I just couldn't let the coverage of the FIFA World Cup tournament without a nod to one of my favorite soccer songs ever, "Football Song". I first heard it in 2009, when I discovered the music of Matt Fishel, the British singer/songwriter. I instantly loved Matt's music, which displayed charm, humor, and intelligence in abundance. Now five years later, and I still think of this song whenever I see soccer on the TV schedule.
The song is smart and fun, which I find irresistible. Any song which tells the story of a young gay boy's view of any sport certainly has my attention. When it goes on to take a look at what might be going on behind the locker room, and I can't help but smile. And the video has the most charming performance by the darling young man playing a young 'Matt'. And now that World Cup is here, I think of the song often, and have watched the video a few times as well! This is Matt Fishel with "Football Song".
"Football Song" can be found on Matt's 2013 release, 'Not Thinking Straight'. You can purchase the album from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, as well as autographed hard copies of the CD from Matt's online store. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.
My autographed cover of Matt Fishel's 'Not Thinking Straight'
I have been a big fan of Matt Fishel ever since I first saw the music video for "Football Song", and have collected several singles, an EP, and a wonder album, 'Superfishel Experience', along the way. I love that Matt's music is smart, funny, and still remains honest and very real. And when you pair honesty and smart up so well, it can't help but be kinda sexy, too. Stylistically, Fishel is writing Pop music, but to try to categorize it further might be tough. You can certainly hear influences from timeless Pop to Doo-Wop to Pop with a Rock edge, giving a wonderfully eclectic feeling to his music. And while he tells universal stories of love, loss and life, Matt doesn't shy away from the fact he is a gay man, using that experience to enrich the lyrics.
So when my autographed copy 'Not Thinking Straight' finally arrived, I couldn't wait to put it in a give a listen. I gave a quick glance through the track listing, and saw a few singles I recently purchased, and a few other song titles I recognized. I was still excited to jump into the 13 songs, all teasing me with a title. The first of which is the immensely infectious "Radio-Friendly Pop Song". Matt tells a story about what a young gay might encouter in the music business. But instead of me telling you about it, why not check out the music video for "Radio-Friendly Pop Song"...
The next song is "Testament", a song I purchased as a single last year. The song has a stronger edge, reminding me of some of the great Neo-Punk music that came out of the UK in the 1970s and 1980s, but with a shiny veneer. With the strident guitars coming at a fevered pace, delivering the basic truths about growing up, like not being afraid or of falling in love, even if it is unexpected. There is an inherent sweetness to "Behind Closed Doors", a wonderful Pop song about the hypocrisy we see far too often in the world. Check out this song on this video.
"The First Time" seems rather self-explanatory, you know? We've all had a first time or two, right? For many, they are such amazing memories, a moment marked by some incredible revelations that can lift some of the fear we've all felt. That is followed by "Maybe...", a sweet song that takes a look at our relationships, and wondering "what if..." The sixth track is "Nottingham", which starts off with an ethereal and slightly haunted feel. Once Matt adds his vocals, he tells of friendship, and the things we feel and do when still teens. And, oh, the questions we ask. There is a light and frothy air to the beginning of "Seventeen Again", that soon gives way to some angst-ridden rock in the chorus. Matt looks back at the age when all kids are straining for freedom, and maybe even a little guidance. As the song opens with the sound of a zipper, we know this Doo-wop-inspired tale told in "Armitage Shanks (Jamie)" is more sexual in nature than the brightness of the tune would lead you to think. And knowing the title might refer to a British company that makes bathroom fixtures, you might pick u some commentary about anonymous sex of the young. The next song, "Alastair", tackles a relationship built on more than just sex, even if the singer and Alistair might be trying to figure the terms of the relationship. This is followed by the song I still love, "Football Song". Here is the video, which still manages to warm my heart whenever I watch.
While I admit there is something chilling about the title "Boxer Shorts & Razor Blades", the song itself is not really that scary. It is the Pop take on how to divide up your life when you are breaking up. There is such a sweetness to this song, I find it hard to resist playing again and again. With the opening of "Boys", there is a certain steamy quality, not like sexy, more like something mysterious. The takes a look at forgiveness, especially for relationships that start early on, when we leave ourselves the most vulnerable. As soon as the piano intro kicks in on "When Boy Meets Boy", there is a joyful tone that warms you to the core. For you, "it is a beautiful thing when boy-meets-boy." And speaking of beautiful things, this album is a wonderful journey, touching on aspects of life from teen to adult. The album touches my heart in so many ways, at times making me smile, or give a sigh, or even drop a tear or two. It speaks to our shared histories of love, hurt, and confusion, all part of growing up. Get this album, and listen to early often. You can purchase 'Not Thinking Straight' from iTunes and Amazon. You can also order hard copies, as well as autographed hard copies of the CD from Matt's online store. To learn more about Matt Fishel, visit his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter, and 'like' him on Facebook.
British singer/songwriter Matt Fishel has released a new single, and I don't know if I could love it more. I mean, it is so very sweet, so innocent, and makes me remember my first time, which was a VERY long time ago. The song is The First Time, and it is pretty much what you thought right away - it is about the first time the boy has those very special feelings, of a sexual nature. To another boy. A good-looking one, too.
You can purchase The First time on iTunes and on Amazon. You can find Matt Fishel on Facebook and on Twitter. But you would be most happy if you found him in your iTunes window, playing yon your iPod.
And you know, I still remember the first time I fell for Matt Fishel. I was cruising around YouTube, looking for new music, when I happened upon his first video, for The Football Song. I was blown away, and immediately recognized the song was not only funny, smart and sweet, it was also damn good. Give it a go, and tell me what you think...
See, you now find it irresistible too, don't you? God, I love that video! If you haven't already, you can purchase The Football Song on iTunes and Amazon. I still love it. And I still play it all the time. And it gives me permission to think some very fun thoughts of David Beckham. And Victoria doesn't come into my thoughts at all.
I just can't say enough about the love I have for this video by singer/songwriter Matt Fishel. I love every wry smile and rolled eye in the video, and can't watch it enough. So please enjoy The Football Song by Matt Fishel.
I don't know if I have the words that could adequately describe my love for this song and video. When I ran across it on his MySpace page - yes, I still go on MySpace - I instantly fell in love with it, and with Matt Fishel. When I saw the video, I swear I almost peed my pants. Literally. So I searched around and purchased what I could, including the Coming Out EP, which is a prized possession. I have to say, Matt has made much good music, but in this, he hit perfection. So here is Football Song. It is about to be released as a single, I hope all who can afford it will do so as soon as they can.
To give a listen to more great music from Matt Fishel, visit his MySpace page here.
Finding Matt Fishel and the Football Song seemed almost random, yet I am very grateful. Somewhere along the way, I followed Matt Fishel on Twitter, and this past weekend I saw a Tweet with a link, and I clicked on it. I don't really remember how that happened, but it did. And I have to say Matt is very cute [see above]! There was this video.
Well, I watched it a couple of times, smiling and enjoying the heck out of it. The production values are pretty good for an indie venture, so I was impressed. But ultimately, it is the song itself that impressed me, for it is smart, clever and funny. I couldn't resist, and went to Fishel's MySpace page to find out a bit more, and found a link to buy some songs. I, of course, clicked on it, signed up for an account, and bought both albums by the London-based singer.
So far, I've listened to a couple of the songs and like them muchly. But once I have had a better chance to pay attention, I will let you know about them. Until then, you can find out more about Matt on his MySpace page here. His music is available at All4ArtistsDotCom. You can purchase Fishel's music here.
