Tempo di celebrazioni anche per gli Ash, che festeggiano venticinque anni di carriera con una nuova raccolta (tripla), “Teenage Wildlife”.
Si tratta di ben 51 brani che vanno a coprire l’intera carriera della band nordirlandese capitanata dal talentuoso Tim Wheeler, compreso un inedito, “Darkest Hour Of The Night”, che ripesca certe atmosfere più pop proposte nell’ultimo lavoro del gruppo in ordine di tempo (basti pensare a “Confessions In The Pool”).
Per il resto, i primi due dischi propongono le grandi hit del passato più o meno recente, condite da alcuni brani meno scontati: non mancano quindi il pop punk stellare di “Burn Baby Burn” ed i gioielli “Goldfinger”, “Girls From Mars” ed “Oh Yeah”, che fecero dell’esordio “1977” (prodotto da Owen Morris, la mente dietro il suono di “(What’s The Story?) Morning Glory” degli Oasis) un capolavoro assoluto nel genere. Ben rappresentato anche “Free All Angels”, il disco del botto commerciale della band (vi troviamo infatti “Shining Light”, “Walking Barefoot” e “Sometimes”, mentre viene giustamente ignorata la pasticciona “Candy”), ed uno sguardo viene concesso anche a quel gioiellino nascosto che fu “Nu-Clear Sounds”, crudo affresco pumpkinsiano ancor oggi sin troppo poco considerato (“Jesus Says”).
Inutile dire che la parte più interessante è il terzo disco, quello delle rarità: oltre ad una curiosa collaborazione con Chris Martin per una rilettura del classico “Everybody’s Happy Nowadays”, vengono ripescate varie b-sides oscure e ormai pressoché dimenticate, alcune delle quali sono gioielli assoluti. Basti pensare alle fantastiche “Skullfull Of Sulphur”, “Comet Temple 1” e soprattutto “Heroin Vodka White Noise”, assolute perle che fanno fantasticare su cosa avrebbero potuto essere gli Ash se avessero davvero premuto sull’acceleratore del coraggio e dell’inventiva.
Buone anche le rimasterizzazioni di alcuni brani del repertorio, che danno nuova vita a pezzi devastanti come “Clones” e “Kung Fu”, e perfettamente calibrati i ripescaggi dal coraggioso progetto “A-Z Series”, serie di singoli a cadenza bisettimanale pubblicati tra il 2009 e il 2010 (tutto ciò fa degli Ash dei pionieri assoluti, visto che stiamo parlando di ben undici anni fa), tra i quali spiccano perle come “Arcadia” e la stessa title track.
Una raccolta completa, esaustiva e davvero soddisfacente. Un bello spaccato di una band che ha raccolto troppo poco rispetto a quanto seminato.
Brano migliore: Goldfinger
Elenco tracce e testi
02 A Life Less Ordinary (04:15)
I smoke myself into a haze in the afternoon
Enveloped heart
And the air is cool
Put on your dress
White Goddess
And settle in as the weather folds
In the slow haze of the afternoon
Swaying hips
Made like a gun
Blackest sails
The most beautiful
Star in the world
In the air
On my tongue
Before my eyes
Beyond the stars
Beneath the sun
So take me in your arms again
Lead me in my dreams again
So what is it worth
I'll sell my soul
What is it worth
Only you know
You were conceived in my heart
Came like a dream
To save me from my mortality
Put on your dress
White Goddess
And settle in as the weather folds
Our lives will be entwined
Even when I die
You'll see me through 'till the end of time
No earthly bride
The most beautiful
Star in the world
In the air
On my tongue
Before my eyes
Beyond the stars
Beneath the sun
Take me in your arms again
Lead me in mydreams again
So what is it worth
I'll sell my soul
So what is it worth
Only you know
04 Uncle Pat (03:12)
I set off this morning
Down the road along the river
Which I take but once a year
My walk will take me by the shore
Then inland for a mile or more
From the cold sea spray
A small wood stands upon the hill
An old house near it lies in ruins
Forgotten long ago
And here in a clearing, overgrown with moss and ivy
Is your lonely grave
At dusk I will make my way
Along the lanes and through the fields
To where my cottage is
But before I step inside for bed
I'll look up at the stars as we had
All those years ago
So here's for Uncle Pat
05 Shining Light (05:09)
roman candles that burn in the night
yeah, you are a shining light
you lit a torch in the infinite, yeah
you are a shining light
yeah, you light up my life
you have always been a thorn in their side
but to me you're a shining light
you arrive and the night is alive
yeah, you are a shining light
yeah, you light up my life
we made a connection
a full on chemical reaction
brought by dark divine intervention
yeah, you are a shining light
a constellation once seen
over royal david's city
an epiphany you burn so pretty
yeah, you are a shining light
you are a force you are a constant source
yeah, you are a shining light
incandescent in the darkest night
yeah, you are a shining light
yeah, you light up my life
we made a connection
a full on chemical reaction
brought by dark divine intervention
yeah, you are a shining light
a constellation once seen
over royal david's city
an epiphany you burn so pretty
yeah, you are a shining light
these are the days you often say
there's nothing that we cannot do
beneath a canopy of stars
I'll shed blood for you
we made a connection
a full on chemical reaction
brought by dark divine intervention
yeah, you are a shining light
a constellation once seen
over royal david's city
an epiphany you burn so pretty
yeah, you are a shining light
yeah, you light up my life
yeah, you are a shining light
yeah, you light up my life
06 Starcrossed (04:50)
Behold this night, still and clear
You look here just like an angel sleeping
I wish I could ease your fears
I would catch the diamond tears you're weeping
In your eyes I would hide
By your side I could defy
The forces tearing us apart
But reality, as it seems
Looking back, is that our dream
Was fated from the start
Girl we're star-crossed and can't escape
We're condemned and can only wait
At this time now it's far too late
To save us from our fate
I'll remain in your hold
Body, mind, heart and soul
As long as I breathe
Though consequence takes its toll
All is out of our control
That's how it will be
So close your eyes my young bride
Listen to me one last time
There's something I have to say
When your faith turns to despair
Always will my love be there
And never fade away
Girl we're star-crossed and can't escape
We're condemned and can only wait
At this time now it's far too late
To save us from our fate
You can't save us
You can't save us
Girl we're star-crossed and can't escape
We're condemned and can only wait
At this time now it's far too late
The poison's in our veins
It's true
You know that I'd die for you
You know that I'd die for you
You know that I'd die for you
Forever true
I'll see you through
09 Goldfinger (04:32)
Move closer, set my mind on fire
Taking over, the world seems so alive
The world seems so alive
She slips into the night, and she is gone
Gone to settle the score, gone into the town
Rain shining in her eyes
Her brother started school
Again today, a thought to pass the time
To occupy my mind, while I'm waiting for her
Down in the basement, listening to the rain
Thinking things over. I think it over again
I think it over again
She slips into the night, and she was gone
Gone to settle the score, gone into the town
Rain shining in her eyes
Her brother started school
Again today, a thought to pass the time
To occupy my mind, while I'm waiting for her
I'm riding it down, listen to the rain
She'll be here soon, I lie back and drift away
I lie back and drift away.
She slips into the night, and she was gone
Gone to settle the score, gone into the town
Rain shining in her eyes
Her brother started school
Again today, a thought to pass the time
To occupy my mind, while I'm waiting for her
I'm feeling so alive, feeling so real
On a stormy night, the rain is coming down
Rain like never before
I've got some records on, some bottles of wine
On a stormy night, the rain is lashing down
And I'm waiting for her
10 Envy (03:35)
Here's a taste of the seven sins
Driven to distraction, waiting on your call
I am getting trigger happy but it doesn't help at all
No, and i can't even think, with you still in my head
No, and i cannot do anything, i want you in my head
Envy, envy, envy (x2)
Breathless, weak i'm distracted, i wanna get under your skin
Like a fever, you leave my mouth dry, but i can't do anything
Can't stop this burning from within
C'mon baby, c'mon baby, c'mon baby, c'mon
Fingertips in the honey dipped, you know it set my soul on fire
From her sultry hips to her velvet lips
You know i couldn't get much higher
I lose my concentration, walk around in a dream
So come on give me some of your reaction, I wanna know explicitly
How it feels, so dirty sweet
Envy, envy, envy (x2)
C'mon baby, c'mon baby, c'mon baby, c'mon
Too much! Too much!
Got struck by a lightning bolt
Between the eyes, got paralysed
Way before i realised, hypnotised
Conspiracy, mystery, the air she breathes
Controversy, i'm heading for the deep freeze
Envy, envy, envy
Envy, envy, envy
From the east to the west
The north to the south
I want you so bad
Wanna turn you inside out
I wanna all night long
Feel the sweet sensations
Sassy temptations
Of her hot vibrations.
11 Sometimes (04:08)
Can't sleep in the city, you're far away,
Cigarettes keep you skinny, and your mind off the rain,
Oh sometimes, sometimes,
Oh sometimes, sometimes
Feelings are distant, I know guilt by name,
It was the hardest thing, watching you slip away,
Oh sometimes, sometimes
Oh sometimes, sometimes,
Sometimes it happens, feelings die,
Whole years are lost in the blink of an eye,
We once had it all but events conspired,
Sometimes
Good morning sweet thing, you're safe in my hands,
I am no saint, but I understand,
Oh sometimes, sometimes,
Oh sometimes, sometimes
Sometimes, it happens feelings die,
Whole years are lost in the blink of an eye,
We once had it all but events conspired,
Sometimes
Now that it's over, it is through,
It gets me every time I think of you,
Sometimes it happens, feelings die,
Sometimes
I miss your warm skin, beside me at night,
I miss your flesh, in the dawn light,
Oh sometimes, sometimes,
Oh sometimes, sometimes
Sometimes, it happens feelings die,
Whole years are lost in the blink of an eye,
We once had it all but events conspired,
Sometimes,
Saturn's decline in my star sign,
Seasonal adjustments, stars realign,
Sometimes it happens, feelings die,
Oh sometimes.
15 Kung Fu (02:17)
Kung Fu do what you do to me
I haven't been the same since my teenage lobotomy
Full on, I moved to Hong Kong
With Bruce Lee's brother and Johnny Wong
I think it's strange
He's friends with Fu Manchu
And he thinks he knows you
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
Oh Daniel San made in Tailand
Come on Jackie Chan
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
Last night Jackie Chan came around
I played pool with him and we hung out
Mr. Miagi and the X-men
Called in for a while as well
I think it's strange
He's friends with Fu Manchu
And he thinks he knows you
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
Oh Daniel San made in Tailand
Come on Jackie Chan
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
Gary Glitter!
Scooby Doo!
Rock McMurray!
And last but not least
Ladies and gentleman
I give you...
JOHNNY WONG!
Kung Fu do what you do to me
I can't live without my Kung Fu movies
'Shanghai Killers' and 'Deadly Road'
My life was ruined when the Green Dragon closed
Oh I think it's strange
He's friends with Fu Manchu
And he thinks he knows you
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
Oh Daniel San made in Tailand
Come on Jackie Chan
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
I think it's strange
He's friends with Fu Manchu
And he's in love with you
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
Oh Daniel San made in Tailand
Come on Jackie Chan
Uh uh uh uh uh oh
18 Girl From Mars (03:28)
Do you remember the time I knew a Girl From Mars?
I don't know if you knew that
Oh we'd stay up late playing cards
Henri Winterman Cigars
Though she never told me her name
I still love you, Girl From Mars
Sitting in our dreamy daze by the water's edge
On a cool summer night
Fireflies and the stars in the sky
Gentle glowing light
From your cigarette
The breeze blowing softly on my face
Reminds me of something else
Something that in my memory has been misplaced
Suddenly all comes back
And as I look to the stars
I remember the time I knew a Girl From Mars
I don't know if you knew that
Oh we'd stay up late playing cards
Henri Winterman Cigars
Though she never told me her name
I still love you, Girl From Mars
Surging through the darkness over the moonlight strand
Electricity in the air
Twisting all through the night on the terrace
Now that summer's here
I know that you are almost in love with me
I can see it in your eyes
Strange light shimmering over the sea tonight
And it almost blows my mind
And as I look to the stars
I remember the time I knew a Girl From Mars
I don't know if you knew that
Oh we'd stay up late playing cards
Henri Winterman Cigars
Though she never told me her name
I still love you, Girl From Mars
Today I sleep in the chair by the window
It felt as if you'd returned
I thought that you were standing over me
When I woke there was no-one there
I still love you, Girl From...
MARS!
Do you remember the time I knew a Girl From Mars?
I don't know if you knew that
Oh we'd stay up late playing cards
Henri Winterman Cigars
Though she never told me her name
Do you remember the time I knew a Girl From Mars?
I don't know if you knew that
Oh we'd stay up late playing cards
Henri Winterman Cigars
And I still dream of you
I still love you, Girl From Mars
20 Wildsurf (03:29)
Come On
Yeah come on come on while we still can
Yeah come on come on while it still stands
Burning in my head
Tonight Beneath the moon rays
We stand in the doorway
Looking towards other skies
They are yours and mine for now
Yeah ride
Ride the wild surf
Until the dawn
Is ushered in at your word
Your heart must always burn
Burn like a star
In the cold night
Yeah burn until the dawn light
And make it to as new time
Burning in my head
Yeah so come on
Yeah come on while we still can
Yeah come on while it still stands
Burning in my head
Tonight the sky above us
Dark and wondrous
How could you be unsure
It's all mine and your now
Yeah ride
Ride the wild surf
Until the dawn
Is ushered in at your word
Your heart must always burn
Burn like a star
In the cold night
Yeah burn until the dawn light
And make it to as new time
Burning in my head
Yeah we're gonna make it too the new times
We're gonna make it from the old times
We're gonna make it to the good times that's for sure
Ain't gonna let it slip away
Ain't gonna let this chance fade
Ain't gonna let it go in vain
Ain't gonna let it slip away
Yeah so come on
Yeah come on while we still can
Yeah come on while it still stands
Burning in my head
In the cold night
Yeah burn until the dawn light
And make it to a new time
Burning in my head
21 Burn Baby Burn (03:27)
You're all I have in this teenage twilight
Your golden hair and pale blue eyes
But through all the days and the sleepless nights
We have never been satisfied
Tumbling like the leaves
Yeah we are spiraling on the breeze
Almost to the point of no return
Everything will Burn Baby Burn
Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognize
Binds that can't be untied
Oh this is slow suicide
Feelings that I can't disguise
And later we'll be reconciled
Oh but something inside has died
You walk like you're in a daze
Unresponsive eyes in a distant gaze
Like all the good times have flown away
And the memory leaves a bitter taste
Tumbling like the leaves
Yeah we are spiralling on the breeze
Destructive love is all we have
Destructive love is all I am
Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognize
Binds that can't be untied
Oh this is slow suicide
Feelings that I cant disguise
And later we'll be reconciled
Oh but something inside has died
Vicious bitter words
Becoming more and more cruel
But you always take me back
And let me lick your wounds
Tumbling like the leaves
Yeah we are spiraling on the breeze
Almost to the point of no return
Everything will Burn Baby Burn
Look into my tired eyes
See someone you don't recognise
Binds that can't be untied
Oh this is slow suicide
Feelings that I cant disguise
We're living in a compromise
Oh but something inside has died
22 Angel Interceptor (04:08)
I stayed in last night
I wasn't feeling alright
I knew it couldn't last
I started thinking of you
Oh and I wished we could be dancing in the dark
Really slow
Oh it's good to know, tomorrow you are coming home
I won't be so alone
I feel heaven in you, dont you know I feel heaven in you
Dont you know I feel heaven in you
Oh its true
I cant let go
I miss you, oh you know
Sitting alone, with the TV on
I fell asleep, I was hoping youd call
And I dreamed we were dancing in the dark
Really slow
Oh it's good to know, tomorrow you are coming home
I wont be so alone
I feel heaven in you, dont you know I feel heaven in you
Dont you know I feel heaven in you
Oh it's true
I can't let go
I miss you, oh you know
Angel Interceptor, Apollo 21, Uri Gargarin
Flew into the sun
The angels in heaven look down where he lay
Well tomorrow youre coming home
I feel heaven in you, dont you know I feel heaven in you
Don't you know I feel heaven in you
Oh it's true
I can't let go
I miss you, oh you know
23 Jesus Says (04:43)
One million light years from home
Throwing up and feeling small
Where have I gone and landed tonight
I've been shot right to the core
Of NYC and hostility yeah
But you gotta laugh
'Cos there's something that I cannot do without
And it's in your hand
Where have I gone and landed tonight
A million light years from home
Throwing up and feeling small
And now I know that my mind is blown
'Cos there's something that I cannot do without
Something that I understand
Yeah there's something that I cannot do without
And it's in your hand
Cut down shot down
Any way you please
Don't get nothing for free
Big time small time
Any way you choose yeah
Don't mean nothing to me
Where have I gone and landed tonight
God give me strength
In a land of fakes and small time petty thieves
Must be the wrong place
'Cos all my honesty is true yeah
But it's gone to waste
On a soulless superficial void
Called the human race
Cut down shot down
Any way you please
Don't get nothing for free
Big time small time
Any way you choose yeah
Yeah but you gotta compete
Where have I gone and landed tonight
Throwing up and feeling small
One million light years from home
I've been shot right to the core
Of NYC and hostility yeah
But you gotta laugh
'Cos there's something that I cannot do without
And it's in your hand
Cut down shot down
Any way you please
Don't get nothing for free
Big time small time
Any way you choose yeah
Don't mean fuck all to me
Yeah I've been cut down shot down
Any way you please yeah
Sisters and brothers please yeah
Big time small time
Any way you please yeah
Don't mean nothing to me
24 Petrol (04:11)
The cars come up the drive, so many people inside,
Under the stars they smile, they want to invade my home
I pace the darkened hall, try to consider it all
In the dull lamps glow and the truth is I don't know
The cars stop outside, they all stay inside
The house is drenched in light, but what have I done wrong?
I quietly climb the stairs, I remember all the years,
I check everything is right I need to hurry-now!
I've been preparing for days, I know exactly what to say
'No one will be around, no one will take me down'
They'll all get in back in the cars, and maybe they'll go home
But the things they'll never know, like where it is I go
26 Orpheus (04:15)
That summer I did nothing
Just sleeping, thinking and hanging around
Left the dark streets of September
As the air was cooling down
Woah yeah it was cooling down
I need the sunshine in the morning
I'm heading for the open road
Sunshine in the morning
Lord you gotta let it flow
Ever since I lost her
Seems the more I learn, the less I know
Everyday I think about her
But if I look back I'll turn to stone
To stone, woah yeah gonna turn to stone
I need the sunshine in the morning
I'm heading for the open road
Sunshine in the morning
Lord you gotta let it flow
I need the sunshine in the morning
Yeah I gotta feel its glow
Sunshine in the morning
Lord you gotta let it flow
I'm heading for the open road x8
It hit me without warning
I was left out on my own
The sad times they were forming
I went through them alone
A new day it is dawning
I feel the pain is gone
The open world is calling
And I am moving on
I need the sunshine in the morning
I'm heading for the open road
Sunshine in the morning
Lord you gotta let it flow
I need the sunshine in the morning
Yeah I gotta feel its glow
Sunshine in the morning
Lord you gotta let it flow
27 Walking Barefoot (04:14)
Your beauty took my breath away,
in awe all day,
your company was so relaxing,
easy going ways,
we saw the first signs of summer and springtime change,
walking barefoot along the sand,
i hadn't planned to stay
yeah we've been walking barefoot
all summer
it'll be sad my friend
to see it come to an end
why can't we just quit
you are broke all summer
but you still sing
don't need money when it's sunny,
don't need anything
just need music and sun and laughter
and no currency
the sun on your bare shoulders,
comes for free
yeah we've been walking barefoot
all summer
it'll be sad my friend
to see it come to and end
why can't we just quit
yeah we've been walking barefoot
all summer
why can't we just design
to live like this all the time
why can't we just quit
sand ran through my fingers
and the land was hot
anointed by appolo
and his chariot
disarmed by your charm,
that night i felt it again
addictive and consuming,
love's sweet pain
yeah we've been walking barefoot
all summer
it'll be sad my friend
to see it come to an end
why can't we just quit
our days are as the wind blows us,
we are free
you've a quiet life out of town
of coastal ease
the wind it has no pattern,
we take life slow
and when the night has fallen,
our cup overflows
when the summer's gone
and the room is cold
when you're looking at the rain
and it just won't go
remember when the sun was hot
and high above
remember when the days were long
and we were in love
yeah we've been walking barefoot
all summer
it'll be sad my friend
to see it come to an end
why can't we just quit
yeah we've been walking barefoot
all summer
why can't we just design
to live like this all the time
why can't we just quit
28 Jack Names The Planets (02:54)
We were walking, walking in two worlds
In the gardens of sunlight home
Bad children on the phone
Withheld me to withhold you
Said I'd kiss you if you want
You've got things back to front
I got a letter, I sent it back
I didn't like It, what you had
Jack names the planets after you
When I turned you had gone away
So I didn't skip upon that day
Morose feeling, small mind
Don't touch it's face you might like its kind
Said I'd kiss you if you want
You've got things back to front
Don't mind your spelling, it ain't so bad
Things like that they never made me quite so mad as you
Jack names the planets after you
I wish you'd come back everythings ready for you
You are welcome if you plan to
You can come walking and you know where
You've got understand that you got to care
Said I'd kiss you if you want
You've got things back to front
My mother's dying I've got to go home
But there's more you wont be solely on your own
Jack names the planets after you
32 Clones (04:00)
Now you're a clone
With a heart of stone
Synthetic soul
Brainwashed and cold
You're just a drone
Got no control
Forced in a mold
Processed and sold
Hey!
You know i find it frightning
How you change just as fast as lightning
You fell from grace
Leavin no trace
You've been replaced
You're name erased
Hey!
It's just self-destruction
You never listened to my instructions
Shame, shame, shame, shame
Shame
That everyones the same
I thought u stood alone
We're different from the clones
You were a flash of white
A major ride
You're making time
Now im outta sight
For I have seen
What could've been
A very dream
A prophecy
Hey!
Now there's no use waiting
Everything is disintegrating
Shame
Everyone's the same
I thought u stood alone
We're different from the clones
I thought u were the true
Exception to the rule
But the truth is cruel
Clones, clones, clones, clones
Clones, clones, clones, clones
Yeah!
Hey!
Now theres no use waiting
Everything is disintegrating
Shame
Everyone's the same
I thought you stood alone
We're different from the clones
I thought u were the true
Exception to the rule
But the truth is cruel
34 Oh Yeah (04:46)
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
On warm June evenings she would come to my house
Still in her school skirt and her summer blouse
Talking too long as the night came on
It was the best time of my life
Her bee stung lips, kisses sweeter than wine
The things she whispered with breathless sighs
The summer air was soft and warm
Her eyes were making silent demands
As her hair came undone in my hands
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
Driving her home after midnight
I felt so good everything was alright
Her thoughts seemed lost in the night sky
I remember everything
I don't know why these things ever end
I sometimes wish it was that summer again
I still see her in my sleep
And hear the sighing of the summer wind
Still I don't regret one thing
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
Oh yeah, she was taking me over
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
It felt just like it was the start of forever
And oh yeah, it was the start of the summer
35 Projects (03:53)
Drowsy eyes
Waves are crashing on the shore
No longer make out any form
Drift to sleep
Beneath cool sheets
As when I was a boy
Waves rolling on the shore
In distant sound
Dark in heaven baby that's for sure
Dark in heaven baby that's for sure
Settling voice
Endless depth in my ears
Tongue that sears
Hopes and fears
The voice is infinite
Starlit seas
Midnight breeze beneath cool sheets
The surf sighs in sympathy
Drift to sleep
Dark in heaven baby that's for sure
Dark in heaven baby that's for sure
Dark swells the sea
Time is ripping at the seams
Symphonic rain
Symphonic rain
Symphonic rain
Symphony
Ouside is black
In the projects
Wanted back
Standing at the end of tine
In ecstasy
Ecstasy
Ecstasy
Ecstasy
Ecstasy
Ecstasy
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