasty fills and we get a little distorted guitar bends from Peter which starts filling out the song’s space quite well. So why isn’t this song better? I think it’s because the verses are by far the best part about it. When we get into the chorus, it’s kinda hard to tell it’s even a chorus. It’s becomes a little more minor key and when the drums come in they just don’t add anything to the song."

Mr Kitty - glycerin, 2023

"glycerin was great and remind grew on me, the other singles I didn't like. I'm scared but I'm also excited since I have around 25 Mr Kitty songs on repeat for years. His music really connects with me, especially Time"

The Lightning Seeds - the life of riley, 1992

"The Life of Riley" is a song by British band The Lightning Seeds. It was released in 1992 from the album Sense. The song was a minor hit when it was first released on 2 March 1992, reaching number 28 on the UK Singles Chart, and even reaching the top 100 in the US. However the song later gained popularity when the BBC football programme, Match of the Day, began to use it frequently for segments including "Goal of the Month", throughout most of the 1990s. The song was still associated with the programme many years later and featured in a similar "Goal of the Day" segment in the mid-2000s. It is still occasionally used for the same section as of 2023."

Keane - somewhere only we know, 2004

"We've been asked whether "Somewhere Only We Know" is about a specific place, and Tim has been saying that, for him, or us as individuals, it might be about a geographical space, or a feeling; it can mean something individual to each person, and they can interpret it to a memory of theirs...It's perhaps more of a theme rather than a specific message...Feelings that may be universal, without necessarily being totally specific to us, or a place, or a time..."

The National - slow show, 2007

"So, what’s so special about Slow Show? Just a miserable middle-aged man reflecting on his youth right? Well take the opening 20 seconds, an electric guitar swells, bristling with electric ambiance and a sense of tension. An acoustic guitar chops in with that rhythm, and it is so simple, yet so sophisticated, like a well made cocktail or a Michelin stared meal the devil is in the detail. This is before you even get to the first lyric"

The Flaming Lips - the sound of failure, 2006

"It was tough to find a snippet of lyrics that did justice to the beauty of this song. One thing I’ve liked about past Lips record is that they seemed blissfully unaware of the pop culture around them; mentioning such pop idols as Britney Spears and Gwen Stefani in their lyrics is tantamount to putting up a big red sign that says “Forgettable lyric with a shelf life here – move along, folks.” But don’t judge it by that. The temporary nature of said stars may serve as an adequate contrast to the “failure” of a girl who just wants to do, or be, something unique. What, I can’t tell. Her insecurity plays out against a backdrop of lovely guitar strumming and faint orchestral elements that builds to such a beautiful crescendo, that part of me doesn’t really care what weirdness is being discussed here. As if self-conscious regarding the beauty they’re creating, the Lips throw in an insistent, nervous, blurting electric guitar, but it just adds to the idiosyncrasy, not managing to divert the beautiful melody despite the guitar’s relative monotony. The whole thing is very 70’s, and just to be a little more “prog-rock” than normal, the song expands into a second section, with a brief, slow verse and gentle guitars and bells, before the calming sounds of flutes, synthetic bells, and humming insects conclude the song, which has now stretched leisurely past the seven-minute mark. A bit much for only track three, but who cares, it’s a lovely piece of work."

Enya - my my time flies, 2008

"The lyrics are based on a conversation Enya, Roma and Nicky had that particular day and evolve around passing time and Jimmy’s favourite music, making references to The Beatles or Tchaikovsky. This up-tempo song marks a slight departure from Enya’s usual style as it features guitar solos performed by Pat Farrell."

My Morning Jacket - time waited, 2025

"I made a loop of that piano intro and listened as I went for a walk, and all these melodies started coming to me. For a long time, I didn’t have lyrics, but then I had a dream where I was in a café and a song was playing, and the lyrics to that song became the lyrics to “Time Waited” — the melodies just fit perfectly. And the lyrics are about how flexible time is, how we can bend and warp time, especially if we are following our hearts, the universe and time itself can flow to work with us."

America - tin man live, 1985

“Tin Man” was manufactured from the chunks of thoughts and themes that I was putting together into a kind of mosaic. It wasn’t a common thread."

Club 8 - kinky love, 2015

"A blubbery bassline cradles Komstedt’s glass heart across a solitude fortress of crystalline synths as cymbals shatter like flying bottles against the walls."

The Housemartins - paris in flares, 1987

"Paul realised that he hated writing about love...and that writing politically came easier to him"

AC Newman - dropping chantry off, 2014

"A.C. Newman’s (of the Vancouver band The New Pornographers) score coupled with songs by Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, Patrick Watson, Marsha Hunt, and the Parting Gifts help set just the right mood and energy to carry us through the hip, urban landscape, which leads me to…"

Saint Etienne - stars above us, 2005

"Amazing pop. If this had been by a more fashionable band at the time it would have been a massive hit."

Pet Shop Boys - nothing has been proved live, 2006

"A fascinating footnote is the fact that, in his book The Complete Dusty Springfield, author Paul Howes says that Neil — ever the historian, having long been intrigued by the Profumo Affair — wrote the original version of this song, with pretty much the same lyrics but a different melody, before he even met Chris. It was resurrected for Dusty and Scandal, with Neil and Chris collaborating on a new melody."

Electronic - one day, 1996

"Electronic was formed by Bernard Sumner and Johnny Marr, the guitarist of the Smiths, in 1989. They collaborated on certain tracks with the Pet Shop Boys and a member of Kraftwerk. When compared with the other New Order spinoffs, Electronic is the best from a technical perspective, which isn't surprising considering the names involved."

Genesis - afterglow, 1976

"Afterglow" was composed by Banks, who described it as a spontaneous piece written in about the same amount of time as it takes to play it, and consequently [it] has a spirit about it that comes from being less contrived. This cynical comment is typical of the tensions felt in the band at the time. In 1975 Hackett completed his first solo album “Voyage of the Acolyte” which was successful and had the blessing of two of the members who actually appeared on the album, namely Mike Rutherford on bass guitar, bass pedals, Fuzz 12-String, and Phil Collins on drums, vibes, percussion, and vocals.

Slade - cum on feel the noize, 1973

"I was at a Chuck Berry gig in '72 and everybody was singing his tunes. He kept stopping and letting the crowd sing and it wasn't just a few people, it was everyone. I thought it was amazing and thought – why not write the crowd into the songs, and so we got round to 'Mama Weer All Crazee Now' and 'Cum On Feel the Noize' and all the chants were written into the tunes."

Wild Nothing - chinatown, 2010

"Anybody who grew up listening to the elegantly miserable 1980's guitar-pop faithfully evoked on Wild Nothing's excellent Gemini knows a thing or two about being down. That this comfortably sad feeling can be as ephemeral as the weather makes the foggy positivity of Gemini highlight "Chinatown" all the more fitting. "I want someone/ Somewhere", WN's Jack Tatum yearns, before noting during the chorus, "We're not happy 'til we're running away". Tatum doesn't sound like he's necessarily moping around, though; instead, his low-register voice pulses and throbs like a heartbeat, giving "Chinatown" a bright, in-the-moment, bliss-touched glow."

Beach House - norway, 2010

"A percussive intro yields to an explosion of twinkling guitars and a chorus of woozy backing vocals. The core elements of Beach House's sound-- the drum machine, the thrift store keyboards-- are still present; they're just a few ticks faster. This makes a big difference."

Pet Shop Boys - yesterday when i was mad, 1993

"The lyrics allude to a number of charges often leveled against the Boys and their music, especially during the first half or so of their career: that Neil's voice is weak, that their live music is pre-recorded on tape, that nearly everything they do is ironic."

Fun - all alright, 2012

"Some Nights is a millennial classic. A shining example of just what indie music could become. Its flawless melodies and sharp lyrics recall a time that was, for many of us, both frightening and exhilarating. Jack Antonoff, Nate Ruess, and Andrew Dost added a worthy bit of commentary to the national dialogue, and many of their words ring true a decade on."

Del Amitri - long journey home, 1992

"For the life of me i couid not recall the name of the song, which when I returned home came to me instantly, “The Long Journey Home” After “In the Meantime” my favourite Del Amitri song."

Stars - ageless beauty, 2004

"a perfect gem of an indie rock tune."

Neil Young - after the gold rush live,1979

"I love Neil Young. He’s absolutely one of my musical heroes, being so cranky, weird, and uncompromising, but with a sense of humour."

The Killers - human, 2008

"I think that I do, and I don't want to be too much of a preacher," he said. "I say that it's a mild social statement, and that's all I'm gonna say. We're still trying to write the best pop songs we can write." It seems to be a similar strategy to the one Jesus took when he dropped spiritual explosives into the hearts as well as ears of his hearers. The explosive does not need spelling out; that might diminish its potency. “Those with ears to hear...”

New Order - everyone everywhere, 1993

"It’s gorgeously produced, particularly how Hague and the band found such breadth and depth in the guitar mix, with quite a few layers of bass, lead and rhythm guitar interacting; starting with the rhythmic strumming under Bernard’s (beautifully performed ) vocals, the subtle additional textures that are added, Peter’s integral bass riffs, and the lush lead layers performed during the chorus. The primary bassline is synth-based, and has a nice ‘grain’ to it; a subtle but excellent touch of programming. Equal to the terrific guitar performances are the luscious and atmospheric synth layers. The last 30 seconds of the track soars upwards to Bernard’s repeated despair that ‘this world is gone‘. Sublime."

U2 - one, 1991

"During the album's recording sessions at Hansa Studios in Berlin, conflict arose between the band members over the direction of U2's sound and the quality of their material. Tensions almost prompted the band to break up until they achieved a breakthrough with the improvisation of "One"; the song was written after the band members were inspired by a chord progression that guitarist the Edge was playing in the studio. The lyrics, written by lead singer Bono, were inspired by the band members' fractured relationships and the German reunification. Although the lyrics ostensibly describe "disunity", they have been interpreted in other ways."

Pet Shop Boys - try it i'm in love with a married man cover, 2003

"Try It (I'm in Love with a Married Man)" was written by Bobby "O" Orlando, who had played an important role in the very early history of the Pet Shop Boys, having produced the first released versions of "West End Girls" and "One More Chance," among a few others. "Try It" was the 1983 debut single for a Bobby O "girl group" studio ensemble called Oh Romeo, which apparently featured different vocalists for each release. None of them achieved any great measure of success (not even on the dance charts, their primary target), but some today are regarded as cult classics.

Sufjan Stevens - to be alone with you, 2004

"In Sufjan Stevens’ song “To Be Alone With You” off of his 2004 album Seven Swans, he outlines the sacrifices Jesus made to be with his followers, and for their sins to be resolved. Stevens begins his outlining of Christ with the lines “I’d give my body to be back again”. This is referring Jesus giving his body by being crucified so that mankind would be relieved of sin. The phrase “to be back again” is an obvious reference to his resurrection. This can also be seen in the line “You went up on a tree/ to be alone with me”. This is talking about the wooden cross that Stevens delves further into the story of the crucifixion by saying “They took your clothes”. This is referencing John 19:23 describing the Roman soldiers taking his clothes right before he is crucified (“Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments…”). When Stevens begins to talk about giving up a “wife and a family”, he is referring to Hebrews 4:15 which says “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are–yet was without sin”. This is talking about Jesus being tempted with an assortment of things (including sex), but remained without any. That is to say Jesus chose a life without the things that many people strive to attain (like a family and spouse). With the lines “You gave up your ghost”, Stevens is finally connecting how one can “be alone” with Jesus after his crucifixion. The “ghost” Stevens is referring to is the Holy Spirit, which, in Christian mythology, is considered, like Jesus, to be another manifestation of God. To Christians, you are only able to achieve salvation by accepting Jesus. Once that is done, Christians believe that the Holy Spirit resides in them. Thus, they are “alone” with Jesus, and through that connection, they are relieved of suffering and evil."

The Cranberries - dying inside, 2001

"The second half of the '90s was difficult for the Cranberries, not just because of changing fashions, but because the group embraced both a social consciousness and a prog rock infatuation"

AC Newman - just walking to the dress shop, 2014

"I read books more than anything else. My wife reads a lot of things like the New Yorker, which I wish I could do more of. My reading goes in waves. When I'm busy with other things, I may not read for a long time. I went for about two and a half years one time where I tried to average a book a week. And I did it. I got back on the horse this last tour and started reading a lot again."

The Go-Betweens - you won't find it again, 1988

“You Won’t Find It Again” was a great acoustic demo from McLennan that only appeared here, thank goodness. It served as a warning that I should really start investigating the Grant McLennan solo material that I haven’t really expended any energy in finding. I never really noticed the solo material when the band split, but this one showed that McLennan plus some acoustic guitar got across very well."

Noah And The Whale - shape of my heart, 2008

"a luscious, marshmallow-centered pop ditty, complete with horns and strings to brighten up the sweeping baritone of lead singer Charlie Fink. It doesn’t stray as dangerously close to ‘twee’ as the band’s aformentioned summer smash, and is all the better for it. Instead, it is simply basic guitar chords, with a few bits of fancy orchestration and the astounding lyrics of Charlie Fink. It’s truly a joy to hear him croon ‘The trees were all leafless and lifeless and black and I wonder if the leaves could grow back’."

My Morning Jacket - two halves, 2008

"Even more ironically, Two Halves, the most "pop" sounding, also manages to be the centerpiece of all the themes. Two Halves is also a metaphor for the fans' reaction to Evil Urges: People wanting them to grow up into a great band, but also keeping their roots. "You want this now, you want that now, can't have it all, you should enjoy what you have" is the typical reaction to the haters, but Jim knows that they are all missing the point, that both halves are meant to work together. There's so much hidden here that you could spend hundreds of times listening to this album and finding something different. Brilliant."

AC Newman - the ballad of wallace and chantry, 2014

"for the most part, feels cozy and lived in, and unlike some soundtracks with a quirky, rom-com indie pop pedigree, it manages to convey some of the melancholy and not just the exhilaration of love, which is something that Newman has been championing (quite melodiously) for years."

Wild Nothing - our composition book, 2010

"Second to last on the album comes the song “Our Composition Book”, which is a glamorous, picture-perfect pop song complete with shimmering sound effects and some excellent guitar playing by none other than Mr. Tatum himself."

Stars - trap door live, 2015

"Pumping up the audience with his high energy level, Campbell promptly encouraged everybody to flock to the stage, and with equal gusto from the band, would keep fans on their feet for the remainder of the evening."

The Embassy - everything i ever wanted, 2013

"Sweet Sensation is the third album by Swedish band the Embassy. It was released February 26, 2013 on International. The album clearly showcases the groups influences of club music while still keeping their distinct sound. During their following tour, the band collaborated with the lighting artist Thomas Hämén. They had previously experimented with light by turning on the light over the audience and keeping the stage in the dark."

Saint Etienne - afraid to go home, 1998

"All you need is some sparkling, uplifting pop music to get you in the mood for the fun ahead. And who better to provide it than Saint Etienne? I saw them this week at Kägelbanan and was transported away by their career-spanning cavalcade of magnificent bittersweet pop. The new songs from new album Home Counties stood up very well against all my old favourites."

The Legends - right on, 2003

"Johan Angergård always stays busy, what with running Swedish label Labrador Records (which is celebrating its 20th birthday this year), and making music in such acts as Acid House Kings, Club 8, and Pallers."

Elton John - solar prestige a gammon, 1974

"Elton and Bernie were annoyed by fans who over analyzed the band’s lyrics for hidden meanings. So they made the nonsensical Solar Prestige to mess with those fans in particular. But it isn’t all gibberish. There are several ocean life names hidden in the song."

Enya - tea-house moon, 1995

"It has been told that the path to the tea-house was one of a copse of summer trees, a wave of the sea, the pale evening moon. The trees, the sea, the moon evoked old dreams and the tea-house represented an oasis where the traveller could find peace. On entering through the low door, one could hear the song of water echo the distant sea or the sound of the rain in a bamboo forest. The tea-house was a place of repose and one in which the harmony of nature pervaded."

Stars - trap door, 2014

"Stars were a pretty big deal throughout the 2000s and into this current decade in the Canadian indie pop scene. For this record, they went rollerskate paradise retro in pink neon and full of hope in its title, while knowing full well that in reality, we are lost. It’s a good record with some excellent tracks, definitely worth your time if you haven’t yet given it its due."

The Embassy - the great indoors people, 2002

"The group's debut album Futile Crimes was released in 2002, preceded by the three singles "Sneaky Feelings EP", "It Never Entered My Mind" and "The Pointer/Make me sad". The album consists of 10 songs recorded by Björn Olsson in Sehr Schöön studios. The group sparked controversy during this time for using instruments made of cardboard while performing live, along with utilizing playback."

AC Newman - the troubadour, 2012

“This record was written during a very heavy time in my life. I was right in that in-between space where I’d just lost somebody that’s amazingly important to me, and I was also anticipating the arrival of somebody incredibly important, too. It made me think a lot about family, life and death, happiness and sadness, and how to reconcile them all.”

Gerry Rafferty - baker street, 1978

"Rafferty's daughter Martha suggested in 2012 that he could also have taken inspiration from a book he was reading while travelling, Colin Wilson's The Outsider (1956), which explores ideas of alienation and creativity and a longing to be connected."

Camel - flight of the snow goose, 1975

"Because it’s based on a novel, then it’s obvious that The Snow Goose tells a story and is a complete saga. As one would suspect, then, there is a flow that goes from happy and sweet on “Rhayader goes to Town” and “Snow Goose” to more melancholy and sullen on “Rhayader Alone,” while being dark and almost evil at times on “Dunkirk” and “Epitaph,” as the saga reaches its climax. All of these feelings are portrayed expertly with some of the better musical performances and composition I’ve ever heard from a rock band. Camel feels distinctly more advanced and smart compared to their very talented peers because of their intelligent use of character themes in the music. Arguably, this record is similar to a suite or a “symphony” of sorts in its arrangement and presentation."

Del Amitri - ceasefire, 1985

"I felt real loss that for now at least there are no more ahead, and there’s nothing much else that could replace the feeling you get from them. Nights like these are incredible. I cannot wait to see some more dates announced whenever that may be so that I might soar above the mundane like this again. Thank you Justin for this beautiful uplifting music that makes life better, and proves the inspirational power of art."

The Cranberries - will you remember, 1996

“One day I went to the airport to meet my husband and I was wondering if he’d remember all those little tricks I’d done: lipstick, hair dresses, blah blah blah, things that men don’t remember. Guys don’t take much notice of lipstick colour…”

James - gaudi, 2001

"Due to Gaudí's profoundly religious and ascetic lifestyle, the archbishop of Barcelona, Ricard Maria Carles proposed Gaudí's beatification in 1998."

Moscow Olympics - ocean sign, 2007

"Shoegazers from Philippines"

Wild Nothing - gemini, 2010

"The sweetness of Tatum’s exquisite melodies, often wrapped tight in a comforting blanket of distortion and propelled on their way by simple but effective percussion, is consistently tempered by his lyrical predilection for pessimism. Track four here is even titled Pessimist, and opens with the line: “Boys don’t cry, they just want to die”. Hopefully Tatum is not actually writing from a position of irreversible bleakness – after all, it’d be tragic if the enjoyment experienced by the audience came at a cost to the artist."

Demis Roussos - we shall dance, 1971

"We Shall Dance" is a song by Greek singer Demis Roussos. It was released as a single in 1971. The song was included on Roussos' 1971 album On the Greek Side of My Mind (originally titled Fire and Ice)."

Pet Shop Boys - somewhere cover, 1997

"Somewhere", sometimes referred to as "Somewhere (There's a Place for Us)" or simply "There's a Place for Us", is a song from the 1957 Broadway musical West Side Story that was made into films in 1961 and 2021. The music is composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim."

Club 8 - stay by my side, 2003

"a breath of fresh indie air coming out of Sweden"

Mike Oldfield - sally, 1979

"Oldfield provided background vocals in sections of brother Mike's 1970s albums Tubular Bells, Ommadawn and Incantations. She reprised her role on Tres Lunas in 2002 and for the 2003 re-recording, Tubular Bells 2003. In addition, she worked on her other brother Terry's recordings. She sang "Shadow of the Hierophant" on Steve Hackett's 1975 album, Voyage of the Acolyte."

Etienne Daho - un homme à la mer, 1991

"the largest hot desert in the world"

The Shadows - nights in white satin cover, 1986

"a great song, a beautiful historic song."

Enya - on your shore, 1988

“On Your Shore,” which appears as the third song (of 11) on WATERMARK, and was never officially released as a single, has been a favorite of mine for a long time. I don’t know if my love for this song can be attributed to having been born near the ocean in Bar Harbor, Maine, having the ocean in my blood, whenever I’m visiting the ocean with Maryhope, or because it was featured in one of my all-time favorite movies and on its soundtrack (1991’s L.A. STORY with Steve Martin, who also wrote the brilliant screenplay)."

Bee Gees - and the sun will shine live, 1997

“And the Sun Will Shine” is a song by the British band Bee Gees, written by Barry Gibb, Robin Gibb and Maurice Gibb, and released in February 1968 on the album “Horizontal“. In the same month, Paul Jones, former Manfred Mann frontman, recorded the song with Paul McCartney playing drums on it."

Barclay James Harvest - hard hearted woman, 1977

"with some nifty guitar work grafted onto a tale of being bewitched by an unfeeling siren - it's a hard life!"

Ian Broudie - smoke rings, 2004

"Born in Penny Lane, Liverpool in 1958, Ian Broudie attended his first gig, the Beatles at the Liverpool Empire, when he was six. A member of punk band Big In Japan in his teens with Holly Johnson and the KLF’s Bill Drummond, he went on to produce records by Echo and the Bunnymen, the Fall, Alison Moyet, Texas and the Coral. Recording as the Lightning Seeds from 1989, he has released seven albums, and his 1996 song for that year’s UEFA European Championship, Three Lions, has been No 1 three times."

Saint Etienne - say it to the rain, 2008

"From council estates to mansions, Saint Etienne are perhaps the only band to capture the teeming variety of the capital"

Paul Weller - headstart for happiness live, 2001

"Paul Weller constantly amazes me with his workrate, fearless ambition, and the quality of his output this late into his career. He’s been releasing music since 1977 and he’s constantly pushing himself into new areas."

Azure Ray - rise, 2001

"A band called Azure Ray contributed a song to the soundtrack titled “Rise.” I made a mental note to Google the song while watching the movie. I loved its’ dreamy and reposed sound, similar to that of another band I enjoy named Beach House. This song comes from the self-titled debut from 2001. Two other albums followed"

Letting Up Despite Great Faults - breaking, 2012

"A lot of that was I wanted to make sure I was writing songs that I liked playing on just the guitar. I think it’s very easy for me to go down a lot of soundscapes and synths and drum machines and analog filters, and it’s so easy to get lost."

Voxtrot - wrecking force, 2005

"the true standout is the closing track, “Wrecking Force,” which sounds something like The Mekons jamming with The Arcade Fire. It’s truly triumphant and powerful music that begs for an emotionally receptive ear. It will be your song of the year once you hear it."

Saint Etienne - people get real, 1992

"‘People Get Real’, is a mellifluous diatribe against people who venerate ‘real soul’ and condemn House music as ‘unauthentic’. "It's about Kenny Thomas," Bob adds, "and the impending jazz-funk revival. Jazz funk, Kiss FM, it's miles more offensive than any heavy metal."

Dido - thank you, 1998

"We heard your track. We love it. We'd like to use it for this track 'Stan.' Can you take a listen? I hope you like it and can we use your song?"

Electrelane - tram twenty-one, 2007

"Electrelane were an English indie rock band, formed in Brighton in 1998 by Verity Susman and Emma Gaze. The band comprised Susman, Gaze, Mia Clarke, and Ros Murray. Their music drew from a wide range of influences including Neu!, Stereolab, Sonic Youth, and the Velvet Underground."

Enya - wild child, 2000

"Wild Child" is a single by Irish singer-songwriter Enya. It was released on 19 March 2001 as the second and final single from her fifth studio album, A Day Without Rain (2000)."

James - waltzing along, 1997

"It might not be the James sound you're used to, but I think bands should be comended when they develop musically to co! nfront complex themes. The folky chorus of Waltzing along is like a recharge..."May your mind be wide open; May your heart beat strong"

Rádio Macau - cidade fantasma, 1987

"On the night of Passover in Gethsemane, Jesus prays beside his disciples Peter, James and John. Satan tries to tempt Jesus as his sweat turns into blood and a serpent emerges from Satan's guise; Jesus rebukes him by crushing the serpent's head."

Pet Shop Boys - up against it, 1996

"The more that it hurts, the less that it works" – This flawed couplet at the very conclusion of the song is almost certainly a pointed subversion of the slogan "It hurt but it worked," which was used by the U.K. Conservative Party (the Tories) during the campaign of 1995, the year immediately before the song's release. In other words, the Tories were campaigning on their record, maintaining that their tight fiscal policies may have caused some suffering, but they ultimately proved beneficial to the British economy. The slogan was widely criticized at the time by more liberal commentators as being both socially callous and factually questionable. It's safe to say that our musical heroes felt much the same about it; hence the subversion."

The Radio Dept - this time around live, 2010

"The album begins rather conventionally with a few extremely accessible efforts in “Heaven’s on Fire” and “This Time Around”, both of which capitalize upon brisk percussion and chirpy synths that appear contrary to subdued later efforts like the brilliantly moody “Memory Loss”. It is amazing how that track manages to send chills up my spine with only minor alterations to production and melody throughout."

Wild Nothing - shadow, 2012

"The name itself comes across as rather misleading, as the track sounds less shadowy than you’d perhaps think; it’s a fast-paced, heart-felt song featuring graceful vocals and beautiful violin sections invoking a deeply thought-provoking atmosphere."

AC Newman - strings, 2012

"Strings," too, immediately ranks among the most direct and unambiguous things he's ever written: "'We've been waiting for you' is a simple line of no great artistic worth, but it is very very true," he insists. He's only half-right."

Elton John - crocodile rock, 1973

"Crocodile Rock" is dominated by a Farfisa organ riff, played by John. The lyrics take a nostalgic look at early rock 'n' roll, pop culture, dating and youthful independence of that era. John's band members, including Davey Johnstone on guitars, Dee Murray on bass and Nigel Olsson on drums, were also performers on the song. John, however, did all the vocals, including the falsetto backing vocals."

Stars - the theory of relativity, 2012

"Habitat 67 comprises 354 identical, prefabricated concrete forms (11.7 m × 5.3 m × 3 m [38 ft 5 in × 17 ft 5 in × 9 ft 10 in]) arranged in various combinations, divided into three pyramids, reaching up to 12 residential storeys, with a parking level, and a building services level."

Mike Oldfield - the top of the morning, 1998

"By mid-1996, Oldfield had put his Buckinghamshire home for sale and relocated to the Spanish island of Ibiza, setting up a recording studio at Casa Atlantis, a cliffside home in Es Cubells which he designed on a virtual reality simulator on his computer and had it built from scratch. With Ibiza being a major club destination, he became inspired by the electronic and dance music that local DJs were playing and decided to make a dance version of the familiar opening to "Tubular Bells (Part One)", which he used with a Nord Lead synthesiser and used the "caveman" beat from "Tubular Bells (Part Two)". Oldfield liked the results, which persuaded him to make a third Tubular Bells album, following Tubular Bells (1973) and Tubular Bells II (1992). Despite not having a recording contract at the time, Oldfield secured a new deal with Warner Music UK by informing the label that he wished to start work on a third Tubular Bells album. Oldfield later admitted that Ibiza's hedonistic lifestyle was a negative influence on him and succumbed to alcohol and drugs. In one incident, he was caught driving while twice over the legal alcohol limit and received a one-year driving ban. In April 1998, Oldfield left Ibiza and returned to live at Roughwood Croft, his home in Chalfont St. Giles, Buckinghamshire, which he had bought in the late 1980s. He then finished recording Tubular Bells III in London until June 1998. In August, he put his Ibiza home, two cars, and powerboat for sale for £2 million. The home was bought by Noel Gallagher."

Of Monsters And Men - from finner, 2011

"how toxic things can draw us in, stealing our attention, and ultimately wasting our time."

Mar de Sintra, hoje, 13 de janeiro de 2025

Tilly And The Wall - the freest man, 2006

"‘The Freest Man,’ is very much a pop tune but just plays to a great concept of absolutely doing your own thing. It can mean a lot to you if you let it."

Le Fil Bleu, 9/1/2025

Moby - sleep alone, 2002

"Perhaps 18 should have been called 13 and ended with the eerie yet comforting sentiments of “Sleep Alone.”

Bee Gees - morning of my life, 1970

"Morning of My Life" (originally known as "In the Morning") is a song written by Barry Gibb in 1965 whilst in the town of Wagga Wagga, Australia and later recorded by the Bee Gees and several other artists. It was recorded in 1966 during sessions for the album Spicks and Specks, and later was released as the opening track on the compilation Inception/Nostalgia in 1970. The first recording of the song to be released by any artist was by Ronnie Burns, first as a B-side to his Exit, Stage Right single in June 1967 and a month later on his Ronnie LP."

Pet Shop Boys - can you forgive her, 1993

"Neil borrowed the song's title, but not its subject matter, from a literary work, in this case a Victorian novel by Anthony Trollope."

AC Newman - there's money in new wave, 2012

"It’s about me in the future trying to talk to my son when he’s a teenager and feeling like I don’t really have that much to tell him."

Fun - why am i the one, 2012

“Why Am I The One,” a sweet, melancholy ballad from fun.’s hugely successful album Some Nights."

Ride - from time to time, 1994

"Carnival of Light is the third studio album by British rock band Ride, released in June 1994 via Creation Records. The album is named after a lost song by the Beatles."

Cocteau Twins - athol-brose, 1988

"the Cocteau Twins' approach to lyrics and vocals, driven by Elizabeth Fraser's unique style, was as revolutionary as their sonic innovations. By prioritizing sound and emotion over literal meaning, they opened up new possibilities for vocal expression in popular music, influencing generations of artists and changing how listeners engage with lyrics and vocals."

Saint Etienne - peach trees starlings, 2020

"While the theory that a frustrated rock star is trapped inside the body of every able music journalist could be debated until the cows come home, there have certainly been instances where ambitious members of the media have laid down pen – or laptop – and strapped on a guitar for the greater good."

U2 - lemon, 1993

"Lemon" is a song by Irish rock band U2. It is the fourth track on their eighth album, Zooropa (1993), and was released as its second single on 8 November 1993 by Island Records. Inspired by old video footage of lead vocalist Bono's late mother, the lyrics describe an attempt to preserve memory through film. More than any previous U2 song, "Lemon" showcases Bono's falsetto vocal range, aided by atmospheric backing vocals from the Edge and Brian Eno. Mark Neale directed the accompanying music video. At almost seven minutes, it is among the band's longest songs."

Wild Nothing - midnight song, 2012

"Nocturne invokes darkness, the night and the moon with frequency. It’s an apt muse, since the album often sounds like luminous orbs reflecting light in the darkness. Low, dark synths ride under flashes of bright guitar notes and shimmering production. Tatum’s voice is a wash of starlight, echoing from far away."

Pet Shop Boys - beautiful people, 2009

"I'm imagining I'm a woman waiting at the bus stop in the rain in London thinking about how shit life is and looking around and seeing a newsstand with magazines like Heat and OK and Hello with Victoria Beckham on the cover, thinking, 'Yes, I would like to live like that.'"

The Moody Blues - nice to be here, 1971

"Nice to Be Here" is a whimsical Ray Thomas song where he imagines witnessing a concert performed by woodland creatures on makeshift instruments. The song was inspired by Thomas' lifelong admiration of nature with additional inspiration from the children's books by Beatrix Potter. Thomas recalls, "I've loved fishing ever since I was a little kid. I used to camp out by a lake a week at a time fishing. At first all the wildlife buggers off but after you've been there for a few days they realise that you're not any threat to them. They run all over your feet, I've even had kingfishers landing on the end of my rod. So I got a great kick out of writing 'Lovely weather must climb a tree.' I was a little kid again. And I just went through a band really, 'Silver minnows were devising water ballets so surprising'." He remembers the session fondly: "The song was great fun to record. Particularly trying to get Justin to play a guitar solo using only one string, like the frog in the lyrics. He actually managed to get it down to two strings!"

Saint Etienne - leafhound, 1993

"Middle-Eastern accented melody creates a big enough hook for even the casual listener to hang on to. “Leafhound” is a playful whirlwind of Balearic guitar, orchestral synths and Cracknell’s sweet, conversational tone as she revisits a strangely familiar locale. She reminisces in the chorus, “Something about this place makes me lose a grip on time and space,” phonetically spelling out each syllable as if in awe. The tonal polar opposite of “Hobart Paving”, “Leafhound” cultivates a sense of return and renewal, with Cracknell concluding, “Yes, I know it’s strange / that you could be here with me now,” that last word neatly spiked with exuberance as if sung by the young girl on the album cover (who is actually Cracknell herself)."

Pet Shop Boys - love etc, 2009

"What most stands out in my mind is its bouncy but highly syncopated rhythm, halfway between a backbeat and a march. Interestingly, Neil's vocal and the background instrumentation place the emphasis on contrasting beats. The song's chanting call-and-response chorus further distinguishes it among PSB tracks."