Heavy Rotation: Week Ending November 13, 2009

01. “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths, (Sire.1986)
02. Various – Rimbaud's Fingernails, (personal mix.2008)
03. Various – [minimalMXv1], (personal mix.2006)
04. “Ghost Town” by The Specials, (2 Tone/Chrysalis.1981)
05. “Alexander” by Charlotte Hatherley, (Little Sister.2009)
06. Bear In Heaven – Beast Rest Fort Mouth, (Hometapes.2009)
07. The Mood Swings – Recessionista, (Susstones.2009)
08. “The Bends” by Radiohead, (Capitol.1995)
09. Various – Top 50 Songs of 2008, (personal mix.2009)
10. Various – Teenage Freakout, (personal mix.2009)

When I posted a lyric from “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” as my facebook status, the response was immediate from friends (four “likes this” and 8 comments). This is truly a perfect of perfect songs – nothing is wrong. The tune is slightly uptempo with a perfectly complimentary sound for Morrissey's tale of utterly complicated deep love. The words are hopelessly romantic, darkly comedic, and heart-wrenchingly poignant – just pick any line, and your stomach will cave and be filled with a sad gooeyness.

The songwriting is so good, your jaw drops every time no matter if it was the first or millionth lesson. The band matches Morrissey's lyrical perfection – from the teeny mandolin riff that opens the track to the way Johnny Marr fires off lots of perfectly placed guitar hooks to Andy Rourke's punchy bass line that flirts with Marr's guitar licks to Mike Joyce's steady drumming to the gorgeous string arrangements. On the chorus, Morrissey's voice soars with high drama, other times he flips notes up-down-around exemplifying the sound of being at the brink of tears, or letting lines fall off into mournful resignation.

Many find the song to be pure happiness – the ultimate lovers tale to die together. To me, it is about two friends – one deep in the despair of unrequited love. To Moz, it's probably both. I've laughed and cried to this song a million times. I've lived this song, too. As have many others. It is universal. When my friend Monsieur Estey commented on that status update, he confessed that he'd love to write an entire book on the song, having people talk about the feelings that only a couple lines stir within. What a brilliant idea!

Btw, the line I posted was “And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side, Is such a heavenly way to die/If a ten-ton truck, kills the both of us, to die by your side, the pleasure - privilege is mine”.

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