Are You Ready to be Heartbroken? - 2 Part Blog

Part 1, The Question.

"Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?"
This is our first answer song blog. There are a few answer songs out there and we play some of the good ones on Bitter FM.... although, not always back to back with the song they are answering. Today we have a classic 80's song, a somewhat forgotten gem, from Lloyd Cole and the Commotions' debut album "Rattlesnakes". The album came out in 1984 and it was a great alternative to the synth pop music of the time. "Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken" is full of great lines (like most of Lloyd Cole's songs), name checks (Arthur Lee and Norman Mailer on this song), jangley guitar and white soul vocals. A fantastic track off a five star album. Good enough to get a response over 20 years later by Camera Obscura.



Part 2, The Response

"Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken"
'Camera Obscura' are a Glasgow band, led by Tracyanne Campbell. They have developed quite a cult following since they formed in 1996. They have the same folky/indie pop intelligence as fellow Scottish band 'Belle & Sebastian' and their female led side project 'God Help the Girl'. Tracyanne Cambell was obviously a fan of Lloyd Cole and "Lloyd, I'm Ready To Be Heartbroken" is a response to his song "Are You Ready To Be Heartbroken?" and although she doesn't match the original lyrically, she has still written a near-perfect pop song.

The Buzzcocks - "Ever Fallen in Love"

This song from The Buzzcocks is another punk classic. We've been a bit more retro than usual on this blog lately, but it was only a matter of time before this song made its way on here. "Ever Fallen in Love (With Someone You Shouldn't've)" has melody, hooks, energy and the punk attitude that completed the masterpiece. In the 80's it was covered by 'Fine Young Cannibals' and was a worldwide hit.... which is fine, but if that led to a few people checking out the original, well that's even better.

Grinderman - "Heathen Child"

For me, Nick Cave never fails to impress, whether it is his piano led and lyrically strong material that he has perfected, the dark 'Birthday Party' stuff or the more guitar based project which is 'Grinderman'. Nick Cave has always had subject material and lyrics from the darker side and Grinderman just adds a bit more grunt to it all, however, it is still Nick Cave all the same. So the lyrics are still about God, Death, Love (usually the dark side of Love), Murder and more God and more Death or all of the above. It is often with his tongue in his cheek... but a great story is regularly told as well. Usually a story about God, Death or Murder. "Heathen Child" is no exception.

saint privat - "Somebody To Love"

Saint Privat are an electronica/bossa nova duo featuring Valerie Sajdik and Klaus Waldeck, both originally from Austria but now based in France... well, Valerie is anyway. They have perfected that retro downbeat electronica sound over the years and Valerie has carried it through with solo releases as well. You may recognise "Somebody To Love" as a 'Jefferson Airplane' original... but Grace Slick was never this laid back.

Children's Hour - "Caroline's Dream"

Children's Hour were an Auckland Flying Nun band from about 1983 through to 1985. After their demise, they then basically reformed as 'Headless Chickens' and became a huge success in NZ and Australia. Early 'Headless Chickens' material was quite dark, but nothing like 'Children's Hour'.... this is goth,industrial, a bit of punk and some of the 'Joy Division' bleakness all blended together to perfection. They released an EP "Flesh" which I actually had on vinyl but can't find the thing anywhere... I hope I didn't lend it to someone that didn't return it. Anyway, that's history, luckily the digital version has been available for Bitter FM listeners to enjoy. The unbelievable news is that they are reforming for the Laneway Festival early next year.... I won't be missing that one.

Amadou & Mariam - "Sabali (Paul Epworth Remix)"

Amadou & Mariam are a blind duo or affectionately known as the blind couple from Mali. They have been playing together since 1980, the year they were also married. They are one of the headlining acts at the Womad festival next year in New Plymouth. "Sabali" came out in 2008 and was regularly on best of lists for the year. They actually sing in the three African languages as well as French, which is the main language of this song. This version (which we play on Bitter) is the Paul Epworth Remix, which has probably helped them get the wider audience they deserve.

Lethal Bizzle - "Babylon's Burning The Ghetto" (Babylon's Burning Part 2)

Lethal Bizzle is a London rapper of Ghanian descent. He released this song "Babylon Burning the Ghetto" as one half of a double A-side single along side "Bizzle Bizzle" in 2007. It obviously samples The Ruts' song "Babylon's Burning" but unlike a lot of rap artists, he seems to have blended the Ruts original with his rapping and scratching, rather than just sampling part of the song for the chorus. In fact, he gives the original the respect it deserves and that is all we ask for, when an iconic song like this is sampled.

THE RUTS - "BABYLON'S BURNING"

This has to be one of the greatest punk songs ever. The Ruts even had a hit with this song in 1979 and it still sounds powerful and engaging today. Malcolm Owen was one of the best vocalists of the punk era and it was such a tragic loss to music, when he died of an overdose a year later. "Babylon's Burning" is the ultimate soundtrack to a riot.... "Babylon's Burning With Anxiety"

AaRON- "U-Turn (Lili)"

AaRON are a French band, or duo, with a couple of albums released to date. This song "U-Turn (Lili)" is from their debut album 'Artificial Animals Riding On Neverland' released in 2007. It was also on the soundtrack to French movie 'Je vais bien, ne t'en fais pas' and played a big part in the movie, which was a song written to the main character by her brother, which she plays a bit during the movie, as she tries to track him down, after he is reported missing. The movie was reasonably good... however, it was the song that left a lasting impression on me.

James - "Sit Down"

Manchester band 'James' first released "Sit Down" in 1989 but it was the re-release in 1991 that became a huge hit in the UK. The Madchester music scene had revised the interest for the re-release version to get to number 2. "Sit Down" was more than a great song.... it became a ritual for the audience at their concerts to sit down when they played it. I read somewhere that the first time it happened was a special moment for them, but after more than twenty times it became a bit tedious. Something the song has never become.

The Cure - "A Forest"

The Cure have been around forever, it seems, and this song "A Forest" is the song that introduced a lot of people to them in the first place, even though they had released songs before this. It is an eerie gothic song that definitely has that "lost in a forest" atmosphere about it. Now I know any Bitter FM listener would know this song and I may be preaching to the converted.... however, there is a reason I have chosen this song for today's blog. I have just been to Taupo's newest attraction 'Forest of Screams' and I have to say I was impressed. For a business that has just started, they have obviously done their homework and haven't just gone ahead and learnt as they go. So good luck to them and I say to anyone in Taupo, for a fun night out, the 'Forest of Screams' is a fantastic option for something completely different. The scariest thing in Taupo since Te Kooti.

Lee Hazlewood - "Hey Cowboy"

Lee Hazlewood is well known for his work with Nancy Sinatra but he should be remembered for much more than that. While it could be said that the best songs he wrote were during that period with Nancy Sinatra, I would probably have to agree. But during his long career he had so much more that went relatively unnoticed. He worked with so many other artists including Duane Eddy, Anne Margaret and Gram Parsons. In 1970 he moved to Sweden and recorded the album 'Cowboy in Sweden' which started off as a TV special and subsequently the inevitable album. I would have to say it is my favourite Lee Hazlewood album and that is a big call, I know. "Hey Cowboy" is from that album and is a duet with Swedish singer Nina Lizell. His duets work so well because of the contrast in voices and this is no exception. It is so cinematic that it seems obvious it was originally part of a TV show, although, a movie would be even more appropriate, I think. Unfortunately he died in 2007 and we had a tribute show on Bitter a short time after and I think that may be due for a replay real soon.

The Lemonheads - "Outdoor Type"

The Lemonheads are like a cross between Gram Parsons and any cool American Indie Rock band from the 90's. Over the years the band became more of an Evan Dando (the lead singer/songwriter) project as founding members left. By 1992 he was an Indie Rock god. A drug problem in the years following, probably stopped him from crossing over to the mainstream completely, after he had a taste of it with their cover of "Mrs Robinson". This song "Outdoor Type" is a confession from a city guy that actually hates the outdoor lifestyle.... a bit like an Aucklander moving to Taupo for the lifestyle but realizing nothing has changed, you are still a city boy and climbing mountains or tramping through forests isn't really you after all. Fuck! is this song about me? No way, I've even got some waders and a rod now.... somewhere in the.... where are they again?

Rilo Kiley - "Portions for Foxes"

Jenny Lewis, the lead singer of Rilo Kiley is the living proof that LA is not just pretentious movie stars and wannabes.... it is obviously not my favourite city, but I have to admit that they have given us some great musical talent and Jenny Lewis and co are in my top 5. No, make that my top 1. If you have read any other blogs on Hits and Myths, and I hope you have, then you probably not only know that I'm a music geek, but also that I have obsessions with bands, albums or even singles and the radio station is my outlet, along with this blog. I think you know where this is going.... when I got Rilo Kiley's third album (my first) 'More Adventurous' it was life changing. It was more than an obsession, I was so taken with Jenny Lewis' vocals that may have sounded sweet and innocent but the lyrics were far from it. There is heartbreak and sadness and real life experiences expressed with such brilliance. She was a child star and I am so thankful she took the musical career over the acting one. I should also point out that Jenny Lewis shouldn't take all the credit, as Blake Sennett co-wrote some songs and is possibly even the subject material for this song.... but don't quote me on that. But let's face it, she is the star here. There are so many great songs on this album and I recommend anyone curious should start here. "Portions For Foxes" to me, is about the ex you can't say goodbye to, even though you know it's wrong and it even has that scene where you see them flirting with someone else.... we've all been there and we know Jenny Lewis has as well. Brilliant.


There's blood in my mouth 'cause I've been biting my tongue all week
I keep on talkin' trash but I never say anything
And the talkin' leads to touchin'
And the touchin' leads to sex
And then there is no mystery left

And It's bad news
Baby I'm bad news
I'm just bad news, bad news, bad news

I know I'm alone if I'm with or without you
But just bein' around you offers me another form of relief
When the loneliness leads to bad dreams
And the bad dreams lead me to callin' you
And I call you and say "C'MERE!"

And it's bad news
Baby I'm bad news
I'm just bad news, bad news, bad news

And it's bad news
Baby it's bad news
It's just bad news, bad news, bad news

'Cause you're just damage control
For a walking corpse like me - like you

'Cause we'll all be
Portions for foxes
Yeah we'll all be
Portions for foxes

There's a pretty young thing in front of you
And she's real pretty and she's real into you
And then she's sleepin' inside of you
And the talkin' leads to touchin'
Then touchin' leads to sex
And then there is no mystery left

And it's bad news
I don't blame you
I do the same thing
I get lonely too

And you're bad news
My friends tell me to leave you
That you're bad news, bad news, bad news

That you're bad news
Baby you're bad news
And you're bad news
Baby you're bad news
And you're bad news
I don't care I like you
And you're bad news
I don't care I like you
I like you

Sola Rosa - "Del Ray"

Sola Rosa is an electronica project built around Andrew Spraggon. The Auckland outfit incorporate so many styles in their music and that is what separates them from many of their dance music peers. The latest album is 'Get It Together' from 2009 and has just recently had a remix version released.... so to have an album remixed a year later, you need a great album to start with. It is much more song based, with a lot more instrumentation throughout, rather than the laptop created electronica.... resulting in a much more live sounding album. "Del Ray" is a fantastic latin brass number with great beats , scratching, latin guitar and..... shit, just take a listen.

Mighty Wah - "Story Of The Blues"

Pete Wylie was the man behind The Mighty Wah and all the other Wah variations during the 80's. He started his career in Liverpool with 'Crucial Three' along side Bunnyman Ian McCulloch and Julian Cope, before they all moved on to bigger and better things. He formed 'Wah' in 1979 and released "The Story of the Blues" in 1982, which was their biggest hit.... even bigger than "Come Back" which got a bit of radio play in NZ a couple of years later. He went solo in 1986 with an album and single "Sinful". "The story of the Blues" was released in 2 parts on the original single but most of the versions on other formats are now parts 1 and 2 combined, with his talking blues at the end. This is a slice of 80's music that is as strong now as it was then, lyrically and musically. You don't play this now for a bit of 80's nostalgia, you play it now because it still sounds fucking good.

The Sugarcubes - "Birthday"

This is what started it all internationally for Icelandic superstar Bjork. In fact, she was in a couple of bands before The Sugarcubes, but this was her first exposure outside of Iceland. With the help from legendary British DJ John Peel, this song 'Birthday" was voted as the single of the year on his radio show in 1987. It was my first taste of their unique sound and I was hooked. The cassette version of their debut album 'Life's Too Good' actually survived the workout it got in my car over the years. I don't think I had heard a song with just screaming as the chorus, or wailing, but melodic at least. This was a great way to be introduced to the sound of Bjork... because everything became a bit more normal after this. They came to NZ and I have to say, it was one of the strangest concerts I have ever been to.... fantastic though.

Ashley Park - "A Day in the Life of Grand"

Ashley Park are a Canadian band featuring a couple of members with quite busy lives apart from making great music. Terry Miles also makes movies and writes a bit as well.... in fact, just google his name to find out how good his movie making capabilities are. It seems that is where his passion is, so how can he be such a good musician as well? ...there must be some musicians out there thinking life's so unfair, with some part time musician releasing material this good. The other key member of Ashley Park is Kelly Haigh. She is a painter, hairdresser and dog lover as well as an accomplished musician. Together they create beautiful acoustic music that Pink Floyd would be proud to call their own. "A Day in the Life of Grand" is just that, the best Pink Floyd song that they didn't write... and with some slide guitar to boot. I know I have been raving on about how talented they are, but I also accept they are so unknown and for the same reason, so underrated. So please spread the word.

Crystal Castles - "Not In Love" ft. Robert Smith

Canadian electronic band Crystal Castles have been doing their electronica/rock thing since about 2003. We've been playing them on Bitter for a few years now. "Not in Love" is from their new self titled album... however, this song is different to the album. This version features Robert Smith from The Cure on vocals and according to a lot of fans, they can actually understand the lyrics in a Crystal Castles song for the first time. But don't let that put you off their other material. This could be the hit of the summer... who knows?

Ragamuffin Children - "Lullaby"

Ragamuffin children are a Christchurch folk duo.... and we've had them play here in Taupo a couple of times. Last time they played here they had a couple of extra members and that was also evident on their second album 'The Seahorse Emporium'. The debut album 'Warecat Lullabies' had a more paired back and organic sound. Their songs are definitely quirky but have some traditional folk elements coming through as well.... particularly with Anita's beautiful vocals. Brooke Singer, who happens to be the keyboard player, writes most of the songs and is growing as a songwriter... with more complex arrangements on the second album. I've chosen "Lullaby" from the first album, partly because they have a video for it and partly because it's a good song... so here it is.

This Mortal Coil - "You and Your Sister"

This Mortal Coil were a bit of a supergroup during the 80's and 90's. "You and Your Sister" was from their 1991 album 'Blood'. This Mortal Coil had already released a couple of albums before this but I think this was their pot of gold. The leader of This Mortal Coil project was Ivo watts-Russell, who actually founded the 4AD label. This song "You and Your Sister" was a minor hit (not so much in actual sales) that should have been a major hit. The song is so toned down that it is all about the vocals.... and that is where the charm is. The vocals just happen to be from two of the indie rock music stars of the era, Kim Deal and Tanya Donelly. Although I had no idea it was them singing at the time, I fell in love with this song, without prejudice, I suppose. When I bought this album I remember my girlfriend at the time also fell in love with this song.... to the point she played it over and over. I was actually worried she would ruin it for me with her repetitive playing but thankfully a great song will always be a great song.

Dj Vadim - "Game Tight"

DJ Vadim is a Russian born Electronica DJ and producer. What first attracted me to his music was his regular use of reggae and hip-hop and the many varied artists he has had on vocal duties. He is obviously a man that a lot of artists want to work with. On "Game Tight" he has taken a well known piano tune (some American soap theme) to greater heights. A simple idea done exceptionally well. A dance floor epic for all the "young and the restless" people out there.

Superette - "Killer Clown"

Superette were a Kiwi band with a very distinctively Kiwi name. They formed in 1993 with former JPSE member David Mulcahy, drummer Greta Anderson and Ben Howe.... and we now know Ben from 'Fang' and also 'White Swan Black Swan'. They released their only album 'Tiger' in 1996 and it was a beauty. Another classic from the legendary Flying Nun label. The single 'Killer Clown" is more than a great pop song.... it's subject material is the American serial killer John Wayne Gacy, who dressed as a clown for charity events and kids parties. When "Killer Clown" was released, it attracted enough interest for me to read a book on John Wayne Gacy and all I can say is.... "what a fucking sick piece of shit he was". The lyrics are well written and make a lot more sense when you know the story.


Killer Clown lyrics by Superette

Standing in the kitchen staring at the floor
Daddy's down the basement
talking to himself
He's getting drunk
I shrivel up
Hanging 'round the bus stop
staring at the kids
Think I'm gonna take one
make him lick my wick
And cut him up
To shut him up
Never killed nothing
Never hurt no one

Of the thirty three dead
I only touched one
I'm a killer clown
Sitting in a metal room
people watching me
Eighty minutes ticking by
fluid and it's me
I'm gonna die
I don't know why
Never killed nothing
Never hurt no one
Of the thirty three dead
I only touched one
Do you believe in me?
I'm a killer clown

Henry Rollins - "Liar"

Henry Rollins now has many feathers in his cap... other than his musical career he is an actor, writer, comedian, spoken word artist, TV show host and DJ... I may have even left some out. He started as a vocalist in Washington band 'State of Alert' and was a huge fan of another punk band 'Black Flag' and was invited on stage with them on one occasion.... which led him to become the permanent vocalist after Dez Cadena had decided to switch to guitar.... the rest is history. After Black Flag broke up he started the 'Rollins Band'. The song "Liar" is from the 4th Rollins Band album 'Weight' which came out in 1994. It sort of combines his spoken word and musical careers, with the verses slowed down and quietly spoken and the choruses with its intensive screaming. The lyrics take you right in the mind of the protagonist as he manipulates his victim. With lines like ... "I'll come to you like an affliction and I'll leave you like an addiction, you'll never forget me" this is a song so powerful that it will be like an addiction. A work of genius.




you think you're gonna to live your life alone
in darkness
and seclusion
yeah I know
you've been out there
tried to mix with those animals
and it just left you full of humiliated confusion
so you stagger back home
and wait for nothing
but the solitary refinement of your room spits you back out onto the street
and now you're desperate
and in need of human contact
and then
you meet me
and you whole world changes
because everything I say is everything you've ever wanted to hear
so you drop all your defenses and you drop all your fears
and you trust me completely
I'm perfect
in every way
cause I make you feel so strong and so powerful inside
you feel so lucky
but your ego obscures reality
and you never bother to wonder why
things are going so well
you wanna know why?
cause I'm a liar
yeah I'm a liar
I'll tear your mind out
I'll burn your soul
I'll turn you into me
I'll turn you into me
cause I'm a liar, a liar
a liar, a liar

I'll hide behind a smile
and understanding eyes
and I'll tell you things that you already know
so you can say
I really identify with you, so much
and all the time that you're needing me
is just the time that I'm bleeding you
don't you get it yet?
I'll come to you like an affliction
and I'll leave you like an addiction
you'll never forget me
you wanna know why?
cause I'm a liar
yeah I'm a liar
I'll rip your mind out
I'll burn your soul
I'll turn you into me
I'll turn you into me
cause I'm a liar, a liar
liar, liar, liar, liar

I don't know why I feel the need to lie
and cause you so much pain
maybe it's something inside
maybe it's something I can't explain
cause all I do
is mess you up and lie to you
I'm a liar
oh, I am a liar

if you'll give me one more chance
I swear that I will never lie to you again
because now I see the destructive power of a lie
they're stronger than truth
I can't believe I ever hurt you
I swear
I will never to you lie again, please
just give me one more chance
I will never lie to you again
I swear
that I will never tell a lie
I will never tell a lie
no, no
ha ha ha ha ha hah haa haa haa haaa
sucker
sucker!
oh, sucker
I am a liar
yeah, I am a liar
yeah I like it
I feel good
ohh I am a liar
yeah
I lie
I lie
I lie
oh, I lie
oh I lie
I lie
yeah
ohhh I'm a liar
I lie
yeah
I like it
I feel good
I'll lie again
and again
I'll lie again and again
and I'll keep lying
I promise

Shocking Pinks - "Emily"

Shocking Pinks is basically a solo project for Christchurch musician Nick Harte. He has been releasing material under that name since 2004 on the Flying Nun label and was eventually picked up by New York label DFA Records. What I like about Shocking Pinks is the rough edge to their recordings, which harks back to the early bedroom or 4-track do-it-yourself recordings that the Flying Nun label built its reputation on. The single "Emily" is a bedroom classic.

Orenda Fink - "High Ground"

Orenda Fink is the other half of 'Azure Ray' with Maria Taylor, who has also been on this blog as a solo artist. The more I hear of Orenda and Maria as solo artists, the more I realize how great Azure Ray really were. "High Ground" is from her 2009 album 'Ask the Night' on Saddle Creek, a label that has grown from strength to strength over the last decade or so. It's a mandolin heavy gothic song recalling her southern roots. Hauntingly beautiful.


Hey, big man, come down from there
You know, with your hands,
What you can do from there
I know that you loved one long time ago
And what happened to you then
Made your heart turn to stone

And there’s a rain coming down
To the valley below
And I know just how they feel
Cause when the water rises
They start to look for high ground
Just like me when you come around

Hey, big man, big wind, don’t blow
Don’t come search for me
I beg of you both

'Cause there’s a rain coming down
To the valley below
And I know just how they feel
Cause when the water rises
They start to look for high ground
Just like me when you come around

All you have to do
Is think of me and you
And all these things
Enter my dreams
And warn, yes they warn me

That there’s a rain coming down
To the valley below
And I know just how they feel
Cause when the water rises
They start to look for high ground
Just like me when you come around

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head/Natalie Portman/Brite Futures -Trilogy

PART 1, Natalie Portman's Shaved Head.
Cool name for a band? I thought it was... partly because it comes from a great movie 'V for Vendetta' in which Natalie Portman had her head shaven. However, the band 'Natalie Portman's Shaved Head' didn't like the name as much as I did because they have now changed it to 'Brite Futures' (see part 3) and they decided to break the news to Natalie in person (see part 2). They are from Seattle and have that ever so popular indie rock/dance - electronica sound and they do it well.

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head - "Staying Cool"
PART 2, Breaking the news of the band name change to Natalie Portman. It probably wasn't the easiest thing to do and they were worried about how she would take the news. PART 3, Brite Futures Musically, Brite Futures have grown since the name change and seem more confident as a band. This song "Dog Eared Summer" is their best work so far, in my opinion. They are definitely (warning! predictable statement coming up) a bunch of musicians with Bright Futures. Brite Futures - "Dog Eared Summer"

Drugstore feat. Thom Yorke - El President

Drugstore are a London band featuring a Brazilian singer Isabel Monteiro, along with a couple of guys.... I'm sure you don't really need to know their names. "El President" came from their 1998 album 'White Magic For Lovers' and features the unmistakable voice of Radiohead's Thom Yorke. It is actually dedicated to former Chilean president Salvador Allende, who was ousted in the 1973 coup d'etat. Their sound at the time was very Radiohead-like and this duet seemed quite appropriate. The vocals from both of them are wonderful. The perfect combination with both of them outdoing each other.... just at the time you think it couldn't get any better.

The Jam - "That's Entertainment"

Once upon a time we had to discover the best new music on a sunday night television show called 'Radio With Pictures' ...and that was exactly the place I first heard this. It was practically life changing... Paul Weller was the coolest guy around at that very moment in time. "That's Entertainment" is one of the greatest acoustic songs ever recorded. The Jam were huge in Britain and finally we could see why. This is so good we can even forgive him for The Style Council.