"Teacher thinks that I sound funny, but she likes the way you sing..."

I am constantly thankful for the presence of my friends and often awestruck in looking back and realizing the growth that has occurred, both of our bonds and of each individual. Keeping that in mind, I thought it would be nice to put up a couple of my favorite tunes on the topic. From the early notion that two children could walk with eachother merrily to school, to people being with one another in their final days, here are a handful of songs that I believe chronicle the growth of companionship in a unique manner.

The White Stripes - We're Going to be Friends from White Blood Cells. I think Jack White captures the nature of elementary school friendship perfectly. Children walking to school, getting messy, the rambly sing song nature of their speech, the coziness of autumn. Even the video for the song, (which can be found here) is understated and sweet as Jack plays guitar while Meg sleeps.




Stellastarr* - Somewhere Across Forever. This song reminds me of a conversation. I've always thought of it as a back and forth between two people, perhaps teenagers, of a particularly bold and brazen temperament, wanting to strike out on their own and establish a world for themselves.




Justice Vs Simian - Never Be Alone. Aka "We Are Your Friends," the story behind this song is hazy, possibly due to the many re-imaginings of the bands involved (Justice, Simian, Simian Mobile Disco, Garden). From what I've gathered, it seems that Simian released "Never Be Alone" and then Justice remixed it for a contest (but didn't win!). The song still took off, was renamed, and won an MTV Europe Music award (it was the one where Kanye West went crazy). It reminds me of nights spent dancing, and how I was told to remember the lyrics so one of my friends could get the song, but never did.



LCD Soundsystem - All My Friends from Sound of Silver. The line "you spent your first five years trying to get with the plan and your second five years trying to be with your friends again" makes me think of 30 or 40 year old business people in suits running around trying to be 20 again. As a bonus, here's Franz Ferdinand - All My Friends (LCD Soundsystem Cover). Quite possibly better than original.



Death Cab for Cutie - "Follow You Into the Dark" from Plans.
I thought it was best to put up the video.




And as a post script to yesterday's initial video post, Rod Thomas actually contacted me and is a really sweet fellow who appreciates even the tiniest support. He's coming to NYC in late September, and you should totally check him out. I know I'll be there.