“Executioner's Song” by Blueburst – A Song Feature

 

     In “Executioner's Song,” Blueburst touches the news, the literature, and the guitar style of the 1970s. The song shares the title of a Norman Mailer true crime novel about events relating to the firing squad execution of Gary Gilmore. Gilmore’s story was remarkable because he led the fight for his 1977 execution, and he selected the method. Gilmore asserted that any discussions about his ability to turn his life around were not based in reality. He previously had been jailed for 13 years, and was not “rehabilitated.” The lyrics of the Blueburst song are in the first person, with Gilmore explaining:

I never got well, I never got right

Cause I never wanted to give up this fight

Against no one, everyone, anyone I could find

 

     From the musical perspective, “Executioner's Song” captures the guitar virtuosity style that had its heyday during the 70s. Slightly less than 10 seconds into the song, the guitar layering is most reminiscent of the influential Southern Rock band Outlaws. In particular, we hear the style of the Outlaws’ “Green Grass and High Tides.”

 

     Blueburst is driven by guitarist/vocalist Craig Douglas Miller, who revitalized his career after connecting with guitarist Marty Willson-Piper of The Church (and Noctorum). For “Executioner's Song,” Miller and Wilson-Piper are the guitarists, while Miller provides the vocals. The bassist is Ryan Kelly (Dayroom) and the drummer is Michael Jerome (Better than Ezra, John Cale). “Executioner's Song” is one of 11 tracks on Blueburst’s recently released album “Significance.” The album is available via the Bandcamp site identified in this post, as well as the other typical sources.

 
      “Executioner's Song” by Blueburst

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlueburstMusic
Website: https://blueburst.band/
Bandcamp: https://blueburst.bandcamp.com/
 
Lyrics of “Executioner's Song” by Blueburst
I am my own father
My own right hand
Don’t lead this horse to water
Don’t make demands
 
Cause I wasn’t made for this kind of ride
I can’t get on board, I can’t pick a side
I won’t let you mold me in this cage.
 
So, lightning crackles, sparks they fly around me
So, light this candle, cure my life of travesty
 
Everyone gather ‘round now to watch me die
Don’t tell me you don’t know that it’s the best thing for you and I
 
I spit on your morals
Ignored them all
I stood on my laurels
And didn’t see the wall
 
I never got well, I never got right
Cause I never wanted to give up this fight
Against no one, everyone, anyone I could find
 
So lightning crackles, sparks they fly around me
So light this candle, cure my life of travesty
 
Everyone gather ‘round now to watch me die
Don’t tell me you don’t know that it’s the best thing for you and I
 
I’m on fire, now it’s over
 
Everyone gather ‘round now and watch me die
Don’t tell me you don’t know that it’s the best thing for you and I
 
Everyone gather ‘round now to see my last ride
Maybe you’ll see me someday in another life

“Better Way To Think Of It” by The Manatees – A Song Feature

 

     The bio on The Manatees' website highlights three key influences: Jungle, Wolf Alice, and The Strokes. Nevertheless, during “Better Way To Think Of It,” the band seems to draw inspiration from the formula of a fourth influential group, MGMT. However, The Manatees adeptly manipulate the elements within the formula, crafting a unique sound that distinguishes them from their contemporaries.
 
     The MGMT influence first surfaces 18 seconds into “Better Way To Think Of It,” when a synth dives deep into the frequency spectrum to produce soundwaves that are well suited to vibrate rib cages in a live performance. This portion of the song is reminiscent of MGMT’s “Time to Pretend” and “Kids.” And other contributions to The Manatees’ track provide playful frequency contrast. Our favorite is the non-complex but highly appealing guitar notes that are heard at 1:27 and at 1:35. The guitar notes are in an octave distant from that of the foundation bass synth.
 
     In explaining the song, The Manatees said, "‘Better Way to Think Of It’ delves into the complexities experienced in a relationship strained by distance." The lyrics of the track are included at the bottom of this post. The band refers to the song as “a guilty pleasure for us, a modern indie ear worm that doesn’t take itself too seriously.”
 
     The band originated in a sleepy town on the south coast of Englandshire, but is now based in London. The three members are Jay Harris (vocals, bass), Tyler Bloor (guitar), and James Miller (guitar). The credits for “Better Way to Think Of It” also name Jay Frost (drums), Anna Ryan (backing vocals), Dom Mitchison (programming), and Tarek Musa (programming).
 
      “Better Way To Think Of It” by The Manatees

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themanateesofficial/

Website: https://www.themanateesofficial.com/

 

Lyrics of “Better Way To Think Of It” by The Manatees

I miss you more than most on nights like this,

When morning comes and I can’t feel your kisses.

You never really liked the busyness,

Suppose it comes with all the city cynics.

 

Can you feel your dreams fading?

Look me in the eyes as you say it.

I can take the truth if you’d be so cruel,

Sprinkle a little sugar so that I can chew.

 

I can’t find a better way to think of it,

Look inside yourself and you’ll remember when,

I can’t find a better way to think of it.

 

I hate the way the city lights scream at me,

Have another go cause before you know,

We’ll be running round like we’re animals,

Have another go before you lose control.

 

Can you feel your dreams fading?

Look me in the eyes as you say it.

I can take the truth if you’d be so cruel,

Sprinkle a little sugar so that I can chew.

 

I can’t find a better way to think of it,

Look inside yourself and you’ll remember when,

I can’t find a better way to think of it…

 

…Now, so what the hell were you thinking bout?

You’d make your mother so proud,

If you could clear your head out, head out, head out now.

So what the hell were you thinking bout?

You’d make your mother so proud,

If you could clear your head out, head out, head out.

 

I can’t find a better way to think of it,

Look inside yourself and you’ll remember when,

I can’t find a better way to think of it.