And now on A-Side Glance, we’re going to stop and consider an emotion that’s become an increasing rarity as time has gone by, as we’ve gone from literal to virtual caves.
Happiness, as decreed by the 30 Day Song Challenge.
Day 9: A song that makes you happy
2020: “Wild Wood”, Paul Weller
In my rather limited repertoire back in the day, I did consider a few Paul Weller songs to be ones that made me happy – “Sunflower” and “The Changingman” to name a couple. But “Wild Wood” struck a chord with me due to how gentle it was, the laid-back folky vibes ideal for the springtime, and the lyrics struck a chord too. Again, peak pandemic time, we were all stuck in the wild, wild wood and we were all waiting on a way out, waiting for that golden rain.
*(most of) Us when the vaccines finally rolled out*:
Incidentally, while it’s on my mind, I did Spotify Wrapped a few days ago. Paul Weller was one of my most listened-to artists for the second year running. So much for the variety I’ve been trying to tout on this blog for most of the year. Most listened to song was “He’s the Keeper”, another Weller song and one that was from an album that I think is my least favourite of his…? Make it make sense, music Gods!
Ok, another song that makes me happy.
2025: “Rayners Lane”, The Real People
Excellent, I finally get to stop and talk about the Realies! If my memory serves me correctly, I first checked these guys out via Britpop Memories on Twitter – They normally have anniversaries primed and ready and one was for the cult Britpop favourite What’s On The Outside. I checked it out and yeah, quality album. If you like Oasis’ early style of sound you’ll like the Realies, mainly because they did actually take the Gallaghers and co. under their wings for a few years. There’s a bit of history between the bands which I won’t bore you too much with, save for the fact that I still will not play “Don’t Go Away” on the radio given that Noel took advantage of Marshmellow Lane being trapped in limbo and stole the chorus from “Feel the Pain” to make it.
Anyway, I digress.
“Rayners Lane” definitely makes me happy whenever I hear it, it’s a grand old knees up of a tune, nice and simple to the point where I’ll be teaching it to the kids when or if they arrive. Very British, very poppy, perfect for the time it was made. Could’ve and should’ve made more of an impact.
I wish I was musically talented as for yonks I’ve wanted to have a cover made of this but instead of using the London Underground, it would be for the Tyne & Wear Metro:
It’d probably go something along the lines of this:
‘I caught the train
To Percy Main
I bought a ticket from Wallsend
Got shanked along the way’
A-Side Glance 