This week Brad (A.K.A. Mercury Teardrop) steps in as Charles Connolly takes a few days of well deserved vacation time.
𝙄𝙣𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 - 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙧𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝘾𝙤𝙣𝙣𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙮
Brad does his bit...
First, important business to get done right out of the gate. I’m stepping in for Mr. Charles Connolly this week who is on vacation and deserves our birthday wishes as he crests the gnarly knoll that is the big “40”. For those of us that have been there, our advice to Charles is certainly welcomed in the comments of this post. My permission to not hold back… now, let’s get into it, shall we?
Ah, the musical pilgrimage of a songwriter—where every note is a homage to those who shaped our sonic landscape. It's as if the essence of each decade finds its way into our very being, resonating with the cosmic rhythm of human existence itself… Ok, a bit of a cheesy starting point, but hear me out…. As I listen on repeat to “Inspiration”, there are many neurons firing that are lighting up the special parts of my brain only reserved for the finest sonic tapestries… ok, it’s a fab song, but let’s go back in time a bit first…
In all seriousness, I did have the distinct privilege of growing up in the 70s and 80s when there were so many musical innovators creating some of the best music of our modern age to date. If you are like me, you look up to those icons who were (or are) the best songwriters of our generations and learn everything you can from them. Now, full disclosure here, for me growing up, it wasn't at all about mainstream pop—it was about diving deep into the obscure, the unconventional, the avant-garde. As a teen attending High School in the early 80s, I chose The Cramps over Madonna, The Cure over Michael Jackson, and Bauhaus over Bananarama (yes, there was actually a band called Bananarama). In 1983 it was somewhat acceptable, but mostly just cool to “let yer freak-flag fly”, and music, clothing and outrageous hair were key variables in the social equation to express yourself and find like-minded friends. It was a time when being different was celebrated, where music and self-expression intertwined seamlessly; Or at least it did for me. Damn, I miss the 80s!
During these years, music was my constant companion—a soundtrack to life itself. From browsing record stores to immersing myself in the electric, intoxicating atmosphere of concerts, every moment was infused with the magic of sound. And who could forget the mixtapes, meticulously curated to enhance every experience and mood. I had a mixtape for every occasion, even “Housework”. That one I remember loading up with Sex Pistols, DOA, Dead Kennedys and other punk, just to drive my parents nuts!). Regardless of the occasion, there was a mixtape for it; It was a social and cultural way to identify. However, there were some songs and bands I loved, that, given my peers' music snobbery, were considered ultra-lame. Despite the teenage social doctrine of 'coolness,' there were always those forbidden tracks—the pop hits or the classics—that were off limits for goths, punks and new-romantics. Therefore, to stay “cool”, I often had to feign less enthusiasm for albums like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Dark Side of the Moon, and Houses of the Holly, and keep my love of these records from my youth to myself. I firmly admit to secretly loving Abba songs, but never having the confidence to openly admit it… silly adolescent brain!
Looking back, I share snippets of my formative experiences with music because they matter. Each of us is shaped by our individual relationship with music in our own unique way. My personal experiences made me evolve into a person today that deeply loves music and appreciates a good song, no matter the genre or “cool factor”… and like Prince, The Ramones, Elton John, or Tears for Fears, recognizing the common thread that ties all good songs together is simple: it is excellent song writing combined with a moving performance. The master songwriters’ ability to craft melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply with audiences is what sets them apart as legends. We, as aspiring creators, find sparks of inspiration in their work, striving to learn even a fraction from their genius and infuse our own art with the same level of passion and creativity. I truly believe as humans we are all connected through the energy of life, and music is one of the ways we all share in this energy. We have likely all experienced how music can move us to tears, make us scream with excitement, and even thrash around at times. Music is a whole body-mind experience that, in itself, is inspiring. Does music inspire life, or does life inspire music? Or both?
I sometimes think of the song writing process as “thinking in sound”. If this is the case, what was Mr. Charles Connolly “thinking” when he wrote "Inspiration"? At first listen, this is a track that combines so many sonic elements with impressive song construction. Upon repeat listening, the meticulous details of the recording creep into every corner of the headphones. From the first haunting notes, Charles’ meticulous attention to detail is evident, crafting a soundscape that envelops listeners in a sweet ‘candy-wrapper’ of lush musical textures combined with a timeless vocal performance. The production quality is simply top-notch, with intricate layers of instrumentation that create a fully immersive experience—making it essential to grab your Hi-Fi headphones and sink into the depths of the song’s meandering embrace. On this ride, the listener feels darkness and light, moves fast and slow, dreams big and small, breathes in and out, and falls up and down. “Inspiration” is a movement that beautifully depicts the ubiquitous and ephemeral nature of the things that provide inspiration in our lives. I’m not sure at all if Charles intended the song to be existential, but I feel there is a tension in the lyrics between desperation and possibility. As the score moves from minor to major, so does the sense of possibility move to the forefront - a stunning pairing of the music aligning so perfectly with the spirit of the song. I believe few artists can truly capture this emotional milieu without overthinking or coming across as cliché. Charles does this so well. Each line of the lyrics feels like a profound introspection, offering poignant insights into the complexities of our thoughts and feelings, and the relentless pursuit of one's deepest dreams – there is a tension there and the listener feels it. While the general theme of inspiration may seem commonplace and redundant, Charles infuses it with such authenticity and sincerity that it feels utterly revitalised in the context of this song.
On the musical and production side of the equation, the track sounds great. I’m never sure of Charles’ true inspirations, but given his vintage, I’m convinced he was brought up on a good diet of 80’s and 90’s pop. When I say our collective influences in our formative years make up our musical DNA, what I really mean is that the influences of those who inspire us today, have baked into them, the inspirations of past artists, tracing way back. There are memetics at play in how culture is influenced by music in every generation and, regardless of Charles’ musical diet as a youngster, the lineage of influences of his heroes, intentionally or unintentionally, comes through on this track. When I listen, I hear the influence of George Michael, Michael McDonald (Doobie Bros.), Kate Bush (brilliant), Supertramp, 10CC, Hall and Oats, Steely Dan, and many more. This song is completely original and so familiar at the same time. And… Charles, that should be taken as a compliment.
And, as you, Charles, crest the tsunami that is “40”, just know you have given the world a piece of yourself in this track that will undoubtedly inspire others. At the very least, it screams “Possibility”… and I love that!
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