'Helpless' vs 'Life On Mars'

[Davey the Fat Boy]

Well...I never really intended to compare them as songs (or as records...which is what always happens here). We were talking about melody in the other thread, and I purposefully compared these two to make the argument that a simple melody can be as moving as a more crafted melody.

I’ve listened to both tracks a dozen times since we’ve been discussing this, and I’m still convinced that Helpless delivers more of an emotional wallop. I say that without having to tear down Life on Mars at all...I still think it’s an incredible record. It just doesn’t move me as much. As a pure melody, I honestly don’t think it’s any better.

Ultimately though...I don’t care what people think about either song. I’m not in line for royalties. The larger point remains.

[harvey k-tel]

I've never "rolled a number" in my life

C'mon, George. Get with it, man!

[George P. Smackers]

I've never "rolled a number" in my life

C'mon, George. Get with it, man!

Is it still good now that it's legal? I think I missed the boat.

[trans-chigley express]

Actually, I did miss the quote where Coan says that musically it is exactly the kind of thing anybody could write. But he's wrong.

He also said "Life on Mars" doesn't have a melody you can whistle. He's wrong about that too.

Maybe he's just really bad at whistling

[Davey the Fat Boy]

I just tried whistling it. I’m exhausted.

[sloopjohnc]

I just tried whistling it. I’m exhausted.

Maybe you should try some jumping jacks every once in awhile.

[Minnie the Minx]

When you re-read this thread, what basically jumps out at you primarily is how angry Davey gets at David Bowie for being David Bowie which seems as hilarious at getting annoyed at a flower for having petals.
Oooh he's all fancy! Ooh he has to do this that and the other! Why can't he just do this instead? Grrr that David *shakes fist*

[Davey the Fat Boy]

That’s not true. I voted for Bowie on the Bowie vs. Neil thread (though I keep second guessing that vote), and conceded the greatness of LOM from the getgo here!

Anyhow...nothing said on BCB gets me angry. I’d have to care a lot more than I do. But the general blithe sense of dismissiveness coming the other way IS annoying.

[clive gash]

Anyway...

[Minnie the Minx]

Of course LOM wins this hands hands down. Nevertheless, Hepless is still a considerable song / certianly not a song anybody can come up with through mere persistence.

Give me ten years and I bet I can!
Meet you here in 2027!

That’s the spirit!!

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Anna

It didn't even take that long. I just finished writing a song tonight that is better than Helpless! So there!

[Davey the Fat Boy]

Post it!

[Minnie the Minx]

What, and have you nick it? No way!
You can wait till it's number 1 in the popular music charts like everyone else!

[Davey the Fat Boy]

So it’s Ed Sheeran good, eh?

[fange]

You know, i've often thought 'Helpless' would have sounded really great sung in a Yorkshire accent.

[Minnie the Minx]

[Minnie the Minx]

You know, i've often thought 'Helpless' would have sounded really great sung in a Yorkshire accent.

HELL YES

[Robert]

Give me ten years and I bet I can!
Meet you here in 2027!

That’s the spirit!!

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Anna

It didn't even take that long. I just finished writing a song tonight that is better than Helpless! So there!

Through my sources I saw your lyrics and it reminds me of some other song.


"Tonight"

There is a town in north Ontario,
With dream comfort memory to spare,
And in my mind
I still need a place to go,
All my changes were there.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes.
Leave us

Tonight, tonight, tonight
Baby can you hear me now?
The chains are locked
and tied across the door,
Baby, sing with me somehow.

Blue, blue windows behind the stars,
Yellow moon on the rise,
Big birds flying across the sky,
Throwing shadows on our eyes.
Leave us

Tonight, tonight, tonight.

[Minnie the Minx]