Thoughts.com Blogs - How Music Made Me: Snow Patrol

View Blog

How Music Made Me: Snow Patrol

If you've viewed my picture and seen my name, you may notice obvious hints at certain artists. The thionng about me, I didn't actually acquire a proper taste in music until about two years ago. I used to buy Mark Owen singles in Morisson's and think that Mis-teeq had a great sound. Cringeworthy as that is, I now realise how important it is for a person to have a journey through absolute musical turmoil until they realise the actual art that lies beneath the pink, glossy cover.
It's not that there's anything wrong with The Pussycat Dolls or McFly (or whatever it is I should be listening to these days). It's the fact that it means nothing, whiffs of consumerism and is written, recorded and performed solely to make money. And that my friends, whether you like it or not, is not real music.
When did I escape the tragic downward spiral? Simple. I accidently stumbled on the myspace of a band called snow patrol, mostly, I think because I misclicked. I then heard the opening lines to 'Signal Fire', their single at that time. "Not bad" i thought. As I scrolled down, I was drawn in to
their (I'll admit it) Coldplay like guitars and emotional vocals. It sounded nice, nay, great, and brought out emotions. The first song ever to reduce me to tears was Chasing Cars. Sure, it became an overplayed, overcomercialized drag thanks to a perticular hospital show (I don't even want to mention the name), but people forget it's one of the best love songs in this century.
I bought Eyes Open, and was mezmerized by the way the songs made me feel something. Regret, pity, loss, love, lust, anger...some emotions which I'd never properly felt before. Final Straw was then my second addition. Now, if anyone has truly listened and appreciated this album, they might have noticed that it's a sold masterpiece. If I had to pick an album that had everything, Final Straw would be there. In between melancholic and seductive ballads (Grazed Knees, Run and Same) lie fiesty, electric yet still poetic rock numbers (Wow, Spitting Games, Ways and Means). This album made me realise not only my adoration for Snow Patrol (and I don't mean the sort of adoration that any 11 year old would have for the likes of Girls Aloud), but also the way in which theyr influenced me. Be it in my everyday decisions, how I conduct myself, how I WILL try harder because I DO want to get somewhere with my life. Cheesy and pretentious as this may sound, I don't think I would be the same person I am today without them.
Unfortunately, Snow Patrol got caught in a bit of a trap. After the undoubtedly massive success of Chasing Cars, Gary and co were branded as another Keane, another Coldplay, another softly-does-it band whose reputation was greatly influenced by a depressive and suicidal context. It is also, the fact, that after signing onto a major recording laber ( Polydor), they made their music more mainstream, more arena, more likely to appeal to the general public who can't be bothered to look between the lines. And yes, that is a shame. For it is only a few who will love Snow Patrol for everything. Their fascinating story, their inspirations behind their songs, their alcohol-fuelled, disengaged past. I was scared to discover it. In my mind, they were 5 nice boys ( men might be a better word), who resisted temptation and played scrabble on the tour bus.
Nevertheless, I ploughed my way through the first two albums (Songs For Polar Bears, When It's All Over...). And do you know what? My love grew. I saw a different side. An angrier, madder, and perpetually darker side, whith which they were battling. You are taken on an amazing journey, reaching the climaxes and pitfalls of Gary Lightbody's (lyricist, main singer)life.
Yes, some songs around now are good, even great. But most people never even listen to the lyrics fully. That is what, for me, seperates The Patrol from the rest. It is their (when I say their, I mean Gary Lightbody) poetic, crafted and emotional lyrics. Don't think that Lightbody makes everything seem like a rosey meadow. That's excactly what he doesn't do. Nobody (at least today) writes like him. I reccomend all of their songs, as every one has a message, a story, an experience. But the songs that stunned me for their sheer capability to stop me in my tracks; T.M.T (Songs for Polar Bears), Raze the city (Songs), When It's all over, we still have to clear up (same name of album), How to Be Dead (Final Straw) and many others.
I've talked for too long now. My words are all melting into one. But I'll leave you with this. If Snow Patrol gave me this much, why can't it give that to you? Gary is a lyrical genius, and if people fail to see this because of their ignorance, then they are very pitiful indeed. Delve further into Snow Patrol and I promise you will discover. All I need is Jesus and I could be a preacher. I've really got to stop now.