My last review is reserved for the band Fun.
I kind of wanted to write this review as an apologetic tribute to the band that I once abhorred, as a way to make up for all of the times I spouted hate for their style, and sound. Honestly, although I definitely still hate quite a bit of Fun's work, I take it all back.
Last summer, I did an internship in a city about 30 minutes away from where I live, and I swear-I maxed out my car's sound system and listened to "Some Nights" on a constant loop LITERALLY the entire commute, both to and from work each day. The first time I heard that song it hit a familiar nerve in me and took me through a slew of emotions I never thought I'd experience after simply listening to a song. Naturally, I downloaded it and listened to it a few more times to see if I had really understood the lyrics. Other songs have moved me in the past, but honestly, I find it hard to relate to most music on the radio these days. I'm not a pimp, a slut, a party animal without a care in the world, a lonely or brokenhearted person, or a pill-popping addict. I haven't been cheated on, and I'm not a cheater. My heart isn't a stereo, and I'm really not the "uber tough, you can't touch this because I'm a WOMAN who just needs to catch my breath" type. Seriously-there is nothing on the radio today that relates to who I am and what I'm doing with my life right now.
Even though I really can't relate to what Fun sings about in Some Nights, I feel like the story and telling of events in this song really helped me to understand a lot about certain people in my life that I had never been able to understand before. And most importantly-this song addressed an issue that is compelling and in some ways intriguing to think about, especially in today's world. I applaud Fun for opening my mind with this song.
And since then the song "Carry On" has been released which, again, I can't EXACTLY relate to, but I feel is a song that each of us will one day understand (if not already). "May your past be the sound, of your feet upon the ground"---yes! I like the simplicity of the message-just carry on! I may not be lost and alone right now, and I'm not going through difficult times by any means, but this is a song that I am sure I will be glad to recall when such times arise. Unlike some of the other "honest" songs out there, Carry On gives you a positive take-home message, rather than leaving you with the empty and depressed feelings that many post-modern works will. Props again, on an amazing song.
Lastly and most recently, Fun and Pink pulled together to bring us "Just Give Me a Reason". The idea that we can learn to love again.... yeah, that moved me. Not to mention the song (and all of the songs that I've mentioned so far) is downright beautiful. The combined vocal talent AND a song worth listening to?! Not to mention the live version actually sounds better than the studio.
Side note: Pink's song "Try" is another move-me and I was shocked and impressed by it. THEN I WATCHED THE LIVE PERFORMANCE! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqUFTWi1pVg The talent in this video is downright amazing. I was shocked. The vocals aren't as strong as usual for her, but that could be because she's doing... well, what she's doing. Just watch the video.
So anyway, that's for you, Fun. Nate Ruess, you're quite a bit more talented than I had initially perceived, and I legitimately feel bad/dumb for saying otherwise. Keep doing what you're doing---because I love it!
(really sorta hoping that this post will make me miss writing and force me to do it again... )
