Barenaked Ladies
I love this band. It is a love affair that has gone on for many years now. The song which introduced me to them was 'If I had $1000000' - which is about as classic as any song can be. Its easy going melodies, witty lyrics and charming manner made it an instant hit for me. Even now - at lest 5 years later - I have to chuckle and smile when I hear this song. They have one other song which people recognise htem by - this was the other song that got me into the band. The Inspriational 'One Week' is an instant hit to anyone who hears it. To many, grasping the wit and lyrics of this song is acheivement enough; others strive to be able to sing the song word for word; others just love it for the sound.
Doubtless, there are many out there who don't recognise either of these songs, so I'll give a brief description of who BnL are. It will have to be brief, because they are so many things I could ramble about it all day. They are a 5 piece band of Canadians. They are essentially and alternate rock band with charmingly country/folk undertones. The lead singer and songwriter - Steven Paige - has a beautiful, powerful, delighfully accented voice. Their lead guitarist, Ed Robertson, has a long term love for country & western music, and the band's guitar sounds are frequently beautiful, subtle, picking rythms. However, the guys know how to rock out too. Thier faster, rockier works are collections of 3-chord-wonders, with a delightfully subtle folk hint. Whether BnL are playing acoustically, electionically, noisily or quietly - they are a constant delight. With the powerful vocals and wonderful guitars - you'd think the band has everything. But there's more. The bassist is an inspiraton - on electric bass guitar or double bass. His live bass solo on double bass was one of the most awesome things I'd ever heard. The drummer never plays the same drumbeat twice, and plays with a wonderful flair. And punctuated throughout their songs are beautiful piano tunes, playfully flirting with the rest of the music. I often think these piano flourishes are what makes the band so great - but then I realise that its just one of many factors.
Perhaps their greatest asset is the wit of the songwriters, Steven Paige and Ed Robertson. These guys - in fact, the whole band - has a fantastic sense of humour. They have been described as 'clowns with a serious message' - and this is pretty true. Their songs are frequently funny both musically and lyrically. However, they love irony, and have a very definate serious side which frequently comes close to bringing me out in tears. This means two things. On the one hand, they're a happy, easy going, laughable band: and so are very appealing and easy to get into. Yet behind the laughs, they speak powerfully on human nature, teenage angst, growing up, relationships both happy and sad, the world of work and emotional values. All told with such style and grace as to be too good to be true.
A description of BnL is not complete without comment on their live performances. I was lucky enough to see the band when they toured the UK in spring 2004. There are few nights of my life which I have enjoyed more. Certainly, I have never seen a greater live performance. They play on stage with boundless energy, clearly enjoying themselves. I remember all to cleart Ed playing guitar like a legend, with such a stupid wide grin on his face - it was utterly heart warming to see the guys doing something they clearly love. Of course, the music is always of an exceptional standard. Seeing them live, it is clear how widely talented these guys are - instruments were frequently swapped around, an acoustic mini-set was staged, no two songs have the same style. Simply marvellous. And that sense of humour I mentioned? These guys could do stand up. Short breaks between songs were filled with improvised raps, hilarious conversations between the band, banter, jokes, stoires. I would have been quite happy had the guys not played a single song! This is an absolute must see band - there is nothing quite like them.
Listed below are some of my favourite songs. Click on their name to see the lyrics, and read about what I think of them.
Call And Answer
What A Good Boy
One Week
Brian Wilson
When I Fall
Pinch Me
Too Little Too Late