We finished watching I’ll Be Gone in the Dark last night and my ears perked up as the credits began to roll. I heard the slow plodding melody and while it was still the female vocalist’s part, I asked Stacey if she knew the song. Before she could answer, Damien Rice’s part kicked in. Suddenly I was back in the mid 00’s headed back from Duc and Nick’s apartment at 4am with the Lowe brothers. “Oh right, Damien Rice”. (I deleted an O joke here, authenticity for the win).
This and the rest of today’s songs are from that same era of late night trips to J’s, a “free” orthopedic recliner, and smash parties. It was a time when it was extremely clutch to have some friends with their own place. There is only so much driving around one can do.
Damien Rice “9 Crimes”
I didn’t realize I had the song on a burned CD in the Matrix for years. I acquired it from Duc, who cleverly labeled it “Dame in Her Eyes”. I thought it was an indie band he was into and never made it far enough into the CD to realize what it was. I was certainly familiar with plenty of Damien Rice’s music, although not really of my own choosing. I still don’t get why my friends liked “Blower’s Daughter” so much, whatever.
As I mentioned, this plays during the closing credits of the HBO show. It was a well made documentary that thoughtfully handled brutal subject matter, save for one part. I don’t understand why they turned the retrieval of prized Banker’s Boxes into a campy 70s TV montage with chase music and getaway sounds. It seemed to betray the whole tone of the piece.
The Notwist “Consequence”
I’m reasonably sure this was another band David Byrne introduced us to; it could easily pass for one, if not. I had this song popup on too many burned CDs and trip mixes to not include it here. It contained a mantra of sorts that helped me keep a healthy perspective on playing poker. I didn’t live up to it all the time, but I’m sure it helped me from torching a few stacks over the years.
Fail with consequence,
The Notwist
Lose with eloquence,
and smile.
Neutral Milk Hotel “In the Aeroplane Over The Sea”
Every so often the mood will strike where this song is amazing. Mostly it is an insta-skip when it comes up. There seemed to be much more of the first one during the period in question. Sad guy, for lack of perspective rather than ill circumstances. Hindsight, hooray!
