SADNESS: ANALGESIA

I've long meant to contribute to TVV, and Acid Ted's call for bloggers while our friend JC takes an understandable break has given me the much-needed nudge. Also, the theme of the post sent me straight to a song I not only love, but use as a bit of therapy when I'm feeling low. There are times when a bright, poppy song is just what you need to feel better...but not always. Sometimes, the best antidote is calm and beautiful, with a lyric that doesn't yell at you to cheer up. Sometimes, the best song just sits next to you on the couch, puts its arm around you, and helps you relax until you're ready for a small smile on your own.

Max Eider - Analgesia

For those reading who don't know Max Eider, he was a founding member of The Jazz Butcher Conspiracy and the man responsible for most of the brilliant guitar heard on their songs. He also sang a few of them, including the insanely catchy pub anthem "D.R.I.N.K.". His solo career began in 1987 with the release of "The Best Kisser in the World" (one of the greatest, most underrated albums of the '80's, in my opinion), and continued - with long breaks between releases - through last year's release of "Disaffection", where you'll find the song I've chosen. It's an album full of soft tension, to coin an oxymoron - the lyrics are dark, introspective and intelligent, while the music is, for the most part, gentle and lovely. You can find more info about it, and all his other albums, here. In case you're wondering, that's the great June Miles-Kingston doing back-up vocals on "Analgesia".

Here's hoping the upcoming month of new songs and posts from JC's fans will bring him a small smile soon~

Dave Coverly http://www.speedbump.com/

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