Blue Moon Playlist Review Club - Season 2, Episode 18 - BM Openers - Out on blue 6 (pg 353)

[Coatigan]

When's one of these going on the album thread? Been waiting for years and there's been a lot of chatter. Midlake song fits 2 of the criteria but it's not unconventional. I've accepted the challenge of finding one but it's actually not very easy

Join in btw! Just saying.

 

[Coatigan]

80's rock bands would 'usually' start with a solid rock song, that would generally be played live, and be in the best 4 songs on the album....followed by a contender for weakest song....followed by the 'single'.
I always saw it a bit like deciding the batting order in cricket, protect the weakest songs, so there's not a run of them.
Obviously there're exceptions......and what songs are better/weaker are personal opinion.

Yeah that's a good analogy. Or penalty takers. Make sure you score with the first one, but keep your best for when it matters.

 

[Out on blue 6]

Join in btw! Just saying.

To be fair to Rob he did ask. I said if someone drops out or can't put one up I'll step up Oscar Bobb style at Newcastle away.

 

[Coatigan]

Longing - Orlando Weeks.

From his Loja album, released just last week!

Yes, I could have simply put this on the New Music thread rather than using up one of my 3 (I was tempted). But, it is a very good song that deserves to be listened to and imo belongs on a playlist more accessible to people here. That's how highly I rate it.

Plus, it is a Sunday, and I am currently easy like Sunday Morning - in that type of a mood, so no point putting up anything heavier.

A mood setter song imo, but one that is also one of the stronger on the album. Which in fairness I haven't yet fully taken in, partly because I keep coming back to the opening few songs ;)

 

[Out on blue 6]

Longing - Orlando Weeks.

From his Loja album, released just last week!

Yes, I could have simply put this on the New Music thread rather than using up one of my 3 (I was tempted). But, it is a very good song that deserves to be listened to and imo belongs on a playlist more accessible to people here. That's how highly I rate it.

Plus, it is a Sunday, and I am currently easy like Sunday Morning - in that type of a mood, so no point putting up anything heavier.

A mood setter song imo, but one that is also one of the stronger on the album. Which in fairness I haven't yet fully taken in, partly because I keep coming back to the opening few songs ;)

Will have to get this as I've heard a couple of tracks on the radio. I enjoyed his previous one

 

[BimboBob]

Never Let Me Down Again - Depeche Mode

First track from the album before Violator, Music For The Masses, played at every live show since due to the audience participation. Nothing finer than seeing 70000 people waving their hands from side to side in imperfect harmony.

 

[threespires]

This has probably been the theme so far that has made me think the most. Not to find songs per se, but what is it that makes a good opening song work.

I have split mine into 3 main categories.

An 'abstract' introduction. The one I already mentioned, not always a conventional song as such, but sets the mood. A song you Could do without, but would rather not. On its own though, not much. Tautou being one I already mentioned. Idles' MTT420 RR is probably another one, excellent build-up song to gateway into a hectic album, but on its own or as part of a playlist (like here for example), might feel a bit odd. Or Frightened Rabbit's Death Dream, a song that shocks straight to the point and launches you into the album, but not one you would choose to listen to on its own.

The big opener. Your best song first, open with the strongest of the album. I always consider that a bit of a cop-out tbh, maybe too obvious. Like Jimmy Eat World opening Bleed American, with Bleed American. Placebo opening Loud Like Love with Loud Like Love etc.

The debut. Bands only get one shot at this. Ever. Their first song of their first album, that people will be hearing for the first time and might stick with them as the sound or moment they'll remember forever. Like Placebo's Come Home, Brand New's Shower Scene, Audioslave's Cochise etc.

What to put forward? Fuck knows yet, I'm just havering. But then this thread is as much about the discussion as it is about listening to songs, so that's ok I guess.

Might try do one from each category, for the three songs.

Edit. Side challenge, is there a song out there that fits all 3?

That's a good "system" or model, you nerdy git ;-)

You have to be pretty confident, brave or no fucks given to go down the Cat 1 route on your debut album and that'll always create a bit of goodwill on my part.

As far as the side challenge I'm struggling. I can think of a few that fit the cat 1 and 3 but not 2, including one track I could put up that will definitely blow my cover for my next album pick. An idiosyncratic bunch: announce yourself with something that totally sets out your stall, stick your masterpiece in what is the filler slot on many albums and then put your massive single as the last track. Probably enough of a clue for at least one person here to know what it is.

As for your boys,.we do need an album nomination because as well as enjoyable they are interesting and I think they will, if not quite polarise people, lead to some interesting views. You'll just have to make the album clues really challenging!

 

[stonerblue]

Great idea and the field is wide open for nominations.

I still play that Dennis Wilson track you nominated earlier in the year, and on the back of that, I recently watched the Beach Boys documentary on Disney+ and have the Catch a Wave book lined up for later in the summer. I’ve always loved their big songs and it seems that there’s quite a few interesting stories that are worth exploring.

I love “Roscoe” and also “Head Home” from the Van Occupanther album.

Love those Roscoe and Ride tracks. Wizard sleeve mix for Midlake

 

[threespires]

While we are at it. How fucking good are Idles at opening their albums! Every single one, opens with an excellent song.

Heel / Heal - what a debut. 'I want to move in to a Bovis home.. and make a list of everything I own'. What a line to start with, ab excellent 'category 3' song.

Colossus - somewhere between category 1 and 2. An excellent song but not the standout hit, definitely sets the mood, somewhat a touch unconventional

War - category 2 all day long, the rest of the album doesn't disappoint, but the pick of the bunch on Ultra Mono for me

MTT420 RR - excellent category 1 song.

IDEA01 - same.


A real 5/5, can't really think of any other band that has done it so well on literally every single one of their albums. I am also somewhat surprised at the number of bands I really like, that have arguably week openers on a lot of their albums. Like Biffy Clyro for example.

Got me thinking. I heard Colossus before I heard Heel/Heal and I reckon it was better that way for older me. I'm not saying Heel/Heal wouldn't have drawn me in but I do think whilst it would have really grabbed a younger me, Colossus intrigued me more.

 

[mancity2012_eamo]

Hmmm!
Should I go with my first thought from the live album I had in mind?
I just know I will. When it comes to this artist, I just cannot help myself.
But I’ll resist for a bit more.

Having read all of @Coatigan ‘s posts, he’s really put some thought into this.
I’ll admit it’s not something I would have pondered over too much before.

However, staying on the Zappa theme, I always liked the opening of Joe’s Garage Act1,2 & 3.
The Central Scrutinizer running straight into Joe’s Garage is a great way to open such an album.

However I’ll stick with Peaches, from Hot Rats.