Favorite Songs: 95-91

Yes indeed. 10:25 on a Saturday night, and instead of putting my tired ass in bed, I'm busting out the next 5 songs. Let's do this shit.

95. "Semaphore" by James (Hey Ma)
For those who don't know, semaphore is "a system of signaling, especially a system by which a special flag is held in each hand and various positions of the arms indicate specific letters, numbers, etc." Most of the time it's associated with ships and the Navy. Why does it matter? Because basically the song is about getting to the point where verbal communication is pointless, so he's trying to find another way to get his message across. Good little broken heart song.
Line: "It's a question of convenience, how pain with time will fade."



94. "Pinch Me" by Barenaked Ladies (Maroon)
I've liked this song pretty much from the first time I ever heard it. At first it sounds like a simple little pop song with some humor thrown in for good measure. but deep down, it's kind of a sad song, talking about being stuck in a rut and wishing for something new but, ultimately, stying with the tried and familiar.
Line: "It's like a dream you try to remember but it's gone, then ya try to scream but it only comes out as a yawn."



93. "One Caress" by Depeche Mode (Songs Of Faith and Devotion)
On every Depeche Mode album, Martin Gore (keyboardist, drummer, guitarist, backup singer, primary songwriter) gets to flex the golden pipes. Usually they are slow songs, and usually they are the best songs on the album, which is the case here. (Actually, the two songs he sings on this album are the two best on it, this one and "Judas".) In fact, every Depeche Mode song from here on out is sung by Gore instead of lead singer Dave Gahan. Sorry. Sidetracked. As the title of the album suggests, it does indeed have quite a bit of religious overtones to it. Even this song does to an extent. While the chorus is being sung to a woman ("Oh girl, lead me into your darkness") the actual verses are more of a plea to God or whoever. Just take the entire first verse:
Line: "When I'm down on my knees again, and I pray to the only one who has the strength to bear the pain, to forgive all the things that I've done."



92. "Moment Of Surrender" by U2 (No Line On the Horizon)
Another song off the new album, this one a lot more mellow than the title track that was on here a few songs ago. Love the bass line in this song.
Line: "At the moment of surrender, I folded to my knees. I did not notice the passers-by and they did not notice me."



91. "Walk Of Life" by Dire Straits (Brothers In Arms)
This is one of my favorite videos of all time, just because I remember when it came out and it was all inspirational and stuff with all the sports images and such. (Yes I'm being sarcastic.) I've loved this song from day one. Just a great tune, and one of the most iconic opening sections of music in rock. And make sure you watch the video if you need a good laugh. I don't think I've ever seen a band with a worse assortment of haircuts in one video ever. And the dude with the pink scarf around his head? GREATEST DANCING IN ANY VIDEO EVER!!! Michael Jackson ain't got shit on him!
Line: "Here comes Johnny singing oldies, goldies."

Link to video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZxVC0GB838

Comment away, lads and lasses.