http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6xU96KLBL4 Whist The Pixies could often sound like one of the angriest bands ever mainly due to the power of Black Francis' howl - they wrote some of the most bittersweet songs of all time and 'Hey!' is their leading light on that list. Sounding like they've recorded it live in one take, it's the story of a love that's gone badly wrong and despite everything the protagonist is hanging on for dear life. The Romeo and Juliet of this story are emotionally chained to each other. So there are two ways to look at this, is this a depressing tale or an uplifting one? Well, the answer is both. Love is hard to find and easy to lose. Lots of songs on this list talk about how physically and mentally demanding heartbreak is, and heartbreak isn't just about solitude, it's affecting both people in each tale - the way he sings "Mary, ain't you tired of this?' sums it up perfectly. But it's not a happy love, its necessity, habit, literally being chained to someone. So why does this make the list? Well apart from the fact that the music is marvellous - listen to the wonderful guitar solo and try and think of a set of notes that got the nub of a tune so succinctly? And the words are beautifully sad. The answer is this... is...the... sound... of modern love.
What makes music fantastic? Star quality, amazing music, breathtaking lyrics and the ability to bring something new to the table, even if that means a new take on the classics. That's what I love to listen to and write about.
As well as writing for What Culture, I occasionally write a blog http://tedney.blogspot.co.uk and sometimes use Twitter, but sparingly @TedneyNash