“Moving to L.A.” – Art Brut
(Words: Eddie Argos, music: Art Brut, available on Bang Bang Rock & Roll, Fierce Panda 2005)
“Moving to L.A.” isn’t as musically sharp as some of the other (arguably better) tracks on Bang Bang Rock & Roll, but that’s not the point. After all, California (at least to us on the Atlantic Ocean) represents a slower paced, less stressful existence. Musically, “Moving to L.A.” captures that feel with the bright strums and the guiro keeping the pace. It seems like the typical escapist fantasy, but Eddie Argos has to put his own twist on it. For example, rather than just relocate, Argos wonders whether he should get himself deported and at least have some fun before leaving England. It’s this wicked streak that makes the song so interesting – when Argos co-opts typical rock cliches, he highlights the absurdities of these actions – imagine if Argos really rode down Sunset on a motorcycle. Of course, Argos’ word choice takes the absurdity to the next level, preferring “strip naked to the waist” to “shirtless” and makes sure to name check Axl Rose, who I can’t imagine spending more than five minutes with Argos before having him removed. Same with Morrissey – I can’t imagine Argos and the ‘Moz tipping back glasses of Hennessey in the Hollywood hills, but it’s Argos’ dream and he clearly dreams big.
I’m in the process of moving this weekend (and honestly, over the next few weeks in tiny bits and pieces). It’s not quite Los Angeles (nor the Los Angeles Argos imagines), and in fact it’s much quieter. Trust me, if I wanted the same excitement that Argos plugs in the song, it would be equally as absurd. Instead, I recognize that the collision between the dream of moving – the hope and optimism – and the mundane details that go into moving in (utilities, buying toilet paper, building a desk for hours at a time). It’s worth noting that Argos’ plans never get past considering – he’s merely thinking about it. At least that way he can always associate L.A. with shirtless rides, Axl Rose, and a new wardrobe.
More on Art Brut: Allmusic | Amazon MP3 | Emusic | Last.fm
4 Notes