iloveshortsongs

Lonesome Subway - Mark Oliver Everett (2002)

In honor of Mr. E’s band EELS’ show tonight at First Avenue, here’s a track from his sensitive, heart-wrenching score to the bore-fest of a film that is Levity.

Levity is one of those films where the soundtrack album far outshines the film itself, that while having a pretty okay cast in the form of Billy Bob Thorton, Holly Hunter and Morgan Freeman, seems to play to all of their worst sensibilities.

But this ‘Blr isn’t about films and such, so I will digress. Point is, listen to this track, find this album if you like it and COME SEE THE SHOW tonight if you find yourself in Minneapolis with nothing else to do.

I’ll be up near the front wearing this t-shirt. Come say “hi”.

Apple Trees - Eels (2010)

In honor of their appearance at First Avenue. Tonight at 7pm.

Come on down and boogie with E, The Chet, Koool G Murder & Knuckles. It’s going to be the personification of ROCK. This track is more somber though, but a nice reminder that we’re all part of something greater than ourselves, be that scary, alienating or exhilarating.

Tonight is guaranteed to be at least ONE of those things.

Symphony for Toy Piano in G Minor - E (1992)

Long before EELS became the darlings of alternative rock with Novocaine For The Soul in 1996, Mark Oliver Everett (sometimes known as E) cut two albums as a solo artiste, A Man Called E & Broken Toy Shop.

Both are filled with odd pop songs that, while bogged down at times with oppressive early-nineties production, still shine after almost two decades.

E, always a peddler of plinkity-plonk sounds, was no doubt inspired by his small toy piano and felt it was time for it to take its rightful place in the spotlight at the orchestra hall.

Get Yourself Together - Daniel Johnston (1983)

The sweet tortured prince of lo-fi home music.

This short tune is pinched from his sixth self-released cassette album Hi, How Are You. Over the years, Johnston’s tender and vulnerable songs have won over various movers and shakers in the independent music scene. He’s collaborated with Yo La Tengo, Paul Leary and iloveshortsongs alum Jad Fair.

In 2004, a number of Johnston friends & fans, including Eels, Beck, Bright Eyes, M. Ward, Death Cab For Cutie, The Flaming Lips & Tom Waits contributed to the tribute album The Late Great Daniel Johnston: Discovered Covered. The variety of the talent featured on the compilation speaks volumes to the effect and influence that Johnston has had on his peers in the music world.

In 2006, Johnston was the subject of the massively successful documentary The Devil & Daniel Johnston, documenting his life, music and various mental states. If you’ve yet to see it, put it on your queue. I promise you won’t be disappointed.