Because proper music threads love making various top 5s, top 10s, top 100s, whatever. Pick a topic and just pick a bunch of stuff that goes with it. Discuss other folks lists. Do your own version of their lists. Just you know, get some discussion going on music gaiz.
Having been on Youtube lately I stumbled on some peoples lists of "Top Ten Depressing Songs" or things to a similar effect. So I listened, and was totally underwhelmed by the choices on the whole (sorry but emo bands might have angsty lyrics but the music is utterly devoid of any misery) and have decided that I can do better.
One real rule is that I don't want it all just depressive black metal, so one song per band. And alphabetical order
Acid Bath - Scream of the Butterfly
One of my top 3 AB songs. It might not be all that miserable lyrically, as it is more disturbing in nature, but musically it hits all the right notes. And Dax Riggs, that voice just makes me want to weep, it's so bloody good. I'd sell my soul to sing like him without a moments hesitation. Devil, are you listening?
Alice In Chains - Dirt
Remember the very first time I heard this, 17 or 18 at the time and it was just "woah" for the whole album is a total downer. But this song in particular deals with the horrid, grotty reality of being an addict in a way which is only more poignant when you consider how Layne Staley's rather pathetic and pitiful death. "One who doesn't care is one who shouldn't be".
Crowbar - Existence Is Punishment
Fucking inevitable that I would pick a Crowbar song in this top ten really, they are just crushing, from both the weight of their riffs and the impending sense of doom. And well, that's showcased perfectly in this song. Few men write lyrics about betrayal as convincingly as Kirk Windstein: you know when he says "I gave my heart and soul to you my friend, You let me fall" that he fucking means it oh so much. And the blunt harshness of those last lines, "Opened my eyes to what is real, This world is hard, it's cold, it's agony".
Eels - Elizabath on the Bathroom Floor
It's a song written about E's sister and her first suicide attempt. She later succeeded. What more do you want? "But waking up is harder when you wanna die" is a great line, simple but oh, so true.
Gary Jules - Mad World
I confess, I did not like this when it came out. Big mistake Cam. This is awesome, poignant, and way cooler than the original.
Joy Division - Isolation
Kinda has to be a Joy Division song on here, but nope, not going to be the obvious one. Instead I've gone from this song from their second album, Closer. There's hardly a shortage of great miserable Joy Division songs, but this just has that claustrophobic, haunting sound down to a tee. And one line to point to, "I'm ashamed of the person I am." Brilliant. Catchy tune too.
Life Of Agony - Damned If I Do
Aaaah, too many Life of Agony songs to choose from again. Fucksake. River Runs Red is an obvious choice, but I kind of prefer this track. Perhaps more melodic than the title track of their first album, but man, here it is 100% the lyrics that do it for me. "Why do I feel so alone in a crowd of people I know? Is it wrong to feel so insecure so unappealing?" I don't know Keith but I do know that it sucks.
Marilyn Manson - Coma White
Anyone who refuses to take Marilyn Manson seriously should probably be forced to listen to this song until they realise what a tragic mistake they are making. Such a beautiful tune. Now, what happened to the Brian Warner who wrote this that now has him writing mOBSCENE and other such rot is beyond me, but don't let any of the spin, the shock, or anything else take away from this stellar song. And that Tainted Love cover, Jesus fucking Christ...
Shining - Längtar Bort Från Mitt Hjärta
Probably my very favourite example of the absolutely lows that black metal can scrape emotionally, leaving the staid, antiseptic world of death metal in the dust. Some folk don't like the samples, I happen to think the fit the tone perfectly, whatever. Great, great band. Abject misery abounds here, and that's exactly the way I want it thanks. Black metal isn't meant to be danced to, it isn't meant to raise your spirits, it should chill and leave you feeling a bit uncomfortable. Well Kvarforth, mission achieved.
Type O Negative - Gravitational Constant: G = 6.67 * 10-8 Cm-3 Gm-1 Sec-2
"One two three four, I don't wanna live no more." "
No I ain't hinting for sympathy, I'm used to dealing with apathy, The scars on my wrists may seem like a crime, Just wish me better luck next time." Dark humour on display as you would expect from Type O, but ultimately it's a song that leaves the listener with no room to misinterprete the lyrics. It's a damn bleak song, but also a very good slab of doom metal with some great riffs.
