[SoftD] - 'Would?' - Alice in Chains

Today's Song of the Day (SoftD) is brought to you by Alice in Chains. Inspired by The AV Club's coverage of Jar of Flies, I brought 'Would?' back out of its sleepy place in my brain for today. This dramatic, hypnotic, and dare-I-say-sexy song closes Alice in Chains 1992 album, Dirt.

I was completely preoccupied with the rest of the grunge scene, listening to Nirvana and Pearl Jam mostly, and not quite into this kind of metal yet, so it took the movie Singles to get 'Would?' into my heart. I had seen Alice in Chains on MTV before Cameron Crowe forever implanted them in my canon, but the truth is, without that movie, I never would have explored them further. I have owned Singles on VHS and DVD, as well as the soundtrack on tape and CD - worn out and purchased again on both occasions. Truly a musical awaking for me.

Anyway, between Singles and Reality Bites, my precocious, romantic heart couldn't wait to get into my 20s and find my own true love. Seeing Steve and Linda meet at a truly amazing show in Seattle was like the coolest thing that could ever happen. I knew that was my destiny. That or marry Ethan Hawke. Note: Neither happened. Oh well.

This is a terrible pick up, but it makes Steve all the more adorable later when he and Linda fall in love. Plus,  we get to see amazing insight into Cliff's character. Please enjoy.

[Song of the Day] - 'Low' - Lewis

Lewis. Where the hell did you come from? This indie singer/songwriter has a great voice and a haunting sound - my favorite parts of making a hip hit. In her new song, "Low," Lewis invites you in to her world though real lyrics, heavy bass, a plucking piano that almost sounds like a banjo at first, and that voice! Oh, it's like honey on toast.

From one mess to another, check her out:

[Song of the Day] - 'All Night Long' - Lionel Richie

With my best friend Michael coming to town, I had to find a song that both expressed my happiness, and implied exhaustion. Starting tonight, we will be blasting around New York having as much fun as possible. Tomorrow is the Holi Hai Festival of Colors, which promises to be a messy, amazing dancing event in the streets, followed by 'Heathers: The Musical'. I've already seen it, and what can I say except, Corn nuts! Sunday is always a Fun Day, so who knows what will go down except a trip to Queens and epic brunch.

Anyway, back to the music. I chose Lionel Richie's 'All Night Long' because I have a feeling I will be up all night long, dancing in the street, which is what Lionel is all about. Happy Friday, dear readers, and try to have a party.

[Song of the Day] - 'Serve the Servants' - Nirvana

While I started out my day listening to the ladies, including St. Vincent and Tori Amos, ultimately, I found myself dying to hear 'Serve the Servants', the opening song from Nirvana's In Utero. 

I have many memories tied to this album, including my teenage musical awakening to bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Archers of Loaf, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden (of which, Dave Grohl speaks of hearing 'Black Hole Sun' for the first time, and it's amazing). We poured hours into understanding this album - reading into lyrics, identifying with the anger and sadness, wishing to be Kurt's beloved, as if we could ease his distain. Indeed, my teenage angst has paid off well, and now I am bored and old. Or so it is told. 

The last time I listened to this album was on the eve of a break up. Put on by the bartender at one of my soon-to-be ex's favorite haunts. Too much whiskey and malaise, the sing-along pushed me over the edge and I knew it was over. Don't worry, I don't miss the comfort in being sad.       

So here we are, and whatever the reason, teen angst or adult unrest, today, May 1, deserves a little Nirvana love, and In Utero is doing the trick.  

[Song of the Day] - 'When Doves Cry' - Patti Smith Cover

I'm not suggesting that Patti Smith's version of 'When Doves Cry' is better than the original, especially without a proper video to accompany it, but I thought it deserved a little love. Give it a listen. Is this what it sounds like when doves cry?

Also, here's Prince, because obviously.