BookishBoy
Well-Known Member
Today's entry in the A-Z is "Bengali in Platforms" from the Viva Hate album.
I'm almost nervous to ask, but: what do we think of this one?
It's nowhere near as "controversial" as people like to make it.
The worst thing that can be said about it is that the lyrics try to sound empathetic (his voice definitely does) but come out slightly condescending and patronising.
I know, people get hung up on the "...when you belong here" line, but I only ever saw it as clumsy, not malicious.
The 70s imagery fits well with the general feel of Viva Hate, but it also contributes to the impression of outdatedness the lyrics leave.
All in all not his finest hour.
Musically it's okay, although I find both the guitars and the "Bengali, Bengali" parts slightly annoying. Not something I would listen to on its own.
The sample? No idea, but Goddard points out that this might have been an inspirationDoes anyone know the film clip used in it?
I think the vocal is very pretty (besides the repetitive parts) and the sound is great of course but something about the music gets on my nerves.I think it's musically very pretty, though!
I think the vocal is very pretty (besides the repetitive parts) and the sound is great of course but something about the music gets on my nerves.
It's a theme he used a lot - someone leaves behind their old world (yet another best friend is abandoned in this one) for a life they think is better, someone cruelly points out that it won't be because life is hard & time is fleeting...
It goes with Dial A Cliche with its son being chided into being more manly as he's followed someone into the fog.
Changing & moving are stressful things.
I like how wistfully mean it is & he has had to live between two cultures that don't entirely gel, so he's got relevant experience.
The sample? No idea, but Goddard points out that this might have been an inspiration
It's a platfish who smoked too much weed.the one word which people find controversial is BELONG,what if the line was,life is hard enough when you have lived here,still thik the song is a warning to anyone thinking the uk is some wonderful place to live when in fact its the worlds biggest toilet.i like the song but still dont know what a lemon sole so very high is.
He was/is a fan of Wainwright's and the similarities are quite striking.It could be... he always makes things more dramatic.
Heard a theory it was about Freddie Mercury being discouraged in his early years but that seems unlikely.
He was surprisingly nice about Freddie though.
the one word which people find controversial is BELONG,what if the line was,life is hard enough when you have lived here,still thik the song is a warning to anyone thinking the uk is some wonderful place to live when in fact its the worlds biggest toilet.i like the song but still dont know what a lemon sole so very high is.
Great points on the themes he often employs. It probably speaks to many of here - hence our fanaticism.
MrShoes
He was/is a fan of Wainwright's and the similarities are quite striking.
Yes. The exaggerated 'Western' fashion...