The '59 Sound (song)

Last updated

"The '59 Sound"
The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound 2008 single cover.jpg
2008 single
Single by the Gaslight Anthem
from the album The '59 Sound
ReleasedJuly 22, 2008
June 15, 2009 (UK re-release)
Recorded2008
Length3:11
Label SideOneDummy Records
Songwriter(s) Brian Fallon, Alex Rosamilia, Alex Levine, Benny Horowitz
Producer(s) Ted Hutt
The Gaslight Anthem singles chronology
"The '59 Sound"
(2008)		"Old White Lincoln"
(2008)
Audio sample
"The '59 Sound"

"The '59 Sound" is the debut single by American rock band the Gaslight Anthem. Written by the band and produced by Ted Hutt, it is the title track of the band's second full-length album. [1] The song is an elegy to a friend who died in a car accident. The song reached the U.S. Alternative Airplay chart in early 2009, and was performed live by the band with Bruce Springsteen at the Glastonbury and Hard Rock Calling festivals in June 2009.

Contents

Background

"The '59 Sound" was the first song written by singer-songwriter-guitarist Brian Fallon [2] [3] for the band's album The '59 Sound (2008). [4] The song's title references a 1959 Fender Bassman amplifier that he built for himself. [5] Fallon recalled, "I never wrote a song like that before. And I thought it was better than anything else I ever wrote. I showed it to the guys [in the band] and they thought it was awesome. Then the next one was 'Great Expectations' and we definitely knew where we were going with [the album]." [4] Fallon said the band had tried to emulate the sound of soul music from the late 1950s because "back then it seemed like there was a genuine feeling of excitement going on that I don't think is necessarily happening right now. It seems like when you look back on that era a lot of it is embodied in that Memphis sound, so it's just a giant celebratory thing." [6]

Lyrics

The song's themes mix punk rock with classic rock. [7] The song is an elegy for a friend who died in a car accident, while the band was elsewhere performing a gig. [8] The singer, Brian Fallon, asks his deceased friend: "Did you hear the '59 Sound coming through on Grandmama's radio?", referring to late 1950s music that they listened to while growing up. [6] He continues by asking about his friend's discomfort in the hospital, shortly before his death. [9] The song ends with the sentences "Young boys, Young girls (Ain't supposed to die on a Saturday night)", emphasizing the unexpectancy of the friend's death. [10] [11] Fallon said the song is about growing older; and 'carrying on', accepting that loved ones eventually die. [12] [13]

Release and reception

The single was released as a CD single in July 2008, [14] and it reached American modern rock radio stations in September. [15] Its music video, released by SideOneDummy Records, premiered the following month. [16] In January 2009, the song entered the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart, [17] peaked at number 35 in February, and spent 10 weeks on the chart. [18] It reached a peak position of 26 on Billboard's Canada Rock Chart in April, [19] and of 115 on the UK Singles Chart in July. [20] [21] That same month, "The '59 Sound" was re-released in the UK as a physical single, backed with a live cover version of Pearl Jam's "State of Love and Trust", as well as a live performance of "We Came to Dance", a song from the Gaslight Anthem's first album, Sink or Swim . [22] [23]

"The '59 Sound" was well received by music critics, with Pitchfork Media writer Tom Breihan praising the bridge: "It's simple, it's sincere, and it kills me every time." [24] CMJ New Music writer Tyler Theofilos praised the song's raw, energetic soundscape. [25] Jason MacNeil of PopMatters compared it to the Killers and Tim -era Replacements. [26] The Spin magazine described "The '59 Sound" as "nuanced and assured". [27] The song was ranked number 62 on Rolling Stone's list of "The 100 Best Singles of 2008". [28]

Live

The Gaslight Anthem performed "The '59 Sound" live on the talk shows Late Night with Conan O'Brien [29] [30] and Late Show with David Letterman . [31] The band was joined onstage by Bruce Springsteen during performances of the song at Glastonbury Festival 2009 [32] and Hard Rock Calling 2009. [33] In June 2011, the band dedicated the song to the memory of Clarence Clemons during their set at the 2011 Glastonbury Festival. [34] Clemons, a founding member of the E Street Band, had died that same month due to a stroke. [35]

Track listing

All tracks are written by Brian Fallon, Alex Rosamilia, Alex Levine, and Benny Horowitz, except where noted [36]

2008 7" single
No.TitleLength
1."The '59 Sound"3:11
2."Even Cowgirls Get the Blues"3:31
Total length:6:42
2009 7" and CD single
No.TitleLength
1."The '59 Sound"3:11
2."State of Love and Trust" (live at Webster Hall, New York City; Eddie Vedder, Jeff Ament, Mike McCready; originally performed by Pearl Jam)3:27
3."We Came to Dance" (live at Webster Hall, New York City)3:36
Total length:10:14

Charts

Chart (2009)Peak
position
Canada Rock ( Billboard ) [37] 26
Scotland (OCC) [38] 64
UK Singles (OCC) [20] 115
UK Indie (OCC) [39] 10
US Alternative Airplay ( Billboard ) [40] 35

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Springsteen</span> American rock musician (born 1949)

Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen is an American rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Nicknamed "the Boss", he has released 21 studio albums over six decades, most featuring the E Street Band, his backing band since 1972. Springsteen is a pioneer of heartland rock, combining commercially successful rock with poetic, socially conscious lyrics which reflect working class American life. He is known for his descriptive lyrics and energetic concerts, which sometimes last over four hours.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Clarence Clemons</span> American saxophonist (1942–2011)

Clarence Anicholas Clemons Jr., also known as The Big Man, was an American saxophonist. From 1972 until his death in 2011, he was the saxophonist for Bruce Springsteen and The E Street Band.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Born to Run (Bruce Springsteen song)</span> 1975 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Born to Run" is a song by the American singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen and the title track of his third studio album, Born to Run (1975). It was Springsteen's first worldwide single release, although it achieved little initial success outside of the United States. Within the U.S., however, it received extensive airplay on progressive or album-oriented rock radio stations. The single was also Springsteen's first Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at No. 23.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bruce Springsteen discography</span>

American rock musician Bruce Springsteen has released 21 studio albums, 121 live albums, 77 singles, and 66 music videos. Widely referred to as "The Boss" by the media, Springsteen has sold over 150 million records worldwide, listing him among the best-selling music artists in history. Billboard ranked him as the 24th Greatest Artist of all time. According to Recording Industry Association of America, he has sold 65.5 million albums in the United States, making him the 7th best-selling male soloist of all time. Born in the U.S.A. remains the best-selling album of his career, selling more than 30 million copies around the world.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Ghost of Tom Joad (song)</span> 1995 song by Bruce Springsteen

"The Ghost of Tom Joad" is a folk rock song written by Bruce Springsteen. It is the title track to his eleventh studio album, released in 1995. The character Tom Joad, from John Steinbeck's classic 1939 novel The Grapes of Wrath, is mentioned in the title and narrative.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dancing in the Dark (Bruce Springsteen song)</span> 1984 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Dancing in the Dark" is a song written and performed by American rock singer Bruce Springsteen. It was the first single released ahead from his 1984 album, Born in the U.S.A., and became his biggest hit, helping the album become the best-selling album of his career.

Ted Hutt is a British record producer, musician, and songwriter, residing in Los Angeles, California, United States. He was the original guitar player and one of the founding members for The Promise, The Great Unwashed, Gods Hotel, Reacharound, and Flogging Molly.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Radio Nowhere</span> 2007 single by Bruce Springsteen

"Radio Nowhere" is the first single released from Bruce Springsteen's 2007 studio album Magic. It was awarded Best Solo Rock Vocal Performance and Best Rock Song at the Grammy Awards of 2008.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Gaslight Anthem</span> American rock band

The Gaslight Anthem is an American rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey, formed in 2006. The band consists of Brian Fallon, Alex Rosamilia, Alex Levine, and Benny Horowitz.

<i>The 59 Sound</i> 2008 studio album by The Gaslight Anthem

The '59 Sound is the second studio album by American punk rock band the Gaslight Anthem, released on August 19, 2008, by record label SideOneDummy.

<i>American Slang</i> 2010 studio album by The Gaslight Anthem

American Slang is the third studio album by New Jersey–based rock group the Gaslight Anthem. It was released on June 15, 2010, on SideOneDummy Records, which released their previous album, The '59 Sound. The album was produced by The '59 Sound producer Ted Hutt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Brian Fallon</span> American musician (born 1980)

Brian Fallon is an American musician, singer and songwriter. He is best known as the lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and main lyricist of the rock band the Gaslight Anthem, with whom he has recorded six studio albums. He was also a member of the duo the Horrible Crowes, alongside the Gaslight Anthem's guitar technician and touring guitarist Ian Perkins. Since 2016, Fallon has released four solo albums and one EP.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Gaslight Anthem discography</span>

American rock band the Gaslight Anthem has released six studio albums, two extended plays, and eighteen singles. The members are Brian Fallon, Alex Rosamilia (guitar), Alex Levine (bass), and Benny Horowitz (drums/percussion).

<i>Handwritten</i> (The Gaslight Anthem album) 2012 studio album by the Gaslight Anthem

Handwritten is the fourth studio album and major label debut by American rock band the Gaslight Anthem, released on July 20, 2012, through Mercury Records. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, the album was preceded by its lead single, "45", and features liner notes by Nick Hornby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">45 (The Gaslight Anthem song)</span> 2012 song from the Gaslight Anthem

"45" is a song by American rock band the Gaslight Anthem, released on May 8, 2012 as the lead single from their fourth studio album, Handwritten (2012).

"Land of Hope and Dreams" is a 1999 song written by Bruce Springsteen and performed by Springsteen and the E Street Band. After being performed on tour and released on multiple live albums, a studio recording was released for the first time on Wrecking Ball in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Temple (Kings of Leon song)</span> 2013 single by Kings of Leon

"Temple" is a song by American rock band Kings of Leon, issued as the third single from the band's sixth studio album Mechanical Bull.

<i>Get Hurt</i> (album) 2014 studio album by The Gaslight Anthem

Get Hurt is the fifth studio album by American rock band the Gaslight Anthem. It was released on August 8, 2014, by Island Records. It marks their first album on Island Records, which absorbed the band and its previous label, Mercury Records.

<i>Painkillers</i> (Brian Fallon album) 2016 studio album by Brian Fallon

Painkillers is the debut studio album by Brian Fallon, singer/guitarist of American rock band The Gaslight Anthem, released on March 11, 2016, through Island Records.

<i>History Books</i> 2023 studio album by the Gaslight Anthem

History Books is the sixth studio album by American rock band the Gaslight Anthem, released on October 27, 2023, through Rich Mahogany Records and Thirty Tigers. Produced by Peter Katis, it is the band's first studio album in nine years, following their reunion in March 2022 and subsequent world tour throughout the year.

References

  1. ↑ Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. April 3, 2010. p. 33. ISSN   0006-2510.
  2. ↑ Bienstock, Richard (August 23, 2014). "No Longer Bound By The Boss". Billboard. Vol. 126, no. 27. pp. 51–52.
  3. ↑ Holdship, Bill (November 12, 2008). "Record Review – The Gaslight Anthem – The '59 Sound". Metro Times . Archived from the original on January 7, 2009. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  4. 1 2 MacNeil, Jason (March 20, 2009). "The Gaslight Anthem Have a Little Springsteen in Their Step". Toronto Sun (Sun Media). Archived from the original on March 22, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  5. ↑ Hoard, Christian (May 7, 2012). "The '59 Sound". Rolling Stone. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  6. 1 2 Bayer, Jonah (September 9, 2009). "Gibson Exclusive: The Gaslight Anthem's Brian Fallon Looks Back on The '59 Sound". Gibson Guitar Corporation. Archived from the original on September 25, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  7. ↑ The Herald Journal. Herald-Journal. September 4, 2008. p. 24.
  8. ↑ "From The Editor's Floor: The Gaslight Anthem". Alternative Press Magazine . Retrieved April 21, 2024.
  9. ↑ The '59 Sound | The Gaslight Anthem Lyrics, Meaning & Videos , retrieved April 23, 2024
  10. ↑ "The '59 Sound | Pitchfork". December 2, 2008. Archived from the original on December 2, 2008. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  11. ↑ The Gaslight Anthem – The '59 Sound , retrieved April 23, 2024
  12. ↑ AltPress. "From The Editor's Floor: The Gaslight Anthem". Alternative Press Magazine. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  13. ↑ Rob Laing (March 26, 2024). ""I know that is a 25-year-old's spirit just burning – like a Chevy engine": The story of The Gaslight Anthem's classic song, The '59 Sound". MusicRadar. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  14. ↑ The Gaslight Anthem, The '59 Sound / Even Cowgirls Get The Blues, Side One Dummy, retrieved April 24, 2024
  15. ↑ "Available for Airplay Archive". FMQB . Archived from the original on March 5, 2014. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  16. ↑ The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (Official Video) . Retrieved April 22, 2024– via www.youtube.com.
  17. ↑ SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. July 2010. p. 33. ISSN   0886-3032.
  18. ↑ "The '59 Sound" – The Gaslight Anthem". Billboard . Archived from the original on December 11, 2021. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  19. ↑ "The Gaslight Anthem". Billboard . November 18, 2021. Archived from the original on November 18, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  20. 1 2 Zobbel (July 11, 2009). "Chart Log UK: New Entries Update". Zobbel. Retrieved December 26, 2009.
  21. ↑
  22. ↑ "Release "The '59 Sound" by The Gaslight Anthem - MusicBrainz". musicbrainz.org. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  23. ↑ "The Gaslight Anthem – New Single "The '59 Sound" Out June 29th". Altsounds. June 17, 2009. Archived from the original on June 24, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  24. ↑ Breihan, Tom (November 25, 2008). "Album Reviews – The Gaslight Anthem – The '59 Sound". Pitchfork . Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  25. ↑ Theofilos, Tyler (June 2008). "Reviews – The Gaslight Anthem – The '59 Sound". CMJ New Music (155). College Media, Inc. ISSN   1074-6978 . Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  26. ↑ MacNeil, Jason (November 24, 2008). "The Gaslight Anthem, The '59 Sound – Review". PopMatters . Archived from the original on December 1, 2008. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  27. ↑ SPIN. SPIN Media LLC. July 2010. p. 72. ISSN   0886-3032.
  28. ↑ "Best of 2008". Rolling Stone (Wenner Media). December 25, 2008. Archived from the original on December 14, 2008. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  29. ↑ Staff Writer. "The Gaslight Anthem to play on Conan". The Music. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  30. ↑ Ryan, Gary (September 15, 2023). "The Gaslight Anthem: "Playing with Bruce Springsteen should land me a Nando's Black Card"". NME. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  31. ↑ LUSTIG, JAY (May 20, 2015). "The '59 Sound, The Gaslight Anthem on 'Late Show with David Letterman". NJArts.net. Retrieved April 20, 2024.
  32. ↑ "Bruce Springsteen Makes Surprise Appearance with Gaslight Anthem at Glastonbury". NME . June 27, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  33. ↑ Murray, Noel (June 30, 2009). "A Jersey Reunion in the UK: Bruce Springsteen & The Gaslight Anthem". The A.V. Club (The Onion, Inc.). Archived from the original on July 3, 2009. Retrieved December 19, 2009.
  34. ↑ The Gaslight Anthem - The '59 Sound (Live - Glastonbury 2011 @ Pyramid Stage) 25/06/11 . Retrieved April 22, 2024– via www.youtube.com. This song's for Clarence.
  35. ↑ Sisario, Ben (June 19, 2011). "Clarence Clemons, Springsteen's Soulful Sideman, Dies at 69". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  36. ↑ the '59 Sound (CD booklet). The Gaslight Anthem. Los Angeles: SideOneDummy Records. 2008. SD1358.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  37. ↑ "The Gaslight Anthem Chart History (Canada Rock)". Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  38. ↑ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  39. ↑ "Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50". Official Charts Company. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
  40. ↑ "The Gaslight Anthem Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved December 11, 2021.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.