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Halloween, Alaska — Call it Clear
Album: Halloween, Alaska
Avg rating:
6.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 824









Released: 2003
Length: 4:11
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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listen up lovely
and hear what the evening sees in you
lilacs and landmines
you count on your fingers
pitches you ought to be and soon
just let them call you

why do you think you're here?
trouble the backseat
worry the windshield with that face
what couldn't you have?

head of st. catherine
hearts that willl run to meet you
we only volunteers my ear

why do you think we're here?
is that why they call it clear?

i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide

i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide

i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can die
if you decide

i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can't die
if you decide

i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you can't die
if you decide

i reckon i'd say some sometimes
my delicate slip of sunshine
you
Comments (108)add comment
Car stolen with this cd in it, a co-worker (David) felt sorry and bought me a new one. It was quite a hassle that day buying a cd in Canada from EU. He managed and made my day/month/year/decade/life by now
Posted 1 year ago by hurrah    [ Reply ]
Halloween in Alaska usually involves either having a costume that goes over your snow gear and looks all lumpy, or it isn't big enough to go over and you wear it under your snow gear and then nobody can tell what your are.  Either way, it is cold.
Posted 2 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
It is interesting that the drummer for this band is Dave King, whose exquisite work on The Bad Plus' cover of Flim is much lauded. I don't know if this song was chosen on the association to that tune or if it was picked independently.
Posted 2 years ago by Solanus    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, except for that very non-soothing drum sound . . .

Yes.  A very odd production decision.
Posted 2 years ago by Edweirdo    [ Reply ]
 On_The_Beach wrote:

Well, except for that very non-soothing drum sound . . .



I agree! ...otherwise, a good tune!
Posted 2 years ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
 crazy wrote:

sort of soothing.....trance like


Well, except for that very non-soothing drum sound . . .
Posted 3 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
 DaidyBoy wrote:
 Old post I know, but you're right friend.  I had to look to check if it was them...
 
Same here...
Posted 3 years ago by eamon3    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:
Reminds me a little of Paddy Macaroon from Prefabricated Sprout
 
Old post I know, but you're right friend.  I had to look to check if it was them...
Posted 3 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
Like this song and would rate it higher, but the ending detracts significantly from the majority of the tune. 
For me anyway.  Give it a 6.
Posted 3 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
John Mayer?
 
I didn't hear that until you mentioned it, but the mellow tune, soft vocals, good production, yea i can hear the similarities a bit.
Posted 4 years ago by bluematrix    [ Reply ]
John Mayer?
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 coy wrote:
this is probly the most lovely song i've heard on rp
so far
 
I am happy for you 😬
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
 llamadragon wrote:
Normally I might ignore this song, just let it drift by unnoticed.  But today it just happened to be what I needed to bring my frustration level down to a reasonable level.  Nice.
 

Reasonable level , I never think of it that way , I find the middle very difficult , when I slip on my knees I have to rush back up
Posted 4 years ago by Pilsenaaa    [ Reply ]
First time hearing this… sort of like the mood.

Reminds me a bit of Frightened Rabbit---obviously not in the singing or lyrics but something about the production.
Posted 4 years ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
Never heard this before, wow.  Thanks RP, as usual, for finding and playing so much good music.
Posted 4 years ago by MrStatenIsle    [ Reply ]
"Listen up lovely." I haven't heard this song in a long time. I remember discovering Halloween Alaska on RP and they bring back memories of a particular time in my life. Sad, but significant. Thanks, RP, for all the music memories you've given. 
Posted 5 years ago by ariadne223    [ Reply ]
Instantly enchanting!
Posted 5 years ago by matchlessman    [ Reply ]
Weirds me out when the lyrics kick in: I've had the instrumental version for years, actually quite a strong tune without the singing.
Posted 5 years ago by Quayde    [ Reply ]
Okay, for the record of whatever existential humor or reference the title signifies, there IS no Halloween, Alaska. 
Posted 5 years ago by kingart    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:
Reminds me a little of Paddy Macaroon from Prefabricated Sprout
 
Me too. Really like it.
Posted 6 years ago by ncollingridge    [ Reply ]
Sounds just like an American band called "Wheat"!
Posted 7 years ago by jimmy99s    [ Reply ]
ear therapy
Posted 12 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
snazzy
Posted 12 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
More please
Posted 12 years ago by Snoopy2    [ Reply ]
I bought this album on Amazon, thanks to RP. Great from start to finish.
Posted 13 years ago by citizenkeith    [ Reply ]
I REALLY like this tune.  Just really pleasant listening.  IMO, natch.
Posted 13 years ago by shutter    [ Reply ]
 coy wrote:
this is probly the most lovely song i've heard on rp
so far
Just arrive? There will be plenty more. Hang around. 


Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
 glassbuteo wrote:
{#Puke}
 
Not feeling well tonight, I see.

Great song, by the way.  Don't you think?

Posted 13 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}
Posted 14 years ago by glassbuteo    [ Reply ]
This is nice.{#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
I like this one! Nice overall mood. Great drum sounds. Catchy. :)

Posted 14 years ago by citizenkeith    [ Reply ]
Reminds me a little of Paddy Macaroon from Prefabricated Sprout
Posted 14 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
This song reminds me of "Strange Overtones" by David Byrne & Brian Eno. And it seems Bill thinks the same way:
Now Playing:
David Byrne and Brian Eno - Strange Overtones
Halloween Alaska - Call it Clear


Posted 14 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
this is probly the most lovely song i've heard on rp
so far
Posted 14 years ago by coy    [ Reply ]
And that line "my delicate slip of sunshine" is just a cool line.
Posted 14 years ago by paranoidfloyd    [ Reply ]
The drum groove is very...groovy. Nice "military" rolls in the middle section.
Posted 14 years ago by paranoidfloyd    [ Reply ]
Normally I might ignore this song, just let it drift by unnoticed.  But today it just happened to be what I needed to bring my frustration level down to a reasonable level.  Nice.
Posted 14 years ago by llamadragon    [ Reply ]
They are from Minnesota and this album is definitely worth a listen. I am a big fan of it and Too Tall to Hide. I was lucky enough to catch them live in Minneapolis once and they were great. I wish they would tour more outside of MN!

Whoa, the way this just looped into the next song, Strange Overtones, made me think maybe this was a remixed version of this song with a twist ending, it fit so well. Nice, Bill!
Posted 14 years ago by maritza19    [ Reply ]
Very nice!

Does anyone know anything about this group?  The lead singer's voice sounds familiar, but I can't place him.
Posted 15 years ago by justin_thyme    [ Reply ]
sort of soothing.....trance like
Posted 15 years ago by crazy    [ Reply ]
 leathepea wrote:
What language is this, it sounds like a garbled mess.
 
take the wax out of your ears! what's not "clear'?
Posted 15 years ago by crazy    [ Reply ]
There's a band 'round these parts called Idaho Alaska, and I always get kind of excited when I see they're going to play a local venue. Their music is nothing like Halloween Alaska, and the moment I realize this always sucks.
Posted 15 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
 leathepea wrote:
What language is this, it sounds like a garbled mess.
 
Hey, count yourself lucky that it's comprehensible English in a light US accent - real Geordie dialect, descended from the Vikings, is pretty damn incomprehensible to most English speakers in England, let alone elsewhere. Truly a language in itself, rather than a dialect. The Geordie accent, even speaking English, is thick as treacle and makes Scouse (Liverpool) sound like the BBC. I do like Newcastle and Geordies a lot, don't get me wrong, but I'm hard pushed to understand the natives a good part of the time.

Posted 16 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
What language is this, it sounds like a garbled mess.
Posted 16 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
This song is awesome!  But who the $^##@ are these guys?
Posted 16 years ago by window    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
Hmmmm.... Scientology rock?
"Is that why they call it clear?"
Posted 16 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
Life in a northern town , in the verse ... the dream academy - produced by David Gilmour. That was one reflection that came to me similar chords and that dreamy feelin' ... The transition might be a result of the relatively flat body of the song ... not sher 'bout dat though.
Posted 16 years ago by CQ    [ Reply ]
always enjoy hearing this - it just has a light coolness to it
Posted 16 years ago by jbtidwell    [ Reply ]
Gee whiz, that was a happy sunshine moment. All fluffy and cute.
Posted 16 years ago by MojoJojo    [ Reply ]
Posted 16 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
IS THIS A NEW BAND? SOUNDS GOOD TO ME.
Posted 16 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
jzekeb wrote:
I was really digging this until that shift at the very end. Why would they do that?
I'm wondering the same. I'd thought something went wrong with the transition to the next tune, then came here to find your post.
Posted 17 years ago by zipper    [ Reply ]
I was really digging this until that shift at the very end. Why would they do that?
Posted 17 years ago by jzekeb    [ Reply ]
Long time listener, first time poster. I was trying to wait for a great tune to rate highly, but this song came on and, alas, so did my first rating . . . a "1".
Posted 17 years ago by speakerman    [ Reply ]
Hmmmm.... Scientology rock?
Posted 17 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
veegez wrote:
Yup. He's darn near a dead ringer for Paddy McAloon. The lyrics sound like something he'd write. Good call.
Not just the voice or lyrics (sappy) sound like PSprout; you can hear PS all over the place in this song. I like the Sprout quite a bit, but we don't need two of them IMO. ed. Song's ok though and I like the name "Halloween Alaska" better than "Prefab Sprout".
Posted 17 years ago by Wizzuvvoz    [ Reply ]
sinead wrote:
prefab sprout .. it was on the tip of my tongue ... so i rushed back to my computer thinking it might be them ...
Yup. He's darn near a dead ringer for Paddy McAloon. The lyrics sound like something he'd write. Good call.
Posted 17 years ago by veegez    [ Reply ]
Darkmatter wrote:
Makes me think of this song, for some reason. Similar vibes, mayhaps.
I had the same thought, but with a different song. Here's what came to mind for me. (click here)
Posted 18 years ago by cattgirl813    [ Reply ]
It's nice to hear this again. It's been a while.
Posted 18 years ago by AliGator    [ Reply ]
nice. kind of genesiseis...er...genesisusies...uh...oh nevermind
Posted 18 years ago by cptbuz    [ Reply ]
Reminds me of Wheat. Which is a good thing. Slight Yo La Tengo affect in everything that ain't the lead vocals, too. Also a Good Thing.
Posted 18 years ago by QualityPie    [ Reply ]
Makes me think of this song, for some reason. Similar vibes, mayhaps.
Posted 18 years ago by Darkmatter    [ Reply ]
What an unusual name for a band. Unusual sound too, me like!
Posted 18 years ago by gntlemanartist    [ Reply ]
pretty. I haven't heard this one in a while. I like it. :)
Posted 18 years ago by amandamustdance    [ Reply ]
lalalalala ;)
Posted 18 years ago by chmÀdchen    [ Reply ]
Oh, pretty!
Posted 18 years ago by acatamongus    [ Reply ]
prefab sprout .. it was on the tip of my tongue ... so i rushed back to my computer thinking it might be them ... stubbsz wrote:
Thank God you made that comment. It's been driving me nuts trying to figure out who he sounded like.
Posted 18 years ago by sinead    [ Reply ]
I like this song. The voice reminds of the lead signer from Vertical Horizon.
Posted 19 years ago by Jacksonstat    [ Reply ]
listen up lovely and hear what the evening sees in you lilacs and landmines you count on your fingers pitches you ought to be and soon just let them call you why do you think you're here? trouble the backseat worry the windshield with that face what couldn't you have? head of st. catherine hearts that willl run to meet you we only volunteers my ear why do you think we're here? is that why they call it clear? i reckon i'd say some sometimes my delicate slip of sunshine you can die if you decide i reckon i'd say some sometimes my delicate slip of sunshine you can die if you decide i reckon i'd say some sometimes my delicate slip of sunshine you can die if you decide i reckon i'd say some sometimes my delicate slip of sunshine you can't die if you decide i reckon i'd say some sometimes my delicate slip of sunshine you can't die if you decide i reckon i'd say some sometimes my delicate slip of sunshine you AphidA wrote:
"Call it Clear" ...Is this song about Scientology? I think I heard a mention of body thetans in there.
Posted 19 years ago by reddirtgirl    [ Reply ]
Hi, this is my first comment on RP after finally registering. Gonna keep it short 'n simple, but does anyone else think that at certain points in this song, there is a definite hint of Deacon Blue?
Posted 19 years ago by maLeFunKtion    [ Reply ]
Not the best song on the album but a strong one. This is why I listen to RP.
Posted 19 years ago by book_worm71    [ Reply ]
Heard this song for the first time last week elsewhere and fell in love with it. The fact that RP is playing it just confirms that I need to buy the album.
Posted 19 years ago by jayladdin    [ Reply ]
Does anyone else hear a Dream Academy influence in this song? (And as I posted on another Halloween Alaska song, you can now get this CD on iTunes.)
Posted 19 years ago by runchadrun    [ Reply ]
I love this album. Too bad these guys delayed their second release. They promised it would be out in early 2005 then pushed it back to fall 2005.
Posted 19 years ago by 999_99_999    [ Reply ]
What a beautiful ache.
Posted 19 years ago by Koan    [ Reply ]
jojo wrote:
wHAT A FANTASTIC SET THIS MORNING. tHANK YOU soooo MUCH. i CAN BARELY TEAR MYSELF Away from my computer to put in fall peas!!!!!!!!!
I just went ahead and downloaded the fall-pea-planting-software and ploughed on ahead in my chair. Who needs sunshine? Who needs rain?
Posted 19 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
"Call it Clear" ...Is this song about Scientology? I think I heard a mention of body thetans in there.
Posted 19 years ago by AphidA    [ Reply ]
Finally... RP is back on track this afternoon. First the Psychedelic Furs, then Halloween Alaska!
Posted 19 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Rating's a tad low for such a nice song. Maybe y'all are being a touch tough? I only hear this one every now and then and always stop to look it up.
Posted 19 years ago by Roverfish    [ Reply ]
Not sure about the whole album, but there are a couple of free mp3's on the band's site at www.halloweenalaska.com. -J p.s. I saw lead singer James Diers play this weekend. You can read a review here https://www.howwastheshow.com/reviews-2005/dallas_orbiter-01-14-05.html
Posted 19 years ago by heyjackson    [ Reply ]
Anyone know where you can legally download their music? They aren't on iTunes and they were on AudioLunchbox.com last month but they aren't anymore.
Posted 19 years ago by runchadrun    [ Reply ]
Is this a sedated John Mayer? Not bad though...
Posted 19 years ago by ecorunner    [ Reply ]
Angloray wrote:
maybe it's a grower. I'm finding it kind of dull upon first listen...
Oh, it's a GROWER, Jerry....
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
Now this is a song I long to have in my collection.
Posted 19 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
Listen up, lovely, and hear what the evening sees in you: lilacs and landmines. You count on your fingers the pictures you ought to be in soon. Just let them call you. Why do you think you're here? You trouble the back seat. You worry the windshield with that face. What couldn't you have? The head of Saint Catherine? The hearts that will run to meet you? We are only volunteers, my dear, and why do you think we're here? Is that why they call it "clear"? I reckon I'd say so sometime, my delicate slip of sunshine. I reckon I'd say so sometime, my delicate slip of sunshine. You can't die if you decide. Thanks, RP.
Posted 19 years ago by alicewonderland    [ Reply ]
tom4513 wrote:
I like this more each time I hear it... nice pace, great bass line, very cool.
maybe it's a grower. I'm finding it kind of dull upon first listen...
Posted 20 years ago by Angloray    [ Reply ]
Hmmm - this is pretty cool on first listen. Wow, thanks again RP. Never heard of this band before.
Posted 20 years ago by ciscochasbro    [ Reply ]
I bought the album, it's really good. All the songs are well crafted by a band intouch with their own talents and instrumental capabilities. The lyrics are at times dark but, more often refreshing and insightful. I'd recommend it to anyone.
Posted 20 years ago by 999_99_999    [ Reply ]
wHAT A FANTASTIC SET THIS MORNING. tHANK YOU soooo MUCH. i CAN BARELY TEAR MYSELF Away from my computer to put in fall peas!!!!!!!!!
Posted 20 years ago by jojo    [ Reply ]
I like this more each time I hear it... nice pace, great bass line, very cool.
Posted 20 years ago by Alt-Ctrl-Tom    [ Reply ]
RichardPrins wrote:
I like the outro...
Thought maybe you were being sarcastic--like, loved the fact that it was over--but no. Your were serious. And I agree. Nice tune. Interesting band.
Posted 20 years ago by Xeric    [ Reply ]
Beautiful, just beautiful. Another new discovery for a RP newcomer. Thanks. I have found so much new and wonderful music since I started listening.
Posted 20 years ago by StevenQ    [ Reply ]
Sobient wrote:
need a downloadlink to this song
https://halloweenalaska.com/mp3s.htm I like the outro...
Posted 20 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
need a downloadlink to this song
Posted 20 years ago by Sobient    [ Reply ]
Love the lyric, 'my delicate slip of sunshine'. Really sweet visual, eh? So simple, but spot on.
Posted 20 years ago by dmd    [ Reply ]
More Indy. This rocks.
Posted 20 years ago by mig7    [ Reply ]
drH wrote:
It's eerie how the singer sounds like Paddy McAloon of Prefab sprout.
very much - it even sounds like Thomas Dolby's production.
Posted 20 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
Oh yes, I do like it. Play more!
Posted 20 years ago by ScopArch    [ Reply ]
So Bill mentioned that this is an independant band. Now, more than just enjoying this music, I'm loving the fact that there is a medium like RP where I can hear music that I would not otherwise likely ever hear. The music industry is changing people, and this is great news for all of us. I can throw a few bucks to stations like this, no comercials, good music and get a direct contact to the musicians where I can pay them directly for their work.
Posted 20 years ago by ksb    [ Reply ]
drH wrote:
It's eerie how the singer sounds like Paddy McAloon of Prefab sprout.
Thank God you made that comment. It's been driving me nuts trying to figure out who he sounded like.
Posted 20 years ago by stubbsz    [ Reply ]
newwavegurly wrote:
Lately it seems that almost every time I hear a song that I'm enjoying (and don't know right off the bat) and come to check on who it is, it's this band. I'm diggin' them.
This has had that same effect on me. I keep wondering how they got their most unusual name but haven't gathered the motivation to read up on AMG yet.
Posted 20 years ago by 999_99_999    [ Reply ]
Lately it seems that almost every time I hear a song that I'm enjoying (and don't know right off the bat) and come to check on who it is, it's this band. I'm diggin' them.
Posted 20 years ago by newwavegurly    [ Reply ]
It's eerie how the singer sounds like Paddy McAloon of Prefab sprout.
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
I ordered the CD online after I heard a song here. It's definitely worth it.
Posted 20 years ago by soulspin    [ Reply ]
Very smooth tune. Love the melody and backing vocals.
Posted 20 years ago by AztecCircus    [ Reply ]
LOVE this!!! :goodvibes.gif:
Posted 20 years ago by Moonbmr72    [ Reply ]
scottc wrote:
This grows on me. Checked out their web site... halloweenalaska.com and they have some mp3s you can download. Anyone heard the entire CD?
Hey Scott - yeah, I have their CD. It's killer. I've uploaded several tracks from it, but they've been in "reviewing" stage for months now. It's sort of frustrating. Anyways...they're based out of the Twin Cities, so I'm hoping to see them live sometime soon.
Posted 20 years ago by anderiv    [ Reply ]
This grows on me. Checked out their web site... halloweenalaska.com and they have some mp3s you can download. Anyone heard the entire CD?
Posted 20 years ago by scottc    [ Reply ]