Oyster #98: Tom Kazas' All-Time Favourite Songs
"Here are three songs that, in one way or another, have kept me alive."
Tom Kazas fronted one of the most loved bands in Australia's mid-eighties underground scene, The Moffs, and is responsible for the cult classic 'Another Day in the Sun'. Says Tom, "I restricted the definition of 'songs' to 'words and music' (to me not an immediate distinction from instrumental pieces), and 'favourites of all time' — well, how does one settle on that list? So, here are three songs that, in one way or another, have kept me alive."
'Astronomy Domine' (1967) — Pink Floyd
This has all the glory of the British '67 psychedelic sound. The experimental songwriting and inventive production means there is still nothing like it. It manages to combine a childlike naiveté and a spacey rock performance. Brilliance.
'Carolyn's Fingers' (1988)
— Cocteau Twins
The voice is pure liberation to heights that only a female voice can take you, enhanced by the invented words, whose very lack of direct meaning further frees you from restraint. Classic, simple chord structure, with the beauty of the densely textured guitars. Joy.
'Atom and Cell' (2005)
— Nine Horses
The majestic poetry of the words reminds me that one can speak with nuance and humanity — it certainly helps when one has a voice like David Sylvian. Yet the unconventional cycling chords, the instrumental arrangement and textures, make this song an art piece. Stunning.
