Friday, April 13, 2007

Of Montreal - Lecithin's Tale Of A Dna Experiment That Went Horribly Awry

Before I begin talking about this song I'd like to begin with Of Montreal's performance on Conan last night. It was amazing- everything I had hoped it would be. It was like a cliff notes version of an Of Montreal concert, so much crammed into the 4 minute performance time that seriously every second counted. As was expected they performed "Heimdalsgate Like a Promethean Curse." It was so strange seeing them live on network tv, but of course it was also joyous. It felt a bit like being a parent at your kid's biggest recital ever. I'll admit to clenching a bit when before the second chorus it seemed like the guitar wasn't going to reach Kevin's hands in time. Yet alas- it was there in the last possible second. Talk about style. Here's the vid.



Now for this entry's song. This song is reminiscent of the Velvet Underground's "The Gift" as it's recorded with music in the left channel and a narrator speaking in the right. Additionally both songs are very funny in a dark way. "Lecithin's Tale of a DNA Experiment That Went Horribly Awry" begins sounding like a typical Of Montreal song. This serves as and introduction to the following narrative. The lyrics are from the point of view of the scientist who sits planted in the mud, reflecting on his failed experiment. Then it suddenly transitions to the narrative, revealing that a species known as "hyena cicadas" were created, escaped and migrated to the village of Durschfuch where they found an elementary school. Though it is obvious that these creatures are a menance, it is the religious belief of that said village to not oflict harm on any living creature. They decide that the best option for them is to ignore the cicadas like they weren't even present?

Does it work? Tune in to find out!

Of Montreal - Lecithin's Tale of a DNA Experiment That Went Horribly Awry



hehe. This is from Of Montreal's 2001 album Coquelicot Asleep in the Poppies: A Variety of Whimsical Verse. It's the follow up to their 1999 release The Gay Parade, my personal favorite by them.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

You should check out Harry Nilsson's, "The Point!"(http://www.last.fm/music/Harry+Nilsson/The+Point!). This post about the Of Montreal song reminded me about that album. I'm not sure if you have heard it before but based on reading this blog(I just discovered it and have been reading it from the beginning), I would say there is a good chance you have.

Just wanted to also say this is an amazing blog and I am so glad I found it!

Tony

Unknown said...

Thank you! I actually had not heard that album and I'm really glad you recommended it to me. This is right up my alley!