Re: Allison's Saddest Songs

Allison would have you believe that all sad songs must incorporate acoustic guitars, pianos, strings, and, if possible, windchimes. However, not everyone deals with sadness by crying into their pillow, or alone "in the bathroom stall at work." Some people yell, some punch walls, and some people even write scathing tweets about their stupid ex-girlfriend who they caught grinding the art teacher. I'm not bitter.

I know this sounds crazy, but some experiences can evoke multiple emotions at the same time, like sadness and anger. Here's an example: last night I went to see Transformers, and I left the theater both disappointed (terrible waste of money) and horny (Optimus Prime is a hunk). I think that also describes almost all of my experiences at strip clubs.

If you still don't believe me, watch this:




That said, here's my take on Allison's list.


DEFINITELY!
+ The Weakerthans - Left & Leaving (4:46)
For the same reasons Allison used for "Evaporated" and "Brick." I listen to this song when I'm away from home and want to torture myself. I guess it's my own personal form of bondage.

+ Owen - One of These Days (3:44)
Goddamn this song is so bleak. "one of these days i'll make some money and buy myself those things that i want...one of these days i'll give up and give into the man."

+ Stars - Heart (5:56)
Excruciatingly real

+ Damien Rice - The Blower's Daughter (4:48)
I think most people can relate to this one.

+ Ryan Adams - Wonderwall (4:09)
Everything Allison said.

+ Joy Division - Atmosphere (4:08)
Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh yeah

+ Kyle Fischer - It Seems to Me (I've Long Been Dead) (4:11)
Such a cleverly masked, enormously sad song.

+ The Reindeer Section - Your Sweet Voice (4:47)
We all have a tendency to misinterpret songs at first, but thinking this song is happy is like mistaking Carlos Mencia for a comedian. Or me for a clever person.

+ Snow Patrol - You Could Be Happy (3:02)
"do the things that you always wanted to / without me there to hold you back, don't think, just do"

MAYBE!
Jimmy Eat World - Cautioners (5:21)
My love for JEW aside, I'm not sure this song is really sad "enough," and I think "Drugs or Me" is much, much more depressing. Don't get me wrong, "Cautioners" is a great song, but I don't think it's even their saddest.

Iron & Wine - Such Great Heights (4:11)
"100 times better than the original" is a stretch, and I don't think it's in the same league as the other covers on here ("Mad World," "Hurt," and "Wonderwall"). Sodom South Georgia is sadder...let's fight.

The Jazz June - At the Artist's Leisure (pt. 2) (5:44)
I can see and respect why Allison would have this on her list, but I don't think this song is universally sad.

The Stills - Everything I Build (3:50) / Editors - Well Worn Hand (2:54) / Pedro the Lion - The Longer I Lay Here (3:04)
Great songs, but I still need convincing.


NO!
- Ben Folds Five - Evaporated
Brick wins

- Bloc Party - Signs
Ok...this song is definitely sad, but I think we're better served holding on to Bloc Party for a later list when they can really stand out from the crowd.

- Sufjan Stevens - To Be Alone With You
I think it's sad when people sing about all the silly things they'd do to go to heaven, rail 99 virgins, or, in this case, hang out with a 2000 year old zombie. Situation=sad. Song=not sad.


So, that brings us to 72:14, given we agree on the locks. We have 7:46 to work with should we choose to do so. BRING IT ON.