So it's done. 12, 432 words later, my dissertation is printed, bound and sitting on my desk waiting for hand in day. Thank you to all of you who helped, your insight was priceless. As you all know, my life recently changed for the better with the miraculous recovery of my iPod and as such, I've been investigating new and old bands alike. I'll focus on some new bands soon but i have some ground-breaking news.
I like Bloc Party more than any other band. Apart from Feeder. This band kick ASS.
Feeder are the perfect example of a band that changes and evolves over time, from the pop rock outings on polythene with their comical lyrics and distortion-ridden vocals through Echo Park that needs no introduction to their more melancholy and heartfelt work on Comfort In Sound and Pushing The Senses. My first introduction to Feeder was the immeasurable Just A Day, shortly followed by an incredible performance at Brixton Academy way back in 03 (which featured me in a video kind of). So, I've compiled a list of my favourite Feeder tracks, some of which made it to the last.fm play list. If you don't know them, check them out ASAP.
1)Cement (Polythene). A song of distant adoration with its comical lyrics and catchy choruses, Polythene demonstrates the strength of Grant's songwriting whilst maintaining their naivety and upbeat mood.
2) You're My Evergreen (Yesterday Went Too Soon). 1999 heralded the arrival of YWTS, a clear progression in Feeder style from their distortion ridden debut to the slightly more polished and emphatic tracks such as Waiting For Changes and You're My Evergreen. Grant's lyrics become slightly more introspective on their youth, the chances offered to them and the general claustrophobia of life. Notice a cheeky preview of Just A Day in Insomnia too.
3) Dry (YYWTS). The early introduction of strings to Feeder's repertoire, Dry is a song of despair and disaster as love takes its toll. Often overlooked in Feeder's work, the production values on Dry are incredibly high with a variety of vocal effects, instruments moving in the stereo field throughout the song and Lee's understated drumming providing the perfect accompaniment.
4) Piece by Piece (Echo Park). Everyone knows Echo Park, the album that launched Feeder as the
rock superstars they are today, providing summer anthems in the form of Buck Rogers and Seven Days in the Sun. However, Echo Park for me is not about single songs, its about the album as a whole. The progression between each track is superb, moving from fast to slow, dark to elatious, it is on Echo Park that we feel the full force of Feeder. Piece by Piece for me is a song about acknowledging trouble ahead, admitting the constraints and suffocation of a relationship and hanging on in desperation. I once told a girlfriend that this song summed up our relationship perfectly. This certain girl had a temper and did not take it well. Probably my fault.5) Under The Weather (Echo Park) Another favourite from Echo Park, who doesn't wish for easier times, complain that life isn't going their way and just wants to scream? Taka and Jon work in perfect harmony driving the song forwards with ingenious bass fills and funky beats. Often overlooked but a true stand out in my opinion.
6) Just The Way I'm Feeling (Comfort In Sound). After the tragic death of Jon Lee in 2001, Feeder's comeback effort was always going to be a mature and reflective album and this is demonstrated perfectly in Just The Way I'm Feeling. Demonstrating a diverse range of songwriting skills, it is in Comfort In Sound that Grant truly steps forward as the lead of Feeder, powering the band forwards with understated vocals and intelligent lyrics. But boy could they still rock....
7) Come Back Around (Comfort In Sound). The lead single from Comfort, the band don't miss a step in their quest for best pop rock band with this electric and uplifting track. Though Feeder are a different band without Lee, Come Back Around shows that they are no worse by combining their radio friendly early elements with heavier guitars and eccentric production.
8) Pushing The Senses (Pushing The Senses). The third single from latest album Pushing The Senses is the perfect demonstration of the new Feeder. Dark, brooding, edgy and intricate and still great fun to listen to and sing along to.
9) Tender (Pushing The Senses). Feeder's new direction led Grant to playing Piano on this album adding a new dimension to a band that thrive on change. Tender's a classic love song with its gorgeous piano line and heartfelt lyrics. Incredible track.
10)Miss You (TBA). And so the band come full circle with Miss You. The edge is there, the pop chorus is there but the maturity and depth are unquestionable.
Feeder truly are a musical tour de force and I can't wait for the new album to finally appear. Its been far too long.
1 comment:
"Piece by Piece for me is a song about acknowledging trouble ahead, admitting the constraints and suffocation of a relationship and hanging on in desperation. I once told a girlfriend that this song summed up our relationship perfectly. This certain girl had a temper and did not take it well."
I think she proved your point.
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