Monday, February 14, 2011

Happy Valentine's Day

This year, instead of putting up a few sappy songs, or even "Songs To Bone To" like I did last year, I have decided to give this Valentine's space to alternative love songs. Now I don't just mean alternative as in gay or lesbian (although this will most likely be represented), but the true meaning of alternative, as in straight up different from the norm, or weird. Yes, we can all agree that the Fab Four's "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" is an extremely romantic song, as is anything by the Carpenters, Pretenders, Smokey Robinson, Bryan Adams, Celine Dion, Billy Joel or Savage Garden, but it takes a true wordsmith to express love without falling into the same-old  ruined clichés. This week will celebrate those who went out on a limb, and whether it was successful or not, take the road less traveled, towards love.

Take today's song, specifically not only as a throwback to Rasta Mon-Days of old, but more importantly for it's slightly off putting hook. I have heard this song is actually written by the most famous reggae singer ever, Mr. Bob Marley, but this version is performed by Johnny Nash off my favorite soundtrack of all time (you should already know it's The Harder They Come). It begins with a soothing voice serenading you with high fructose lyrics but quickly slides into a chorus that repeats a very odd and fetishistic simile. I don't know what the 'it' is, that he's looking to have rubbed all over him, but I guarantee the next time you look at a jar of jelly... it will be way different. 

Come back all week for more Alternative Love Songs, here at
Every Day, Another Song.

Johnny Nash - Guava Jelly

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