#the suttle notes

Dear all, 

Happy Thursday. (Which is Friday for me because I attend a fancy art college where we have Fridays off) 

Today's post is one of my new found favorites, and I hope you'll find it enjoyable as well. Still coming down off my high from Bowie's new single "The Stars (Are Out Tonight), I had to turn to something equally as lush. The song I'm referring to is none other than "Play Dead" by Bjork from the "Young Americans" Soundtrack. 

Odd choice no? Indeed. Allow me to explain myself. David Arnold has always been a composer that I've enjoyed (Predominantly for his scores to popcorn movies such as Godzilla, and Die Another Day). I can remember as a child going to Arnold's website, and being completely blown away by the melodic little diddy that played on his home page. Hear it for yourself by following the link below. 

http://www.davidarnold.com/

For the longest time, I had no idea what it was. (This was in the stone age before commodities like "Spotify" or "Youtube" were readily available to yours truly) So I was stuck with the short little 15 seconds of pure orchestral glam pop from outer space that made me melt every time upon contact.

Recently however, for whatever reason, I was researching David Arnold some more, and remembered his website, which is remarkably untouched since at least 2002, which allowed me to hear the 15 second burst of cosmic bliss yet again...and THIS TIME, I was prepared to find what it was. Swiftly, I opened my Spotify and searched David Arnold, and endeavored to search through the entire list of results until I either found that song or died trying. Much to my chagrin however, the first cue on the list was none other than "Play Dead". At long last, the search was over and I had found my song. Now that I've overcome such a hurdle, I really had nothing left to do with this song except blog about it, and enjoy it. 

In all seriousness though, what a track? My favorite aspect of course is Arnold's background orchestration...which surprisingly compliments Bjork's pixie steampunk vocals quite nicely. The whole mood of the song is unique, and the vibes it omits are unlike any other I've heard. It has the melodrama of a film score, with the edge of a progressive/alternative pop hit. Personally, I think it hits both genre's on the mark pretty well, which is what culminates as a truly unique listening experience. Amidst the soaring strings, defiant brass, and the sultry percussive rhythm, this song gives you just enough tease without hitting you over the head with it's agenda. It's bold, yet underplayed. A certain someone I know, (Who shall remain nameless) made the comment that this song reminded them of "pornography" music. Not sure how they arrived at that machination, because even in the worst of scenarios, this track would surely elevate the standard of said porn into the realm of "art". But that's besides the point. 

Is this song sexy? Yes. Pornography music? No. Not by a mile. This song is beautiful, powerful and strangely epic in an organic, almost otherworldly kind of way. Hearing this live would just be icing on the cake, especially with a full stringed orchestra. When listening to the orchestral flourish from 0:10 - 0:47, the filmmaker in me sees a shot that's circling a troubled actress in the middle of a city street in slow motion. I see stark angles looking straight down on people dancing, and high speed shots of clothing blowing in the wind. I see a man falling off a roof, just moments too late for his fiancee to save him on the ground below, her eyes glowing green in the setting sun as her lover falls to his death. I see a child opening a present on Christmas, but never revealing what's in the box (presumably something profound and bigger than you and me)...I could go on and on...point is, this song is creative fuel, and Arnold + Bjork make an exquisite music making team, if only for a brief time. 

Do you like "Play Dead"? Let me know. Below is the link to buy the "Young Americans" Soundtrack on Amazon. 

Until next time friends, I bid you adieu and farewell. 

-Uncle Justin