Category Archives: Weekly Song

The Weekly Song category.

Pink Floyd – High Hopes

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Hope is the fuel of dreams. Hope is a key ingredient of life; a ray of light in the darkest of times. Hope is eternal. And so is Pink Floyd’s music.

A solemn and immortal song that can be a catalyst for hope or a one way ticket to melancholy. There is innocence and wisdom here, shining from within the amazing musical craftsmanship. The melody is both delicate and monolithic, vulnerable and unstoppable. Word for word and echo for echo, a choice waits in perfect balance.

The song’s message is all the more meaningful as this was to be Pink Floyd’s last song for a long time. It’s the final track of their last album, The Division Bell. Even though in 2014 the band came back with The Endless River, that album is comprised of mostly recycled material so I still think of The Division Bell as their last proper album.

Like with the other Pink Floyd songs I’ve featured, I am tempted to write more. Unlike other times, I’ll break under the temptation and say that this song has brought me to tears more than once – and for the most part, those were tears of joy.

“Beyond the horizon of the place we lived when we were young
In a world of magnets and miracles
Our thoughts strayed constantly and without boundary
The ringing of the division bell had begun
Along the Long Road and on down the Causeway
Do they still meet there by the Cut
There was a ragged band that followed in our footsteps
Running before times took our dreams away
Leaving the myriad small creatures trying to tie us to the ground
To a life consumed by slow decay
The grass was greener
The light was brighter
When friends surrounded
The nights of wonder
Looking beyond the embers of bridges glowing behind us
To a glimpse of how green it was on the other side
Steps taken forwards but sleepwalking back again
Dragged by the force of some in a tide
At a higher altitude with flag unfurled
We reached the dizzying heights of that dreamed of world
Encumbered forever by desire and ambition
There’s a hunger still unsatisfied
Our weary eyes still stray to the horizon
Though down this road we’ve been so many times
The grass was greener
The light was brighter
The taste was sweeter
The nights of wonder
With friends surrounded
The dawn mist glowing
The water flowing
The endless river
Forever and ever”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jMlFXouPk8^

YouTube (decent quality, live from the Pulse concert):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX_du6Gcp1w^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/236mI0lz8JdQjlmijARSwY^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/117584472^

This Weekly Song entry has been brought from the FaceBook archive of Weekly Song^. This exploration was originally started through a FaceBook page, about 13 months prior to launching Mentatul. Slowly but surely, the entire FaceBook archive will be brought here.

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/02349-PinkFloydTheDivisionBell-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Pink Floyd – High Hopes’ desc=’A solemn and immortal song that can be a catalyst for hope or a one way ticket to melancholy. There is innocence and wisdom here, shining from within the amazing musical craftsmanship.’]

Balligomingo – Lost

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Camille’s passionate, dreamy voice is exactly what such lyrics needed to be carried on. The music contributes to the majestic atmosphere through sweeping arrays of synths and energetic percussion. It’s a different kind of love song – a specialty of Balligomingo (as can be heard here^ and here^).

“Lost far away in you
Promise of a lifetime
Lost
Miracle of mankind
Lost

Childlike love lingers
Skin is fading, but not your eyes
Can I hold you?
But now you’re gone

Lost far away
The wind carries me away
Lost far away
The wind carries me away

Memories fall like water
Shelve too high to reach
Moments short of a lifetime
Skin is fading, but not your eyes

Lost far away
Can I hold you?
But now you’re gone

Life chain reaction
Willing at any cost
Living without you
I’m lost”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9t3Mx704lY^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/2Kc2WfW4vblbGGRB8c2ki5^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/24906251^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/28-BalligomingoBeneathSurface-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Balligomingo – Lost’ desc=’A passionate, dreamy voice delivers a different kind of love song. The music contributes to the majestic atmosphere through sweeping arrays of synths and energetic percussion.’]

Ugress – Harakiri Martini

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Careful, this one gets straight to business! And that’s just fine, because Ugress has a lot of work to do in the space of less than three minutes. It’s a funky sound pill that you can easily squeeze into the ear between two interruptions at work. The video Ugress attached to the song is as excellent as it can be for such a playful song. I’m not sure if it makes me want to dance or play. Is there a difference?

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the song (or album) from this same location. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I did purchase Ugress’ album :).

https://ugress.bandcamp.com/track/harakiri-martini^

YouTube (decent quality, AWESOME video):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeFBGwuMKmM^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/2O2w7eIzVx4ZFLV2C84RfH^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/24906251^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/27-UgressUnicorn-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Ugress – Harakiri Martini’ desc=’It's a funky sound pill that you can easily squeeze in the ear between two interruptions at work’]

Ganga Giri – Don’t Follow The Guru

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Behind this playful melody lies a wise message. I can think of a few other Ganga Giri songs that have more impressive instrumentals, but this one is perfect just as it is. Perhaps laughing at wisdom is the wisest thing one can do in the face of wisdom.

“Don’t follow that guru – you are the guru!”

You can listen to the melody for free, in good quality, on BandCamp, which is one of the best websites when it comes to supporting artists. You can also purchase the song (or album) from this same location. And in case you’re wondering, yes, I did purchase Ganga Giri’s album :).

https://gangagiri.bandcamp.com/track/dont-follow-the-guru^

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReliokYsGwg^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/5MkH7GWj1q3StGt0MkeZUl^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/11368489^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/02342-GangaGiriRaisingItUp-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Ganga Giri – Don't Follow The Guru’ desc=’Behind this playful melody lies a wise message. Perhaps laughing at wisdom is the wisest thing one can do in the face of wisdom.’]

Autechre – Eutow

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Don’t be deceived by the soft, airy beginnings of this song. A monolithic, dark-shining bass line will soon emerge. Assisted by rather traditional percussion, the deep, sweeping bass line is subjected to an array of risky acrobatics that are a pleasure to behold.

The song comes from Tri Repetae++, one of Autechre’s most critically acclaimed albums. The band’s beginnings are filled with such electronica gems (Amber is another excellent LP and so are the Garbage, Anti and Anvil Vapre EPs).

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KsRIM4Jx4Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KsRIM4Jx4Q^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/2Y1z54YDD3qkrPvxW5NhJZ^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/29372361^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/02326-AutechreTriRepetae-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Autechre – Eutow’ desc=’Assisted by rather traditional percussion, the deep, sweeping bass line is subjected to an array of risky acrobatics that are a pleasure to behold.’]

Massive Attack – Teardrop

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This is one of the songs that a lot of people can recognize from the first second. Yes, from the very first, single second. The percussion is nothing if not iconic. For the few that won’t recognize the song at first listen (or simply don’t know it) the percussion doesn’t hint much at the sweetness that will soon follow. But the listener won’t have to wait long until her soothing, beautiful, vulnerable, angelic voice can be heard. The melody flows steadily as she tells us words of love, words of courage, words of wisdom.

It’s one of Massive Attack’s most popular hits, and for good reason. It comes from Mezzanine, one of my all-time favorite albums and also one of the band’s most popular (again, for good reason).

“Love, love is a verb
Love is a doing word
Fearless on my breath
Gentle impulsion
Shakes me, makes me lighter
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath

Night, night of matter
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Black flowers blossom
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my

Water is my eye
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Of a confession
Fearless on my breath
Most faithful mirror
Fearless on my breath
Teardrop on the fire
Fearless on my breath”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7K72X4eo_s^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/67Hna13dNDkZvBpTXRIaOJ^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/3129748^

This Weekly Song entry has been brought from the FaceBook archive of Weekly Song^. This exploration was originally started through a FaceBook page, about 13 months prior to launching Mentatul. Slowly but surely, the entire FaceBook archive will be brought here.

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/02337-MassiveAttackMezzanine-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Massive Attack – Teardrop’ desc=’The percussion is nothing if not iconic. The melody flows steadily as she tells us words of love, words of courage, words of wisdom.’]

Insane Clown Posse – Hellalujah

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Say hello to the lovely crazy clowns. As is the case with hip hop, the awesomeness of this song is in the lyrics and boy, do these guys have a bone to pick with organized religion (more precisely, TV preachers). As usual with Insane Clown Posse, the text is rather violent, but deliciously (and well-deservedly) so.

Also as usual with this group, the musical arrangement is excellent. The song is almost like a short movie. The music is often interrupted by staged segments from a made-up TV show but everything is produced so well that it integrates seamlessly into a “sad but true” story.

“Who am I? I’m not the Devil
I can take you to my level
Above the rocks, above the earth
Tell me what your soul is worth
How much money do you make?
How much will you let me take?
I will give you tranquilty
Just send your wealth and checks to me
Life is going to expire
And your soul will burn in fire
You will perish in the thunder
Unless you call my hotline number
God has asked you to make me rich
Me and my fat-whack gaudy bitch
On your T.V.’s late at night
Send those checks and I’ll guide you to the light

God had called me and then stopped by
And he told me you’re gonna die
Unless you buy my holy water
Check, cash, or a money order
This is true, don’t question me
I’ll even send you shit for free
It’s only ten bucks for the call
And I’ll send a prayer, no charge at all
Put your lips up to the screen
Close your eyelids and intervene
Your lips to mine, now send the cash
And while you’re there, you can kiss my ass
Take your paycheck and send me half
And I’ll send you God’s autograph
I’ll get Allah’s and Buddha’s too
Even Zeus, I don’t give a fuck who
Just send me that money

Your total’s twenty-two eleven
For your set of keys to heaven
Make the checks out in my name
Me or God, it’s all the same
Bring your crippled ass to me
Pay my usher the holy fee
I’ll bless your legs and bless your chair
Then wheel your bitch-ass outta here
Now a special ceremony
This part don’t cost any money
Drip a drop of blessed water
Now I fertilize your daughter
Even though I fucked a hooker
Took your baby girl and shook her
You still buy everything I sell
And I’m living well
See you in Hell!”

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6R5lpQjUdw^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/5Yy2q9vG7T1D0GN0BZGzdR^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/3040093^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/02332-InsaneClownPosseGreatMilenko-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Insane Clown Posse – Hellalujah’ desc=’The awesomeness of this song is in the lyrics and boy, do these guys have a bone to pick with organized religion. The musical arrangement is also excellent.’]

Proem – Place Gun To Head

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Oh, how I wish I could rename this song. But I can’t, not only because of my respect towards the artist, but because I prefer to tune in to whatever somber reality that the melody perhaps wishes to remind of. With such beautiful music, even dark images can be deprived of their negative energy and interpreted in an objective way, respectful towards the diversity of life and the many paths it can take.

Musically, what we have here is a minimal ambient track that makes excellent use of syncopation. It’s all part of the grand design which has the melody meander in a soothing flow.

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgJXZRwbfvk^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/0PGy1hV7iaBtzezPbhmvwh^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/69628153^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/02310-ProemSociallyInept-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Proem – Place Gun To Head’ desc=’A minimal ambient track that makes excellent use of syncopation. It's all part of the grand design which has the melody meander in a soothing flow.’]

Rag’n’Bone Man – Human (Acoustic)

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A stellar vocal performance is what makes this song shine. Even though the instrumental is perpetually in the background, it is in such harmony with the singer that it gets pulled right up on the stage with equal rights. There’s more creativity in the song’s use of piano and guitar than there is in most contemporary songs that feature twice or more instruments.

“I’m only human
I’m only, I’m only
I’m only human, human

Maybe I’m foolish
Maybe I’m blind
Thinking I can see through this
And see what’s behind
Got no way to prove it
So maybe I’m blind
But I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put your blame on me
Don’t put your blame on me

Take a look in the mirror
And what do you see
Do you see it clearer
Or are you deceived
In what you believe
‘Cause I’m only human after all
You’re only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put your blame on me

Some people got the real problems
Some people out of luck
Some people think I can solve them
Lord heavens above
I’m only human after all
I’m only human after all
Don’t put the blame on me
Don’t put the blame on me”

YouTube (video version, not the same song as below):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3wKzyIN1yk^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/70fdF045x3n1ahv7MG6Z4H^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/138127647^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/02317-RagBoneManHumanRemixes-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Rag'n'Bone Man – Human (Acoustic)’ desc=’A stellar vocal performance is what makes this song shine but there's more creativity in the song's use of piano and guitar than there is in most contemporary songs that feature twice or more instruments.’]

Black Sun Empire – The Rat (Kemal Remix)

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It cuts and claws its way onto the dance floor in a steady march, driven by typical drum’n’bass percussion. It’s all anchored in a dark bass line as is expected of this genre. But besides the familiar ingredients, the song is laced with crispy textures and even airy soundscapes that enhance the contrast with the dark mechanical rodent.

Black Sun Empire’s “Driving Insane” album is full of such high-energy surprises. It’s the band’s first album but also one of their finest – a must-listen, start to finish. Of course, for this song the credit also goes to Kemal for creating the awesome remix for an already great track.

YouTube (decent quality):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OiHERdHAzKY^

For Spotify Users (high quality):

https://open.spotify.com/track/2hwMEgze0GbprLJ2UDzeZO^

For Deezer Users (high quality):

http://www.deezer.com/track/90431103^

[ax_meta lnimgurl=’http://mentatul.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/02302-BlackSunEmpireDrivingInsane-Thumb.jpg’ lnimgw=’250′ lnimgh=’250′ title=’Black Sun Empire – The Rat (Kemal Remix)’ desc=’Besides the familiar ingredients, the song is laced with crispy textures and even airy soundscapes that enhance the contrast with the dark mechanical rodent.’]