Have you ever appreciated the genius in a song that perfectly captures a universal human emotion or experience? Well, that will not be your response to hearing “Andrew in Drag”–not unless you commonly have experiences that are out of the realm of the ordinary. Still, I think the experience related in the song could happen. And it would be really sad, and hilarious, if it did. And so this song is both sad and funny. And a little less than completely PC. You’ve been warned.
Chicago: “Brand New Love Affair, Part I &II” (1975)
When Chicago, and the world, lost Terry Kath in 1978 due to an unintentional self-inflicted gunshot wound, they not only lost a most formidable and innovative lead guitarist (supposedly Hendrix called him the best he’d ever seen) but also the most soulful singer in the band. Without his gutbucket delivery to offset the sweeter vocals of the Robert Lamms and Peter Ceteras of the band, it quickly became a blander affair in his absence, and the downward slide (“If You Leave Me Now”, “Baby, What a Big Surprise”, “Hard to Say I’m Sorry”, “You’re the Inspiration”…) began.
The contrast between Kath and Cetera, though, made for great chemistry in the songs they shared the lead on. “Brand New Love Affair” was one such example, as was 1972’s “Dialogue”, in which Kath’s growl perfectly suits the pessimism in his lines, while Cetera’s sweet, high-register croon matches the sunny optimism of his character in the song:
If further irrefutable proof is needed of what the loss of Kath did to neuter a great band, watch the first four minutes or so of the long version of “Make Me Smile” with him (make sure you catch Kath cutting loose with his solo):
…and at least the first three-and-a half or so of the same song performed by a latter-day incarnation of the band:
It’s the oldest romantic story in the world: Boy meets girl. Girl is a lesbian. Boy pretends to be boyfriend of girl to appease girl’s dad.
The Swedish singer-songwriter displays his proficiency with not only English but with both current and retro pop forms with this witty, melancholy and groovy — in both the late-’60s and current senses of the word — tune. And we believe you, Jens: You’re only pretending to be in love with Nina. For her father’s benefit.
Steve Hackett was the lead guitarist of Genesis from 1970-77, after which he released a series of solo albums interspersed with side projects such as the supergroup GTR, which he formed with Yes’ Steve Howe.
I believe this song was inspired by Hackett’s breakup with second wife Kim Poor, who designed most of his album covers.
Sad and glorious, it’s the kind of song that deserves loud listening in a quiet place. If this song is a kiss off, it’s the most beautiful one you’ll ever hear.
“Maybe Katie”, from the last really good Barenaked Ladies album (2003’s Everything to Everyone) is one of the most infectious pieces of pop of its decade. The lyric is a little nudge toward romance, directed at someone who’s a little too hard to please. The arrangement is a deft combination of power pop chords, synthesizers and harmonies, underpinned by BNL’s ubiquitous strummed acoustic. Oh, and listen for a subtle bit of accordion around 1:56. These guys crafted their recordings with a lot of sonic detail. It’s just a pop song, but one that gives the ear a lot to do.
New Zealand’s Finn Brothers are Tim (Split Enz) and Neil (Split Enz and Crowded House). If you like “Won’t Give In” and are not familiar with the work of Crowded House, you ought to check them out as well.
Every Moment Has A Song 