Tonight marked the end of one of my favorite TV shows. It was the little spy-comedy show that could. The show powered through the last three seasons of less and less episodes with the threat of cancellation always above. The show I’m talking about is Chuck and to say that my tv world is a little less awesome now that the series finally ended tonight with it’s 2-hour series finale would be an understatement.
This series finale also brought back to my attention a song from my youth that has always been a guilty pleasure that’s become used as a joke or cynically deconstructed by hipsters in this day and age. This series brought back A-Ha’s “Take On Me” as covered by the show’s resident disturbingly hilarious musical duo, Jeffster. Instead of using it as a joke or something for people to laugh at the show used the song in a way that fit the bittersweet feeling fans over the show’s final moments.
I will forever remember this song as one of the many awesome songs which became part of Chuck.
Take On Me
We’re talking away I don’t know what I’m to say I’ll say it anyway Today’s another day to find you Shying away I’ll be coming for your love, OK?
Take on me, take me on I’ll be gone In a day or two
So needless to say I’m odds and ends But that’s me stumbling away Slowly learning that life is OK. Say after me It’s no better to be safe than sorry
Take on me, take me on I’ll be gone In a day or two
Oh the things that you say Is it life or Just a play my worries away You’re all the things I’ve got to remember You’re shying away I’ll be coming for you anyway
Take on me, take me on I’ll be gone In a day or two
The latest “Song of the Day” comes from my latest obsession that should take up much free time I have when not blogging or working. It’s the main theme from the latest entry in the Elder Scrolls rpg franchise from Bethesda, Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The theme has been unofficially called “Song of the Dragonborn” and I’m more than fine with that unofficial title.
“Song of the Dragonborn” was written and composed by this franchise’s longtime music composer in Jeremy Soule. He has done the orchestral score in this series’ previous two titles and this latest one looks to continue the quality work he’s done in the past. The song is a combination of Wagnerian-style orchestral music with the martial chanting by the male chorus. The chorus itself is from the fictional language of the Nord (the Viking like race in the game) created just for this game.
All I can say is that this song has been on constant repeat since I started playing this game and it’s such a great backdrop to slaying people and things in the game with my Nord Warrior, Berek Thunderfist.
Song of the Dragonborn
(Chorus)
Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin,
Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!
Ahrk fin norok paal graan fod nust hon zindro zaan,
Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!
Huzrah nu, kul do od, wah aan bok lingrah vod,
Ahrk fin tey, boziik fun, do fin gein!
Wo lost fron wah ney dov, ahrk fin reyliik do jul,
Voth aan suleyk wah ronit faal krein!
Ahrk fin zul, rok drey kod, nau tol morokei frod,
Rul lot Taazokaan motaad voth kein!
Sahrot Thu’um, med aan tuz, vey zeim hokoron pah,
Ol fin Dovahkiin komeyt ok rein!
(Chorus)
Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin,
Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!
Ahrk fin norok paal graan fod nust hon zindro zaan,
Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!
Ahrk fin Kel lost prodah, do ved viing ko fin krah,
Tol fod zeymah win kein meyz fundein!
Alduin, feyn do jun, kruziik vokun staadnau,
Voth aan bahlok wah diivon fin lein!
Nuz aan sul, fent alok, fod fin vul dovah nok,
Fen kos nahlot mahfaeraak ahrk ruz!
Paaz Keizaal fen kos stin nol bein Alduin jot,
Dovahkiin kos fin saviik do muz!
(Chorus)
Dovahkiin, Dovahkiin, naal ok zin los vahriin,
Wah dein vokul mahfaeraak ahst vaal!
Ahrk fin norok paal graan fodnust vok zin dro zaan,
Dovahkiin, fah hin kogaan mu draal!
* * * * *
(Chorus)
Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,
Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!
Hearken now, sons of snow, to an age, long ago,
And the tale, boldly told, of the one!
Who was kin to both wyrm, and the races of man,
With a power to rival the sun!
And the voice, he did wield, on that glorious field,
When great Tamriel shuddered with war!
Mighty Thu’um, like a blade, cut through enemies all,
As the Dragonborn issued his roar!
(Chorus)
Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,
Dragonborn, for your blessing we pray!
And the Scrolls have foretold, of black wings in the cold,
That when brothers wage war come unfurled!
Alduin, Bane of Kings, ancient shadow unbound,
With a hunger to swallow the world!
But a day, shall arise, when the dark dragon’s lies,
Will be silenced forever and then!
Fair Skyrim will be free from foul Alduin’s maw,
Dragonborn be the savior of men!
(Chorus)
Dragonborn, Dragonborn, by his honor is sworn,
To keep evil forever at bay!
And the fiercest foes rout when they hear triumph’s shout,
In honor of Lisa Day the latest “Song of the Day” definitely fits the Lisa-theme chosen for today.
“Lisa Says” was originally released in 1969 by the rock band Velvet Underground. The song got another release in 1972 as part of Lou Reed’s (who was part of Velvet Underground) solo debut album in 1972. The song definitely has a slow, bluesy sound which is barely above the level that would make it a ballad. Instead it ends up sounding like a Valentine card to all Lisa’s everywhere.
Without further ado…“Lisa Says”.
Lisa Says
Lisa says, on a night like this it’d be so nice, if you gave me a great big kiss And Lisa says, honey, for just one little smile I’ll sing and play for you for the longest while
Lisa says Lisa says Lisa says, oh, no Lisa says
Lisa says, honey, you must think – – I’m some kind of California fool the way you treat me just like some kind of tool Lisa says, hey baby, if you stick your tongue in my ear then the scene around here will become very clear
Lisa says, oh no Lisa says, hey, don’t you be a little baby Lisa says, oh, no Lisa says
Hey, if you’re looking for a good time Charlie well, that’s not really what I am You know, some good time Charlie always out, having his fun
But if you’re looking for some good, good lovin’ then sit yourself right over here You know that those good, those good times they just seem to pass me by, just like pie in the sky
And Lisa says, on a night like this it’d be so nice if you gave me a great big kiss And Lisa says, hey baby, for just one little smile I’ll sing and play for you for the longest while let me hear you now
Lisa says, oh, no, no Lisa says, hey, don’t you be a little baby Lisa says, oh, no Lisa says
Why am I so shy Why am I so shy, Gee, you know those good good times, they just seem to pass me by Why am I so shy
First time I saw you I was talking to myself I said, hey, you got such pretty, pretty eyes (that pretty eyes)
Now that you’re next to me I just get so upset And Lisa, will you tell me, why am I so shy
Why am I so shy Why am I so shy, well, you know that those good, good times, they just seem to pass me by Why am I so shy
And Lisa says, on a night like this it’d be so nice if you gave me a great big kiss And Lisa says, honey, for just one little smile I’ll sing and play for you for the longest while
Lisa says, oh, no, now Lisa says, hey don’t you be a little baby Lisa says, oh, no Lisa says
The latest “Song of the Day” is from one of the biggest bands of the 70’s and 80’s. When one spoke about epic arena-style rock concerts then one couldn’t say anything unless they mentioned Queen. If there was ever a song which fully sold me on Queen it was the song they produced for the 80’s fantasy action film Highlander.
“Princes of the Universe” remains one of the best fantasy anthems. Part of why it’s so great is part Freddie Mercury’s performance and part how it perfectly fits the sword-and-fantasy film it was made for. It’s really difficult to watch anything Highlander and not have this song to be in the forefront. In fact, I would say that the song has aged much better than the franchise that gave birth to it.
Princes of the Universe
Here we are, born to be kings We’re the princes of the universe Here we belong, fighting to survive In a world with the darkest powers, heh And here we are, we’re the princes of the universe Here we belong, fighting for survival We’ve come to be the rulers of you all
I am immortal, I have inside me blood of kings – yeah – yeah I have no rival, no man can be my equal Take me to the future of you all
Born to be kings, princes of the universe Fighting and free Got your world in my hand I’m here for your love and I’ll make my stand We were born to be princes of the universe
No man could understand My power is in my own hand Ooh, ooh, ooh, ooh, people talk about you People say you’ve had your day I’m a man that will go far Fly the moon and reach for the stars With my sword and head held high Got to pass the test first time – yeah I know that people talk about me – I hear it every day But I can prove them wrong ‘cos I’m right first time Yeah, yeah, alright, let’s go, let’s go, ha haa Yeah, watch this man fly, wooh Bring on the girls – c’mon – c’mon – c’mon Here we are – here we are Born to be kings, we’re the princes of the universe Here we belong Born to be kings, princes of the universe Fighting and free, got your world in my hand I’m here for your love and I’ll make my stand We were born to be princes of the universe of the universe of the universe Of the universe of the universe
Lisa Marie recently wrote up her very unique review of the James Bond film Live and Let Die and I’ve decided to use that review as the springboard for the latest “Song of the Day” entry. It’s easy enough to figure out that the latest choice is the similarly titled song from the film by Paul McCartney: “Live and Let Die”.
This song remains one of the most recognizable songs made specifically for a film. Most songs that become part of a film’s appeal tend to be pre-existing licensed songs and music. Live and Let Die would be the first James Bond film that would introduce Roger Moore as the British superspy and 007 agent. The song itself, written by Paul McCartney and his wife Linda, would become even more popular than the film through the years.
While the song has been covered by many bands and groups through the years it would be the cover by Guns N’ Roses in 1991 as part of their Use Your Illusion I album that many consider the best cover. I consider both favorite songs of mine, but I must pick McCartney’s original over the GnR cover by the smallest of margins.
Live and Let Die
When you were young and your heart was an open book You used to say live and let live you know you did you know you did you know you did But if this ever changin’ world in which we live in Makes you give in and cry Say live and let die Live and let die
What does it matter to ya When ya got a job to do Ya got to do it well You got to give the other fella hell
You used to say live and let live you know you did you know you did you know you did But if this ever changin’ world in which we live in Makes you give in and cry Say live and let die Live and let die
The latest “Song of the Day” is old-school for many. Seems anything that was released and played after the year 2000 people consider old-school now. For me this song is a more recent old-school. It’s only 13 years since it first played the radio waves. My choice is the ballad “Angel of Mine” by R&B singer Monica.
While this song was released in 1998 as one of the singles for Monica’s This Boy Is Mine album it definitely sounds like a much older R&B ballad from the late 80’s and early 90’s which I consider the true old-school. While it does have some of the more technical gloss which R&B albums began to show in the late 90’s and onward (which in my opinion hasn’t been to its benefit) the singing by Monica and the sweet-natured romantic lyrics brings to mind R&B acts like En Vogue from my high school days.
This song also happens to be the bridge for me and probably many others of my generation when young romance began to give way to mature romance as we all entered out late 20’s and with the big 3-0 just around the corner. The lyrics speaks of finding true love but it also didn’t have that juvenile, puppy love feel to it.
“Angel of Mine” marked one of the last few true R&B ballads which focused on love and romance instead of physical love (looking at you Chris Brown and Ne-Yo). They sure don’t make them like this anymore.
Angel of Mine
When I first saw you I already knew There was something inside of you Something I thought that I would never find Angel of mine
I looked at you, lookin’ at me Now I know why they say the best things are free I’m gonna love you boy you are so fine Angel of mine
How you changed my world, you’ll never know I’m different now, you helped me grow You came into my life sent from above When I lost all hope you showed me love I’m checkin’ for you boy you’re right on time Angel of mine
Nothing means more to me than what we share No one in this whole world can ever compare Last night the way you moved is still on my mind Angel of mine
What you mean to me, you’ll never know Deep inside I need to show You came into my life sent from above (Sent from above)
I’ll never knew I could feel each moment As if it were new Every breath that I take, the love that we make I only share it with you (You, you, you, you)
When I first saw you I already knew There was something inside of you Something I thought that I would never find Angel of mine
You came into my life sent from above (Came into my life) When I lost all hope you showed me love (Boy you showed me love) I’m shakin’ for you, boy you’re right on time (But boy your right on time) Angel of mine (Angel of mine, oh mine)
How you changed my world, you’ll never know I’m different now, you helped me grow
I look at you, lookin’ at me Now I know why they say the best things are free I’m checkin’ for you, boy you’re right on time Angel of mine
The latest “Song of the Day” choice is the other song used in the film Drive which made quite an impression on while I watched the film. It’s the 2010 electro house track “Nightcall” from a similarly titled EP from electro house artist Kavinsky.
“Nightcall” was the song chosen by Drive filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn and it’s film composer Cliff Martinez to begin the film. The choice of this song was pretty much a perfect one as it made for a great intro to the film. The song plays as the film introduces us to the lead character (played by Ryan Gosling) as he drives down the late-night streets and alleys of Los Angeles. The song’s 80’s sound gives the film an almost old-school drama feel to it. For anyone who grew up in the 1980’s this song definitely would sound familiar as it style was used many times over to score many action-dramas.
With “A Real Hero” this song helps bookend song-wise one of the more interesting and, in my opinion, one of the best films of 2011.
Nightcall
I’m giving you a night call to tell you how I feel I want to drive you through the night, down the hills I’m gonna tell you something you don’t want to hear I’m gonna show you where it’s dark, but have no fear
There something inside you It’s hard to explain They’re talking about you boy But you’re still the same
There something inside you Its hard to explain They’re talking about you boy But you’re still the same
I’m giving you a night call to tell you how I feel I want to drive you through the night, down the hills I’m gonna tell you something you don’t want to hear I’m gonna show you where it’s dark, but have no fear
There something inside you It’s hard to explain They’re talking about you boy But you’re still the same
There something inside you It’s hard to explain They’re talking about you boy But you’re still the same
There something inside you (there something inside you) It’s hard to explain (it’s hard to explain ) They’re talking about you boy (they’re talking about you boy) But you’re still the same
For the latest “Song of the Day” I only had one choice in mind. No other song has wormed it’s way into my waking consciousness than the song I chose. It’s the 80’s-like synth-pop song “A Real Hero” by the band College feat. Electric Youth.
To say that Nicolas Winding Refn’s first Hollywood film (though still quite modestly budgeted) was something that stuck to me would be an understatement. One of the factors which just made the film one of the best films of 2011 has to be the 80’s retro synthpop soundtrack by Cliff Martinez and some perfectly chosen licensed songs. The one song which definitely has become a favorite and also one which has stuck itself in my mind since I saw the film is “A Real Hero” which we fully hear in the end of the film and into the end credits (the song get a brief appearance in the middle of the film).
This song perfectly encapsulates the restrained love story between the characters played by Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan. It explores the dynamic between The Kid (Gosling’s role) and Irene the young mother (Mulligan’s role) as heard through the song’s sparse lyrics which intersperse itself between the electronic synth keyboard play. It’s inclusion in two spots in the film adds different meanings to the song. The first time we hear it the song adds a soft layer of old-school romanticism to Gosling and Mulligan’s characters, but when we finally hear it in full in the end that romanticism takes on an ambiguous tone with just a tinge of bittersweet to the romance.
There’s another song from the Drive soundtrack which also made quite an impact not just in the film’s overall quality but in me as a listener and an audience. That would be explored in a day or so.
The latest “Song of the Day” comes courtesy of the “Man in Black” himself. It’s the main track from his final posthumous-released album, American VI: Ain’t No Grave.
“Ain’t No Grave” gives us Cash in his final days as he continued to make music despite knowing that Death was coming for him and his time was almost up. We can hear the Cash’s voice gravelly as usual but also shows the failing health he was in. Yet, despite that he still gives the Old Testament-like lyrics of “Ain’t No Grave” the gravity and strength of someone who has seen all that life had to offer (both good and bad) and experienced them all.
The minimalist music backing up Cash’s voice as piano, organ and banjo played on the fly gives the song an almost doomsday tone as he sings about death, angels and the Second Coming. Yet, there’s a sense of hope to the lyrics themselves as Cash points out that not even the grave can keep him from reaching the promised land.
It’s final songs like “Ain’t No Grave” which continues to build the legend that is Johnny Cash. He’s gone beyond music superstar and icon to just legendary figure who seems to transcends art and life itself with every gravelly-voiced lyric sung. If there’s anyone who can look the Devil and God in their eye and tell them to stick it then it would be Johnny Cash.
Ain’t No Grave
There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down
When I hear that trumpet sound I’m gonna rise right out of the ground Ain’t no grave Can hold my body down
Well, look way down the river And what do you think I see I see a band of angels And they’re coming after me
Ain’t no grave Can hold my body down There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down
Well, look down yonder, Gabriel Put your feet on the land and sea But Gabriel, don’t you blow your trumpet Until you hear from me
There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down Ain’t no grave Can hold my body down
Well meet me, Jesus, meet me Meet me in the middle of the air And if these wings don’t fail me, I will meet you anywhere
Ain’t no grave Can hold my body down There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down
Well meet me, Mother and Father, Meet me down the river road And Mama, you know that I’ll be there When I check in my load
Ain’t no grave Can hold my body down There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down There ain’t no grave Can hold my body down
We’re now two-thirds into the 33-day Shigematsu Kiyoshi short story marathon and for the last third I decided to kick it off with my third favorite track from the Lost Odyssey soundtrack. The latest “Song of the Day” is the simple and playful tune “Small Recollections”.
This track gets used a lot in the game’s collected dream-memories. It’s usually used in concert with other music when the dream involves children Kaim has met through his 1000-year and more journey as the eternal warrior. I like this song for it’s simplicity. It’s a solo piece done on a calliope and made to sound like it’s coming from a child’s music box. It’s really quite a great use of this instrument and one I’ve rarely heard used in a soundtrack for a film or game.
It’s hard not to listen to this song and not think of the simpler times when one was a kid and the biggest worry in our mind’s was whether we’d get to eat ice cream, cake or both at a birthday party. “Small Recollections” is definitely something one can hear at a fair or a carnival and always something that would make one smile like a kid again.
Through the Shattered Lens 