Obsessed by Certain Songs?

[zeeway]

I find that every once in a while, I hear a song, and I get obsessed by it. Must listen to it over and over...must learn the lyrics...must learn how to play it on the guitar. Does that happen to you?

Yesterday, I saw/heard an old song on AGF, Hearts, by Jesse Barish, as a cover done by Molly (?). Her rendition is beautiful, and the lyrics are haunting. I must have heard that song in the past, but I really don't remember it.

So I have watched the Youtube version over and over trying to mimic the chords...so far I am up to Fmaj7, E7, Am7. I find that when I am struggling like this, I can pick out the strings that must be in the chords, and then I go hunting for the chord name...I came across Fmaj7 that way, but I think it sounds better with the B# added on the A string. In my next life, I will learn how to read music and study music theory...maybe even take guitar lessons.

[KarenB]

When I'm writing or just have written a song or planning on recording it, I'm obsessed with it Being obsessed with music is a wonderful thing!

[Goat Mick]

When I've written a song that is really personal for me or touches me inside I play it and listen to it and basically become obsessed with it for a while.

The same thing happens when I hear a song that invokes the same feelings. I'll become obsessed with them until I work out a version that makes it mine.

[mmcs1202]

Originally Posted by zeeway

I find that every once in a while, I hear a song, and I get obsessed by it. Must listen to it over and over...must learn the lyrics...must learn how to play it on the guitar. Does that happen to you?

Yesterday, I saw/heard an old song on AGF, Hearts, by Jesse Barish, as a cover done by Molly (?). Her rendition is beautiful, and the lyrics are haunting. I must have heard that song in the past, but I really don't remember it.

So I have watched the Youtube version over and over trying to mimic the chords...so far I am up to Fmaj7, E7, Am7. I find that when I am struggling like this, I can pick out the strings that must be in the chords, and then I go hunting for the chord name...I came across Fmaj7 that way, but I think it sounds better with the B# added on the A string. In my next life, I will learn how to read music and study music theory...maybe even take guitar lessons.

Hi Zeeway, I just happened across your post today- thanks for the great compliment on my cover😊! I can help w/some of the chords, if you like. Send me a PM with what parts of the song you need.

I also do the same thing you describe w/becoming obsessed with a song. One that comes to mind is Angeles by Elliott Smith, I just HAD to not only learn it, but figure out how to play it w/exactly the same strumming technique, etc. I’ve never taken lessons, either...as a beginner, I’d used my ear at times to figure out a chord string-by string.

[Scootch]

I'm into this bass string then chord thing. G GaddF# Em etc...

So I cant stop playing "Friend of the Devil" or "Willin'" both have that similar run...

Also, not the same run, but the "St. James Infirmary Blues" is one I keep playing over and over.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Back in the Top 40 days on AM radio they would occasionally play the really hot single 3 times in a row

[Tommy_G]

Originally Posted by Antaren

When I'm writing or just have written a song or planning on recording it, I'm obsessed with it Being obsessed with music is a wonderful thing!

I get obsessed with a song before I finish it. If i do not finish before the obsession wears off, it is unfortunately doomed to the big drawer of unfinished so gs which sits next to the tiny drawer of finished songs.

[zeeway]

Originally Posted by mmcs1202

Hi Zeeway, I just happened across your post today- thanks for the great compliment on my cover😊! I can help w/some of the chords, if you like. Send me a PM with what parts of the song you need.

I also do the same thing you describe w/becoming obsessed with a song. One that comes to mind is Angeles by Elliott Smith, I just HAD to not only learn it, but figure out how to play it w/exactly the same strumming technique, etc. I’ve never taken lessons, either...as a beginner, I’d used my ear at times to figure out a chord string-by string.

Thanks, Molly. I'll keep on struggling and may need to accept your offer at some point. By the way, I added your rendition of Long, Long Time to my favorites, too.

[Misifus]

I still happens to me, and I’m an old fart. Most recently, “You And Me” by Sara Watkins with Sean playing a neat guitar part.

[Steel and wood]

I spent years obsessively mastering the guitar (techniques and styles) than I did learning or playing a song.

[mattyc71]

A Pox on you Zeeway!! Now that song is stuck in my head and I know it won't leave until I can play it!! BTW - Molly, you really did a great job on the cover!

[valleyguy]

Absolutely happens to me all the time.

My current obsession is a Willie Watson song, Gallows Pole:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq8Ob7YOFTw

Originally a traditional folk song, Leadbelly sang it, late Led Zeppelin did there version. Willie's is unique. He's channeling some old voices there.

I'm working on my own spin to it.

[TBman]

Constantly. I'll practice it and play it over and over until I'm sick of hearing it sometimes.

I've learned to give a song a break for a day or two and work on something else to avoid that from happening now.

I'm learning Al Petteway's "Elk Mountain Rag", something in standard tuning for a change. My speed is coming up good, I just have to work on the left hand and right hand string muting.

[mr. beaumont]

Oh goodness yes.

Current obsessions:

[David MacNeill]

A song can obsess you if it is clever/catchy, emotionally resonant, or both. If it’s both, then resistance is futile. And of course, the only prescription is MORE COWBELL:

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