G Stands For - Go Betweens Top 40 Countdown # 8

Top 5. Slightly delayed. At some point this month the boxed set of their early records should arrive at my door. And perhaps a book from Grant's personal collection.

5. Draining The Pool For You (Robert)

 

'Remembered your name. Evidently you'd forgotten mine. You know a lot of people. I know a mind dulled by work or wine.'

 

The first of three songs in the Top 5 from Spring Hill Fair, which indicates where my allegiances lie. You could easily quote the whole lyric and the arrangement is outstanding.

 

4. Part Company (Robert)

 

'That's her handwriting. That's the way she writes. From the first letter I got. To this our bill of rites.'

 

Another lyric worth quoting from beginning to end. One of the great letter writing songs of the early Eighties. Every band had one. This has a touch of Tom Verlaine and Television about it, I'd say particularly Torn Curtain. Here's Robert talking about it and playing it acoustically.

 

 

 

3. Karen (Robert)

 

'I just want some affection.'

 

From letters to the library. Once again you could quote the whole lyric. Certainly the list of authors. This is their first single and they took the spirit of the Modern Lovers and gave it their own stamp.

 

2. Bachelor Kisses (Grant)

 

'Your hand. That's all he took. The world opened up for your looks.'

 

As romantic a song as any I've ever heard. This should have sold millions.

 

1. Cattle & Cane (Grant)

 

'His father's watch. He left it in the shower.'

 

As should this. One of the best songs ever written I think. About memory, and childhood, and loss, (Grant lost his own father when he was very young), but turned into something positive and almost celebratory. A great band!