Captain Sensible “I Love Her”
With Valentine’s Day upon us, what better time to turn up the volume on music that makes the heart race? Sweeter than a box of chocolates, this knockout slice of romantic tenderness appears on Captain Sensible: The Collection.
Pat Metheny “The Truth Will Always Be”
Found on Secret Story, “The Truth Will Always Be” is one of the most powerful and beautiful songs I have ever heard. Though an instrumental, to my ears the song traces the full arc of romance, starting with desire, then lust, then love—and then the end. The music begins with a melancholic undertow as if to telegraph that things will ultimately not work out. And indeed they don’t but before things dissolve we are treated to Metheny’s ecstatic guitar playing, which bursts with life as it reaches to the sky on solos drenched in passion and feeling.
Buzzcocks “Love You More”
Aside from its infectious chorus, the song’s power comes largely from Pete Shelley’s convincing delivery and powerful lyrics: Don’t wanna end up like no nine day wonder. I’ve been hurt so many times before. So my darlin’ I will never leave you. It’s in my blood to always love you more…....And it means more to me than life can offer. And if this isn’t true love then I am sure that after this love there’ll be no other. Until the razor cuts.
Stone Roses “I Wanna Be Adored”
It’s hard to believe but it’s been 17 years since this song made such massive waves. I don’t have to sell my soul. He’s already in me. I wanna be adored.
Scott Walker “Such a Small Love”
Beautiful but cryptic as all hell.
Billy Bragg “Wish You Were Her”
Some brief distraction from your memory is all that I had hoped that she might be. And as I ask her how she takes her tea. Wish you were her. Her. I wish you were her.
Robyn Hitchcock “The Arms of Love”
On this highly underrated record (apart from the first and last song, which together form an irritating bookend), Hitchcock flings opens his heart to bare his emotions. Though surreal and bizarre lyrics are part of Hitchcock’s charm, they sometimes overpower his material. But not here (though they still are part of the mix). On “The Arms of Love” the music and lyrics convey the giddy hope and excitement of a budding romance.
Blur “Yuko & Hiro”
Blur’s touching meditation on a Japanese couple: I never see you. We are never together. I’ll love you forever.
Love – Forever Changes (Elektra)
It’s impossible not to love Love. This is in my book one of the five greatest rock albums ever made.
And for anyone who thinks that life is just a game, do you like the part you’re playing?—Arthur Lee. If you don’t own it,
get it now for just $8.97 at Amazon.com.
My Bloody Valentine – Loveless (Sire)
