Paula Cole… now there’s a blast from the past. The singer-songwriter made a big splash in the late 90s with top ten hit ‘Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?‘ and the even better ‘I Don’t Want to Wait.’ Her sophomore album Fire, on which those songs appeared, went double platinum.
Cole was nominated for seven Grammys that year and won Best New Artist. She was never seen again.
As soon as I decided to blog about ’31 Numbered Songs’ I knew #13 would be Big Star’s ‘Thirteen.’ It’s one of my favorite songs, named after a number or not. The only problem is I’ve already featured it.
But that problem turned into a blessing when I discovered this cover version by Elliott Smith. Who better to capture the melancholy ache of this adolescent anthem?
Ivy Falls is a Belgian band fronted by singer Fien Deman. Most of the information I can find about Deman and the band is in Dutch, but the official website says that Ivy Falls is “her first solo project, after giving people chills with the orchestral pop of I will, I swear and collaborating with Illuminine and Satin Jackets.”
Ivy Falls is more popular than the last few acts I’ve featured. The video for ‘Twelve’ clocks in with more than 5,000 views.
Another number, another rap act struggling to find an audience.
The YouTube clip of NXGN’s ‘ELEVEN’ has a total of 16 views (mine included) and I find no web presence for the band apart from a Spotify entry and an “indie art” website called Hye TV.
Elouiz is a Swedish singer whose website and Instagram profile both go to broken pages, despite being linked from her recently-updated Facebook page. It really shouldn’t be that hard for an aspiring musical artist to maintain a robust web presence. Even if you can’t afford to pay somebody, just dedicate an hour or two of your own time and you’re in business.
’10’ is a song about finding hope amid despair. Its video depicts a young woman (portrayed by Elouiz, I presume) contemplating suicide but ultimately choosing life. The “you” referenced throughout could be a romantic partner, a friend or family member, or even god.
Meet Me In Montauk 