Recently we were treated to a new tune by Melbourne’s Yeo. It’s called ‘Girl’ and it kind of threw us for a minute because the genre hopping son of a gun sounds nothing like the Yeo of past, where he’s dropped rolling folk ditties, smooth R&B jams and more singer-songwritery numbers. Well now he’s dipped his toe in electronic waters (which sounds like an OH&S hazard if ever I’ve hear done) but he’s done so with aplomb. Check it.
So yeah, the latest tune is a Tune and while we like all them sounds we couldn’t help but notice that the thing seems laced with its fair share of heartbreak. “This guy has feelings”, we thought. Now aware of these feelings, we’ve asked Yeo to put together a list of his favourite break-up anthems which he divided into three stages – anger, depression and party. He’s kindly given us a few words on each which you can check below followed by the playlist so you can have a listen*.
Beck - Golden Age
When I was first asked to do this, I immediately thought, ‘just listen to every song on Beck's Sea Change’. Think desolate and gorgeous. And the song 'Paper Tiger’ (track 2) takes direct influence from Gainsbourg and Vannier. Golden Age sets the stage, makes you feel sad but peaceful.
Yukari - Hang On
She does everything herself. Genius. Headphones, 3am, do it. Lyrics (when translated) are 120% relevant.
James Blake - Lindisfarne II
Oh, someone’s leaving you? Like, someone really awesome? Listen to this at your own risk.
Phantom Planet - Lonely Day
Underrated due to their hit California being wrung out on the TV series The O.C., one of my favourite rock bands juxtapose happy melodies and danceable rhythms with depressing lyrics. When you’ve been dumped and everyone else is doing GREAT.
Fleetwood Mac - The Chain
The year is 1976. You throw your shotgun into the back of your pick-up and open your trailer door to find your wife with her bags packed. A heated conversation ensues…
Okkervil River - For Real
No one gets angry like Will Sheff. Murder ballads get to me like nothing else, especially when my chips are down and I’ve got the red fever. Was it all a goddamn lie, or did what we had actually mean something?
Black Milk - Without U
Little-known talent from Detroit. Classic story, distilled with swaggerdocio like you ain’t ever known. Don’t play this in the car when you’re driving her home after it’s been done.
Blake Mills - Don’t Tell Your Friends About Me
There is no studio version of this song (yet). Mills is a master at taking a lyrical photo of human interaction. Then you realise he can play guitar like a riot. Then you cry because you’ll never be as good as him, and your “rough patch” just turned into a “break up”.
Jamie Lidell - Game For Fools
Remember the first time you broke up with someone? And you wondered why it sucked so much, even though it was your call? It’s because it’s all a bloody game, a game for fools.
Jai Paul - Track 8
You’ve just become single, and this is your first night out on the town in 3 years as a bachelor/ette. You don’t even remember what its like, and hopes are high. But the fun only lasts for like, 54 seconds, and the first 19 feel like a bad movie. Welcome to the rest of your life.
BONUS TRACK:
Weezer - The World Has Turned And Left Me Here
In 10th grade, I really had no idea what was going on. Just an abundance of emotion, and a huge empty space behind my face when she bailed.
*For maximum effect we suggest breaking up with your other half before hitting play and if you’re single, try harder yeah?
