Top 5 Death Songs: To the Maxxx
by Max Goldblatt
MAY 8, 2009 TAGS:
Adding upon the highly subjective compilation of the best songs about death by critic Kevin Nance, another installment of meditations and opinions about the best deathy pop hits. This time, Obit welcomes Max Goldblatt, writer, musician, provocateur. Catch his May Mixxx at his blog www.tothemaxxx.tumblr.com.
1. "The Mercy Seat" by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
The classic death row narrative, full of biblical allusions, intense imagery and a sinister twist at the end. Johnny Cash's cover version favors understated pathos over bombast.
2. "Death To Everyone" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
"Death to everyone/Is gonna come/And it makes hosing/Much more fun."
However you interpret the ambiguously creepy practice of "hosing," the message is clear: we're all going to die, so let's have a good time. Now... everybody start hosing each other!
3. "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?" by Sandy Denny
This song is not about death per se, but because of Denny's sudden and untimely passing, listening to it in retrospect make her already wistful voice that much more haunting.
4. "The Unquiet Grave" traditional folk ballad performed by Luke Kelly of the Dubliners
The story is that this guy goes to his lover's grave and mourns her for a year. And after a year she speaks to him and she's like, "Who's making all this noise? Go away, your mourning is keeping me awake." She can only be at peace if he lets her be.
5. "Here In Heaven" by Sparks
This is sung from the point of view of Romeo, who's stuck in heaven, dead and alone, because Juliet broke their death pact at the last second. He laments, "Basically, I guess it could be worse/Yes, I do suppose it could be worse."
Max Goldblatt is a music video director, documentary editor, dance choreographer, food writer and founder of a band called "The Combover." He blogs at http://tothemaxxx.tumblr.com
1. "The Mercy Seat" by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds
The classic death row narrative, full of biblical allusions, intense imagery and a sinister twist at the end. Johnny Cash's cover version favors understated pathos over bombast.
2. "Death To Everyone" by Bonnie "Prince" Billy
"Death to everyone/Is gonna come/And it makes hosing/Much more fun."
However you interpret the ambiguously creepy practice of "hosing," the message is clear: we're all going to die, so let's have a good time. Now... everybody start hosing each other!
3. "Who Knows Where The Time Goes?" by Sandy Denny
This song is not about death per se, but because of Denny's sudden and untimely passing, listening to it in retrospect make her already wistful voice that much more haunting.
4. "The Unquiet Grave" traditional folk ballad performed by Luke Kelly of the Dubliners
The story is that this guy goes to his lover's grave and mourns her for a year. And after a year she speaks to him and she's like, "Who's making all this noise? Go away, your mourning is keeping me awake." She can only be at peace if he lets her be.
5. "Here In Heaven" by Sparks
This is sung from the point of view of Romeo, who's stuck in heaven, dead and alone, because Juliet broke their death pact at the last second. He laments, "Basically, I guess it could be worse/Yes, I do suppose it could be worse."
Max Goldblatt is a music video director, documentary editor, dance choreographer, food writer and founder of a band called "The Combover." He blogs at http://tothemaxxx.tumblr.com
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COMMENTS (2)
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Greg Miller wrote on May 11, 2009 1:11pm
Oh my gosh Joanne, I was thinking the same thing. That was a GREAT song. I actually went to youtube and looked it up to give it a listen [Report Comment]
Joanne Austin wrote on May 11, 2009 9:51am
I submit for your consideration "People Who Died" by the Jim Carroll Band. [Report Comment]
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