Never has a love song sounded so dark and menacing - but isn't that what our Nick does best? The "L is for Love baby, O is for..." section is particularly unsettling and is what makes me think this song is not actually about a lover at all, but rather an obsessive loner stalking his victim. It's certainly not one I would have put on a mixtape for MrsRobster back in the day; it would have scared the bejeezus out of her! I love the video for this one. I'd love to know if Nick or any of the Bad Seeds really were hypnotised. Loverman was the second single released from 'Let Love In', and has since been covered by Metallica and Martin Gore (of Depeche Mode).
Footnote: The new Bad Seeds album 'Skeleton Tree' came out yesterday. I played it last night, and I have to say it is the most deeply emotional thing I have ever heard; it is absolutely heartbreaking. It actually made MrsRobster cry. No music has ever done that to her before, and I would never have believed Nick would be the one to do it. We all know he conveys emotion better than almost anyone, but this is a new level. I don't think I'll be playing 'Skeleton Tree' a great deal - it's not comfortable listening - but it's undoubtedly one of the most remarkable works of his entire career.
Loverman is, in IMHO, the creepiest song that Nick Cave has ever penned - and there's a few candidates in there too!
ReplyDeleteRe Skeleton Tree : agree its not comfortable listening but it is an astounding piece of work that I think will top a few end of year polls amongst the critics. I also am more than ever convinced that he will never play any of the songs live which I also think puts a great doubt in my mind whether he will ever indeed be mentally strong enough to tour again. All it will take is one ill-timed sympathetic comment or ill-thought and spiteful barb to make it an unpleasant experience.