I've asked my pal Denise from Logical Logic to do a little guest post for me while I'm gone. If you like the following I highly recommend her blog as it doesn't focus on the next big thing, instead it focuses on the music she loves, some of which you may have missed over the years (recent posts include The Need and Galaxie 500). It's never too late to start listening to a band that's new to you. Now for Denise to shed some light on Beat Happening.
In my humble opinion Beat Happening are one of the best and most influential bands to ever exist. They proved without a doubt that you didn't have to be the most awesome singer, guitarist, or drummer to start a band and make records. The DIY ethics that they lived (maybe most notable by Calvin Johnson starting K Records) continue to inspire countless young bands. They also wrote some of the sweetest, saddest, and sexual songs I've ever heard. I think it's true talent that can write about sex without being crude and about love without being sappy. The lyrics can be cutting on occasion and that adds to allure of the band - you just never knew lyrically what might be coming your way.
In the spirit of the day I would like to share with you a song called Christmas by Beat Happening. It's everything about the band that I love. Kind of warped, kind of sad, kind of funny. Since this is a covers blog I compiled some of my favorites. In particular, the Luna version of Indian Summer is a nice take on the song. Different, yet capturing the feel of the song extremely well. The Velocity Girl song makes me miss the keyboards in the original version - a joint venture between Beat Happening and Screaming Trees - yet I still find it to be quite pleasing. The Cub and Shapiros versions of the songs are pretty faithful covers but still make my black heart beat a little red.
Luna "Indian Summer"
Velocity Girl "Tales Of Brave Aphrodite"
Cub "Cast A Shadow"
The Shapiros "Cry For A Shadow"
Bonus:
Beat Happening "Christmas"
In my humble opinion Beat Happening are one of the best and most influential bands to ever exist. They proved without a doubt that you didn't have to be the most awesome singer, guitarist, or drummer to start a band and make records. The DIY ethics that they lived (maybe most notable by Calvin Johnson starting K Records) continue to inspire countless young bands. They also wrote some of the sweetest, saddest, and sexual songs I've ever heard. I think it's true talent that can write about sex without being crude and about love without being sappy. The lyrics can be cutting on occasion and that adds to allure of the band - you just never knew lyrically what might be coming your way.
In the spirit of the day I would like to share with you a song called Christmas by Beat Happening. It's everything about the band that I love. Kind of warped, kind of sad, kind of funny. Since this is a covers blog I compiled some of my favorites. In particular, the Luna version of Indian Summer is a nice take on the song. Different, yet capturing the feel of the song extremely well. The Velocity Girl song makes me miss the keyboards in the original version - a joint venture between Beat Happening and Screaming Trees - yet I still find it to be quite pleasing. The Cub and Shapiros versions of the songs are pretty faithful covers but still make my black heart beat a little red.
Luna "Indian Summer"
Velocity Girl "Tales Of Brave Aphrodite"
Cub "Cast A Shadow"
The Shapiros "Cry For A Shadow"
Bonus:
Beat Happening "Christmas"
*Gasp* This is the first time I've posted a non-cover song, a special Christmas gift indeed!
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2 comments:
"One of the most influential bands to ever exist" seems like a stretch, but thanks for the tunes!
I disagree! Considering how many bands (sure, indie bands) name them as a key influence I don't think it's an overstatement. It's all about context, my friend.
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