Dead Milkmen- Similar to other great works of art (e.g. Finnegan’s Wake, Picasso’s Guernica), this song is many layered. It is seemingly a simple story about a boy and his guitar, but who knows. I found it funny that despite the reference to the wood hole of the guitar, it only sounded electric to me. The solo section was nice and sort of saved it for me. I also made the connection in this song that the Milkmen are what They Might Be Giants would sound like if they got into a car accident and bumped their head on the way to the recording studio.
There are a few songs that when I hear them, I picture my then 5 year old brother singing throughout the house, Grease Lightning, Brass Monkey, and The Guitar Song. The Dead Milkmen, for me is a group that I can put on for the sheer enjoyment of just whacky lyrics.
I am still coming across songs from The Who that I have never heard before. I was never a real big Who fan, other than the obvious hits which over time have been played to death. I had purchased The Who, the BBC tapes I believe and it was the start of me jumping down the rabbit hole. So far, I think that Paint by Numbers my be my favorite album of the one I have listened to.
The Dead Milkmen – The Guitar Song
Starts off a little REM-ish. Fun. Not sure I’m in the mood for them this morning.
The Who – Guitar and Pen
Starts off a little YES-ish. “In your hands you hold your only friend.” Okay, I am in the mood for this one. Can hear the seeds of Pete’s solo work, specifically “Let My Love Open the Door.” Yet this is still a Who track. It’s a bit jaunty, yes? Somewhat theatrical. Great to revisit this one. Good to the last piano drop.
“Guitar Song”/Dead Milkmens. This isn’t my pick, but these lads have shown up a lot in my M5 selections for the simple reason that they write a lot of topic-specific songs, and are thus good for themed entertainment. I own this album but have to say I didn’t remember this track. This is at the earnest end of their output (like “Watching Scotty Die”), sporting Jonathan Richman-like naivete, rather than their usual snark. Musically about as simple as it gets, and hence very punk.
“Guitar and Pen”/Le Who. This one also came to mind for me, but I’m glad we didn’t double up. A deep cut! Lots going on musically, from the sustained single notes Pete favored on this album in particular and the at-times ragtimish piano to that apocalyptic rhythm-section crescendo that appears multiple times (the best one’s at 3:45). (Thank you, Keith and John.) Lyrically, it’s Pete being a bit more upbeat than usual about his creative angst.
“The Guitar Song” by The Dead Milkmen: This music seems a cross between an Adam Sandler SNL skit and hints of They Might Be Giants. Good stuff.
“Guitar and Pen” by The Who: This seems like a song that would be the glue between the other block buster hits of the album. I would prob pass over it if I heard on the radio BUT fun to give it a closer listen here. I like the keys tinkling arp sound played alongside the guitar plucking…interesting acoutrements, jibs and jabs throughout. The Who certainly were talented musicians
*****
Post Note:
I see Alan referenced They Might Be Giants as well. I think it is the lead singers voice timbre and delivery that the connection hit me
Dead Milkmen- Similar to other great works of art (e.g. Finnegan’s Wake, Picasso’s Guernica), this song is many layered. It is seemingly a simple story about a boy and his guitar, but who knows. I found it funny that despite the reference to the wood hole of the guitar, it only sounded electric to me. The solo section was nice and sort of saved it for me. I also made the connection in this song that the Milkmen are what They Might Be Giants would sound like if they got into a car accident and bumped their head on the way to the recording studio.
There are a few songs that when I hear them, I picture my then 5 year old brother singing throughout the house, Grease Lightning, Brass Monkey, and The Guitar Song. The Dead Milkmen, for me is a group that I can put on for the sheer enjoyment of just whacky lyrics.
I am still coming across songs from The Who that I have never heard before. I was never a real big Who fan, other than the obvious hits which over time have been played to death. I had purchased The Who, the BBC tapes I believe and it was the start of me jumping down the rabbit hole. So far, I think that Paint by Numbers my be my favorite album of the one I have listened to.
The Dead Milkmen – The Guitar Song
Starts off a little REM-ish. Fun. Not sure I’m in the mood for them this morning.
The Who – Guitar and Pen
Starts off a little YES-ish. “In your hands you hold your only friend.” Okay, I am in the mood for this one. Can hear the seeds of Pete’s solo work, specifically “Let My Love Open the Door.” Yet this is still a Who track. It’s a bit jaunty, yes? Somewhat theatrical. Great to revisit this one. Good to the last piano drop.
“Guitar Song”/Dead Milkmens. This isn’t my pick, but these lads have shown up a lot in my M5 selections for the simple reason that they write a lot of topic-specific songs, and are thus good for themed entertainment. I own this album but have to say I didn’t remember this track. This is at the earnest end of their output (like “Watching Scotty Die”), sporting Jonathan Richman-like naivete, rather than their usual snark. Musically about as simple as it gets, and hence very punk.
“Guitar and Pen”/Le Who. This one also came to mind for me, but I’m glad we didn’t double up. A deep cut! Lots going on musically, from the sustained single notes Pete favored on this album in particular and the at-times ragtimish piano to that apocalyptic rhythm-section crescendo that appears multiple times (the best one’s at 3:45). (Thank you, Keith and John.) Lyrically, it’s Pete being a bit more upbeat than usual about his creative angst.
“The Guitar Song” by The Dead Milkmen: This music seems a cross between an Adam Sandler SNL skit and hints of They Might Be Giants. Good stuff.
“Guitar and Pen” by The Who: This seems like a song that would be the glue between the other block buster hits of the album. I would prob pass over it if I heard on the radio BUT fun to give it a closer listen here. I like the keys tinkling arp sound played alongside the guitar plucking…interesting acoutrements, jibs and jabs throughout. The Who certainly were talented musicians
*****
Post Note:
I see Alan referenced They Might Be Giants as well. I think it is the lead singers voice timbre and delivery that the connection hit me