My iPod #203: The Beatles - Come Together

When I come to a Beatles song, I always approach it quite apprehensively. What could I possibly say about their songs that hasn't been said on Wikipedia, on the countless fan sites dedicated to the band, or even YouTube comments where the person copy and paste everything and try to post it as their own original facts?

I can't. That is my answer. All I can tell you is that this track is one of the most grooviest, laid-back and badass tracks to ever exist through time. Also a contender for one of the best tracks to start an album.

"Come Together" is the opener for The Beatles' "last" album "Abbey Road". Every time I see that famous album cover, that track always pops into my head. I think the track just sums up everything when your eyes witness it. The four guys all in time... in unison. Never missing a beat right up to the end.

I was walking to my friend's house in my suit earlier this year when it was prom day, and I felt so cool listening to this song on my iPod. I have never experienced such a feeling since.

One theory about the song, written by John Lennon, is that each of the four verses describe the members of the group in their own abstract and surreal way. Another theory is that all the verses are about John himself. Lennon, apparently, stated that it was inspired by American politics.

I'll carry on believing that it's the first option, because to write those verses and then back it up with such tight instrumentation - with each member being at their best too - it's almost as if they are saying "Yep, we're good baby we know it". Even though they weren't getting along so well at the time. But still. Listen to it.

My iPod #202: The Offspring - Come Out and Play

I was born a year after "Smash", The Offspring's breakthrough album came out. I first heard "Come Out and Play" when its video played on MTV2.

One main thing went through my head whilst watching it. That was why Dexter Holland thought that having dreadlocks was a good look. All the time I saw an Offspring video, he had spiked up hair and to see the previous hairstyle he had before was a bit strange.

Apart from that the song was much different to any Offspring song I had heard before. I was a big fan of songs like "Pretty Fly", "Hit That" and "Original Prankster" to name a few, and they were all songs with quite comedic and sarcastic subject matter.

"Come Out and Play" is more menacing in tone, but is made cooler by the Arabian-sounding guitar that plays during the instrumental break. The song is simply about gang culture, I can't say anymore on that. It is a song of a very serious matter, no matter how engaging the song's title is.

My iPod #201: Feeder - Come Back Around

Today has been such a bore; I haven't done anything of any use at all. I am thinking that this has been the case for many other people out there.

We all get so excited at Winter awaiting Christmas Day. Children get excited and start making the lists for Father Christmas, decorations are put up, food is prepared. The day comes, the food is eaten and the presents are received and we all sit around watching our favourite soaps and films on the TV. Then it is all over, and then follows.... Boxing Day erghh. Boxing Day is the absolute worst. Just because the intense build-up of enjoyment disappears. Christmas is gone. Bargains are going on in plenty of shops. Now we wait another 364 days to do it all over again. It is going to take a while to come back around. (I think that should be a suitable indication to start talking about the song).

"Come Back Around" was the first single from the Welsh band Feeder's fourth album "Comfort in Sound", released in 2002. Their drummer Jon Lee had sadly died earlier that year, and the album is an expression of lead singer and main songwriter Grant Nicholas' feelings on the loss of his friend.

The track is one of determination and self-perseverance. About losing oneself in a moment of desperation, but still remembering to snap back into reality. At least that's what I get from the verses anyway. The chorus is Grant's call out to Jon, a constant reminder that he misses him and will never forget the times they shared. It is very sad and yet musically, it is very uplifting.

It reached #14 in the UK.

In the video, Nicholas jumps while holding his guitar before the finial choruses. Freeze it when that happens and you have the album cover for "The Singles". You can also pause it when he sings "burning away" at Taka, the bassist, is bowing down with his instrument. Then you have the image on the back of the liner notes.

That's a magnificent album cover.