nothing with a title can be good

Shaky-cam is the laugh track of emotional realism.

NOS4RSD2

Sarcasm noted! But yeah, of course The Beatles recorded a bunch of great songs about pretty mundane human experiences that I don't take exception to. And it's not like they're singing about working in a coal mine or anything, it's just a simple song about loneliness and companionship. For some reason though it bugs me…

@avclub-ce6c92303f38d297e263c7180f03d402:disqus Your question inspired me to google "songs that changed the world." Most of the results just boil down to "people really like this song." I guess "Do They Know It's Christmas?" could be said to be the world's most concretely change-effecting song, in that one can…

Coincidentally, that is also the title of Fiona Apple's next album.

Isn't that kind of a rhetorical trap, though? If you hate a song that everyone hates, it's obvious fodder, but if you hate a song that everyone likes, it's contrarian bullshit.

Unfortunately for all future Haters, Robyn Hitchcock set a pretty high bar with his detailed dissection of "Arthur's Theme." Vague, amorphous dislike of a song just won't cut it anymore.

In fairness, though, if one's lips are akin to sugar, their kisses could reasonably be described as "sugar kisses." Ian's logic here is unimpeachable. Compare that to the nebulous irrationality of "what do you see when you turn out the light? /I can't tell you, but I know it's mine."

Given that they were a pop group, though, is it even a criticism to describe their songs as sonic marshmallows? Pop songs are sonic marshmallows by design. The Beatles are considered great because they made some of the tastiest sonic marshmallows ever. And now I'm craving marshmallows. Fuck.

Has "Imagine" ever actually convinced anyone to change their life along the lines of the song's sentiments? It seems like the kind of song most people hear and go "hmm, yeah, we should all be a lot more tolerant and giving," and then go on with their selfish materialistic lives. I mean, even the guy who wrote and…

It only now occurs to me that one reason I don't really connect with this song is that I can't not think about the fact that it's The Beatles. Would anyone "stand up and walk out on" a Beatles performance? Didn't they stop touring in part because they couldn't deal with the tsunami of screaming at their sold-out arena…

There isn't a redeeming wink, but there is what I guess you could call a "damning wink," in that he's not merely doing a "smug asshole" persona, but also going out of his way to make sure you know he's doing a "smug asshole" persona. I would respect him if he played it completely straight and was a total douchebag…

poo poo  *THUNDEROUS LAUGHTER AND ONE HOUR COMEDY CENTRAL SPECIAL*

It's got a place in my heart as sort of a last hurrah for uncynical, unabashed American triumphalism, pure and untainted by 9/11, Iraq, Afghanistan. We shall not see its like again.

1. Beers

IN DA HIZZOUSE

Forcing Sexy Back

I agree…this show is an easy target for cynical snark in many ways, Carson included, and I feel kind of lame for enjoying the show as much as I do, but I've got a weak spot for earnest awkwardness.

I don't know anything about Shakira, but I find her very upbeat and generous (and I dig her harmonica chops). Until this season premiere I hadn't realized just how much Christina was dragging down the mood with her morose, self-absorbed vibe. (Although in fairness, I think she was the only coach actively making an…