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Michael Penn — Me Around
Album: Resigned
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1199









Released: 1997
Length: 2:28
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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The fire that this town can see
Is me alight in effigy
I suppose baby don't want me around
She threw my stuff into a pit
And laughed aloud as I dove after it
I suppose baby don't want me around

Is this the place you want to be?
Out of the woods
Out of control
And is it really only me
Who never gets here with you

She changed the number, changed the lock
A rubber door in case I knock
I suppose baby don't want me around

Is this the place you want to be?
Out of the woods
Out of control
And is it really only me
Who never gets here with you

Looking up your balcony
By the light of the moon I will be
I suppose baby don't want me around

The stars above they are not real
They are the sparks from smitten steel
I propose forging is making that sound
Baby don't want me around
Baby don't want me
I suppose my baby don't want me around
Comments (97)add comment
Yes Beatles for sure but at first I thought it was a Jayhawks tune I hadn't heard before. Then I saw Michael Penn. I very much like his and Aimee's duet cover of the Beatles Two of Us from the soundtrack to the movie I Am Sam. 
Posted 6 months ago by brucewho    [ Reply ]
The cover is a reference to the cult TV series The Prisoner with the late, great Patrick McGoohan. I just thought you'd like that wee bit of 60s trivia :o)
Posted 1 year ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
 inbagt wrote:

A lot of people are thinking Beatles or Kinks but I'm kind of hearing Matthew Sweet.



which also makes sense, good  call. i think sweet was influenced by those song patterns, also.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
yay! my upload from back in the early days.

very beatle-esque, i think.
Posted 1 year ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
I think this must be the guy Lucinda Williams is trying to shake off.
Posted 1 year ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
Saw Michael Penn, Wilco and Sheryl Crow when MP was supporting this album.

Awesome show from all three! Shawn Colvin joined SC for a number too.
Posted 3 years ago by Ok_Sobriquet    [ Reply ]
The Beatles influence is obvious and I hear some Crowded House and Jellyfish, too (and those bands would have been influenced by the Beatles, as well).
Posted 3 years ago by nottheusualkind    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Funny all the Beatles comments, because I immediately thought of the Kinks. A good tune.
 

Good tune. Lots of references to the Beatles and the Kinks. I thought about Crowded House 
Posted 3 years ago by oHelvetos    [ Reply ]
First Tame Impala a few songs back, sounding like Lennon, and now Michael Penn, sounding like Macca. Who the hell sounds like Ringo and George?
Posted 3 years ago by tinypriest    [ Reply ]
A very enjoyable track. 
I can't think of any instances of Reverse tape effects or Backmasking that I didn't like.  I think it is the impression of things understood by few and mysterious or secret that makes it so captivating.
Posted 4 years ago by Michael_Dean    [ Reply ]
Had to come read the comments - thought this might be a long lost Beatles tune I never heard of.  Young Paul or what?
Posted 7 years ago by marklaw    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Funny all the Beatles comments, because I immediately thought of the Kinks. A good tune.
 
He's primarily using a minor-key, cabaret-style progression, similar to ones used by The Kinks ("Sunny Afternoon", Dead-End Street", etc.), so its origins go back well before the 1960s - more like the 1920s.
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 mardisoninnc wrote:
Great song from a phenomenal musician!  Thanks for playing it, RP!  By the way, where has Mr. Penn been, and what has he been up to?

 
I agree, and I've been wondering what he's been up to as well. His wikipedia page says he's been doing soundtracks (like Showtime's Masters of Sex) and producing for acts like Aimee Mann and the Wallflowers. And still married to Aimee all these years too. Cool.
Posted 7 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
A lot of people are thinking Beatles or Kinks but I'm kind of hearing Matthew Sweet.
Posted 8 years ago by inbagt    [ Reply ]
Great song from a phenomenal musician!  Thanks for playing it, RP!  By the way, where has Mr. Penn been, and what has he been up to?
Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
 pinto wrote:

And sounds like Luce as well

 
Agreed - sounds "beatle-y"
Posted 8 years ago by mfair1    [ Reply ]
 dpvest wrote:

kinky beatles

 
And sounds like Luce as well
Posted 8 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
 Dave_Mack wrote:
Funny all the Beatles comments, because I immediately thought of the Kinks. A good tune.
 
kinky beatles
Posted 8 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
Funny all the Beatles comments, because I immediately thought of the Kinks. A good tune.
Posted 9 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
Penn was THROROUGHLY brilliant in his first four CDs.
Macca/Lennon sound and tone and touch.
Unsurpassed word play, catchy pop hooks, just sublime songcraft.
Divine stuff.
Posted 9 years ago by gjeeg    [ Reply ]
 fredriley wrote:
For younger listeners not au fait with 60s cult TV series, the album cover is a direct reference to The Prisoner, written by and starring Patrick McGoohan as the eponymous prisoner. A series of political and social allegories which still has direct relevance in these days of 24/7 surveillance. Recently remade to universal disacclaim for US TV.

Be seeing you (wink)
Prisoner series 'logo'
 
Still appropriate 4 years on
Posted 9 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
I thought it was "Maca" singing at first.....
Posted 10 years ago by Pioneer_Sing    [ Reply ]
 Bargamon wrote:
I do hear that beatles thing.........

That make it good?  Perhaps!

 
It makes me hit the PSD
Posted 10 years ago by SmackDaddy    [ Reply ]
 rez wrote:
Everyone seems to think it sounds like the Beatles but at first listen I thought it was something by the Move. (I guess they're not quite as well known as the Beatles though).

 
The Move in the 60s, Supergrass in the 90's and 17 gaziillion others starting in 1962 and continuing through 2014 are massively influenced by the greatest band ever to play guitars and drums.
Posted 10 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
 justin4kick wrote:
Beatlesque!

 
Supergrassque!
{#Wink}
Posted 10 years ago by Cachatons    [ Reply ]
All of Michael Penn's albums have been absolutely fantastic. One of the most consistent (in terms of quality) singer-songwriters out there. Keep it coming!
Posted 11 years ago by MIkePogo    [ Reply ]
Beatles lite.
Posted 11 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
Beatlesque!
Posted 11 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
my upload!
Posted 11 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 martinc wrote:
Is that a clarinet and guitar duel in the solo?
 
Although hardly a duel, clearly sounds clarinet-like, but no breathing? - so, probably synth?


Posted 12 years ago by HipShooter    [ Reply ]

Penn is really good!

And obviously a big BEATLES fan!


Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Quite simply not the strongest track on this brilliant album. Do like the twangy, distorted guitar the leads to the chorus.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Is that a clarinet and guitar duel in the solo?
Posted 12 years ago by martinc    [ Reply ]
Not the best MP, but I'll take it.
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Love his wife as a singer/songwriter.  Love his brother as an actor/director.

Like this song as well.  Me doesn't just think - me knows - that both Michael & Aimee listened to much Beatles.

Love their version of Two of Us from the Soundtrack to Sean's I Am Sam film.
Posted 12 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]
I do hear that beatles thing.........

That make it good?  Perhaps!
Posted 12 years ago by Bargamon    [ Reply ]
Good song...but I really like much of this album more than this track. But I'll stop complaining and listen and enjoy....sheeeesh!
Posted 12 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Everyone seems to think it sounds like the Beatles but at first listen I thought it was something by the Move. (I guess they're not quite as well known as the Beatles though).
Posted 13 years ago by rez    [ Reply ]
{#Guitarist}  There's something vaguely Beatle-esque about his style.  I like it.  Give it a 9.  Oh, I see that jools already mentioned it.  Therefore it must be true.  {#Tongue-out}

Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
Well, I like it!  Michael Penn has a lot of stuff to overcome (namely, the last name.)  I think he's doing a great job. I'll buy his music, once I get money.
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
For younger listeners not au fait with 60s cult TV series, the album cover is a direct reference to The Prisoner, written by and starring Patrick McGoohan as the eponymous prisoner. A series of political and social allegories which still has direct relevance in these days of 24/7 surveillance. Recently remade to universal disacclaim for US TV.

Be seeing you (wink)
Prisoner series 'logo'

Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
He sounds like the love child of John and Paul - spooky..
Posted 14 years ago by jools    [ Reply ]
i was never that into the Beatles, but this is pretty melodic...

{#Lol}
Posted 14 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
i think i really like michael penn.
Posted 14 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
love this - must hear more
Posted 14 years ago by bindi    [ Reply ]
Michael Penn channeling Jellyfish.
Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
a good time to get up and use the restroom I think
Posted 15 years ago by ober9000    [ Reply ]
 funkaholic wrote:
Too derivative. Lame lyrics. Dude's got nothin'.
 
No sir, I've resigned myself to liking this tune so don't even try to push me around with your negative opinion.
Posted 15 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]
 kaybee wrote:

{#Yes}  At first I thought, "my god, a Beatles song I've never even heard! 
  Exactly!  I had to run over to my computer to check that out!


Posted 15 years ago by tkosh    [ Reply ]
 Bleyfusz wrote:
Doesn't this sound incredibly beatlesish?

 
{#Yes}  At first I thought, "my god, a Beatles song I've never even heard! 


Posted 15 years ago by kaybee    [ Reply ]
meh
Posted 15 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Bleyfusz wrote:
Doesn't this sound incredibly beatlesish?


Indubitably influenced by them.

Posted 16 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
Doesn't this sound incredibly beatlesish?

Posted 16 years ago by Bleyfusz    [ Reply ]
bokey wrote:
Chris's work has been of emotionless lately - he seems kind of stiff.

ChrisInCT wrote:
I think he actually passed on a while back.....

Nice to see subtlety is not lost on this crowd... {#Sad}

While Michael isn't going to be a pop star, his work is solid.


Posted 16 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I recently brushed the dust off this cd and have been listening to it in my car for the past couple weeks, after not hearing it for a year or more. This track's not my favorite, but it's definitely Quite Likeable.
Posted 16 years ago by notremotely    [ Reply ]
Pretty predictable-- those who can't get sophisticated word play lyrics and a musical composition that also plays around with tempo and pattern can't stand it. Those of us who do get it like it a lot, a real big talent commercial radio and record company suits couldn't handle. I joined the cult following on this guy after I bought that brilliant MP4 CD of his.
Posted 16 years ago by andrewimft    [ Reply ]
funkaholic wrote:
Too derivative. Lame lyrics. Dude's got nothin'.
" I got a name"-Jim Croce
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
I think he actually passed on a while back..... bokey wrote:
Chris's work has been of emotionless lately - he seems kind of stiff.
Posted 16 years ago by ChrisInCT    [ Reply ]
Too derivative. Lame lyrics. Dude's got nothin'.
Posted 16 years ago by funkaholic    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
I came here to comment on how Lennonish/Beatlesish this sounds, especially his voice, but I see that I am not the first to think that. On the cutting edge, that's me!!
I like the sound, but not the words....dumb!
Posted 16 years ago by musikalia    [ Reply ]
joshfm wrote:
What, are you saying Sean and Chris are talentless? Wake up Finger-throat dude.
Chris's work has been of emotionless lately - he seems kind of stiff.
Posted 16 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
thanks for the insite, Yoda hitz wrote:
Good thing this guy married Amee Mann so that someone had talent in the family. Ridding her coat tails he is. Finger down throat.
Posted 17 years ago by eastcoast    [ Reply ]
hitz wrote:
Good thing this guy married Amee Mann so that someone had talent in the family. Ridding her coat tails he is. Finger down throat.
What, are you saying Sean and Chris are talentless? Wake up Finger-throat dude.
Posted 17 years ago by joshfm    [ Reply ]
meydele wrote:
I came here to comment on how Lennonish/Beatlesish this sounds, especially his voice, but I see that I am not the first to think that. On the cutting edge, that's me!!
Join the club. I'm so far behind, I think I'm FIRST! Dig Michael Penn though. Is he related to Sean? c.
Posted 17 years ago by cc_rider    [ Reply ]
wow, the least boring song I've ever heard from him! :)
Posted 17 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
nick_valensi wrote:
I like to see Beatles influences in people's music still today.
I was telling my friend that if you want to hear every song in the Pandora catalogue, just create a Beatles station! LOL I'm sure it doesn't hurt that MP is pushing 50 - pretty prime Beatles-fan age. Got their mitts on him at an impressionable moment, no doubt.
Posted 17 years ago by lmic    [ Reply ]
I came here to comment on how Lennonish/Beatlesish this sounds, especially his voice, but I see that I am not the first to think that. On the cutting edge, that's me!!
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
hitz wrote:
Good thing this guy married Amee Mann so that someone had talent in the family. Ridding her coat tails he is.
So your main objection is that he's de-tailed her coats?
Posted 17 years ago by kazuma    [ Reply ]
Wow I really thought this was going to be "Good Day Sunshine" for the first three seconds of the song. Makes me not want to objectively listen to the rest of it, but I'll give it a go.
Posted 17 years ago by siandbeth    [ Reply ]
hitz wrote:
Good thing this guy married Amee Mann so that someone had talent in the family. Ridding her coat tails he is. Finger down throat.
Come now, don't be so ugly. Sounds like somebody needs a hug.
Posted 18 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
hitz wrote:
Good thing this guy married Amee Mann so that someone had talent in the family. Ridding her coat tails he is. Finger down throat.
Penn was singing his own very good stuff back when Aimee was still with 'Till Tuesday.
Posted 18 years ago by Marr    [ Reply ]
radiojunkie wrote:
Hey, we can't have any more new Beatles; some faux Beatles isn't all bad.
Amen to that, bro!
Posted 18 years ago by lixy    [ Reply ]
Good thing this guy married Amee Mann so that someone had talent in the family. Ridding her coat tails he is. Finger down throat.
Posted 18 years ago by hitz    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
I'd rather hear the real Beatles than this faux Beatles tune.
Art, If you had heard any of his other albums, you would see the connection in sound is with that of his other albums and not a vague connection with the fab four. His sound is unique but he never really connected commercially. Too bad. Good artist.
Posted 18 years ago by horstman    [ Reply ]
Will you still need me, will you still feed me, When I'm sixty-four?
Posted 18 years ago by peyotecoyote    [ Reply ]
I like this. Sounds a lot like "I'm Only Sleeping" to me. I like to see Beatles influences in people's music still today.
Posted 18 years ago by nick_valensi    [ Reply ]
Unusual, rather original - a 7 I guess
Posted 18 years ago by highwindows    [ Reply ]
The kind of singer who reminds everyone of other singers. Hmmm. Not really an endorsement is it? "Mr. Derivative" might be a good tag.
Posted 19 years ago by meloman    [ Reply ]
Darlington wrote:
I have the first Jellyfish CD at home. If I can find it, I will upload....
Don't bother. I've uploaded tunes from both Bellybutton and Spilt Milk and all were spiked before they ever even made it to LRC.
Posted 19 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]
brandog wrote:
hey, we really NEED some Jellyfish up in here.
Brandog.... you have quite possibly made the best comment of the last 6 months! YES, WE NEED SOME JELLYFISH ON HERE!!! (BTW, have you heard of the Merrymakers? A Swedish pop/rock band that is VERY reminiscent of Jellyfish... probably because Andy Sturmer plays drums, produced, and co-wrote some of their fantastic CD, "Bubblegun".)
Posted 19 years ago by Mark1970    [ Reply ]
brandog wrote:
This is so reminiscent of The Jellyfish - hey, we really NEED some Jellyfish up in here. Everytime I hear this song, this is what I think - and nobody esle is posting on it anyway ... Posted 19 years ago by seesaw    [ Reply ]
brandog wrote:
This is so reminiscent of The Jellyfish - hey, we really NEED some Jellyfish up in here. Everytime I hear this song, this is what I think - and nobody esle is posting on it anyway ...
I have the first Jellyfish CD at home. If I can find it, I will upload....
Posted 19 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
I'd rather hear the real Beatles than this faux Beatles tune.
I'm not so sure anymore. There's a small genre of faux-Beatles out there, and as long as they're done well, I'm not sure it's such a bad thing. This sounds pretty good, as does Tears for Fears' "Sowing the Seeds of Love." Hey, we can't have any more new Beatles; some faux Beatles isn't all bad.
Posted 19 years ago by radiojunkie    [ Reply ]
drover wrote:
I wish I could forget his jagdork of a brother so easily.
Same here. A real ASSFACE, indeed.
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
This is my favorite Michael Penn album. Brendan O'Brien's production really shines through. Great stuff.
Posted 20 years ago by stevebeaver    [ Reply ]
I'd rather hear the real Beatles than this faux Beatles tune.
Posted 20 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
randomprime wrote:
It's always good to hear Mr. Aimee Mann
Michael Penn was doing great work pre Aimee Mann, but I'm just glad to hear him in the lineup. More, please!
Posted 20 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
sounds awight a little like Rooney...that throw back sound from the 60's/70's....but who am i? :D
Posted 20 years ago by BARNYARD    [ Reply ]
Much better!! that's one thing about RP; like weather in Chicago, if you don't like it, wait five minutes...
Posted 21 years ago by mksothrpeoplrich    [ Reply ]
very nice :D
Posted 21 years ago by redwizard    [ Reply ]
Many finer Penn cuts. But I\'ll take what you throw.
Posted 21 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
Yes, his main influence is obvious, but it\'s probably the best to have and he deals with it well. Nice loose feel. It\'s got a bit of a home recording atmosphere.
Posted 22 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Interesting. Very Beatle-esque, from the harmonies in the chorus to the Good Day Sunshine-like intro to the Penny Lane-like rhythms to the backward-taped guitar solo like that of I'm Only Sleeping. I'd forgotten all about this guy, actually. I wish I could forget his jagdork of a brother so easily. (Insert Jeff Spicoli laugh here)
Posted 22 years ago by drover    [ Reply ]