Amanda Mair – Sense

Serious music.

Tim: I think this’ll remind you slightly of a TV show theme tune. Because it did me.

Tim: And that’s a shame, because this is a vaguely alright song, and it’s just those five notes that remind me that NBC have shelved one of my favourite shows for the time being and haven’t said when they’ll bring it back.

Tom: Ah, Community. One of the best shows on television. Well, not on television any more, but still. Bit of a coincidence, by the way – our regular reader Roger just sent this same track to me after reading quite a bit about Amanda Mair. “With this single,” he says, “I understand the hype!”

Tim: Well, in that case we should probably discuss this music properly. Though actually let’s not, because to be honest, I think it’s a bit dull. Decent enough to listen to in the background, sure, and a good voice, but’s there’s nothing to really get excited about, for me anyway. It’s like it’s being serious music, as though pop music isn’t allowed to be fun any more.

Tom: Now, this is where I disagree really strongly with you. This is fun. It’s not a three-minute Eurovision spectacular, sure, and it’s got a bit more meaning behind it than the formulaic stuff – but that doesn’t mean it isn’t fun. It’s jaunty. It’s entertaining. I’m not going to be singing along to it any time soon, but it’s rather nice.

Tim: You think? Well, actually, speaking of entertaining, the video is worth mentioning, if only because I don’t like it because it’s weird and, well, doesn’t make sense (that may well be the point given that that’s the main theme of the song, but if it is then they should make it obvious and make it properly not make sense). What’s with all the signs? No idea, but if anybody does I’ll be more than happy to hear it.

Hmm. Am I coming across as a bit negative here?

Tom: Well, yes, really. Quite unjustifiably.

Tim: Rubbish. This song seems to have put me in a bad mood, and I have no idea why.

Tom: I wonder if it has that effect on anyone else?

Amanda Mair – House

“Musical blueballs”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OU2eghWj1c

Tom: It’s a slow start, Tim. This had better be good.

Tim: When first heard this, I felt utterly betrayed after 45 seconds when the build-up grew and grew and grew and stopped, and I almost switched the track off in disgust. Glad I didn’t, though, because when it next builds up it doesn’t die down, and it’s a fairly good number.

Tom: I think what you have there is a case of “musical blueballs”. That’s a technical term, y’know. I didn’t just make it up.

Tim: If that is what you say, I believe you. But regardless of whether or not I am suffering, there’s lots going on, tuneful and melodic and all that, and while it does settle into rinse and repeat territory a good couple of minutes before the end (20 second bridge excepted), it’s quite good stuff that’s being repeated, so I don’t mind. Thumbs up.

Tom: Agreed.