Darling, death will have to pry my fingers loose
I bought David Bazan’s newest record last week, “Strange Negotiations” and immediately had a sense of regret. You see, over the years I remain interested in his music but i’ve found the songs less and less compelling. Last night while painting rooms in the new house, I listened a couple of times and was pleasantly surprised. The majority of the record is average, but there are three songs which are exceptional (Virginia, Strange Negotiations, Don’t Change), and one more that I think is phenomenal.
“Won’t Let Go” is the final song on the record, and I just love it. It’s a love song, the kind of love song that I couldn’t have fully identified with until recently. I like the simple, throbbing bass line. I like how tired he sounds, while still coming off totally sincere. I like the words. This is where Bazan is best - simple songs with great lyrics and a focus on good vocal melodies.
