Art in Music -- Realistically Speaking

This is the last in my series about "Art in Music" and it's the most real (pun intended!) Today's theme is "Realism," where the songs in question explore realistic life scenarios and dually reference art, art history, or art-making.

Bob Dylan -- When I Paint My Masterpiece

Here, in one of Dylan's songs with multiple meanings, he talks of a tired past and a hopeful future, saying, "Someday, everything's gonna be smooth like a rhapsody, When I paint my masterpiece." Though also a visual artist with several notable gallery exhibitions, Dylan is not known for his visual artworks; however, his knowledge of art history comes into his music as he mentions in this song that he has a date with Botticelli's niece -- something which is of course impossible, because the great master Botticelli had been dead for several hundred years before Dylan was even born.

M. Ward -- Story of an Artist (originally written by Daniel Johnston)

The realism expressed in this song is all-too-often the true experience of the struggle of many visual artists. "Listen up, I'll tell you a story about an artist growing old. Some will try for fame and glory, others aren't so bold," opens the song about an artist whose family and friends have no faith in his/her artistic career or merit.

"Friends and family saying, 'Hey, go get a job'" "We don't really like what you do, we don't think anyone ever will." Depressing? Very. However, check out the beautiful cinematography and interpretation of the song in this YouTube video>>

Citizen Cope -- Pablo Picasso

Mixing a little hip-hop, a little dj remix, and a little street grunge -- this song is about a deranged man who has fallen in love with a woman painted in a public mural. Clarence Greenwood, the musician behind the Citizen Cope name, is a genius when it comes to putting himself in others shoes and then writing about it. 

Cowboy Junkies -- My Little Basquiat

How many times have you watched a child happily drawing or painting, lost in his/her own world and imagined the works of Jean-Michel Basquiat? Most of us have, and this song speaks to the comparison as the singer watches her son in the same situation. Later we hear of tales not so sweet, but certainyl true to human experience.

Counting Crows -- When I dream of Michelangelo

A personal song about life, questions, dreams, heartbreak, and more. This melodramatic ballad mentions often of looking at the masterpiece of an artwork on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and using it as a metaphor in understanding life. Very beautiful composition and poetic lyrics.

Patty Larkin -- Inside Your Painting

While Patty goes about naming specific paint colors such as cadmium yellow, vermilion, and sienna, she also sings of an odd surrealistic dream of someone in a painting taking away the pain of the artist. A hopeful fantasy of what dreams come true in an artwork, this song reaches out to anyone who's ever gotten lost in art.

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Read past posts for more "Art in Music"...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Art in Music -- The Ballads of Love Lost, Art as Metaphor

Ballads, slow songs which lean towards the emotion of love, yet are often depressing in nature, are the theme of today's "Art in Music" showcase. These songs glide beautifully off the lips and provide a thoughtful approach to art as metaphor.

Tracy Lawrence -- Paint Me a Birmingham

Keeping in-line with traditional country music narratives, this harmonic story of lost love truly paints a picture in the mind of a listener. In this story, the singer meets an artist and asks him to "paint me a Birmingham" -- an image of what life would have been like with the songwriters lover had she not died some years ago. He reminisces of time past, using the painting as a way to look at his inner-most desires.

Norah Jones -- Painter Song

Using French accordians, slow jazz rythms, and her solid charming voice, Ms. Jones wishes she could "...paint a memory..." and "...climb inside the swirling skies to be with you..." Another ballad for lost love, this song longs for more happy days with a hopeful yet knowingly unrealistic attitude.

Kenny Rogers -- If I Were a Painting

This sad song of a broken heart chimes with a lines such as, "If I were a painting, My price would be pain, And the artist would have to be you." Obviously written during a low point in a relationship or after a major breakup, the metaphors used are increasingly poetic and continue in the theme of the singer as a painting, "It's only the frame that holds me together, or else I'd be falling apart."

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Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Art in Music -- Odes to Artworks, Artists, and Art Movements

Part 2 of the "Odes" category of art in music. Here are five more songs in which musicians share their loving, serious, and/or confused homages to a variety of artists, artworks, or art movements. First, let's start with an eye-catching and fun music video:

 

Hold Your Horses -- 70 Million

This video brings to life several famous paintings from various time periods and genres as the band members take on the characters of each painting's subjects. While it is humorous that a man portrays Botticelli's Venus, the likeness to the painting created by the musicians is really stunning. Obviously this band, or at the least their video director, has a strong taste for historical art.

Rachel's -- Frida Kahlo

Though this song is instrumental, the title suggests it as an ode to the Mexican artist known for her self-portraits and surrealistic fantasies. The classically influenced musical group Rachel's has actually created quit a few compositions around the theme of visual art, this one being my favorite.

Sufjan Stevens -- The Vivian Girls Are Visited In The Night By Saint Dargarius

The title clearly identifies the theme of this song -- the work of little-known artist, illustrator, and writer Henry Darger. Sufjan's energetic and eclectic style is an art in itself, but this dreamy instrumental interpretation of Darger's artwork is even more thought-provoking than words can describe.

Rheostatics -- Music Inspired by the Group of Seven (album)

Another instrumental, but this is an entire album rather than one song dedicated to the beautiful "Group of Seven." These Canadian landscape artists from the 1920s were showcased in a large exhibition sponsored by the National Gallery of Canada in 1995. The museum commissioned the Rheostatics to create this album inspired by the retrospective exhibition.


Jonathan Richman -- No One Was Like Vermeer
This, today's only lyrical song, ode to Vermeer's unusual painting style accurately reflects the art-making style of the Dutch artist, as well as his societal influence. The folk-rocker's thumping music provides a unique backdrop for the description of Vermeer's peculiar color choices and relatively unknown way of life.

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Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Art in Music -- Biographical Narratives of Van Gogh, Pollock, Gauguin in Song

Biographical writings tell the truth like it is factually, while narrative songs tell the truth like it is emotionally. The songs for today's theme of art in music share the biographies of three famous painters with tragic early deaths.

Don McLean  -- Starry Starry Night

This beautiful, but sad, ballad about the artist's fate explores the too-frequent phenomena of post-humous fame. "They would not listen, they did not know how. Perhaps they'll listen now." This song is one of my all-time favorites, regardless of it's inclusion of art, the composition is gorgeously melodic and the lyrics are dramatically moving.

Red Crayola -- A Portrait Of VI Lenin In The Style Of Jackson Pollock, Part 1
The re-telling of Pollock's life as told by this avant-garde rock band focuses a little more on his artistic style than his biography, but still this seemed the best category for this song. The group changed their name to "Red Krayola" soon after this song, but neither name brought them much fame. This rare and hard to find song from the band's early days is an obvious ode to the group's art school influence.

Jimmy Webb -- Paul Gauguin on the South Seas

A piano and voice narrative about the artist's life, this musician mellowly describes the painful struggles that caused the artist to escape to the French Polynesian islands where he lived the remainder of his days. The bitter disenchantment Gauguin experienced with his close friends and relatives is sharply contrasted by his free-spirited tropical life in "paradise."

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Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Art in Music -- Humorous Songs About Picasso, Cezanne, and More...

Today's theme of songs that mention art -- "Humor." If you can't handle sarcasm when it comes to your favorite topic of art, then these songs may not be very humorous to you. But if you enjoy a good laugh and are willing to see the funniness of certain kinds of art, artists, or art debates, then you'll be able to appreciate the obvious amount of deep knowledge of art history required to compose these lyrics and thereby create these humorous tunes.

Modern Lovers -- Pablo Picasso

This hilarious rendition of Picasso's love-life confirms what many people believe -- the mysterious and thoughtful lives of artists are sexy and desirous. The indie rock band puts it bluntly, "Well some people try to pick up girls, And they get called assholes, This never happened to Pablo Picasso, He could walk down your street, And girls could not resist his stare..." Well, whether it was the girls chasing Picasso, or Picasso chasing the girls, who's to say; but we do know for sure that Picasso was well-known for having many extra-marital lovers.

Talking Heads -- Artists Only
This Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band, including two members who were also visual artists, knew the trials and struggles of the artist's life. This funny song showcases the inner thoughts of creatives as they sing, "You can't see it til it's finished!" and "I don't have to prove...that I am creative!" Haha, every artist can surely relate.

David Bowie -- Andy Warhol

This recording begins before the music starts with a funny intro of Bowie correcting the recorder's pronunciation of Warhol's name. "It's "Warhol", not "Warho," he reiterates. Once the music begins, the song shares stories of Warhol's fame and glory, as well as bits of his high-rolling lifestyle.

Joni Mitchell -- Turbulent Indigo

If you didn't already know that Joni Mitchell was a multi-talented woman critically acclaimed for both her music as well as her paintings, you should. As a serious artist, she often included little pieces of art history knowledge or art-making techniques into her songwriting. Here, she presents the truthful and ironic dilemma of the wealthy high-society status that Van Gogh's paintings have, yet how he himself was lowly and unwelcomed. "The madman hangs in fancy homes, They wouldn't let him near!" Doesn't this make you question our current white-wall gallery approach to art?

5 Chinese Brothers -- Cezanne

Here, the singer proclaims the much-debated tale of Cubism's beginnings. Was it Picasso or Cezanne? This guy clearly states it was definitely Cezanne, sharing the information in a matter-of-fact and charming way. Personally, I got several laughs out of the song -- not for it's historical assertions, but for it's funny presentation.

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Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)

Art in Music -- Love Songs for the Artist

Love, one of the greatest emotions known to humanity, is often hailed for its good and its bad in all art forms, including music. In continuing the series of art in music, this week's theme is "Love." The songs listed here bring together an intersection of musical genius, art history knowledge, art appreciation, and experiences of love. Enjoy!

The Weepies -- Painting by Chagall 

This indie rock group combines the musical talents of Deb Talan and Steve Tannen -- together the couple form the band "The Weepies." The song is obviously inspired by the duo's personal love. Talking about the night they first met, Talan says, "...we stayed up all night playing songs for each other, drinking a bottle of wine and trading an acoustic guitar back and forth in a tiny apartment." Tannen adds, "That night has lasted ten years so far." The reference to art is in the chorus as they sing, "We float like two lovers in a painting by Chagall." Marc Chagall was a painter of Jewish descent born in what is now Belarus in 1887. In many of his artworks, figures seem to float in dreamlike landscapes and a common theme of love is prominent in his work.

Teenage Fanclub -- Escher

Comparing a relationship to an M.C. Escher artwork, the songwriter states, "I don't know if I'm going up or down with you." I'm certain we've all experience the uncertainty that sometimes comes in love, either in its early stages or after a bad fight. This beautiful metaphor here with the work of mastermind artist Escher is a perfectly fitting way to describe this feeling of doubt and excitement.

Nick Cave -- Something's Gotten a Hold of My Heart

While this song doesn't directly mention any particular artist or artwork, it does reference the art-making practice of painting. Nick sings, "Painting my sleep with a color so bright, Changing the gray and changing the blue, Scarlet for me and scarlet for you."

Alabama -- You Only Paint the Picture Once 

Country fan or not, give this song a listen as it's sure to put tears in your eyes as you think of the years past and the years to come spent with the love of your life. While the entire song speaks about the act of painting, the chorus puts it best, "While the brush is in your hand, make sure it's just right, before the colors dry, you can't change it once it's done, you only paint the picture once." What a poetic explanation of the commitment required in marriage and the continuing effort involved to make it last.

Carlisle Belinda -- Shades Of Michelangelo

"With a stroke of love, on the canvas of my soul, I'm painting a perfect world, with shades of Michaelangelo" repeats the chorus of this dramatic song of hope and endurance. Of course, the mention of the great master of sculpture and painting Michelangelo is what makes this song an artful one. He's, of course, best known for his David sculpture and the amazing mural of the Sistine Chapel Ceiling.

Semisonic -- Sculpture Garden

When you're in love it seems that time slows down and yet, at the same moment, there is never enough time. All you can think about is spending every second with him/her. This songs speaks to that other-worldly sense of awe and beauty found in each moment of being in love. In reference to art, the singer describes the soft night and aesthetic features of a sculpture garden he's walking in with his love.

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Stay tuned for more "Art in Music" posts...

In researching the musings of various musicians about the topic of visual art, I found songs including mentions of art are somewhat limited in quantity, yet profoundly inspiring and memorable. I chose to sort my findings according to a few common themes and then present a review of each group on the following schedule:

• ODES (Part 1) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- June 8 (4 songs)
• LOVE songs, some hopeful and others confused, referencing art -- July 6 (6 songs)
• HUMOROUS songs about art or specific artists -- August 3 (5 songs)
• BIOGRAPHIES of specific artists' lives -- September 7 (3 songs)
• ODES (Part 2) to specific artworks, artists, or art movements -- October 5 (4 songs)
• BALLADS of heartbreak, using art as a metaphor -- November 2 (3 songs)
• REALISTIC narrations of pain, hope, struggle, and life, presented with references to art -- December 7 (5 songs)