I wrote a little while back about Bombadil, the project of Daniel Michalak, Bryan Rahija, and James Phillips. Since the moment I first heard their albums, I have been completely perplexed and amazed. Their songs are a confusing mix of every sort of emotion…I can’t listen to one of their songs without wondering whether I should feel happy or sad, encouraged or depressed…and this always leaves me wanting more. One song in particular struck me when I first started listening to Bombadil, the song “So Many Ways to Die.” Like I said before, this song somehow manages to depress, enliven, and energize all at once…a stunning and painful mix that makes the song irresistible. Well, Bombadil has just released a video for “So Many Ways to Die” (their first music video ever), and it is absolutely stunning.
Bombadil – “So Many Ways to Die”
Just like the song itself, this video is a complete contradiction…it jumps between the stupid and the dangerous, between the absurd and the terrifying. One moment we are shown the silliness of man roller-skating across a narrow ledge (a nod to human ridiculousness and adventurism), and the next, we are facing nuclear destruction and the terror of human invention. I’m not sure which we are supposed to embrace, which we are supposed to shun, and which we are simply supposed to enjoy…but each time I watch this video, I am left more confused, and more eager to hit replay.
A little while back, the Groove paid his respects to Duke, and since then, I’ve felt that I should do the same; but until recently, I didn’t really know what to write about…that was, until I heard Bombadil. I immediately bought both of their albums – a task that is easier said than done – and have been listening to them nonstop since.
Bombadil is the project of Daniel Michalak, Bryan Rahija (both former Duke students), and James Phillips. From their humble beginnings covering U2 songs (for this we must forgive them) at Southgate, the band has developed into a formidable folk and rock group that have not allowed themselves to be confined to any particular style or instruments…their albums are an exciting mix of songs with hints of everything from bluegrass to jazz. None of the songs are repetitive or monotonous. It’s not that they avoid getting into a rut, they don’t even form ruts to begin with. Each track is a surprise, and each more pleasant than the last.
Bombadil – “Johnny”
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As though their ability to transcend, skew, and mix genres and styles weren’t impressive enough, their songs are full of lyrics that depress, energize, and enliven as well. At times, they are able to elicit all of these at once…it leaves the listener confused and conflicted, but always satisfied:
So many ways to die
So many ways to stay alive
But if you wouldn’t mind to wait a while
You could give another day a try…
So many different lives
So many different ways to hide
But if you open your shutters
You might find the joy that only lives outside
So many ways to dance
So many different meanings for glance
But you only get a few if you keep staring at your shoes
You will miss every single chance
Three thousand different ways
They could’ve rearranged your dna
But I believe just for today that
You can conquer your affliction of the brain
Bombadil – “So Many Ways to Die”
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Whether dealing with love or loss, joy or despair, idealism or the harsh truths of reality, Bombadil have managed to produce albums that engage and excite not only the ears, but also the mind.
Bombadil – “Sad Birthday”
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And while the band has recently released their second album, Tarpits and Canyonlands, they have had to put touring and recording temporarily on hold due to medical concerns. We can only hope for a speedy and safe recovery…until then though, I leave you with what is easily my favorite Bombadil song. Say what you will about Duke, but you have to respect any group that can work a minstrel break into the middle of a song. Like I said, never a dull moment.
Bombadil – “Julian of Norwich”
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