LogFAQs > #956643523

75. The Jesus and Mary Chain Just Like Honey (1985)
from the album Psychocandy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EgB__YratE

Key lyrics:
Walking back to you
Is the hardest thing that
I can do

The noise pop sound of The Jesus and Mary Chain borders on paradox. As the band sifts through heavy guitar feedback, they somehow capture an understated calm. Part of this is in the droll vocal stylings of Jim Reid, singing half-energetically as if a chaotic force isnt brewing behind him. Another part is the Be My Baby drums that open the song, casting a steady beat that overpower the noise in its own way. This is another engineering success story, the mix putting these elements at the same level and letting them interact in seemingly contradictory ways.

While writing about The Cure, I mentioned that their dark edge gives a heightened sense of sincerity to their fluffier pieces. Just Like Honey works on a similar level, but The Jesus and Mary Chain captures sonic unease with loving sentimentality in the same breath. The feedback operates like butterflies in the stomach, a flittering sickly feeling. Its a love song, sure, but one in which the narrator knows his love is not good for him as he desperately clings anyway.

If anything, Just Like Honey cites Be My Baby to declare itself the logical conclusion of Phil Spectors Wall of Sound. The Jesus and Mary Chain are asking whether a cascade of instruments is necessary, or could simple guitar feedback simulate the constant presence? The answer appears to be yes no matter how noisy, the feedback takes a backseat to the typical song structure. Just Like Honey is an ordinary pop song grimed up for the 80s alternative scene.

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My top 100 games (with write-ups): https://foolfantastic.com/top-100-video-games-project/