By Paul Falardeau (Arts & Life Editor) – Email
If there’s one thing songwriters have never had a hard time doing, it’s writing breakup songs. If there’s one thing they have, it’s staying with their loved ones. How lucky for us?
Crystal Castles – “Not in Love”
Featuring The Cure’s Robert Smith, this is the electro-punk duo’s dance floor confession. “I’ll give you my heart, no one lives there anymore” sighs Smith as he reaches the song’s chorus and concludes “I’m not in love”
Sean Lennon – “Wait For Me”
The Heir to the Lennon genes proves his mettle here with his wonderfully sad album Friendly Fire. Stemming from a bad breakup with an ex who cheated with his best friend, Lennon wrote the album after his friend died in a motorcycle crash before he could make amends. The results are a deeply emotional discourse and helpful lines like, “It takes time, and plenty of wine.”
Beck – “Already Dead”
This track is a highlight on Beck’s already wonderful album, Sea Change. “Already dead to me now, cause it feels like I’m watching something die,” Beck sings as the minimal guitar goes discordant. The heartbreak is there in full.
Jeff Buckley – “Last Goodbye”
From the transcendent Grace, Buckley does the rare thing by admitting the pain of the break, but keeping optimistic and even friendly, making his former other half know, that their time wasn’t wasted. This frankness in itself, of course, is what makes the song so touching in its bare eloquence.
