blathering nonsense (about) lyrics

Oh my. We're up to what is quite possibly my most frequently played BNL release, at least for the time being. Maybe it's because we're getting to their most recent CDs, or maybe it's because it's just one helluva good disc. Seriously, upon my first look through to get an idea of the top five that I'd highlight here, I picked eight. Uh-oh. This is going to be a challenge.

So with Barenaked Ladies Are Me, the former fivesome present an amazing set of seemingly more guitar-heavy songs that retain their signature style in lyrics, again making for sing-along perfect selections. Among my favorite favorites (remember, this one is particularly difficult!) is Easy, which features Ed on lead vocals and an undeniably catchy beat, and yes, it's another one of those contentious-relationship-songs that I've discovered are so very common in their repertoire. Moving on... guess what? Let's focus on another Ed-lead-vocaled song, Take it Back. With freaking brilliant lyrics ("So save me from a villainous imagination, Deliver me from my friends"), this song astounds me each and every time I listen to it. Listen for the commentary on airport security. Brilliant. Next comes Wind Me Up-- the song that I find perfect for getting my heart rate up as I clean the kitchen after dinner. (Please do not try to imagine me boogying in my white-lady-with-no-rhythm-dancing-style as I wipe counters and wash dishes. Trust me.) That is one fun, rocking song. And finally, I can't imagine that there has ever before been a song written about a bank-robbing group getting foiled by a 'bank full of nuns.' Well, BNL had to remedy that with Bank Job, and if you want to hear original lyrics, this is the BNL song to check out. I have to admit, also, that it makes for a surprisingly endearing lullaby.

Now, what did you say there? Did I actually choose four songs that ALL feature Ed on lead vocals? Yes, it's true, and maybe that's why this album feels so unique to me. But fear not, my absolute top pick is definitely a Steve song, although now that Steve has moved on, the 'new' version (with Kevin singing lead, as he did write it and all...) is sadly not even listenable to me. When the album was released, BNL created a video using some of the most well-known youtube celebs lip-synching to the song, which is what I've put up here for your entertainment.

Album: Barenaked Ladies Are Me
Year of Release: 2006
Song: Sound of Your Voice
Words & Music by Kevin Hearn

The moon is full but there is an incompleteness
The days are beautiful but I feel a bitter sweetness
If I had a wish, or even a choice
I'd wake up to the sound of your voice
How I miss waking up to the sound of your voice

I let you down and fell right off of your good list
I hope each day you'll find peace and forgiveness
The alarm clock rings, What a lonely noise
And I long for the sound of your voice
Oh, how I miss waking up to the sound of your voice

Take it from me: there's not much to see
In this void

The saying goes there will be other dances (don't give up)
This little song is about second chances
Just say the word and I will rejoice
And wake up to the sound of your voice
Oh, how I miss waking up to the sound
To the sound (sound)
To the sound (to the sound)
To the sound
Waking up to the sound of your voice

Take it from me: there's not much to see
In this void

So, the lyrics are actually quite lovely, but what makes this song for me... broken record, I know... is Steve's voice. The strength and forcefulness of how he begins some of those lines blows me away. And how about that video? The two brothers at the beginning are by far my favorites, and you can watch their full video version of the song online, too. Funny stuff.


Wondering what Wednesdays will mean around here when I've exhausted all the BNL discs,