Cheese filter that as tight as a drum? I'm glad that you've loosened that up. To me a lot of this music is what we really want. Daniel is an amazing piece. Both cheesy and profound.
Yes my cheese filter loosened up a lot. And yes things like Secret Garden, In Your Eyes, With or Without you might be what we really want but we also really want candy and, while I love candy and I make room in my life for candy, there’s unfortunately not a lot of nutrition in it. Pardon the metaphor.
But no, I don’t think Daniel is candy. Daniel is great—delicious and nutritious.
I had one more thought on Elton John: I know you place a lot of value on “authenticity” in songwriting — is there something about the fact that he doesn’t write his lyrics ?
Maybe it didn’t come across but I love Elton John. And I love the lyricist / composer combo of Taupin and him. Doesn’t lack any authenticity to my ear. Taupin seems to always be trying really hard to do something interesting and I really appreciate it. Feels like since each was only contributing half of the song, they were sure to make sure their half was great.
I really only thought he was cheesy when I was in my 20s and I was too cool for school.
This show had the same opposite effect on me that the Paul McCartney one did, where by the end I was like, “I was lukewarm on them but now I want to fight for Peter Gabriel and u2” also: major Seal disrespect LOL
Ha yeah I can see that. I actually really like Peter Gabriel, I do! Well, some of it. But I like In Your Eyes a lot. And Sledgehammer is total pop masterpiece. I LOVE Sledgehammer.
Your take on Downtown Train is spot on. I don't know if I would have found my way to Tom Waits without this song (or the absolutely Velveeta Rod Stewart cover of it!)
Thanks for the cheese filled hour, Walt. Funny and honest and true! These songs are emotional heavyweights.
My entryway into appreciating “Daniel” was the Bonnie Prince Billy + Tortoise cover. The lyrics become something else entirely through Will Oldham’s pipes.
Cheese filter that as tight as a drum? I'm glad that you've loosened that up. To me a lot of this music is what we really want. Daniel is an amazing piece. Both cheesy and profound.
Yes my cheese filter loosened up a lot. And yes things like Secret Garden, In Your Eyes, With or Without you might be what we really want but we also really want candy and, while I love candy and I make room in my life for candy, there’s unfortunately not a lot of nutrition in it. Pardon the metaphor.
But no, I don’t think Daniel is candy. Daniel is great—delicious and nutritious.
It could be a Diamond Dogs V. Tonight's the Night smackdown... And we all know who. is winning that one.
It’s already becoming clear you’re gonna have to come on the show. ⚔️
I'm SHOOK that you don't back more early U2.
Yeah I dunno, i like the drums a lot and a few songs but, on the whole, they’re not really my thing I guess
Hey, I get it. Can't win em all I guess! Wide awake in America was my first cassingle/EP so it's very nostalgic. That stuff still holds up imo.
I had one more thought on Elton John: I know you place a lot of value on “authenticity” in songwriting — is there something about the fact that he doesn’t write his lyrics ?
Maybe it didn’t come across but I love Elton John. And I love the lyricist / composer combo of Taupin and him. Doesn’t lack any authenticity to my ear. Taupin seems to always be trying really hard to do something interesting and I really appreciate it. Feels like since each was only contributing half of the song, they were sure to make sure their half was great.
I really only thought he was cheesy when I was in my 20s and I was too cool for school.
Understood!
This show had the same opposite effect on me that the Paul McCartney one did, where by the end I was like, “I was lukewarm on them but now I want to fight for Peter Gabriel and u2” also: major Seal disrespect LOL
Ha yeah I can see that. I actually really like Peter Gabriel, I do! Well, some of it. But I like In Your Eyes a lot. And Sledgehammer is total pop masterpiece. I LOVE Sledgehammer.
Sledgehammer RULES!
Your take on Downtown Train is spot on. I don't know if I would have found my way to Tom Waits without this song (or the absolutely Velveeta Rod Stewart cover of it!)
Ok yes, this stuff is the Rod I like
Love that Lester Bangs quote
Yeah the Rod Stewart one is tough to swallow. I hope Tom Waits made a lot off it!
SPEAKING of rod stewart, look what I found https://open.spotify.com/playlist/60CRe9Rh8bZOGzaaixnjWV?si=8ByFyIF0Tliw_obCe2LEdQ&pi=6KXsTp6SRRuxF
I’m “hearting” this episode before I even listen.. just on principle! I love cheesy. Great idea!
I think of Tommy Lee Jones dancing in the movie Blown Away when I hear 'With or Without You.'
Thanks for the cheese filled hour, Walt. Funny and honest and true! These songs are emotional heavyweights.
My entryway into appreciating “Daniel” was the Bonnie Prince Billy + Tortoise cover. The lyrics become something else entirely through Will Oldham’s pipes.
I’ve never heard it! I’ll check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvWwpmESJP8
I had that same thought re: the BPB cover
Going to read the Randy Newman biography now - thanks!