Checked out Melbournian indie star Gotye finally today. Wow. His song “Somebody I Used to Know” is a little quirky and insanely catchy. This song is DEMANDING my attention right now.
I remember a couple weeks back James Sutton over at the Peak in Vancouver posted the music video. He said something about it being the greatest song he heard that day… and the video has been viewed 20 million times! Isn’t that like the population of all Australia? Amazing.
I punched up the video and at the time I didn’t get it. I didn’t pay much attention and it sounded a lot like, just another indie rock jam. Cute, quality, but it didn’t emotional grab on yet yet.
Today, trolling my twitter and Brandy Taylor (by-the-by, I don’t think that’s her real last name) on Sonic in Edmonton was talking the song up. Saying the phone at the radio station explodes in joy every time she hits play. What’s interesting about that is it takes a special record to garner that kind of energy.
Now I had to check it out again. So I downloaded the song and read about the man.
Gotye – “Somebody That I Used to Know“
It sounds like Gotye is a fairly popular indie rockstar in Australia. He has a number 1 record and shows up on the Triple J “best of” charts. I can respect that.
The song might be a little off putting the first time you hit play, but stay with it. Its a grower, not a shower.
“Somebody I Used to Know” is a crushing breakup song. Wally De Backer lays down the cold reality of a breakup so completely that even though I am married, I got sad thinking about break ups past!
He sings his sad sack tale of woe. He pleads, he is confused, he questions and he’s sad.
Then the second act has the female perspective detailing what a weirdo he was and that the break up is … for the best.
Whaaaaat tha fuck.
This song is so powerful that if you are currently going through a break up, I don’t think you should listen to it. Fer realz. Like Surgeon General Warning seriousness.
When you’re in a relationship… right in the meaty thick of it… it seems so important, but after it ends… its just a foot note in your long personal history. This song captures that story wholly and completely. Amazing.
Go with yourself.
The Morning After 
Miranda has had this song on heavy rotation for the past couple of weeks. I love it. It is like early Peter Gabriel. The rest of the record is immaculate! There are weirdo Bjork-esque jams on there, Motown-style neo-soul barn burners and even a song that songs like a lost Wham! single. it is a SOLID record.
I forgot this record came out this year, but I crammed it into the top ten of my favourites of 2011 list.
REVISED Best Of 2011 list that is…
^ ha.
did you know he’s playing in Vancouver in April? I shall not be there as I will have a 3 month old. But I wish I was.
Making Mirrors is a really great album I recommend listening to the whole thing!
I’ll watch yer kid… Uncle Jeremy’s fun house is a gong show of kiddie joy! No Sex Offender free since 2005!
Jeremy – driving home last night was the best ride I’ve had in a LONG time – thanks to you!!! Started off with 2 songs from my fav Pearl Jam album, Vitality…ended with an awesome Tool song…and sandwiched between was a freaking great song with a mesmerizing beat and punch-in-your-face lyrics!
Thank you so much for the kind words Karen. 🙂