Absolute Beginnings

Ivan: I had an idea buzzing around for a while. It got triggered when we started posting about the ‘wall of album covers’. Let’s pick great album opening songs. They can be our “forever” albums or new discoveries as well. Anything goes! But only the first album track.

Andie: I looove how you described your PL proposal! Sounds fun! I haven’t made anything like this! Let’s do it!!

Ivan

Zoo Station – U2 – Achtung Baby

U2 are imprinted so much deep down in me. All of my first musical memories are with them: my older brothers used to play them on repeat on our home hifi. Specifically, I was a big fan of their sound until Zooropa…after that a bit less. My favourite album is actually an uncommon one – October – but it goes head to head with Achtung Baby. But Achtung Baby’s Zoo Station is just…such a summary of what U2 are to me, between the old and the 90s ones! A proper cornerstone track I would say.

Andie

Come Back to Earth – Mac Miller – Swimming

I absolutely loved that background you shared on why you picked the U2 track. U2’s Achtung Baby album had one of the first songs that I listened to that made me so curious about them – Mysterious Ways. I remember when I was younger, I was just so captivated by the sound. U2 in general is also the first concert that my dad and I went to, we bond over them a lot!

I decided to go with ‘Come Back to Earth’ from his 2018 ‘Swimming’ album. I can’t express how much this song got me through a lot of things. I fall asleep to this, listen to it to calm me down, and when I just want to reflect and relax. I just love the way he sings about life. I think he carried this theme about ‘life’ all throughout this albums and there are even mentions about this song, specifically the phrase “and I was drowning, but now I’m swimming” around his last album – Circles. It’s beautiful beyond words!

Ivan

Comequando – Bluevertigo – Pop Tools

Thanks for opening a door to me with this great opening song! I saw a few of your album’s were MacMiller’s one in your wall of album covers. I suspected one thing or two about him being one of your favourites. Wow! Such a powerful song and lyrics! I can hear why this song got ways to speak to the deeps of oneself and puts you at ease.

I listened to the whole album too and I think I need to digest and re-listen more. Also in light of the fact that this is the last album before his tragic end. Was he somehow alluding to an end?

From my side, I am following up with another song from one album out of my “Wall of album cover”, hence another one from my all time favourites .

Bluvertigo was a band led by Morgan, one of the most eclectic, innovative and researched Italian artists of the late 90’s early 2000. When my friend shared this album with me for the first time, I was a first year uni student…and a person in search of identity as well. This album influenced me so much in terms of openness to genre and to innovation. Basically it sort of taught me one of the things I like in music the most until today: research, uniqueness, and out of the schema ideas.

Andie

Me and Your Mama – Childish Gambino – “Awaken, My Love!”

I’ve had ‘Comequando’ on loop for a few minutes now, and I’m really loving this – I immediately pictured this in those scenes in a movie where they’re playing a montage of the main character doing different things, signaling a character development. I get what you mean about the song as a “hymn of feeling lost into thoughts” I searched up the lyrics and I did resonate with them. I’m also enjoying the overall energy of this song a lot!

For the next one I added, I realized it had to be ‘Me and Your Mama’ by Childish Gambino as I think this was just such a genius way to begin an album. I always feel like 6-minute track has so much parts to it and you’re always bound to feel something new with each listen. I remember listening to it for the first time and was completely blown away by the arrangement.

Ivan

Born Under Punches – Talking Heads – Remain in Light

So genius and eventful, and in a very very good way! Never boring or giving the feeling of overdoing for no reason. Loved the mix of genres too! I listened once to a track from him very distractedly, and I never really got into his music.

And now with this track now I finally have the perfect excuse to deep dive into the whole album too. So thanks a lot!

Following up with a classic from another genius artist + band, fishing from a different musical era. I followed the trail of uniqueness and Talking Heads were simply mastering the art of innovation. It took me a bit of time to understand them, but I never got back once I did. Remain in Light is another of my all time favourite albums (again in my wall of album covers). That choir at the end of Born Under Punches, soooo groovy and visceral. I get goosebumps all the time 

…And the heat goes on!

Andie

Inbetween Days – The Cure – The Head On The Door

I haven’t listened to Talking Heads in a minute! What a unique and interesting first track for their album! I also get what you mean by that choir at the end…absolutely amazing!! That really made me even more curious about their sound!

For my next one, I’ve been listening to The Cure a looot this weekend and they’re one of the bands my dad introduced me to when it came to some 80s, 90s, and New Wave tracks. I had to choose ‘Inbetween Days’ from The Head On The Door because I think it was just such a fun way to open such a great album. Plus, that instrumental introduction is something that I think’s embedded in my brain at this point haha

Ivan

Everything in its right place – Radiohead – Kid A

ah such a solid choice! I love The Cure and indeed The Head On The Door is a monster album with a monster entry track. Soo iconic, especially for who knows the band more deeply.
My favourite album is Disintegration. I listened to it so many times that I ruined the CD and bought another one. 

And speaking of CD’s I almost ruined, I went for another hyper-iconic track.

Kid A was again introduced to me by the same musician friend (same first year of uni). I owe him so much of my music knowledge 

But….what an album that is! To me at least. It is divisive for the old Radiohead fans, but not to me. I fell in love with Radiohead because of the “new” sound, as I had no previous knowledge of the earlier works. I later appreciated those as well. Everything in its right place is such a monumental start for the new era of the band…and to me entering an adult stage of life

Andie

Losing Touch – The Killers – Day & Age

Everything In Its Right Place made me feel like I just went on a journey…like somewhere far, I can’t even explain it but it was just a really interesting feeling. I really love what you mentioned about it mirroring, for you, the entrance to an adult stage of life. I think it’s also a transition-type of feeling I got from this too, hence the journey I described it as haha.

The next one I’ve added is by The Killers from their 2008 album, Day & Age. It was actually a difficult time for me to pick which album from The Killers I’d wanna focus on, but this spoke to me a lot. I love that the band is currently trying new sounds, but their original sound will always have a place in my heart! ‘Losing Touch’ saves my soul and it saves my bad days in so many ways!

Ivan

Angel Echoes – Four Tet – There Is Love In You

I have to admit I am not the greatest fan of The Killers, although I sideways liked their sound some years ago. Nonetheless, you sharing a hint of your personal context about ‘Losing Touch’ made me listen to them with totally different ears and more openness. It really made a lot more sense to me now, both musically (the part I was generally less fond of) and how great this is arranged with the beautiful lyrics of this song.

I promised myself that soon I am going to listen to the whole album with no history bias. It feels good already. I will find proper time for this.

It seems that I cannot escape from sharing another track from those albums I listed in the covers. Anyways, when I made that, I chose among my “all times” favourites. It’s hard to give room to something else without feeling guilty for not picking instead one from my innerly loved ones. 

Four Tet is another big name. I love electronic music in many declinations. I came in contact with “There is love in you” in more mature times, after i ventured through so many little experimental rabbit holes made of glitches, synthetic sounds and minor artists.

It was so refreshing and simple to listen to that album many times and with different intent and mood states. It always works for me: either listening with max attention to every detail or just in the background while working.

Andie

Passed You By – Chicano Batman – Freedom is Free

Four Tet! Gotta admit, I have never listened to a full album by this band, but I’ve always wanted to get into them. I remember in high school, my friends and I would talk about music a looot and their name got thrown into the conversation. I was pretty intrigued by their sound. Listening to ‘Angel Echoes’ definitely brought back that curious feeling. I ended up listening to the song on loop and I had no idea! haha It’s a great background song for me, It keeps me focused for some reason and that’s just a great result!

Speaking of high school, this made me look back and I ended up coming across the band Chicano Batman – another group that, I’d say, shaped my music and got me more into listening to music and just taking the sounds in. I think their song ‘Passed You by’ from their album “Freedom Is Free” is a great example of that – just taking int he music and feeling those melodies. I hope it’ll make you feel the same way, Ivan! 🙂

Ivan

Hey Dude – Kula Shaker – K

Never heard of Chicano Batman before. Such cool and relaxed vibes! I could totally picture this track fitting our Elbow High Cruising By playlist too 

 The whole album is also really really pleasant, never obvious yet researched in the sounds. It grew in me track after track. I appreciated it a lot and I was always curious to discover what they do next. I will surely go back there. Thanks for the cue!

Since we are remembering school times, I went slightly back in time. I think I was like 12 when a lifelong friend showed me this CD. It was a present to her from an uncle and I was not fully aware of what that was. We didn’t listen to it on that occasion, but the album artwork got stuck in my brain for some reason. Years later I discovered Kula Shaker and I immediately recalled that album. I think little bands hit with such energy on their first absolute opening track

Andie

Mis-Shapes – Pulp – Different Class

This Kula Shaker track has amazinggg energy. It got me hooked indeed! The cover has a lot going on and that really made me think too. Actually, their sound kinda reminds me of this one band. I really can’t put my finger on it but i think it’s what made it even more addicting for me. I also love the vocals when he says ‘Hey Dude’ I love that fun and kinda raspy touch to it.

As I was trying to look for that band that reminded me of them, I stumbled upon Pulp and I’m so glad that I did because I added ‘Mis-Shapes’ from my top album of them, ‘Different Class’. I love that this track opened the album because I think it just a fun song that brings people together. There’s so much use of “we” in the song and that’s what makes me think of big crowds singing this song outloud – cheering on life and spirit

Ivan

Tony Hawk of Ghana – I Hate My Village – I Hate My Village

I didn’t know much of the band as I never listened to them earlier. You got me interested as I missed this piece of the 90s. And after listening to the song again and again, I really think that this track is such a textbook way to open an album! I mean, the song structure and the chorus energy is something that recalls this feeling in me: I put an album and I know the first song will be a statement of what I am going to listen and enjoy to for the next 30-60 mins.

I added something that has been passing through my ears more times recently.

“I Hate My Village” is an ensemble between members of 3 great Italian indie rock bands. A bit hidden to the wider audience, when I discovered them I absolutely loved it. First, because the frontman is the singer of one of my favourite bands (Verdena). Second, because I was never expecting them to mix such sounds from the world, Desert blues/rock components and electronic influences. Definitely stuff I have been exploring more in the last year.

Andie

Come A Little Closer – Cage The Elephant – Melophobia

The first thing that came to mind when I saw the song you added was that that is such a unique and cool band name! The more it got me interested. Something about the melody and rhythm of the guitar got me addicted. Now, I don’t listen to this genre often…or actually now that I think about it, at all even. But this was such a great new find for me and It got me interested about the other cool tracks by the band.

For the next one I added, I was really just listening to the song on loop because I haven’t in a while, plus, I just really love Cage The Elephant (another band that first got me because of such a cool band name). Cigarette Daydreams and the album Melophobia (which is actually a really interesting name when you think about it since it literally means the fear of music) is definitely in one of my top picks.

I was quite surprised that this was the way they opened the album, considering most of the tracks lean on a more rock side, but i guess that’s what makes it all the more intriguing to listen to. But I do have to say, I love the way it follows through to the next track on the album – Come A Little Closer

Ivan

Primadonna – Gianna Nannini – Latin Lover

Surely It has been a long time since I didn’t listen to an album from a band with those sounds. but I had my period in the past enjoying some of these albums. So this was again a great occasion to listen to the whole Melophobia. I have heard of Cigarette Daydream before. You got me more curious mentioning how the whole album developed and it was a pleasant 40 mins time to sit back and listen to it.

Yesterday I watched a new biographic movie on Netflix: it is about the most iconic Italian female rocker of all times – Gianna Nannini. While her current sound is not what I would listen to in the Italian music panorama, how breaking and disruptive she was when she became famous was definitely more interesting to me. The opening of Latin Lover (the album name) totally hit me for its sound and how her character comes across. And I think in the movie this was on a part when she was in Germany producing it, so it has a lot of the 80’s kraut rock influences as well.

Andie

Seasons (Waiting on You) – Future Islands – Singles

This is just great, Ivan!! You got me hooked just reading your description about the song! I gotta admit, I really do love how strong this track is. I am really not familiar with this artist, but I can see how her sound took part in defining the history of Italian music. The energy of this track is beyond compare. What a great song and artist you just introduced me to! Truly got my curiosity!

For my next one, I added Seasons (Waiting on You) by Future Islands. I’d say they’re definitely one of the bands that got me out there to explore different genres and styles of music. Who knew new wave, post punk, and synth could blend so well together? I’ve always been obsessed with New Wave because of the influence of my parents and when I leaned more into rock and punk, it just blew my mind. The synth addition just got me even more addicted because it was a genre I really wanted to explore further. And the other thing that caught me with Future Islands were the vocals. I was so amazed when I first heard of them! I found it so different and I loved that layer of emotion it added to the every song they’d put out.

Ivan

Kappler – Offlaga Disco Pax – Socialismo Tascabile – Prove Tecniche di Trasmissione

Future Islands are so “fresh” to me! In the sense that they truly have something new to propose, without getting to be too researched or complex. Instead getting the best of all the genres you listed in a very pleasant, light-weight manner. His voice is so fresh as well, and yet got that 80’s feel like in Tears for Fears or even to some extent in Dave Gahan deep voice. Thanks a lot for the share. I already got to listen the album once, but will probably explore more.

This time I propose to you something else in Italian that I found myself deeply connected with in a very short time.

Offlaga Disco Pax were an old band formed at the beginning of 2000. Back then I knew maybe a song or two, but never got to listen to them really carefully.Last year, the right moment finally arrived and I found myself so attached to their sound and their unique proposal in ways I didn’t imagine. Socialismo Tascabile became one of my all time favourite albums in a very short time.

In Kappler, it is about him as a high school student finding ways to join protests and skipping class instead of studying. Most of all, it was about his teacher – nicknamed Kappler – who was trying to get him to study.

Andie

Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) – Arcade Fire – Funeral

First thing that really caught my attention with Kappler was that guitar. You’re so right, it does have a similar sound to the cure. The intro with the rhythm of that guitar felt so flow-y, catchy, and really smooth – I felt like it was preparing me for something and to my surprise, it was all such great dialogue. What an interesting bad to be mostly spoken word! This is definitely a cool find for me, Ivan!

I translated the song in english, and the story moved me. It also got me thinking how much this song spoke to a lot of students and people. This song gave me so much flashbacks to when I was in college. The students would be invited to join in rallies and protest every time the government would oppose this nonsense rule, especially if it would affect the marginalized in the country, and a looot of students would come together.

The next one I’ve just added is by Arcade Fire. Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) spoke to me a lot when I first heard the album when I was younger. I guess it’s because I felt that urge to grow up so fast – thinking that I had it all figured out. Because that’s what the whole song was about, teenagers already wanting such an “adult” or “grown up” future, they got lost in everything else. Looking back at it now, I just feel this sense of comfort every time I listen to this song – and instead of rushing through life, it now reminds me to take things slow. Plus, If you don’t know it yet, you should definitely check out the 7th song from the album, “Wake Up” – it speaks to kids who come together and feel that certain strength from being one voice.

Ivan

If Not Now, Then When? – King Gizzard & The Wizard Lizard – L.W.

I am really thankful for you sharing many personal pieces of you and how music took your hand over the years. I liked the Arcade Fire opener. Again, even though this is not my favourite genre, I can get down to the essence of why this is big, at least in connection to your words. I listened to the whole album too and I appreciated it as well.

For my next track, I also looked a bit back on what I picked so far and I was in the hunt for a band that escalated very fast to the top of my all time favourites. KGATLW (that’s how ppl shorten the name of the band online) is definitely THE one checking this definition. I remember very clearly how it started too. I was in the car a few years ago listening to my favourite radio and waiting. I heard one song from them (“Automation” from the K.G. album) and I immediately looked it up to explore later. Oh boy what did I just open! Among all albums and styles, I like the period where they mixed their progressive rock with sitar and Indian string instruments, so the album opener I picked comes close to that period. Plus, “If not now, then when” has this catchy synth motive that I couldn’t get out of my brain for long.

Andie

Either Way – Wilco – Sky Blue Sky

Ivan! I absolutely love King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard! I remember hearing them for the first time when I was in high school! My friend mentioned the band name and I was like “…King…what?” hahaha the band name has always stuck with me and I guess that’s how I grew suuuper into them! They have such a unique way of taking on progressive rock and I’m left amazed every time I give one of their songs a listen. Plus, the album covers are just always so crazy to me and it’s gets me excited every time I click on one. I love how the static and distorted-like sound controls the whole introduction of ‘If Not Now, Then When?’, but then it transitions to this funky and groovy first verse. There’s also something about the vocals and tone/pronunciation of the lines that make it so addicting to listen to.

Okay! So, I really wanted to add something from Wilco but It was so difficult for me to just choose one album haha I gave a listen to a few over the weekend but I noticed myself coming back to their 2007 album, Sky Blue Sky, often. I’ve added their song ‘Either Way’, I’ll be honest, the lyrics actually do have a touch of sadness, but after listening to this on repeat a lot before and noticing how the meaning constantly changes for me over time, the whole just gives me contentment and the feeling of assurance now. And I think it’s also just the overall melody and especially that instrumental break mixed with a lot of stringed instruments – just so beautiful to me! It reminds me that things are gonna be okay and like how the song mentions, “i will understand how everything has its plan”

I’m so excited to hear how you’ll end our amazing playlist, Ivan!

Ivan

Hunter – Bjork – Homogenic

Wilco – Either Way: wow! The first thing that came to my head is that the song sounded to me as a perfect absolute beginning, but also can function as a great absolute ending too! I was really moved by the melody and the words and listening to the whole album made me reflect on how I changed my tastes in music and slowly became more “open”.

“Hunter” from Bjork is such a great track and powerful opening.

I remember when I decided to discover her music: I was starting to appreciate a lot of experimental and electronic influences in music and I landed on Homogenic to start my Bjork exploration. It immediately projected me to the next level of understanding why I was appreciating all of this and had one of those moments of clarity when I knew it was feeling totally right to be open to new sounds! Actually, the more I can chase the better. I can totally say I brought this enjoyment with me until today.

Andie

Trash- Suede – Coming Up

Hands down to that Bjork track you ended with, Ivan! The first thought that came to my mind while listening to it was that it’s such a powerful song. That’s the main energy I got and it was so contagious. Bjork is so different with with tone and style of music – it’s so experimental to me and I’m amazed every time I listen to a song by her. You know what, I get what you mean by experiencing that totally different feeling of listening to a song through some great headphone gear. It’s like 10x the power and experience – so I can totally see how Hunter would be even more mind blowing.

Speaking of powerful beginnings and openings, I, once again, went back to my favorites and stumbled on this 80s English Rock Band, Suede. Trash was actually the first song I ever listened to by them and It got me hooked. The power, the voice, and the lyrics. It just makes me feel so happy about life, too, every time I give it a listen – it’s like a reassuring song for me (if that makes sense haha). Plus, I even gave it a go and as I was listening to the song on repeat, I decided to use my headphones – Amazing. It just felt like it was just me and the music. I know I’m not as technical when it comes to headphones and their type or how they function, but just in general, I feel like using headphones calls for a different goal every time. Like for me, I’d say it’s when I wanna be totally immersed in the song I’m listening to because headphones block any other sound and it just makes me focus on the music (thank God for heaphones! haha)

I hope you enjoy this track as much as I do and I really do hope I ended our playlist with justice!

Track Listing

• Zoo Station – U2
• Come Back to Earth – Mac Miller
• Comequando – Bluvertigo
• Me and Your Mama – Childish Gambino
• Born Under Punches (The Heat Goes On) – 2005 Remaster – Talking Heads
• Inbetween Days – The Cure
• Everything In Its Right Place – Radiohead
• Losing Touch – The Killers
• Angel Echoes – Four Tet
• Passed You By – Chicano Batman
• Hey Dude – Kula Shaker
• Mis-Shapes – Pulp
• Tony Hawk of Ghana – I Hate My Village
• Cigarette Daydreams – Cage The Elephant
• Primadonna – Gianna Nannini
• Seasons (Waiting on You) – Future Islands
• Kappler – Offlaga Disco Pax
• Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) – Arcade Fire
• If Not Now, Then When? – King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard
• Either Way – Wilco
• Hunter – Björk
• Trash – Suede

Playlist image by AI