So I was in my car the other day, and heard a song on the independent radio station here that I didn't recognize, but that I liked. I kept listening until the end of the song to hear who it was, and much to my dismay, the DJ announced that it was a song off The Decemberists' new album.
I have no specific reason for disliking the Decemberists. In fact, I don't ever think I've ever really listened to them. If I gave them a chance, I might even like them. But it seems as though any time non-mainstream bands are being talked about, there's that one guy who inevitably brings up the Decemberists. I'm not like the rest of you. I'm my own person, dammit.
But then it occurred to me why I liked this song so much -- it's a rip-off of a song I already like. Take a listen. And for those of you who were born after 1989 or so, the answer's after the jump.
Your answer:
I think it's pretty obvious. As in, I keep expecting The Decemberists to yell FIIIIIIRE!!!! after the chorus. But this could just be me. Oh wait, it's not.
Very sneaky, Decemberists. I don't like you yet. But write a catchy knockoff of a Hootie & the Blowfish song and maybe I'll reconsider.
It's ridiculous how much this happens in the music world, but I guess there's a huge grey area between "inspired by" and "copying" As long as they make a good piece of music what's the harm I suppose. As long as their not turning under pressure into ice ice baby or RHCP's "Pretty Little Ditty" into Crazytown's "Butterfly"
If you don't like the Decemberists, wait until you hear their song about the guy who kills all his children. It sounds depressing, but is actually awesome.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULSKZ7IP930
The key with these guys is that their music itself is above average but their lyrics/stories are universally awesome. Definitely worth your time.
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http://www.cracked.com/article_18500_the-5-most-famous-musicians-who-are-thieving-bastards.html
ReplyDeleteIt's ridiculous how much this happens in the music world, but I guess there's a huge grey area between "inspired by" and "copying" As long as they make a good piece of music what's the harm I suppose. As long as their not turning under pressure into ice ice baby or RHCP's "Pretty Little Ditty" into Crazytown's "Butterfly"
and "The Crane Wife" is a great CD to start with for The Decemeberists. Good band.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like the Decemberists, wait until you hear their song about the guy who kills all his children. It sounds depressing, but is actually awesome.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ULSKZ7IP930
The key with these guys is that their music itself is above average but their lyrics/stories are universally awesome. Definitely worth your time.
or if nautically themed epics are more your speed:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaNV7eCU2R0
Again, make sure, when possible, to follow the lyrics.
I was thinking shades of Gin Blossoms (the harmonica) and Springsteen circa Born In USA, but now I hear the REM in the chorus.
ReplyDeleteFor Decemberists, I'm partial to Hazards of Love, which contains the filicide song.