Confessions of a Fanboy

This song reminds me a lot of Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” They are by no means lyrically similar, but they do seem to share some musical similarities.

There are long stretches in both songs with nothing more than a chord progression and lead vocal. In the case of “Chasing Cars,” the song builds up slowly to a climax at which point the entire band is playing and the song gallops to the end. “Heavy Weather” takes a bit of a different approach. The verses are mainly voice and guitar strums, with a full-band chorus. The verse and chorus alternate until the end of the song when the chorus is repeated. Lyrically, “Chasing Cars” is about finding safety in the arms of a lover. “Heavy Weather” is about a more tumultuous relationship.

I know what you’re thinking, and you’re right. I’m saying these two songs sound a lot alike except for the fact that they don’t. In my defense, I never said they’re identical. I said they are similar, and I like both songs.

I would be thrilled if “Heavy Weather” were to take off and become a surprise hit for Jarvis the way “Chasing Cars” did for Snow Patrol. I never would have imagined that “Chasing Cars” would find an audience in America. I’m pleased that it did. Snow Patrol is a good band. I like them. Jarvis Cocker is a genius and he’s written a brilliant pop song in “Heavy Weather.” It would sound great on the radio, especially when the big, hooky chorus settles in as the song turns towards its final minute.

I’m not always great (in fact, I’m not even good) at predicting these things, but I have a feeling if radio programmers took the same chance on it they did with “Chasing Cars,” lightning could strike twice. Again, it will not happen. I’m depending on radio programmers and the good taste of the American audience. I might as well quit my job and wait for Ed McMahon to show up with my fortune while I’m at it.

Since it isn’t going to be a hit, you’ll have to hear about it from me. I’ll start a grassroots campaign to help this song get heard. The good news is that it will be much cheaper and easier for you to hear it than it was for me. I bought Jarvis when it was available only in the UK. As of April 3rd, the album is now available in the US.

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