Obituary: Pair of Brown Eyes

Original video located here. Accessed 6th September 2023

Song title: A Pair of Brown Eyes

Artist: The Pogues

Year: 1985

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Shane McGowan
I got into the Pogues in my early twenties. At first it was the novelty of Celtic folk played the speed of a punk band with the raucousness of a drunk singalong. But then, upon closer examination, there is a high class of songcraft at work. Indeed, it is through the Pogues that I learnt the strength of an opening line among other things.

So here's to you Shane, a true poet if ever there was one.

Classics: Love for the Sake of Love

Original video located here. Accessed 6th October 2023

Song title: Love for the Sake of Love

Artist: Claudja Barry

Year: 1977

Why I like this song:

There's a really strange ad circulating on Tasmanian TV at the moment which features this song.
But however bizarre the ad may be, it did make me realise that the song was a stand-out - as well as a firm reminder that the production values of seventies disco truly was on another level.

Obituary: Dream Weaver

Original video located here. Accessed 6th September 2023

Song title: Dream Weaver

Artist: Gary Wright

Year: 1975

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Gary Wright
It may be corny, it may be seventies production at it's best/worst, it may only known to a certain number of people due it's use in Wayne's World. But damn, it is still a snappy tune. 
And as an illustration of a night/dream journey, it does it's job and it does it well

Obituary: I'm a Believer

Original video located here. Accessed 5th September 2023

Song title: I'm a Believer

Artist: Smash Mouth

Originally Done By: Monkees

Year: 2001

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Steve Harwell

I am prepared to die on the hill that Walkin' on the Sun was the best song Smash Mouth ever did but I will admit to having a soft spot for this.
Somehow, it has an energy that was missing from the original. 

Obituary: Everybody Moves

Original video located here. Accessed 12th August 2023

Song title: Everybody Moves

Artist: Died Pretty

Year: 1989

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Ron S Peno
Much has already been written how Died Pretty was a band that should've gotten huge so i won't reiterate such matters. But what I will say is that this song is indeed a gem and sounds pretty much like itself - as in, completely unrelated to what else was happening at the time.
And is all the better for it.

Obituary: I wonder

Original video located here. Accessed 10th August 2023

Song title: I Wonder

Artist: Rodriguez

Year: 1970

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Sixto Rodriguez
I think it's far to say that the documentary Searching for Sugar Man has done a monumental job of bringing awareness to the music of Rodriguez. Personally, I knew of the story well enough before i heard the man's music. And the story was potent enough to make me see the man when he performed live in Hobart. And there I was won over with his space presence and snappy songs.
I like this one the best due to to the bassline and the witty observations our man Sixto is making

Obituary: Jealous

Original video located here. Accessed 27th July 2023

Song title: Jealous

Artist: Sinead O'Connor

Year: 2000

Why I like this song:

R.I.P. Sinead O'Connor.
This is my favourite Sinead O'Connor song. Some might think it maudlin but it's one that resonated with me.
This came out in 2000 - the same year I had my first break-up. As such it was an instance I was VERY ill-prepared for so i played this song a lot.
Of course, in retrospect, it's not a moment to be proud of but I will say this: This song is a stunning display of vulnerability. Particularly in those last two lines which hits like a truck - even when uttered by a provocateur such as Sinead.
As for Sinead, well I hope that wherever she ended up, she found peace.