"My 3 Songs" for Monday

With the oscars a not-too-distant memory yet a few weeks ago, Jeremy Olson of Cannon Falls MN writes, "I just wanted to pay tribute to Oscar nominated songs that didn't make me cringe." Here's to that, Jeremy. I mean, they're not always terrible, as the following demonstrate. What hurts is when good songs lose ... to pitiful ones. The first is a pretty perfect example of such a tragedy.

1) Elliott Smith, "Miss Misery" (Good Will Hunting)
2) Aimee Mann, "Save Me" (Magnolia)
3) Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, "Falling Slowly" (Once)

Do you remember what Elliott lost to? That's right: "My Heart Will Go On." Now, it's hard to imagine anthing overcoming the juggernaut of that song that year, sadly. But seriously, the memory of Elliott up there in his ill-fitting white tux, looking terrified and so out of place still breaks my heart. But actually, it warms it at the same time -- being that it is a reminder of how a troubled genius with a preternatural gift for song and a whispery, vulnerable voice that offered a big fat "no" to the prevailing whomp and bombast of the day could somehow still inflitrate the glossy, plastic machine of Hollywood through the sheer audacity of music so lovely that it simply couldn't help but reverberate and connect with people, and in turn, with the nominating members of the Academy. Now that's a nice thing to have as part of your legacy, among other things.

The Aimee Mann nod was quite nice at the time too, since it's easy to forget now, but Aimee was at an extremely critical crossroads in her career at that moment; essentially, Paul Thomas Anderson's decision to essentially build half of Magnolia itself around her music was in no small way a love letter to Aimee, an artist who had been snubbed herself by the industry and record labels for so long that she seemed all but destined for retirement. Nice how that turned out, eh?

Finally, Marketa Irglova and Glen Hansard's win is still pretty fresh in our minds -- as is Marketa's premature booting from the stage by a gun-jumping pit orchestra. But thanks be to Jon Stewart for setting that one right.

Thanks Jeremy! Terrific set.

1) Over the Rhine: "If a song could be President"
2) Cloud Cult: "Shadow"
3) John Vanderslice: "Exodus damage" ....

I dont know if we need to give a detailed reason or blog as to why we want to hear these three songs. But if we are, here are my excuses:

1- because one can only hope.

2- because maybe we do only love the things we never touch - or are too afraid to chase after

3- because with the death toll of soldiers reaching 4,000, the death toll of civilians over 20,000, historical speeches being said, ignorant comments being made, the economy plummets, education is ignored, and all the while we are told to smile and dance ... I'm feeling nostalgic.

Play me some songs :)

Thanks, Jill

RE: Marketa's 2nd chance----Jon Stewart was terrific in handling their performance earlier and the subsequent presentation but it was actually the producer Gil Cates that told Stewart during the commercial brake to bring back Marketa for her moment. She has actually said she was only going to thank everyone after Glen spoke and the music cut her off and was okay with that. When told she was going to be brought back out, she gave, in my opinion, a wonderful, thoughtful speech expressing her feelings but taking more time to acknowledge all the struggling artists who get little recognition but still dream. What's most impressive is that those comments were in the moment and not prepared. What's also noteworthy is how she's is actually perceived to be shy and usually defers to Glen and his charisma and energy, in her moment to stand alone in front of essentally the world, she was so composed and eloquent. They make a terrific couple, different in many ways yet complimenting each other so well and making wonderful music. People should really check out there other work!!!