The Red Circle

Today we continue my Top Ten Songs of the Decade list with #8. I’ve been tweeting a Song of the Day every day for the last 130 days, and will continue to do so until I hit one year. I have decided, though, to throw in the top 10 of the last decade during the last 10 days of the year (minus Christmas, respectively). Today I have chosen a song that took quite a while on which to decide. Find out why below.

Top Ten of the Decade – #8
Song: Live – “We Deal in Dreams”

Year: 2004

Link: ♫ http://twt.fm/358407

About: This particular song is the most “commonly structured” out of my entire list. It was risky choosing a song from a band that’s considered post-grunge, and somehow managed to plug away after their peak. Granted the band split up recently, however their songwriting has always stood out above other acts that emerged when Pearl Jam and Alice in Chains were running things. At first listen, you’ll notice that this song is really basic. The band tunes down a half step (Eb – like 95% of their songs), and provides a simple 4/4 off beat rhythm with a chorus-y guitar part in the intro. The first thirty seconds of this song sets in just like most alt-rock tunes. Almost very Creed-esque (I shivered when I said that name). Exactly one minute in, the song hits the chorus. This is where Live’s ability to grab their listeners full throttle comes into play. No, it doesn’t turn into an epic “Layla“, but it does generate power. I may be a little biased being that I’ve been a loyal, hardcore fan since the Mental Jewelry days (“Mirror Song” anyone?), but I have to say that in comparison to any other post grunge band, Live has a cult following for a reason. They have the ability to create simple anthems that speak loudly. Simplicity is something that Live have always used to their advantage. Within the last decade I’ve noticed pop rock music getting very technical and complicated (Panic! At the Disco for example), which can easily become unlikeable, and I’ve heard pop rock/ alt rock go the simplistic route, and just really suck (“Keep Away” by Godsmack – though released in 1998). The idea behind this song in particular is that it meets right in the middle… and doesn’t suck. All of the necessities are there. Chad Gracey’s off beat ride cymbal bell shots provide a tight rhythm, while the harmony vocals throughout the chorus create an atmosphere that most bands forget about. All in all, Live has always known how to be dynamic enough to make a difference. My favorite part is that this song was originally recorded during Live’s heyday for the Throwing Copper sessions as a B-side, but was later released as the only single to their 2004 Greatest Hit’s album, Awake, the Best of Live.

Share