3. Maps Yeah Yeah Yeahs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oIIxlgcuQRU Yes, this sounds like one of the saddest things ever written, but coming back to the original premise here - what makes a great love song? Well, it's us against the world is one of the qualifications, and I've yet to her something that surpasses the longing in the way Karen O sings 'Wait, they don't love you like I love you, wait, they don't love you like I love you, maps.' So is this a song of love or heartbreak? Well it's undoubtedly the former, this is a story of devotion. The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are usually such a charmingly cocky band, but they seem so humble here, both in the delivery of the song and the devastating vocal. Restraint is the keyword and they're bringing the story to life as a band - despite the tears they've created this is the best thing that they've ever written. I think they should do more of this. And who is Maps? Well apparently the title is an acronym for 'My Angus Please Stay', a reference to her boyfriend of the time, and from the sound of this song, he's one of the most loved and lucky people ever and the envy of anyone who wanted to have a true love song written about them, which is all of us right? Oh, and apparently the tears in the video are real, which just puts the cherry on the top of a marvellous, wonderful song about love. A song to be listened to over and over again, and played to the one you love endlessly.
Ed Nash
Contributor
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
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