Lazy Eye

Today's Retro Friday post is going to take a slight detour into the here-and-now, but will return with it's regularly scheduled Retro Friday awesomeness next week!

Today's featured song is "Lazy Eye," by Silverspun Pickups.

Silversun Pickups @ Coachella 2009. Photo: Jandy Stone

I have recently discovered the Silverspun Pickups, and I absolutely love this band. The Silversun Pickups is an alternative rock band from Los Angeles that was formed in 2002. The band members are Brian Aubert, Nikki Monninger, Christopher Guanlao and Joe Lester. The name, Silverspun Pickups, is derived from a liquor store across from Silverlake Lounge. In interviews, the band often says their name is more of "a state of mind"

"Lazy Eye" is the third single from their debut album Carnavas. The band has had some national exposure so far, performing the song on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Later With Jools Holland, and Last Call with Carson Daly. And for all of you Guitar Hero folks ... the song is a playable track on Rock Band 2 and Guitar Hero: World Tour.

I'm not exactly sure what it is about this song that grabs me so much, but I really, really like this song. I'm not sure if it's the sound that I like so much, or the lyrics, but this song just pretty much fits me perfectly right now. I am also quite enamored by the video.

Silversun Pickups, Sasquatch Music Festival. Credit: Steven Dewall/Redferns

The music video is described to be a take on the 1970 Swedish film 'A Swedish Love Story'. The video is set in a club, possibly in the 1970s or 1980s (judging by the hairstyles and clothing), and is brimming with teenagers dancing to the song as the band plays it live on stage. The video alternates between the band playing, and a young girl with short hair.

The story that is told in the video is of the girl as she notices that a particular boy shows up. At first she  ignores him and dances with another guy, notably when the song takes an angrier tone. The boy then sits down for a while, looking very depressed, and then goes outside to talk with friends. The girl eventually leaves the club, and sees him outside waiting, just like she waited for him. This reveals to her that he really does care about her, and they leave together, happy.

Maybe this song does connect with Retro Friday after all. Maybe the reason I like this song so much is that it reminds me of my high school days ... and the band is from Los Angeles. Connections all around.

Anyways, here is "Lazy Eye" for your listening pleasure! I hope you like it!


Cheers!