song of the day: may 13/2011

Sebadoh - Skull
Album: Backsale [1994]

"skull" appeared as one of the most radio-friendly tracks from indie rock lo-fi pioneers sebadoh's "backsale" LP. previously known for its combination of aggressive sound experiments and folk-flavored punk ballads, sebadoh here displays a more focused pop sensibility, the song even managing to receive airplay on commercial alternative radio, a first for the band. the departure of founding member eric gaffney, who had a certain panache for atonal, somewhat confrontational songs, seemed to clear the air for a more evenly balanced pop sound and the use of more traditional studio recording methods, embraced here for the first time. the song starts small with clean guitar strumming as lou barlow sings the opening lines, "there is history in this place/there are dragons to be chased." bass and drums slowly build tension with a steady rhythm, not releasing it until the chorus-line teaser, "gently take my skull for a ride." the lyrics serve a dual purpose here, managing simultaneously to describe personal relationships and the nature of addiction by using drug terminology: "and I don't know who you are/but I know what I would like you to be/a one-night stand under stone persuasion/and a joy that I can't hide/let's go chasing dragons through the snow." these lines are delivered with barlow's laid-back, somewhat sad and dreamy vocal approach. with "skull," sebadoh stepped closer to the mainstream, while never losing its voice or artistic integrity.

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