Love Songs – Day 5
The power of love is magnetic. It can also be fussy, finicky and, heck, full of bliss! Below are more examples of songs that embody this emotion that keeps songwriters in business and us pining for more.
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Assistant Arts Editor Barbara Castonguay‘s Picks:
“Le collier” — Olivier Messiaen: Messiaen wrote this poem and dedicated it to his wife. “The necklace” in the title refers to her two arms around his neck in the morning in an embrace. Domestic bliss + Messiaen = my favorite love song of all time.
“In My Life” — The Beatles: Not just one of the greatest love songs, but one of the greatest songs of all time. Period.
“Into My Arms” — Nick Cave: So, to be honest, it was between this song and Billie Holiday’s “The Very Thought of You.” Both are great songs, but Cave’s lyrics are soulful enough to push him out front.
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I have hundreds of “favorites,” but these three are on my mind lately:
“Time After Time” (1947, Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn) — It expresses not only passion, but also appreciation for a lover you’ve come to know deeply. This song of grown-up love says: “I will never take you for granted.” Sinatra’s 1957 version is perfect.
“Midnight Sun” (1947) — It embodies the delirium of new love in the dizzying harmonies of Lionel Hampton and Sonny Burke and the hallucinogenic lyrics, added seven years years after the music was written, by Johnny Mercer, fit exactly. Natalie Cole’s version is crazy hot.
“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” — Love ought to be fun, right? Way back in 1931, Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler distilled the comic exasperation of being in love with someone you can barely stand in “Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea.” Its dancey, syncopated energy remains irresistible. Duke Ellington rocked it. Don’t miss the sweet version by our special mystery guest, and Bing swings.
(Listen to The Duke play on. Video will open to the YouTube page version.)
Look for more Power of Three: Love Songs next week on TCD!
Read more!
Love Songs from 93.3’s CV and Jane; Lisa Townsel Day 1
Love Songs from Salvation Army’s Faithe Colas; Cesar Rojas Day 2
Love Songs from Sunset Playhouse’s Jonathan West; Judith Ann Moriarty Day 3
Love Songs from WMSE’s Erin Wolf; DJ Hostettler Day 4
