Janice Whaley "Ideas As Opiates"

When a record company person is pitching a song to me (or any other programmer), quite often they'll tell you the artist "has a great story."

And, on some level, I think, "Who cares?"  Either the song is right for mvy, or it isn't.  The story behind the song shouldn't make a difference.

But honestly, it does.  Because the difference between what we do (old school radio) versus just being a jukebox/iPod/logarithm that spits out songs, is that we DJs have the opportunity to give the song context, and give the listener something extra to listen for.

Melody Gardot's story was interesting, because her singing career emerged as part of her physical therapy to recover from a bicycle accident.

Kathleen Edward's story was interesting, because her new record was made with an unusual collaborator, her boyfriend Justin Vernon of Bon Iver.

Dr. John's latest record had an interesting story---Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys had him record it in Memphis instead of New Orleans, and kept him off his traditional piano.

So yeah, a good background story can help a song.

Today's tune, well, I can't say it's so good that I'm going to add it to rotation this week or anything, but the story behind it is so interesting, that I bet you'll click on the video just to hear the song.

It's been put out by Janice Whaley.

Whaley has made a name for herself in certain circles with "The Smiths Project."  Over the course of several years, she committed to cover every single album by The Smiths.

Not only to cover every song on every album---she's done it a capella, creating 20 to 30 layers of vocal tracks per song, to build the tune.

So that's who she is.

Today's tune is not a song by The Smiths.

On this tune, she has a vocal partner, named James Roday.  Familiar name to you?  Perhaps you recognize his face?  He's the lead actor of the TV show "Psych."  And yes, he is actually a really credible singer.

Oh, and the song?  It's a Tears For Fears cover.

So there's the story.  Does it make the song more interesting?


Hear the song on Youtube.

Tears For Fears "Head Over Heels"

Just sitting here, thinking about writing this post is causing a horrible pit in my stomach.

I did promise myself that I would write about some songs that recalled awkward adolescence, so I'll go forward, despite my confusing mix of emotions.

Here's the short version.  I had a super-painful crush on a girl when I was 15 and I recall that this is the song that I felt best expressed my feelings for her.

Was she aware of my feelings?

No.

Maybe?

No?

If she was aware, then she didn't let on.

And by "let on," I mean that she didn't hit me over the head with a 2 by 4 and say, "I like you to, you sweet, stupid boy."

Even if she had done that, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have known how to read the situation for certain.  I was that clueless.

I was good at plenty of things, as a 15 year old.  I was a good student.  I was a decent athlete.   I could juggle a little bit (always a hit with the ladies!).  I was learning how to make ice cream at Haley's in Newburyport.

But while most of my guy friends had serious (for 15) girlfriends, or dated around a lot, I was still struggling, nay, still fully unable, to put two sentences together in front of a girl.

I guess that's why I identified with this video so much.

In my painfully earnest 15-year-old way, I understood the painful earnestness of the guy in the video who's best attempt at flirting with a girl he likes, is to look sort of wounded as he engages in a business transaction at the object of his affection's workplace.  And he seems somewhat mystified that she only returns his (obvious to only him) flirting, with a blank stare.

It was painful, because like him, I didn't get why she didn't get it.

Now it's painful to revisit, not only because of the original pain, but because I'm so aware of how corny and awkward it all is, both the video and my initial reaction to it.

I can't say that my lady-killing skills improved a whole lot in the ensuing years, but I did (mostly) learn to get out of my own way, on the occasions that a woman did hit me over the head with a 2-by-4.


Hear the original song, on Youtube.


See the literal version on Youtube.