BY JEREMY HAAS
Music has always been considered an outlet for emotions. Be it love, angst, or holiday cheer, there should always be a message behind music, as that’s the only way to truly make it genuine. Unfortunately, much of the popular music of today is created from ambition rather than devotion.
When people hear some of the music I listen to, I feel judgment coming my way. On several occasions, I’ve been asked things like “Why is all your music so sad?” and “Why are you such a bummer?” Well, the music I listen to is rich with passion, and if that means it’s too sad, or too whiny, to be lumped into the same category as Justin Bieber, then so-be-it. Bummer songs have integrity, and as “emo” as they might make an artist sound, raw feeling is stronger than any amount of popularity. So, without further ado, here’s five of my favorite depressing songs for those days when you just feel hopeless, for when another pop song just won’t cut it.
Precious – Cap’n Jazz
Considered to be, in a sense, pioneers in the world of “emo” music, Cap’n Jazz’s hey day was for a short period in the early 90’s. They made one actual album, however, they released a bunch of singles, EP’s, and made appearances on numerous compilations. Even with such a short-lived career, this band has truly marked their territory on the emo music scene. With their bizarre lyricism, math-rock reminiscent guitar instrumentals, and dysfunctional, off-key vocals, Cap’n Jazz isn’t your typical, run-of-the-mill miserable teenage group who shops at Hot Topic. “Precious,” correct me if I’m wrong, is about a guy waking up, hung-over, from a long night of partying. He describes his disheveled surroundings, as he “watches himself in the fish tank mirror in the corner.” This song is weird, like all of Cap’n Jazz’s music, and I can’t say that I am 100% sure the track is about what I think it’s about, but if it is, then it does an excellent job of getting sentiments across. The singer has a strangely eloquent way of slurring his speech, and though his lyrics are all over the place, they are beautifully whined and open for worlds of interpretation.
Broadripple is Burning- Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos
Margot and the Nuclear So and Sos are hipster Gods, like Lana Del Rey but with actual music. Throughout a fairly dynamic career, the band has undergone several line-up changes and overall sound reinventions. Through it all, “Broadripple is Burning” remains a staple in the Margot set list. I’ve heard four different versions of this song, all of which have their own distinct groove, but at the same time, incorporate most of the same elements. These include a somber chord progression, subtle background instrumentation, and spotlight placed upon a malnourished fellow who sings harsh poetry through a soft-spoken, whisper. I don’t know what “Broadripple is Burning” is about, its lyrics are vague, but still absolutely beautiful, and at the right times, hard hitting. All that this track really gets across is a depressing tone, utterly graceful verses, and an odd, eerie mood. All of these indefinite elements come together though, making for one, wonderfully sad song that builds upon itself.
I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light – Brand New
Brand New makes it’s mostly female populated fan base melt with melancholy charm. Unlike most music teenage girls adore, however Brand New, or should I say their front man, Jesse Lacey, has some true poetic merit. While many of their fan favorites have some deep, figurative meaning masked by abundant metaphors, “I Will Play My Game Beneath the Spin Light” seems to be more straightforward. While still chock-full of emblematic lines, they add to the song rather than become it. This track is about how passion is trivialized into a scheme for money and popularity when a band reaches a certain level. Having girls melt over your image rather than the meaning behind your music shows just has shallow things can become, and Brand New addresses the problem head on. Lacey’s voice trembles as he confesses the darkness that has consumed his music. Lines like “My secrets for a buck. Watch me as I cut myself wide open on this stage. Yes, I am paid to spill my guts. “ are blunt while still maintaining a strong symbolic backdrop. Through it all, Brand New is one of the most depressing bands I’ve ever heard, and definitely deserve a song on this playlist.
It’s Cool, We Can Still be Friends – Bright Eyes
Yes, yes, I love Bright Eyes. They are gloomy, angry, folky, punky, and beautiful. While their songs have a wide range of complex emotions and musical styling, it’s the quietest ones that make the most noise. “It’s Cool, We Can Still be Friends.” Is a five-minute long, post breakup ballad, consisting of one simple chord progression, and front man Conor Oberst’s voice brought down to a whisper. This isn’t a fan favorite, it isn’t some big epic masterpiece, and it isn’t really intricate like most Bright Eyes songs, no, it’s almost lazy in comparison. That, however, makes it stand out for some reason, and gives off the vibe that Oberst really was fully and utterly depressed when writing this, like he couldn’t make this song a real Bright Eyes tune. Rather, it’s a basic rant, whining hopelessly while inadvertently building up to an anti climactic climax. This is one of the most depressing, downer songs I’ve ever heard, and I love every second of it.
Asleep – The Smiths
Ah, what bummer playlist doesn’t contain some form of Morrissey whining? Seriously though, The Smiths have grown on me a lot this year, which is something I never thought would happen. I think I’ve realized that while I’m still in high school, I need to embrace every facet of teenage culture before it’s too late. This song is a classic, and not just because it was featured heavily in The Perks of Being a Wallflower. “Asleep” actually is void of any snarky, hyperbolic self-hatred the Smiths are famous for, and no wicked Johnny Marr guitar riffs either. No, it’s more of a bummer than that, and with the sadness comes beauty; through a minor piano instrumental and an emphasis on hopelessness, this track is everything you hear at the end of a long day, laying in bed, staring at your ceiling, feeling utterly despondent.
