Today marks the 8th anniversary of Mark Sandman's death. He died of a heart attack while on stage, though a tragic loss, a fitting end for an artist, he died doing what he loved. But this diary isn't about remembering his death, it's about remembering his life. His music, most of which was made with the band Morphine, was simply amazing. Dark, yet never a downer, successfully combining elements of rock, jazz, and blues in a way that moved me in ways nothing else has. Creating his own sub-genre, "Low Rock." His band's follow up, Twinemen, named after a comic Sandman created, certainly offers up something similar, but unique, which is for the best. Not much is known about his early life, as Sandman, unlike most celebrities, kept his private life private. So, I'll try to let his music speak for him as much as possible.
I know this isn't political, but it felt like it was needed. Aside from a tribute to an amazing musician, it provides a break from all the Libby diaries.
It seems like these days, there's a lot of music that's extremely forgettable, yet with Morphine, all of it is memorable, each song in its own way. Music made by musicians, who weren't just following trends, but were making music they loved. Sadly, an ever rarer occurrence.
It seems fitting to start with "Buena," from the Cure for Pain album. It's definitely a good introduction to his amazing music, and a great example of Morphine's earlier work.
And now for a live performance of "Cure for Pain," from the Cure for Pain album. A melancholy tune, but it's somehow very comforting at the same time.
Now for what I think is one of their best songs, "Super Sex," from the album Yes, a song that I picked when I was a DJ for an hour on a local radio station (Something they do every week.) I'm not quite sure why I picked this one, it's just a damn good song.
Next, I give you a slightly stranger offering. From their album Like Swimming, "Early To Bed." Definitely an odd video, but it works well with the song. And definitely one whose message shouldn't be forgotten.
I'll finish this off, since those with slower computers might be having a hard time loading this page. Hopefully those who were already familiar with his music enjoyed this diary, and for those who weren't, hopefully there's a few more Morphine fans now. It seems fitting to end it with "The Saddest Song," from the album Good. Sadder than the song, is that we'll get no more music from Mark Sandman. RIP.
UPDATE: Hat tip to gmoke for info on the Mark Sandman Music Education Fund:
Donations to The Mark Sandman Music Education Fund can be sent to: The Mark Sandman Music Education Fund Po Box 382085 Cambridge, MA 02238 9998 USA.
Oh yeah, and if you're in the Cambridge area, you might want to head over to Matt Murphy's Pub for a Tribute To Mark Sandman, with Mike Rivard & Friends.