[Springtime]

Any ideas on what "The Base" is exactly...? Would love to hear your interpretations!

Also, imagine Interpol's next record with this new singing style of his. I feel that his voice has been so covered in effects on the last two Pol records that it feels a little detached. His new "up close and personal" style seems to differ greatly...

One more thing, I think Paul has bass duties covered ^_^

[caitlin]

I'm really digging "The Base." I like the direction that the song goes in, and his voice sounds great. Favorite part of song so far is when he sings, "Now and then, I can see the truth above the lies." I'm very excited for his new album!! Bring it on, Paulie! :D

[Nine]

This song doesn't sound too personal to me at first glance. In fact, it sounds a lot like a movie or something. I get the impression Paul was watching something and blended himself in the role. It kind of feels like a continuation of the storyline in "On the Esplanade" -- that felt like it had a noir/espionage theme despite the laid back feel. Like a spy on vacation or something that was still being tracked. This one is more about in the field and waiting to make the move then getting out.

Of course, I think you can extend this metaphor out. I think "the base" sounds like his higher reasoning or something. Sometimes he can tap into it, see above things and get clarity. But he's unsure and constantly tapping into himself and seeing what his "base" (or "core") has to say because he can trust it's good sense but is very cautious of his human fallibility. If he can listen and keep in accordance to "the base", he will win and be the person he truly wants to be. But of course, this is very hard -- it's steep, deep nights with lures from belied beauties, etc. If he can weather through the scene, he can make it, but he can't stay long.

I don't know what to think about it. I like it a lot before the transition, then it sounds a lot like a Kent (Swedish band) song with some dissonance. Feels a bit too preachy sometimes around then, and I just can't feel it. I like his vocals and the instrumentation is great. Definitely has me excited, not sure about Summertime being the closing track though.

[Zephyrkin]

Nine, on 06 August 2012 - 06:59 PM, said:

This song doesn't sound too personal to me at first glance. In fact, it sounds a lot like a movie or something. I get the impression Paul was watching something and blended himself in the role. It kind of feels like a continuation of the storyline in "On the Esplanade" -- that felt like it had a noir/espionage theme despite the laid back feel. Like a spy on vacation or something that was still being tracked. This one is more about in the field and waiting to make the move then getting out.

Of course, I think you can extend this metaphor out. I think "the base" sounds like his higher reasoning or something. Sometimes he can tap into it, see above things and get clarity. But he's unsure and constantly tapping into himself and seeing what his "base" (or "core") has to say because he can trust it's good sense but is very cautious of his human fallibility. If he can listen and keep in accordance to "the base", he will win and be the person he truly wants to be. But of course, this is very hard -- it's steep, getting dark, etc. If he can weather through the scene, he can make it, but he can't stay long.

I don't know what to think about it. I like it a lot before the transition, then it sounds a lot like a Kent (Swedish band) song with some dissonance. Feels a bit too preachy sometimes around then, and I just can't feel it. I like his vocals and the instrumentation is great. Definitely has me excited, not sure about Summertime being the closing track though.

Yeah thematically it seems to harken back to OTE, but the emotion reminds me of Mammoth. Definitely dark, very personal and musically it is as resoundingly powerful as OIYR. "The base" metaphor seems to reference a sort of HQ. As if he's asking for advice from as you said his "higher reasoning" though he treats it as a very unattached part of himself. As far as the rest of the song goes, it seems to relate to a girl. Possibly one who's with someone else and she shouldn't be. In my interpretation truth seems fleeting because it's inconsistently present, almost as if the truth is too difficult to accept at the moment; therefore we have the waiting with open arms until daylight comes, yet as always he is unsure is his decision. Possibly because if it were the right one it should feel easier than it does.

Again just my pov. ;)

[visualinfidelity]

I wanted to comment on this and I feel like this place is the best way to do it. I hope I don't sound too off the collar but here are my thoughts:

Lyrically wise, I feel 'the base' is literally the base of the brain stem, where our conscious lies. Are any of you into Transcendental Meditation? It's a meditation practice that allows your mind to settle inward beyond thought to experience the source of thought — pure awareness. This is the most silent and peaceful level of consciousness — your innermost Self. Using this practice of meditation you move closer to enlightenment. I think the song is about expanding your consciousness to see and absorb the world in a complete new light and truth, understanding what only few do, and being open to experience life in full. Obviously this is no easy task, it's the journey of trying to dive deep into awareness as possible, in and out, in and out, catching small glimpses during every dive.

[Springtime]

Well thank you guys for your awesome interpretations, I really enjoy reading them!

So far I think they all sound awesome, and I think they could all be possible (who knows, maybe there is a spy alter-ego we don't know about yet! :lol: ) But I really like the idea of the song being about reaching one's inner-self while dealing with the environment around you. I think the first half of the song is very calm, about the narrator sitting on a peaceful beach watching the sunset. Here he can journey deep within himself to find what he should do. And then I think the second half of the song is about the narrator in the city (during the "so steep" part you can hear a sample of rush hour with car horns and stuff) and how dark and steep the journey is to his inner-self. Possibly influenced by the contrast of Paul traveling between his time in central america (panama?) and NYC.

Also, anyone notice some lyrical connections between this new solo stuff and S/T? The biggest thing for me so far has been "somewhere to stay" in Try It On, and obviously some day vs. night, winter vs. summer scenarios, the connection between "we win" and Success, and "I will not be staying long" and "I won't compete for long". Also, the "so steep" part with the frantic rush hour samples and driving at night allusions reminded me of the Barricade video where he's singing with the car lights rushing behind his head while singing "full speed half blind, full tilt decline". Just some thoughts :)

[bellatrixL]

I`m really enjoying this! Finally time for some music :D

[visualinfidelity]

Springtime, on 07 August 2012 - 04:27 AM, said:

Well thank you guys for your awesome interpretations, I really enjoy reading them!

So far I think they all sound awesome, and I think they could all be possible (who knows, maybe there is a spy alter-ego we don't know about yet! :lol: ) But I really like the idea of the song being about reaching one's inner-self while dealing with the environment around you. I think the first half of the song is very calm, about the narrator sitting on a peaceful beach watching the sunset. Here he can journey deep within himself to find what he should do. And then I think the second half of the song is about the narrator in the city (during the "so steep" part you can hear a sample of rush hour with car horns and stuff) and how dark and steep the journey is to his inner-self. Possibly influenced by the contrast of Paul traveling between his time in central america (panama?) and NYC.

Also, anyone notice some lyrical connections between this new solo stuff and S/T? The biggest thing for me so far has been "somewhere to stay" in Try It On, and obviously some day vs. night, winter vs. summer scenarios, the connection between "we win" and Success, and "I will not be staying long" and "I won't compete for long". Also, the "so steep" part with the frantic rush hour samples and driving at night allusions reminded me of the Barricade video where he's singing with the car lights rushing behind his head while singing "full speed half blind, full tilt decline". Just some thoughts :)

I really love what you said about the lyrical connections between S/T and Banks/JPLives. That thread of connection is really interesting and comforting ^_^

[WillieT]

I really like The Base! It's a good song! Going to Pre-Order the CD.

[visualinfidelity]

OR.... maybe he was talking about BASE jumping off of those Skyscrapers :P

[Catatonic_Sleek_Killz]

long time since I've been around here... anyways. This is really an awesome track!! Best song Paul has written so far, can't wait for the album!

[zzzfilesk1]

As with any song Paul Banks has ever written, we will be left to wonder what the songs are ACTUALLY about for years,

however, I'll be the first to point out that we already have a classic Banks lyrical motif going on amongst the two released songs.

Both Summertime is Coming and The Base have the following:

"We Win"

"The Base says we win"

Let the lyrical puzzle begin...

[Serpent Swells]

zzzfilesk1, on 07 August 2012 - 04:52 PM, said:

As with any song Paul Banks has ever written, we will be left to wonder what the songs are ACTUALLY about for years,

however, I'll be the first to point out that we already have a classic Banks lyrical motif going on amongst the two released songs.

Both Summertime is Coming and The Base have the following:

"We Win"

"The Base says we win"

Let the lyrical puzzle begin...

Nice observation! Now I'm even more confused, though. :lol:

[j_infamous]

is the base a base camp? like climbing a large mountain or obstacle(interesting)? so steep? maybe i am reaching. it is a truly great song though.

[Springtime]

I think with Paul's lyrics it's necessary to "reach" a little bit :lol:

The more I think about it I think by "steep" he means the adjective form of the word, as in something's unreasonable or out of one's reasonable bounds. Thinking about it this way, it would be saying that the truths/beauties that are seen "now and then" are too demanding or unreachable (hence the implied contradiction "can a man turn a page, while trying to amaze" and the maybe sarcastic "it ain't nothin'") . And thinking about Paul's lyrical skills, it would have the double meaning of being like climbing a cliff or something where it's actually hard to reach the top.

[Zephyrkin]

zzzfilesk1, on 07 August 2012 - 05:52 PM, said:

As with any song Paul Banks has ever written, we will be left to wonder what the songs are ACTUALLY about for years,

however, I'll be the first to point out that we already have a classic Banks lyrical motif going on amongst the two released songs.

Both Summertime is Coming and The Base have the following:

"We Win"

"The Base says we win"

Let the lyrical puzzle begin...

he says "we will" in Summertime.

[Serpent Swells]

Zephyrkin, on 07 August 2012 - 07:11 PM, said:

he says "we will" in Summertime.

I know most of the lyrics websites say that, but I'm still convinced he's saying "we win".

Just my opinion, though. This actually reminds me of when people were confused about bees/thieves when Barricade was released.

[Zephyrkin]

Serpent Swells, on 07 August 2012 - 08:18 PM, said:

I know most of the lyrics websites say that, but I'm still convinced he's saying "we win".

Just my opinion, though. This actually reminds me of when people were confused about bees/thieves when Barricade was released.

I'm basing it on context, but fair enough. :)

Yes I acquiesced to bees as I would have loved it to be thieves. :blush:

[pqsm]

Serpent Swells, on 08 August 2012 - 04:18 AM, said:

I know most of the lyrics websites say that, but I'm still convinced he's saying "we win".

Just my opinion, though. This actually reminds me of when people were confused about bees/thieves when Barricade was released.

Or like in RMC when people were confusing "no pain" with "cocaine".
In 'Summertime is Coming' i really can't say if it's "win" or "will", guess we only find out when he plays it live.. though it's an interesting observation.

[zzzfilesk1]

I hear 'win' as clear as day.... And it would merge the first track with the last track, a sign that we have a cohesive album coming our way,

vintage Paul Banks I say

From the 2 tracks we have, I really like what I hear. It is great to hear Paul using his voice correctly. Peter Katis is only one of two men I trust to recrod him. Him and Godrich. And its neat to hear Paul actually sing, I think this new soft singing style produces a bit more intimacy with him, truly breaking your mental ties with Interpol.

I think this album is going to blow Skyscraper out of the water.

[Springtime]

So according to Paul he recorded all instruments on this song besides the violin/viola. Holy cows...he's been practicing. Further evidence that Paul has bass duties covered in the future...

[visualinfidelity]

Springtime, on 19 August 2012 - 05:41 PM, said:

So according to Paul he recorded all instruments on this song besides the violin/viola. Holy cows...he's been practicing. Further evidence that Paul has bass duties covered in the future...

Check out the bass ^_^

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2p2fuLssf1r6cs0zo1_1280.jpg

[Balmain]

Jong Music Reviews "The Base"

BY ADAM PAGE | Jonk Music

"There's really only one reason we, or anyone, are talking about this new track from croak-crooner Paul Banks. That reason is Interpol's 2002 debut Turn on the Bright Lights, a stunning, shimmery ode to night life and glowering perversion that struck many, including your humble reviewer, as the second coming of a slinkier, sexier Joy Division. As Interpol's lead singer and main songwriter, Banks was hailed as a craftsman and as a performer — his vocal similarity to Ian Curtis only adding to his odd, ghostly charisma. Bright Lights sounded like it could be the beginning of something important. But alas, it was not. 2004's Antics, despite being a worthy follow-up containing at least a half-dozen first-rate tracks, arrived a bit worse for wear. On Our Love to Admire (2007), and especially on Interpol (2010), Banks and company sounded increasingly like a group who were running out of ideas and growing more stagnant. Having once inspired intense fandom and dedication, they were, by late in the decade, considered merely OK. The last few years have seen the loss of the band's best musician and most recognizable personality (bassist Carlos D), a deep decline in record/ticket sales, and an indefinite hiatus last year.

So here comes Paul Banks, back with something weird. This should be a good sign. We've rarely heard him away from his bandmates, who made critical contributions to composition and arrangements on the Interpol albums. So hearing "The Base" open with a farty drum machine and noodley guitar phrase is heartening. Perhaps Banks will be trying something outside of his usual gloomy template? But unfortunately it quickly becomes clear that this is pretty much the same old thing with new bells and whistles. The vocals are in his usual deep-nasal-zombie style, the verses don't have much of a melody, and the hook is merely serviceable. Add to that some bizarre touches (Prince-ish funk breakdown? Paul Banks singing falsetto?) and lazy song construction and you have a deeply disjointed, if not altogether horrible, track."

source

[Nine]

He's entitled to his opinion, I could see how people would dislike the track. I'm even iffy on the second half of it. But:

Quote

The vocals are in his usual deep-nasal-zombie style

As opposed to what? Is he supposed to completely change the timbre of his voice? But then when Paul does exactly what he was criticized for a few sentences earlier, he gets another dose of criticism:

Quote

Paul Banks singing falsetto?

Seems like the reviewer just joins the blind ranks of disliking anything post-Antics, with no real thought put into this review. He squawks a Joy Division reference in there too for good measure. He didn't really examine or talk about the track or why he didn't like it with any real substance. The fact he contradicts himself so much in the small review is what gets me, though. He just parroted common criticisms that people have that don't necessarily like Interpol and their sound (which is fine, it's not for everyone). This review is just empty words.

Just another bit too -- he puts down a lazy song construction but then bitches about a Prince-esque breakdown. What's this guy expecting? A Dream Threater song construction or something? The song I think the song does go some interesting places in it's construction. Sometimes a song doesn't call for that. Like I said, I don't necessarily like that mid-break with the falsetto, but I can acknowledge the fact that it's pretty evident Paul was trying to do interesting things in the construction.

Lazy, disjointed, if not altogether, horrible review. Sounds like Paul is damned if he did or didn't to this guy. But keep it up, you'll get that Pitchfork internship next summer, Adam.

[LolaE Taylor]

Nine, on 01 September 2012 - 12:00 PM, said:

But keep it up, you'll get that Pitchfork internship next summer, Adam.

Nu-huh News International are hiring.. :blush: Another 1 to add to the ranks of piss poor journalism Doing for journalism what Harold Shipman did for GP's :huh: