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Post by bringmethemonkey on Jul 10, 2017 6:40:48 GMT -5
I think the first two lines are meant to be a bit silly but also poignant in a middle class way
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 6:43:38 GMT -5
They've certainly got people's attention, whether you see that as for the wrong reasons or not. Job done. 👍😎
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Post by walterglass on Jul 10, 2017 6:44:07 GMT -5
Reminds me of Electric Warrior era T Rex, Lennon influenced, nonsensical lyrics et al. But as a whole it's a different beast completely to the likes of Little James. Rich production, beautiful melodies, soaring vocal. And even though the lyrics aren't it's strongest aspect by any stretch, I think other artists would find themselves judged less sternly; if those were The National lyrics they'd quite possibly be described as playful, dream-like and/or ambiguous.
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Post by liamgallagher1992 on Jul 10, 2017 7:34:16 GMT -5
Reminds me of Electric Warrior era T Rex, Lennon influenced, nonsensical lyrics et al. But as a whole it's a different beast completely to the likes of Little James. Rich production, beautiful melodies, soaring vocal. And even though the lyrics aren't it's strongest aspect by any stretch, I think other artists would find themselves judged less sternly; if those were The National lyrics they'd quite possibly be described as playful, dream-like and/or ambiguous. Spot on. I suppose after little james he is always going to be scrutinised more than most for his lyrics but its quite over the top the way people have reacted to that. On here anyway, all non oasis fans i know love it and havent mentioned anything about the lyrics.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 7:44:41 GMT -5
Just listening to the live version in ardennes, liam is talking as the song finishes saying 'put more delay in the voices we go out'. I take it he's talking to his sound guy.
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Post by Lennon2217 on Jul 10, 2017 7:51:52 GMT -5
Reminds me of Electric Warrior era T Rex, Lennon influenced, nonsensical lyrics et al. But as a whole it's a different beast completely to the likes of Little James. Rich production, beautiful melodies, soaring vocal. And even though the lyrics aren't it's strongest aspect by any stretch, I think other artists would find themselves judged less sternly; if those were The National lyrics they'd quite possibly be described as playful, dream-like and/or ambiguous. The National are known for great lyrics so this kinda doesn't work. And if they did have opening lyrics like that they would get dragged thru the mud based on their history of high level prose.
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Post by Plantpot on Jul 10, 2017 8:08:49 GMT -5
I think the first two lines are meant to be a bit silly but also poignant in a middle class way This. It seems that most critiques in this thread are characterized by a literal interpretation of the lyrics. In my view, this is shortsighted, for I think that Liam is actually being thoughtful. As I wrote back on the 3rd, it has long been idiosyncratic of Liam to offer his perspectives through unique means. In the case of the first line of "Chinatown," I think Liam is referring to a perceived increase in police brutality and corruption, particularly stateside. In the second line, I think he mentions yoga not only because he was attempting to rhyme with the word "over," but also because yoga is, by its very nature, a peaceful exercise. As such, he is contrasting war with peace. Obviously, in the third line he is channeling the Beatles, but it also doubles as a pun as it relates to the police taking over. Cheers.
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Post by Lennon2217 on Jul 10, 2017 8:14:17 GMT -5
Reminds me of Electric Warrior era T Rex, Lennon influenced, nonsensical lyrics et al. But as a whole it's a different beast completely to the likes of Little James. Rich production, beautiful melodies, soaring vocal. And even though the lyrics aren't it's strongest aspect by any stretch, I think other artists would find themselves judged less sternly; if those were The National lyrics they'd quite possibly be described as playful, dream-like and/or ambiguous. Spot on. I suppose after little james he is always going to be scrutinised more than most for his lyrics but its quite over the top the way people have reacted to that. On here anyway, all non oasis fans i know love it and havent mentioned anything about the lyrics. Outside this place, I don't think I know a single person who would even know that song or album. Kinda lost in the sands of time in America.
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Post by Lennon2217 on Jul 10, 2017 8:16:00 GMT -5
I think the first two lines are meant to be a bit silly but also poignant in a middle class way This. It seems that most critiques in this thread are characterized by a literal interpretation of the lyrics. In my view, this is shortsighted, for I think that Liam is actually being thoughtful. As I wrote back on the 3rd, it has long been idiosyncratic of Liam to offer his perspectives through unique means. In the case of the first line of "Chinatown," I think Liam is referring to a perceived increase in police brutality and corruption, particularly stateside. In the second line, I think he mentions yoga not only because he was attempting to rhyme with the word "over," but also because yoga is, by its very nature, a peaceful exercise. As such, he is contrasting war with peace. Obviously, in the third line he is channeling the Beatles, but it also doubles as a pun as it relates to the police taking over. Cheers. * Channeling the music God can be a mixed blessing.
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Post by jxing on Jul 10, 2017 8:25:11 GMT -5
I live in Baton rouge, Louisiana and we've had several police shootings and killings, as well as some violent protesting that occurred near many neighborhoods. After having that happen in my city, I really relate to the first couple lyrics. Half the city was upset and nervous but those that live in the gated houses, weren't bothered. Many us of purchased guns, which at the time gave us a sense of safety and security. But, afterwards it felt kinda ridiculous. Sorry for the rambling, hope my explanation makes sense. I like the melody but the lyrics are damn awful. "Well the cops are taking over While everyone's in yoga 'Cause happiness is still a warm gun What's it to be free man? What's a European? Me I just believe in the sun" Holy fuck that's horrible. Sounds like a Oasis parody band. Honestly... it's Little James level.
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Post by walterglass on Jul 10, 2017 9:41:14 GMT -5
Reminds me of Electric Warrior era T Rex, Lennon influenced, nonsensical lyrics et al. But as a whole it's a different beast completely to the likes of Little James. Rich production, beautiful melodies, soaring vocal. And even though the lyrics aren't it's strongest aspect by any stretch, I think other artists would find themselves judged less sternly; if those were The National lyrics they'd quite possibly be described as playful, dream-like and/or ambiguous. The National are known for great lyrics so this kinda doesn't work. And if they did have opening lyrics like that they would get dragged thru the mud based on their history of high level prose. I stand by what I said. Even though I might've chose a better example. In other hands, there'd be people more willing to find a common or cohesive narrative to the lyrics of the song. As a previous poster has said, to them it speaks of police brutality and to me lyrics jump out that remind me of the current political climate; particularly those of separatism and seclusion from other peoples/races. It's not Dylan's "With God On Our Side" but it's also much better than Little James or Second Bite Of The Apple. In fact, it's a bit of a tune.
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Post by liamgallagher1992 on Jul 10, 2017 9:59:04 GMT -5
Spot on. I suppose after little james he is always going to be scrutinised more than most for his lyrics but its quite over the top the way people have reacted to that. On here anyway, all non oasis fans i know love it and havent mentioned anything about the lyrics. Outside this place, I don't think I know a single person who would even know that song or album. Kinda lost in the sands of time in America. Meant they love Chinatown. Believe it or not i havent sat anyone down to listen to little james.
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Post by Lennon2217 on Jul 10, 2017 10:18:46 GMT -5
Outside this place, I don't think I know a single person who would even know that song or album. Kinda lost in the sands of time in America. Meant they love Chinatown. Believe it or not i havent sat anyone down to listen to little james. Who would? To be fair I love the feel and atmosphere of Little James. It's the lyrics that make it meh.
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Post by Lennon2217 on Jul 10, 2017 10:20:29 GMT -5
The National are known for great lyrics so this kinda doesn't work. And if they did have opening lyrics like that they would get dragged thru the mud based on their history of high level prose. I stand by what I said. Even though I might've chose a better example. In other hands, there'd be people more willing to find a common or cohesive narrative to the lyrics of the song. As a previous poster has said, to them it speaks of police brutality and to me lyrics jump out that remind me of the current political climate; particularly those of separatism and seclusion from other peoples/races. It's not Dylan's "With God On Our Side" but it's also much better than Little James or Second Bite Of The Apple. In fact, it's a bit of a tune. A better and current example would be Broken Social Scene and Arcade Fire. Two critical darlings getting slammed for cheesy lyrics at the moment. I mean if people are taking shots at Arcade Fire then everyone is in play.
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Post by The Escapist on Jul 10, 2017 10:43:37 GMT -5
I stand by what I said. Even though I might've chose a better example. In other hands, there'd be people more willing to find a common or cohesive narrative to the lyrics of the song. As a previous poster has said, to them it speaks of police brutality and to me lyrics jump out that remind me of the current political climate; particularly those of separatism and seclusion from other peoples/races. It's not Dylan's "With God On Our Side" but it's also much better than Little James or Second Bite Of The Apple. In fact, it's a bit of a tune. A better and current example would be Broken Social Scene and Arcade Fire. Two critical darlings getting slammed for cheesy lyrics at the moment. I mean if people are taking shots at Arcade Fire then everyone is in play. At least Arcade Fire have something to say, though. Personally, other than the days-of-the-week bit in Signs of Life, I've enjoyed Win's lyrics so far - blatant and obvious, but then that's the point. Chinatown, apart from the chorus which I really like, is just someone opening up the rhyming dictionary and picking the cringiest pairs possible.
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Post by mossy on Jul 10, 2017 10:56:56 GMT -5
I like the melody but the lyrics are damn awful. "Well the cops are taking over While everyone's in yoga 'Cause happiness is still a warm gun What's it to be free man? What's a European? Me I just believe in the sun" Holy fuck that's horrible. Sounds like a Oasis parody band. Honestly... it's Little James level. It blows my mind that this had a guest writer!
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Post by liamgallagher1992 on Jul 10, 2017 11:27:46 GMT -5
Meant they love Chinatown. Believe it or not i havent sat anyone down to listen to little james. Who would? To be fair I love the feel and atmosphere of Little James. It's the lyrics that make it meh. I like alot of the sounds on SOTSOG. I just wish someone could have tempted Liam to follow the Beatles in the experimental sense and just went for some mad shit for 4 or 5 years. Noel with a big ringo tash.
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Post by Plantpot on Jul 10, 2017 11:37:57 GMT -5
At least Arcade Fire have something to say, though. Personally, other than the days-of-the-week bit in Signs of Life, I've enjoyed Win's lyrics so far - blatant and obvious, but then that's the point. Chinatown, apart from the chorus which I really like, is just someone opening up the rhyming dictionary and picking the cringiest pairs possible.From a literal perspective, I agree; however, from a contextual perspective, I respectfully disagree. I maintain that Liam is attempting to be thought provoking in a "read between the lines" kind of way. Cheers.
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Post by oasis6 on Jul 10, 2017 14:39:26 GMT -5
Here's an exercise for the lyrics police. Come up with lyrics to replace:
"Well the cops are taking over While everyone's in yoga 'Cause happiness is still a warm gun What's it to be free man? What's a European? Me I just believe in the sun"
We all know what he is trying to say. So I wanna see what people would rather hear.
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Post by justaroundmidnight on Jul 10, 2017 14:54:37 GMT -5
Enough with the lyrics police.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 10, 2017 17:15:15 GMT -5
Enough with the lyrics police. Blame Liam/his people, still months until the album, people are going to talk about any old stupid shit up until then, this is a good discussion compared to what we'll have by early September, buckle in, it's gonna be rough.
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Post by steve020409 on Jul 11, 2017 10:02:17 GMT -5
Quite surprised he sang it well live. Honestly a better song than the first single. There's something that makes me shiver, but I don't know what it is. (Well I never knew what it was, and I'll never find out. But does it matter?)
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Post by jonjayharris on Aug 30, 2017 9:55:34 GMT -5
Honestly... it's Little James level. It blows my mind that this had a guest writer! The guest writer was a toddler:o
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Post by rorymcbride on Aug 30, 2017 10:42:15 GMT -5
I've still not downloaded it. And I never will.
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