There’s nothing better than discovering the brilliance of a particular song on an album you’ve been in love with for a long time.
Such is the case with Damien Rice’s “Grey Room,” a song that tends to get neglected on account of the album’s incredibly strong start (“9 Crimes” and “Rootless Tree” to name a few).
True, 9 was sort of a departure for Damien, but let’s face it, indie rock critics have never really liked him. They almost made me hate O, even after I happily listened to it nonstop for three months. Luckily, I decided to disregard the negative reviews and give 9 a try.
Unlike O, 9 is bitter, angry and overly-dramatic. But I really like it. It’s gotten way more plays my library than I ever imagined. “Grey Room” is one of those mid-tempo acoustic ballads that drives me crazy. If you like what you hear, definitely check out the rest of the album.
Eugene Gordin wrote:May 1, 2007
Nice selection! I was just listening to him tonight. He’s a talented fellow that Damien – writes crazy lyrics but talented nonetheless.
I still have to say that Accidental Babies is my favorite track so far, despite any kind of awkward naming/lyrics. Nice track choice tho!
Dave wrote:October 9, 2007
Hey just came across your blog, really like it. I’m from Dublin and first saw Damien about 10 yrs ago now, at a singer songwriter night in Doyles pub on fleet st,he was amazing, followed him around for ~6months, Lisa Halligan was about 16 at the time, they played the best live music in Dublin until Rodrigo y Gabriella started (check them out). Anyway 10 came out and i shit you not they were the 10 worst songs in his set, but they were whats now genralised as EMO, so highly marketable. A real shame, he had an excellent repetoire, french songs,sea shanties you name it a kind of energetic Cohen but alas forgotten.
Anyway what got me here was your moonshiner post. Dylans delivery is unrivalled but Power does a fine version of Paths of Victory, if you have it you should post it, thats very special.