Lana Del Rey - "Video Games" (live on Jools Holland, Oct.11, 2011)

This is the first (and probably last) time I will post a song twice on this blog. But after finding out Lana Del Rey appeared on the legendary 'Later with Jools Holland' show, I wanted to share it. This is evidence to me that she is the real deal.... and I'm still obsessed with this song anyway. I have never known of a new artist where the fans and critics are so divided. The people, like myself, who have been taken in with the beautiful sultry vocals and sensational song structure and songwriting, have been blown away. However, the abhorrence directed towards her by her critics, because of her looks, and whatever else, is a bit extreme to say the least. I admit, I feel that way about some manufactured artists... but my angle is usually from the musical point of view, and musically, I can only be positive about Lana Del Rey thus far.

Lana Del Rey - "Video Games"

Lana Del Rey is going to be a star... that much is true. It is the level of stardom that isn't so clear. If she stays indie-cool and self produces her music and videos, she will build on the buzz she has already created. If she goes with a major label and the corporate marketing machine gets behind her, she will be a huge star, but her credibility will be lost and she will end up no different to all the others... talent aside. She has already released an EP under her real name Lizzy Grant but has deleted it from all download stores. Her focus is obviously on her new Lana Del Rey persona and she has created a youtube buzz with her songs "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans," which will be released in October. The videos were produced by her... so no matter what is going on behind the scenes, she is currently quite independent. She is also creating more of a buzz by way of her mysteriousness... a long delay for the release of her first single (the aforementioned "Video Games" w/ "Blue Jeans"), the postponement of her first concert, which sold out in minutes, and her lack of media interviews (Pitchfork is about the only interview to date, with selective questions answered). She looks like a Hollywood star and that is the main area of her criticism on blogs etc. Okay, how about her music? "Video Games" is a retro, melancholy song with sparse orchestration (guitar, piano and strings), yet powerful vocals... as in low and sultry. Think, a young jazz singer from Lake Placid walking on to a 50's/60's movie set, with David Lynch directing, and you are close. You may need to open a window or two after listening to this. Yes, this song is my latest obsession. Pre-order this on iTunes, you will not regret it.



(Lyrics)
Swinging in the backyard
Pull up in your fast car
Whistling my name

Open up a beer
And you take it over here
And play a video game

I'm in his favorite sun dress
Watching me get undressed
Take that body downtown

I say you the bestest
Lean in for a big kiss
Put his favorite perfume on

Go play a video game

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

Singing in the old bars
Swinging with the old stars
Living for the fame

Kissing in the blue dark
Playing pool and wild darts
Video games

He holds me in his big arms
Drunk and I am seeing stars
This is all I think of

Watching all our friends fall
In and out of Old Paul's
This is my idea of fun
Playing video games

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do

(Now you do)

It's you, it's you, it's all for you
Everything I do
I tell you all the time
Heaven is a place on earth with you
Tell me all the things you want to do
I heard that you like the bad girls
Honey, is that true?
It's better than I ever even knew
They say that the world was built for two
Only worth living if somebody is loving you
Baby now you do