Brutally, or mercifully truncated, radio-edited in musical mix or lyrical content, decorously tarted up with orchestra or other instruments, added or deleted solos, made dancier or more ethereal, it’s time to dig up some the contrasting versions that have surprised, delighted or frustrated you
Read moreNothing? No, it's only ... songs about 'everything'
This week, from a previous idea of nothing, we go to ‘everything’ not literally, but the idea of it, from big promises of love, all-encompassing importance, the the whole shebang, totality, the full caboodle, enchilada, the big ball of wax, all within the prism of song
Read moreWanted, dead or alive: songs about outlaws and rebels
Catch this if you can. It’s time to stand, or sit, and deliver. Figures real or fictional, outlaws or those against the establishment, or the spirit of rebellion in all forms, let’s explore this primal instinct in myth, romance and fact via story and song
Read moreHeading for a fall: songs about September and October
With this week’s topic cycle straddling two months, let’s capture both in songs that may be autumnal, seasonal, celebratory or mournful, during a time of year of change, activity and a strange red-tinged beauty
Read moreOut of this oeuvre? Songs and music that defy genre definition
This week let’s push the envelope and dig out often lesser known artists and works that wriggle away from definition, those who or mix sub-genres and styles with such originality it’s hard to place them. But can you still define them?
Read morePlaylists: songs about propaganda
George Orwell to the Emperor's New Clothes, Mao Tse Tung to Tiananmen Square, this week's guest writer Marco den Ouden skilfully picks songs from last week's topic that perfectly play with the truth
Read moreHurt so good: songs about channelling mental and physical pain
Hurt can be the source of most songs, but this week we look at the when pain can be positive, and suggest songs that take the upbeat, or even pleasurable view of pain in the mind and body
Read moreDefinitely needed for 2017: positive songs
It's a challenging year ahead, so to wish you a happy one and help prepare, come to the Song Bar NY party to charge ourselves up with songs, in style or lyrics, that bring a positive perspective
Read moreWinter is coming … in the form of song
Snow, ice, frost, storms, survival, and darkness? Well, it’s not all bad. Hunker down in the Song Bar snug, and get cosy with the culture and wonders of a musical winter
Read moreReach for your smartphone: it's songs about addiction
Drink, drugs, sex, creativity, the internet, or whatever takes over all of your energy, this week suggest songs that touch on the causes or effects of addiction. Can you resist?
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