Case File #19: "Game of Pricks"

Guided By Voices
"Game of Pricks"
The Best of Guided By Voices: Human Amusements at Hourly Rates
(2003)



The need to know: One of indie rocks longest standing holdouts, Guided By Voices are practically an institution. No, they are one. Led by Robert Pollard, the band released over 17 albums, not counting live releases, EPs and compilations (which at least double that number), during a 20 year career that earned the band a sold fan base without ever requiring them to sign a major label contract. Known for Pollard's quirky, stream-of-consciousness lyrics and often lo-fi recordings, especially in their early days, GBV walked the line of accessibility without ever crossing over it. And oh how we love them for it. 

Why it's worthy: A short, punchy pop song in a catalog of short, punchy pop songs, "Game of Pricks" still somehow feels like something special. Originally recorded for 1995's Alien Lanes, this version is clearly crisper (the original exemplifies lo-fi) but the slick production fits the song like a glove. It's a testament to the song, and Pollard's songcraft, that it works so well both ways.

Quotable lyric: "I'll never ask for the truth, but you owe that to me"

Where you've heard it: An extreme Guided By Voices fan, Jim Adkins and his band, Jimmy Eat World, covered "Game of Pricks" for the BBC while promoting 2001's Bleed American. The recording ended up on the Japanese-only Good To Go EP.

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Case File #9: "Graveyard Girl"

M83
"Graveyard Girl"
Saturdays = Youth
(2008)




The need to know:If you've ever wanted your life to sound like the soundtrack to a John Hughes movie, then you should probably get your hands on some M83. Since 2001, M83, the moniker for French electropop mastermind Anthony Gonzales, has released five albums ranging from the ambient to the shoegazey and is responsible for notable remixes for artists including Bloc Party, Depeche Mode, Placebo and Goldfrapp. But his 2008 album, the aptly titled Saturdays=Youth, captured the 80s teen spirit in all of us, even placing an obvious Molly Ringwald look-alike on its cover. 

Why it's worthy: A theme song for fledgling goth girls everywhere, "Graveyard Girl" plays out like an emo melodrama in miniature. A love song to a girl who maybe spends a little too much time hanging out at the cemetery (like there is such a thing!) plays out over M83s well-adapted, 80s-inspired sonics. One of the bands more grounded "rock" songs, soaring synths and an obvious 80s drum beat play obvious homage to the group's influences, but it's more an interpretation of that decade's sounds than a straight rip off.

Quotable lyric: "I'm fifteen years old/ And I feel it's already too late to live/ Don't you?"

Where you've heard it: "Graveyard Girl" was used to promote British teen drama Skins.

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Case File #5: "Paparazzi"

Lady Gaga
"Paparazzi"
The Fame
(2009)




The need to know: If you're a pop culture conscious individual, you've no doubt seen Lady Gaga...probably before you've heard her. Gaga excels at out-wierding the competition and even though her songs aren't exactly anything new or edgy, she has still made the mainstream pop scene a bit more interesting. Not just anybody can dress up like a planet, guys, and still walk away with five of the years biggest hits.

Why it's worthy: When not using stupid euphemisms like "disco stick," Gaga can actually be downright clever--a distinct reason why "Paparazzi" is the only one of her singles to get an obsession-worthy thumbs up. A slave to its title, the tune turns the tabloidal groan on its head, spinning a stalkerish love tale from behind the camera lens. And the chorus? Catchy enough to keep you up at night. True story.

Quotable lyric: "We're plastic but we still have fun!"

Where you've heard it: All over the usual suspects.

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