Whenever Jen and I are watching a movie or a "very special episode" of some TV show, I will invariably ( and usually towards the end of the movie ) say:
"Here's where the strings come in"
It will be at the big, emotional ending of the film where the protagonist conquers the villain or the two lovers finally get down to some honest-to-goodness humping or the daughter reconciles with her estranged mother or, etc. etc. etc.
( I did, quite insensitively, say "here's where the strings come in" the other day when we were watching some show about rape or incest or something equally revolting. Even I admit it was insensitive. Jen just raised her eyebrows and softly said, "Michael"; which is enough to let me know I've crossed the line )
So, in every movie there's a "here's where the strings come in" moment. I defy you to find me a movie without it. ( minus documentaries, foreign films and porn )
( Do I need to clarify here that by "strings" I mean the string section on the soundtrack? Where they do the big, sweepy thing and testosterone levels plummet? You know, THAT moment. )
So, that huge lead up is to tell you about my favorite string sections in actual songs. I'm of the opinion that strings are usually used very predictably and poorly in songs ( see the Goo Goo Doll's entire catalog for reference ), but there are a few artists who use them sparingly and to great effect.
In order of awesomeness:
1. Steve Earle, "The Gringo's Tale"
God, Steve Earle is such a badass. My dream would be to play rhythm guitar in his band. The strings on this song are waaaaay tough. Steve Earle is what every bullshit "Texas Country" wannabe ( Pat Green, et al ) wishes they could be; sincere. He also released one of the few "political" albums in the last few years that was actually listenable. ( I heard Sheryl Crow on NPR a few weeks ago, trying to sell her newest record. They played the first single and it was fucking terrible. Some advice,Sheryl? Don't try to weigh in on current events. Just play pop music and look pretty. )
2. Counting Crows, "I'm Not Sleeping"
Before Counting Crows started to completely suck ( listen to their latest album if you doubt me ) they used to make good records with good songs and also with cool string parts. My favorite is "I'm Not Sleeping" from Recovering the Satellites, but the whole album is full of great string parts. I wish I could sit down with the band and ask them what happened. I'm a huge fan, it's just so sad. I mean, the new album is plain embarassing. They know better.
3. Matthew Good, "Pledge of Allegiance"
Technically, these are not strings. They're bells. But boy do I like 'em. I suggest checking out Matthew Good. The earliest stuff is not so great and the last solo album he put out is so-so, but from "Beautiful Midnight" to "White Light Rock and Roll Review" is a solid run.
I like Canadian bands.
Goodnight.
6 comments:
I really like the use of strings in Lion's Teeth, by The Mountain Goats. And also in Rollin' By by Lyle Lovett and Robert Keen.
There are strings in porn.
They are called g-strings.
Does it make me a complete fuckin' tool if I really loved the cello thing at the end of "Glycerine"?
I just watched "No country for old men" and I noticed a distinct lack of music or score at all...through the entire movie. I think some drums sound off during the credits, but that's about it. Although, that movie doesn't have a strings ending...just a very abrupt "what the fuck?" kind of ending.
I think the strings in The Who's 'Love Reign O'er Me' are pretty awesome, and the sweet violin solo in The Needies' 'Succubus', which I believe you recorded, sir.
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