Want Yearn Long – Pining Four
What/Who/Why
————————–
————————–
“Promise” by Ben Howard
Submitted by Dave
Big fan of the album this is off and this song seemed to carry the spirit of the theme and made the cut. I don’t know how you can play like that and sing at the same time. Always amazes me.
——————
“I Want to Live” by Talking Heads
Submitted by Ian
Kind of like a “Lust for Life” but possibly a little less known. Again, the talking heads have so many great tunes, Thought I would try and make one work.
————————–
————————–
“She Sheila” by The Producers
Submitted by Ed
Probably the reason for this round’s category – I just needed to fit it in somewhere. One of my favorite pure power pop jaunts. The beginning synths, the slamming rhythm section… – ooh, ooh, ooooh. Heaven.
——————
“Love Reign O’er Me” by The Who
Submitted by Alan
One of the most powerful songs in my mental catalogue and one which I associate with desperation and longing. From Jimmy’s desperation and breakdown in Quadrophenia, all the boys in the band are at their best here. Roger’s voice is gripping and soaring, even painful at times. Pete shows off his amazing approach to rhythm guitar here as well and (according to a quick search) is credited with the stirring piano work. Keith Moon gets credit for drums of course as well as what sounds like typani at points. Entwhistle plays bass AND French horn.
————————–
————————–
“Donald and Lydia” by John Prine
Submitted by Bill
This one shows Prine at his lyrically innovative best in a song about two people yearning for love who have a shot at achieving it only with a person they’ve never met. I mean, come on: “Lydia hid her thoughts like a cat.” Not to mention: “There were spaces between Donald and whatever he said, strangers that forced him to live in his head.” And it kills me the way he introduces the two of them individually, by just saying each name, like the title card in a silent movie.