ThePumpkins.net

Billy: "It was supposed to be more of a fun thing, a song originally written for the Electric Prunes. But I found an element in it that suggested a bigger picture, and unfortunately I stole it back from them. The lyric in my mind combines the isolation of modern life with the need for a never ending romantic story."

Here's the problem Billy (and any self-respecting musician) faces today. The album concept is dead. Songs are bought individually on iTunes, etc. Thus you lose the album flow effect. How many times, in rating songs, do we say a particular song is not great by itself, but is good in relation to the album. Well, that concept is dead. However, in releasing songs individually like this, we as fans demand (unreasonably?) great quality on a consistent basis. There can be no more "fillers." To me, this is the dilemma of the modern musician and I think it is partly what Bon Jovi was referring to this week when he blamed Steve Jobs for killing the music business.

In any event, I appreciate the free music while it lasts. I guess it is a "fun" song.

Are you all insane? This song is incredible. It's my first 10 for teargarden and that sure is gonna stick.

Production/Mix: Perfect. Everything is where it needs to be, everything meshes, no element dominates another.
Melodies: Perfect. Catchy as hell, they all flow great, very interesting to listen to.
Instruments: Perfect. All the guitar tones are fantastic. The bass is spread out along the bottom and does its job properly for once. The synth is dramtic and well fitting.
Vocals: Perfect. They are very emotive. They have many incarnations and transfers (The whine, yell, quaver, and nicole's awesome backing)
Lyrics: Perfect. Has the hallmark of great lyrics from BC: "Listener's Interpretation/Writer's Personal Meaning" duality.
Drums: Perfect. Solid and driving, keeps the song going and serves as a framework.
Dynamics: Perfect. Transitions from calm to fevered often. Has great little touches (the drum fills, bass licks, separate instruments falling into melody one by one) The instruments are spread all around the sound and come into play all over the place.

Did I mention everything was perfect? The new production is making me drool.

Yeah, so this song is pretty damn incredible in my opinion. A victory for SP2! Rated "Fantastic" and will rate 10/10 in Frank's thread.

Audio Zen wrote:
I would argue that the fact we are saying this proves that the album concept is just as alive as ever. It's what we all want, so why won't he release it that way?

I understand your point that the masses buy songs individually, but I'm not the masses. And I imagine there are a lot more people like me in the SP camp. I do not own an ipod (or any form of mp3 player for that matter.) I've never had an itunes account. I've never paid for a single song by itself. I know I'm old fashioned, but I think there is enough demand for a full album within BC's fanbase to justify the proper release of an album.

First impression:
Does not sound too SP to me...rather like Bolly paying tribute to 80s hair bands.
I need more spins for an opinion.

Maximillian27 wrote:


i guess it must be

Actually on 3rd listen its pretty bloody good , im just hope that with the inclusion of the lyrics "you can make it happen " that it means we wont ever see a full release of make it happen ?

Zeitgeist.

It's alright.

I really like this song, especially Nicole's backup vocals.

Just had one listen - I'll wait now for the download to listen more. Is there definitely going to be a download soon?

Even off one listen I'd say it sounds as good as, if not slightly better, then the majority of Teargarden songs so far. I do agree with Don though that it doesn't really have any kind of SP sound to it at all - but what sound is SP these days?

Anyway, I'll reserve opinion for when I've had more listens.

Well, I really like it! I agree with Sikamikanico999. Everything is pretty spot on!

Downloads due sometime tomorrow but for now it's exclusive to Rolling Stone, I agree with the comments up top I have an ipod but mainly for buses and stuff but I mainly listen to albums as a whole not individual songs

Also just noticed on the label information it says the label behind this song is Martha's Music/Rocket Science? Is that what Billy mean't about making a new deal? Has he found a new label for distribution?

"Doesn't sound like SP" - please enlighten. I really don't understand this comment.

I think the "deal" was to get is streamed on Rolling Stone.

This is in the top 5 of TBK;

1. The Fellowship
2. Tom Tom
3. A Song For A Son
4. Lightening Strikes
5. Spangled

SALLEN92 wrote:
Well Martha's Music also released Zeitgeist and both Teargarden EPs

Hmm...I'm not sure what I think.

First impression: Sounds good but not as good as the majority of EP2's songs. Seems like an "average" song on first listen, but I'll wait to vote until I listen to it at least 10 times.

Not a bad start to EP3 though. I just wished it rocked a little more. This is more pop rock than hard rock. Hopefully we'll get some songs on TBK that rock as hard as I Am One or Jellybelly.

Antsman41 wrote:
For me:

1. Tom Tom
2. Freak
3. The Fellowship
4. Lightning Strikes
5. A Stitch In Time

Sikamikanico999 wrote:
I interpret that to mean it is too "pop." Imagine this song in the middle of Gish or MCIS or Adore - it just wouldn't fit stylistically. I think that is what is meant.

It is hard to accept that the sound of SP2 is just going to be different from old SP. Not necessarily worse, I guess, but different. It seems to me that ever since Billy passed out on stage he has softened his singing style and, in so doing, lost a lot of the grinding angsty quality that typified old SP. Or maybe it is just "old age" setting in.

Good song though and, Sikamikanic, I appreciate your analysis. Also, the more I listen the more I appreciate the lyrics.

LIGHTNING STRIKES THE SAME HEART NEVER TWICE

SP typically had quite a creative, sometimes slightly psychedelic or arty sound. Very few pop songs from the original SP - Untitled is the most obvious one that springs to mind. Admittedly, TGBK has been a much more pop-rock sounding album than anything they did before, but even compared to the previous songs this one really has a pop sound to it.

As I said though, what is the SP sound these days? I don't really know, so I suppose this could be it just as well as anything else.

Anyway, despite that, I think this is going to be one of my favourites from TGBK so far, but I need several more listens to be sure.

Rolling Stone describes it as "New Wave" rock... I've always been confused by exactly what "new wave" is. A pop-psychedelic blend?