Okkervil River — Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe
Album: The Stage NamesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 556
Length: 4:21
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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It's just a bad movie, where there's no crying
Handing the keys to me in this Red Lion,
Where the lock that you locked in the suite says there's no prying
When the breath that you breathed in the street screams there's no science
When you look how you looked then to me, then I cease lying and fall into silence
It's just a life story, so there's no climax
No more new territory, so pull away the IMAX
In the slot that you sliced through the scene there was no shyness
In the plot that you passed through your teeth there was no pity
No fade in: film begins on a kid in the big city
And no cut to a costly parade that's for him only
No dissolve to a sliver of grey (that's his new lady!)
Where she glows just like grain on the flickering pane of some great movie
Hey, I'd watch it
It's just a house burning, but it's not haunted
It was your heart hurting, but not for too long, kid
In the socket you spin from with ease there is no sticking
From the speakers your fake masterpiece comes serenely dribbling
And when the air round your chair fills with heat, that's the flames licking
Beneath the clock on the clean mantelpiece. It's got a calm clicking
Like a pro at his editing suite takes two weeks stitching up some bad movie
Handing the keys to me in this Red Lion,
Where the lock that you locked in the suite says there's no prying
When the breath that you breathed in the street screams there's no science
When you look how you looked then to me, then I cease lying and fall into silence
It's just a life story, so there's no climax
No more new territory, so pull away the IMAX
In the slot that you sliced through the scene there was no shyness
In the plot that you passed through your teeth there was no pity
No fade in: film begins on a kid in the big city
And no cut to a costly parade that's for him only
No dissolve to a sliver of grey (that's his new lady!)
Where she glows just like grain on the flickering pane of some great movie
Hey, I'd watch it
It's just a house burning, but it's not haunted
It was your heart hurting, but not for too long, kid
In the socket you spin from with ease there is no sticking
From the speakers your fake masterpiece comes serenely dribbling
And when the air round your chair fills with heat, that's the flames licking
Beneath the clock on the clean mantelpiece. It's got a calm clicking
Like a pro at his editing suite takes two weeks stitching up some bad movie
Comments (180)add comment
Not sure about this one, but Singer Songwriter and Lost Coastlines are fabulous tracks. He's a terrific songwriter.
i like it! Thanks for playing this, RP.
Ah, the never ending drone of the h8r. Cry us a river.
PeterMC3 wrote:
There may be a lot of adjectives one could use to describe this song or band, but "formulaic" does not seem like a fitting one.
Formulaic find a rif and play it to death.
There may be a lot of adjectives one could use to describe this song or band, but "formulaic" does not seem like a fitting one.
The PSD button isn't working. Why?? Why??
Second worst song on the RP playlist and one of the primary reasons I quit listening for about 5 years.
Too bad Bill keeps this crap in rotation.
Too bad Bill keeps this crap in rotation.
thought it was counting crows for a second....
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I love the self confidence!
Still not fully decided here.
You people are all "Where's the 0 rating? I hate it!" but 10 years from now you'll be all, "Ah, sure, Okkervil River. I've been a fan forever, not like you people who just discovered them. Of course the early stuff is the best."
I love the self confidence!
Still not fully decided here.
Formulaic find a rif and play it to death.
jones8181 wrote:
Agree. Awful. Like "Scouting For Girls", and just as awful. 1
Awful.
Agree. Awful. Like "Scouting For Girls", and just as awful. 1
Ah the joy of PSD!
Love it!! This song always makes me feel like going out and run as fast as I can, screaming at the top of my lungs, naked!
Awful.
aelfheld wrote:
I'm not really getting all the "this sounds like Arcade Fire" comments. And anyways, this band formed several years before the Arcade Fire. If anything, the Arcade Fire sounds like Okkervil River.
Sort of a poor man's Arcade Fire.
I'm not really getting all the "this sounds like Arcade Fire" comments. And anyways, this band formed several years before the Arcade Fire. If anything, the Arcade Fire sounds like Okkervil River.
Dave_Mack wrote:
Nah, it's still a 1.
Oh my. Still don't like this. Maybe a tad better than the 2 I gave it before but...maybe not.
Bill seems to be a little out of phase today with the back-announces.
Bill seems to be a little out of phase today with the back-announces.
Nah, it's still a 1.
Sounds like something from "The Young Ones" (UK)
RadioDoc wrote:
More like a bunch of drunk college students who broke into a musical instrument store.
Hilarious! I first rated this 5, now a 6. Some aspects are compelling, others irritating.
More like a bunch of drunk college students who broke into a musical instrument store.
Hilarious! I first rated this 5, now a 6. Some aspects are compelling, others irritating.
On_The_Beach wrote:
This song illustrates what the 1 rating is for. Sucko-barfo for sure.
Has those Arcade Fire-like grating vocals.
This song illustrates what the 1 rating is for. Sucko-barfo for sure.
alux wrote:
It would work better for me with the same instrumental musicans, but a less pretentious singer.
A very ambitious song...which doesn't entirely work for me, but I'll give em points for trying.
It would work better for me with the same instrumental musicans, but a less pretentious singer.
New album out now, $11 for the CD
NPR article, you could have listened to the album for free a few weeks ago...
NPR article, you could have listened to the album for free a few weeks ago...
Has those Arcade Fire-like grating vocals.
i certainly like the operatic style...
Webfoot wrote:
First time I have heard this, going to give it a 5 for now. I do end up switching rating a fair amount on tunes though.
I gave this a 2? Go figure. Today it's a 6.
First time I have heard this, going to give it a 5 for now. I do end up switching rating a fair amount on tunes though.
Oh my. Still don't like this. Maybe a tad better than the 2 I gave it before but...maybe not.
Bill seems to be a little out of phase today with the back-announces.
Bill seems to be a little out of phase today with the back-announces.
vandal wrote:
bump
Still loving it. . .
bump
I dare say listening to Led Zep on the previous song puts one in the mood for this one. Well done, BillG.
jpdribbler wrote:
jpdribbler wrote:
One of those tricky tunes that you have to be in right mood for. If so: 8.
One of those tricky tunes that you have to be in right mood for. If so: 8.
wenatchee wrote:
Look, I know you love this song but I'm not going to buy it for you.
If you want it that badly get a part time job and save up your money. And Crocky 
, How did you hear my band's audition tape?
Please someone have mercy!
Look, I know you love this song but I'm not going to buy it for you.
If you want it that badly get a part time job and save up your money. And Crocky , How did you hear my band's audition tape?I gave this a 2? Go figure. Today it's a 6.
Sort of a poor man's Arcade Fire.
I like it.
Please someone have mercy!
screaming. guitars are out of tune. lame attempt at novelty with weird sounds. melodramatic without content.
I like it. Need to hear it a few more times (this was the first time for me). Seems a little premature to denounce a song on one listening as I suspect some have done below. I don't think I'm alone in observing that many of the songs I like the very most were ones that I didn't 'get' at first - and then grew to absolutely love. Good case in point for me - The Replacements - from one extreme to the other after I'd persevered and heard many of the tunes 5 or 6 more times.
silvergirl wrote:
More like a bunch of drunk college students who broke into a musical instrument store.
It's like Springsteen meets the Killers.
More like a bunch of drunk college students who broke into a musical instrument store.
silvergirl wrote:
I was thinking Johanthan Richman meets Modest Mouse. And yet, Springsteen/Killers also seems to work perfectly! (weird?)
I dig it. It's like Springsteen meets the Killers.
I was thinking Johanthan Richman meets Modest Mouse. And yet, Springsteen/Killers also seems to work perfectly! (weird?)
I dig it. It's like Springsteen meets the Killers.
alux wrote:
That really sums it up for me too.
A very ambitious song...which doesn't entirely work for me, but I'll give em points for trying.
That really sums it up for me too.
A very ambitious song...which doesn't entirely work for me, but I'll give em points for trying.
Still loving it. . .
Out Standing
I was too busy to change the channel or lower the volume, so after a while I started to hear shades of the "Strawbs". Dave Cousins-ish.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I'm with you, Scott. The close-mindedness here sometimes astounds me. I suspect these are probably the people who hang around here for the occasional 70s Classic Rock.
You people are all "Where's the 0 rating? I hate it!" but 10 years from now you'll be all, "Ah, sure, Okkervil River. I've been a fan forever, not like you people who just discovered them. Of course the early stuff is the best."
I'm with you, Scott. The close-mindedness here sometimes astounds me. I suspect these are probably the people who hang around here for the occasional 70s Classic Rock.
Worthless, talentless hacks.Lucky for them I am in a moratorium against giving out 1s for a while.
cool tune Paradise, play more please 
OK - they may not ever change the world (musically or otherwise) but I think it is fun to listen to. Great to have these types of songs once in a while!
Oh God, I thought we had gotten rid of this song!!
I don't know which I hate more - the horrid lead singer, or the little "play random notes on all the instruments to get as far away from a melody as possible" part in the middle.
I don't know which I hate more - the horrid lead singer, or the little "play random notes on all the instruments to get as far away from a melody as possible" part in the middle.
Excelsior wrote:
I agree, but it's ok. On RP I don't like 5% of the songs, on other stations it's definitely more!
One of the worst songs on RP. Unfortunately, also one of the most-played.
I agree, but it's ok. On RP I don't like 5% of the songs, on other stations it's definitely more!
RadioDoc wrote:
We can only hope.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Not even a ghost of a chance of that happening. Especially since these talentless fools will be long forgotten in 10 years.
You people are all "Where's the 0 rating? I hate it!" but 10 years from now you'll be all, "Ah, sure, Okkervil River. I've been a fan forever, not like you people who just discovered them. Of course the early stuff is the best."
Not even a ghost of a chance of that happening. Especially since these talentless fools will be long forgotten in 10 years.
We can only hope.
Jimi_the_Saint wrote:
By the time we finished watching these guys perform A Girl in Port, my buddy and I were as teary as a couple of old ladies at a funeral. . . a very moving and sincere rendition. . . of course there was a lot of beer involved. . .
I love this freakin song, man. Not as much as 'A Girl in Port', but I dig it.
By the time we finished watching these guys perform A Girl in Port, my buddy and I were as teary as a couple of old ladies at a funeral. . . a very moving and sincere rendition. . . of course there was a lot of beer involved. . .
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Not even a ghost of a chance of that happening. Especially since these talentless fools will be long forgotten in 10 years.
You people are all "Where's the 0 rating? I hate it!" but 10 years from now you'll be all, "Ah, sure, Okkervil River. I've been a fan forever, not like you people who just discovered them. Of course the early stuff is the best."
Not even a ghost of a chance of that happening. Especially since these talentless fools will be long forgotten in 10 years.
I love this freakin song, man. Not as much as 'A Girl in Port', but I dig it.
smehan55 wrote:
physicsgenius, is that you?
couldn't be. . . physicsgenius has better musical taste than excelsior. . .
Excelsior wrote:
". . . When the air around your chair fills with heat, that's the flames licking. . ."
These guys sound like Black 47. I dig it.
Offensive to the ears in every way.
smehan55 wrote:
physicsgenius, is that you?
I'm certain that physicsgenius has rebranded himself as Excelsior. Just have a look at his song comments. Makes me wonder why he even listens to RP.
You people are all "Where's the 0 rating? I hate it!" but 10 years from now you'll be all, "Ah, sure, Okkervil River. I've been a fan forever, not like you people who just discovered them. Of course the early stuff is the best."
I dont like this one at all. Sounds like Robert Smith too.
". . . When the air around your chair fills with heat, that's the flames licking. . ."
Well, that was kind of abrasive, but I think I can hear some effort in there. Might have to hear it again. Could definitely be distracting in the wrong setting...
One of the most awesome songs on RP and Okkervil River's performance at Sasquatch '08 reflected the very core reasons why this is so.
Will Sheff isn't afraid to let his voice hit the edges if it suits the passion and emotion of the moment. Bravo to a group that blew everyone off the stage in a once in a lifetime performance.
Excelsior wrote:
Offensive to the ears in every way.
physicsgenius, is that you?
Offensive to the ears in every way.
One of the worst songs on RP. Unfortunately, also one of the most-played.
2 -> 8
Don't ask me what happened, it went from revoltingly in your face to loudly entertaining in your face.
I still sounds like a camp over the top Arcade Fire (if thats possible). But face it, they have the balls and are gripping them most ferociously.
OMG!!! I Finally Get It!!!
10
ENOUGH of this crap!!!
Meh,
I wish I never purchased this album. Oh well, back to the record store. Okkevil River made their money, so did the record industry, and who gets screwed. Me!
Loved all of MP3. If it was crap, I'd find out soon enough and wouldn't waste, waste my money.
This makes me want to move out of my apartment before my neighbor "discovers" this album
Excelsior wrote:
Having to constantly put up with crap like this every day is what keeps my money far, far from RP.
Then why do you listen to RP? If you don't like RP, and don't want to help support the station, why do you tune in?
RadioDoc wrote:
Every time this gets played I want my $20 back for the month. Geez, what a pile of slimy, stinking pretentious poo.
Having to constantly put up with crap like this every day is what keeps my money far, far from RP.
slugore wrote:
Jonathan Richman?
">
I totally thought the same thing.
And I think this song is all right.
"> Phew! Back to normal. Thanks...
This song makes me want to punch things.
Specifically, the lead singer.
Every time this gets played I want my $20 back for the month. Geez, what a pile of slimy, stinking pretentious poo.
Didn't they misspell their name? Shouldn't it be 'Overkill River'?!
How about something a bit less pretentious. Maybe some Klaus Nomi.
Opening for The New Pornographers this evening. Didn't even realize when I bought tickets. Cool.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I was going to bump it to 8 but it's not quite there yet. Still a solid 7. Good album.
I was going to bump it to 8 but it's not quite there yet. Still a solid 7. Good album.
slartibart_O wrote:
Went all the way up from a 1 to a 3 for me this time. Hearing quite a little bit of the bad parts of Counting Crows in the vocals but actually like some of the dissonance in the piano - it takes some skill to make it anything but noise.
... went from a 3 to a 5 for me. I remember the first time I heard this - I was annoyed out of the coma-like state I sometimes lapse into at the keyboard at work... really annoyed. I didn't like it at all. But the last couple of times I've heard it, I turn it up becauses apparently my evil twin is winning and she likes it.
flush it.
I tried. I really really tried to give it a chance. This play lowered it even more, 3 to 2.
Boo.
They could have tuned this down a whole-step or so so he doesn't crack on that top note, but then again, would it have the same intensity if they did? A question for the ages...
Went all the way up from a 1 to a 3 for me this time. Hearing quite a little bit of the bad parts of Counting Crows in the vocals but actually like some of the dissonance in the piano - it takes some skill to make it anything but noise.
lathyris wrote:
I like it alright. Reminds me of Arcade Fire.
Yea! Maybe that's it.
I even like the cat on the piano part!!
Not sure why... Anyway, its cool
this is a good song. well, maybe it's a little bit "noisy" song, but it's good. yeah, good...
I like it alright. Reminds me of Arcade Fire.
kind of overwrought, huh.
Excelsior wrote:
You know, April Fool's Day is actually an appropriate time to play this song. It's like a giant joke... play a terrible song, confuse and confound the poor listeners, say "just kidding," and everybody has a hearty laugh afterwards!
I like your explaination as good as any.
You know, April Fool's Day is actually an appropriate time to play this song. It's like a giant joke... play a terrible song, confuse and confound the poor listeners, say "just kidding," and everybody has a hearty laugh afterwards!
This song is great as is the album. Perfect song to wake up to.
Just as Bill said right now, he'll continue to play this song...maybe more listeners will get to like it.
I just might but now it's not one of these days when I would want to listen to this king of singing. For now, I'll just give it a 5.
I would rather listen to commercials than this song.
Yeah, that rocked pretty hard. Definitely a histrionic singer but he fits and the lyrics are provocative and ring with truth. That makes all the difference to me.
slugore wrote:
Jonathan Richman?
and thats another thing.... why the heck is jonathan richman not on the play list?
I'm surprised this song brings out the haters, I like it's energy.
this is hurting my ears.
Jonathan Richman? ">
">
redeyespy wrote:
It's just plain dull to me. I'm thankful the screeching tenor is at least more tolerable than some others, such as Tim Buckley at his worst.
AGREED!
It's just plain dull to me. I'm thankful the screeching tenor is at least more tolerable than some others, such as Tim Buckley at his worst.
Bill is determined to get everyone to raise their rating of this song. I am already there. It is becoming my theme song as I work on my MBA. Not sure why but it works.
It's not the voice, it's the piano going off all dissonant at the same time.
And Austin's fine, for the record. But this particular song...close but not quite
It is... mildly acceptable.
Yeah, not so much with this.
OldFrenchie wrote:
This is not that bad.
Yes it is.
This is not that bad.
Very interesting. I like it. I like it a lot!
I'm surprised at the negative reaction. I dig it.
And good on you, Bill, for sticking to you guns - keep playing it.
I liked his voice, to me it was full of emotion.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Nope. Austin sucks. People should avoid coming here.
Totally agree with you homey. Stay away. 1 less car on 35 is a really good thing.
Back of ya'hozers, I like this song too. d: I was loathed to take off my ear buds to help some one with a problem while it was on. I got back just in time for the end of the song. Sure the voice is a bit weird, I'll give you that but I like it.
I'm with Bill. It's a great song.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
I like it so shut up.
7.
Make me.
1.
am I alone in hearin a bit of Elvis Costello in this?
I'm not sayin I like it, just wanted to say...
Liking it more. Bumped it from a 3 to a 7. If you like the White Stripes, this is better.
I like it too, BillG. One of the more unique bands I've heard in awhile. Took me a couple of listens to warm up to this song, but I immediately liked some of their other songs.
Psh, I like it just fine :P
EDIT: 7, eat it!