Sadly, when a relationship is over with a significant other, it is often the end. The end of shared dreams shared memories and sometimes even friendship. At times, this is due to lingering anger, yet other times it is simply borne of a necessity for self-preservation. If we were close, really close, it can be difficult to extricate ourselves and reestablish our own autonomy without establishing a barrier or at least a breathing-room’s worth of distance, at least for a while, and maybe for a lot longer.
“Could see you for an hour
Conversation stalls
And after so long
There’s nothing really there”
For most of Grizzly Bear’s existence, the band has consisted of Edward Droste (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Daniel Rossen (vocals, guitar, banjo, keyboards), Chris Taylor (bass, backing vocals, woodwinds, production), and Christopher Bear (drums, percussion, backing vocals). The band employs both traditional and electronic instruments, and their sound has been categorized as psychedelic pop, folk rock, and experimental. The band is known for its use of vocal harmony, with all four members contributing vocals, with lead vocals alternating between Rossen and Droste.{wikipedia}
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“Face to face (But you left me broken)
We’ll watch our bodies break (But you left me helpless)
Not a care in the world
That’s the way you play“
In an HBO interview, the band described song “Neighbors” from their album Painted Ruins, as feeling autumnal and “like swirling leaves on a basketball court.” Perhaps ironically, Rossen stated, “We did shy away from ballads and overtly sad songwriting [on this album]. We were trying to do something else this time.” {vulture}
This song started with Dan and I in Santa Fe sitting by a fire during a snowstorm. It’s a rumination on the inevitable fading that happens between two people post separation, even if they live right next to each other.
~ Ed Droste – NPR Interview
Sadly, the band is no longer what it once was. In 2020, Droste confirmed that he had departed and had enrolled in school to become a therapist. Though one hopes Grizzly Bear is only in hibernation.
“With every passing day
Our history fades away
And I’m not sure why
There’s nothing left to say“
~
Grizzly Bear’s
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LABEL: RCA RECORDS
Cover Art “craven” © 2023 – disturbedByVoices – All Rights Reserved
I’ve never heard of the band or the song, but found the song and delivery interesting, both giving (me) a strong sense of melancholy. I have to say, the video was what captured my attention the most—so much symbolism throughout it. The bear traps a minefield between them; the wound on her should he inflicted, then later, him pondering the scar; sinking into their surroundings, becoming almost invisible to the other; the hesitant, uncomfortable little waves when they happened upon each other wandering the landscape. I could go on and on. To me, the video is a masterpiece of metaphors. I debated what the child meant, him coming to sit between them at the table, and both doting on him. Then the family-type picture of the three blending together. Is it meant to symbolize the couple finally finding common ground, something to hold them together? I don’t know, Rann. What is your thoughts? 🖤
I must confess, my initial reaction and that after reading your assessment are different. Now, they seem separate at first, even hiding from and trying to avoid each other. I think the boy may represent change, some happy change in their relationship that brought them back together, and then the final empty photo symbolizing they have again fallen apart. I am all too familiar with the downward spiral at the end of a relationship, the twisting tourniquet getting tighter and tighter. There’s a quote, I forget by who, “Let go, or be dragged.”
I think you’re right about them again falling apart. All in all, I was amazed at the sheer amount of visual metaphors crammed into one video. “Let go, or be dragged.” Hmm…sometimes, for differing reasons, one is chained and dragged along. 🖤
I see you stated a copyright notice for the featured image. Is it your work?
Yes, the last four cover images were mine. The work is a combination of A.I. and digital artwork of my own. 🖤
Truly excellent work, Rann. 🖤
Thank you, jai. That means a lot coming from you. 🖤
Well, it’s beyond me. I can only do simple Photoshop…barely. 🖤
I thought you shared a painting of yours the other day on one of your posts? If not, you still have impressive knowledge and acumen. I would totally trust you as a critic, especially since you obviously have great taste… lol. 🖤
Yes, I did…with a little poem titled “Never Tell”. And, I have plans to share more in the future. But I use brushes and paint, while you use a computer; I don’t have the talent for that. And yes, I “obviously” have good taste. 😏
It’s almost 2 am here and the storms have passed, so I’m off to bed now Goodnight, Rann. 🖤
Such a beautiful song! I’ve heard of Grizzly Bear, but unfortunately am not very familiar with their music. This post now makes me want to listen to more of it!
They have a lot of really great music I know you’d like. Here’s another one I think you’ll like by the band CVC (Church Village Collective):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr5HMnCZ8zg
Thank you for the feedback, Jeff!
Funny you should share a song by CVC, as I just learned about them this morning when I read a post on another blog I follow that included their song “Hail Mary”. I like their sound.