Johnny Marr

Certain Songs #55: Billy Bragg – “Walk Away Renee (Version)”

December 22, 2014 by Jim Connelly

B-side, 1986.

One of the B-sides of the 12" of “Levi Stubbs’ Tears” I bought in 1986, Billy Bragg’s version of “Walk Away Renee” is a basically a spoken-word-with-guitar piece about a short relationship.

It begins with a great, sad joke:

She said, “It was just a figment of speech.”

And I said, “you mean ‘figure.’”

And she said, “no, ’:figment,’” because she could never imagine it happening.

But it did.

And the rest of the song is Billy describing the entire arc of the relationship while Johnny Marr plays an exquisite instrumental version of “Walk Away Renee” on acoustic guitar.

At one point, there’s a great pun on “eligible” & “illegible” that’s impossible to put into words, and at the end, Billy moves on.

It’s positioned as a b-side throwaway cover, but it completely resonated with me in 1986. In its own small way, I think it’s as moving and profound as anything he’s ever written, including the classic A-side.

Fan-made video for “Walk Away Renee"

My Certain Songs Spotify Playlist:

Every "Certain Song” Ever

Medialoper Bebop Episode 22: Time Change!

November 9, 2011 by Jim Connelly

This week, Kirk, Tim and Jim are reeling from the ramifications of the reversion back to Pacific Standard Time, so there are fewer topics, but more digressions!

First, a look at Amazon’s Kindle Owners Lending Library, and what it might mean for the Publishing industry, and you, the Consumer. Yes, you!! (07:20 – 21:00)

A voicemail from Commissioner Loper leads to a plot to capture Jay Fung, who still doesn’t know that he’s been mentioned on nearly every single podcast for the past couple of months. (21:02 – 23:00)

Then, a Musical Moment to Die For: The Dream Syndicate – Then She Remembers. (23:02 – 25:02)

Finally, Jim reveals his amazingly simple 21st Century plan to fix the problem of Daylight Saving Time, something that has been publicly affecting our lives since at least 1983. (25:03 – 33:32)

Here’s what’s in Jim’s mix this week: John Doe, Deer Tick and some rare Smiths. (33:33 – 37:54)

All that, and commentary from our special guest, Siri!!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 47:18 — 65.0MB)

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Medialoper Bebop Episode 13: Phony Clashmania

August 4, 2011 by Jim Connelly

MTV turned 30 this week, and Jim, Tim & Kirk discuss its influence and the time that Kirk said “I Want My MTV” for a cable tv contest. (03:45 – 15:25)

Then, it’s a Musical Moment to Die For with “Duel” by Swervedriver (15:30 – 17:33)

Game of Thrones is totally blowing up right now, so we get into a spoiler-free discussion about how we all got into it and why we like it. (17:35 – 29:10)

Medialoper Bebop has a sponsor now: DuroSport Electronics. We’re not happy about it at all. (29:30 – 31:50)

After that, we look at why the London Tourism Bureau is using “London Calling” to try and bring people to London for the 2012 Olympics. (29:35 – 37:16)

Finally, Tim shares the music in his mix: Portugal.The Man; Arctic Monkeys; Fountains of Wayne. And tosses in an extra plug for the new Jane’s Addiction song. (37:18 – 41:05)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 50:47 — 69.8MB)

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Medialoper Bebop Episode 9: Kirk’s New Aloha Spirit

June 27, 2011 by Jim Connelly

This week, a mellower Kirk is just back from Hawaii — where he has learned how to believe — and he, Jim and Tim discuss the veracity of reports of celebrity death over social media.

In the middle of the discussion, Tim dies, so we tweet that. But it turns out this his death was just a bad Skype connection.

After that, Jim’s Musical Moment to Die For is “Ceremony” by New Order, which naturally leads into a discussion over the concept of Fair Use, and how that concept is useless if you don’t have the money to defend yourself in court. Which sucked for entrepreneur Andy Baio, who was sued for a pixel art version of the cover of Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue album.

In a brand-new segment — entitled “You’re An Idiot!” — Jim and Tim take Kirk to school for his ongoing hatred of one of their favorite bands, The Smiths. As always, is comes down to one word: Morrissey.

And finally, Jim shares what’s in his mix: the latest from Fucked Up, TV on the Radio and Fleet Foxes. Also, Tim dies yet again!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:41 — 58.7MB)

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