Essential Love Songs

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3
May 12

Essential Love Songs: This Must Be The Place

This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)” by Talking Heads

I think an essential love song has to be true. I think the ingredients of it have to be real. Just as the best love is real love. I also think that love song ought to deal with more than feeling, just as love plunges deeper than emotion and reaches deeper than the heart. I think that song should also make you want to dance. Whether a slow, close dance or a swing-your-arms-around-because-you’re-so-darn-happy dance.

This has long been one of my favorite love songs for all these reasons. It’s seriously true and sincere (there doesn’t seem to be any irony at all). It includes, but goes far beyond, the feelings. And just try not dancing (or at least tapping your fingers) to it.

I know these words. I know these sounds. Deeply. They reveal what I’ve experienced about love. It gives voice and groove to a part of my soul. And love songs don’t have any better job than that.

Here’s the live version from one of the best (if not THE best) concert films ever made:

What!?! You’ve never seen Stop Making Sense? Shut up! Do it now:

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19
Aug 11

Essential Love Songs: Virus

“Virus” by Björk

“Like a virus needs a body… some day I’ll find you.”

Björk’s new single melted me. Partly her voice and delivery – she’s got that cut-through-skin entrancing voice. But it’s also the beautiful use of parasitic and destructive imagery that conveys the obsessiveness and neediness of love.

Love is complicated, tricky, and enveloping. And what makes this such a perfect love song is the way sweetens the vulnerable and dangerous aspect of love. It’s both desperate and fully-resigned to love. It sounds simultaneously ominous and lullaby-like. And that’s exactly what being one with someone is like. It’s not all roses and sunsets. And it’s not all arguments and slamming doors. It’s many things all at once. It’s complicated.

“The perfect match, you and I… My sweet adversary…”

“Biophilia” is out next week.

Speaking of dangerous and virus…

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7
Sep 10

Essential Love Songs: Cupid

“Cupid” by Sam Cooke

I doubt that there are very many people out there that could write a love song as infectious and pure as Sam Cooke (sorry, Mr. McCartney). And I know there are few that could deliver it like he did.

There are moments in life when all the “stuff” melts away leaving the sweet, precious center. Those moments are usually accompanied by this song. And I’m singing and dancing with as much soul as I can stir (which isn’t a little).

You know that scene at the end of your favorite romantic comedy? The one where the couple or family live happily ever after and you see them singing and dancing around the house as the camera pulls away and the credits roll? That’s this song.

And, if you’re in love, you will sing along. And if you’re happy, you will dance. Cupid’s that irresistible.

Speaking of Sam Cooke…

And speaking of being happy…

(I didn’t follow Jimmy’s advice, dear.)

And here’s THAT scene from THAT movie…

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30
Jul 10

Essential Love Songs: Dancing in the Minefields

“Dancing in the Mindfields” by Andrew Peterson

There’s something inspirational about seeing an older husband and wife that still hold hands. Something that lets you know what’s possible. To give you a glimpse of how wonderful commitment can be.

Andrew Peterson’s done it again. He’s just released a new album of candid, thoughtful writing. And the most immediately magnificent moment is Dancing in the Minefields, an homage to the marriage promise and the thrill of looking back on your years together.

It’s a song that will be played at more than a few weddings, and probably a fair share of anniversary celebrations.

He’s got a way that’s so straight and honest, very down to earth while having the necessary turn of phrase or imagery to make a compelling song. The album this song comes from feels absolutely peaceful. It’s got the tone of a guy that’s perfectly comfortable with contentment and thankfulness.

“When I lose my way, find me. And when I loose love’s chains, bind me.”

And that’s a great sounding thing.

Speaking of counting…

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12
Jul 10

Essential Love Songs: Save Me a Place

“Save Me a Place” by Fleetwood Mac

Many days, when I leave the house on the commute, I feel like I’m in a rock band and I’m leaving on tour for months. I long for the return. To walk back through the door. To have my place saved for me.

Lindsey Buckingham’s Save Me a Place gets it just right. It’s that moment on Tusk when all the emotion and desperation just bleeds out completely. Well, there’s Christine’s Never Make You Cry. Save Me a Place is what’s left over when you’ve exhausted all your energy longing for home. It’s from the gut and completely naked true.

Anyone who doesn’t feel this way from time to time when they’re away from the one they love can’t really say they’re in love.

Speaking of Lindsey Buckingham and Fleetwood Mac…

And speaking of the song…

And speaking of not turning me away…

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17
Jun 10

Essential Love Songs: Someone to Watch Over Me

“Someone to Watch Over Me” by George and Ira Gershwin

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The most appealing love songs are honest, sincere, and obvious. Very few love songs do this honesty so naturally while having all the flair and style necessary to become a pop hit.

For my money, Ella Fitzgerald does the best job of this song.

I’m a little lamb who’s lost in the wood. I know I could always be good to one who’ll watch over me.

There’s a vulnerability and yearning that you just cannot find on the radio today. The radio these days is filled with fire and lust and danger and extremes and obsessions that fade as quickly as they present themselves. Listening to a Gershwin song will make you wish they still wrote pop music like this.

Sigh.

Speaking of Watching…

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12
Mar 10

Essential Love Songs: Come Softly To Me

The Fleetwoods

“Come Softly To Me” by The Fleetwoods

Love songs, by their very nature tend to be coated in syrup. But Paul McCartney and I wonder if that’s such a bad thing. Come Softly To Me is one of those songs that is magical when sung with the object of your affection. Just try and hum “Dum dum dum do dum” and not melt into a puddle of mush. It’s that sweet and perfect.

Speaking of puddle of mush…