Ah Eli Lieb. What a guy. Amazing cheekbones. Popstar hair. Natty dresser (remember the tie over the shoulder look? LOVED. THAT) And of course, invigorating, emotive, exhilarating, honest soundtrack to our lives. Not only does he skillfully take other people's songs and expertly reconstruct them (giving new nuance and meaning to well known lyrics), but he writes & sings jolly good songs of his own. Young Love may well be his finest, most commercial song yet. If you want a comparison, I suppose it has the vibrant energy of Bryan Adams' Summer of 69 mixed with the tender storytelling of Taylor Swift's Love Story - though really, those comparisons don't do the song justice at all. It absolutely stands on it's own. The song is brilliantly paced, thanks to an effusive guitar riff, an ingratiating rhythmic pounding percussion and the ability to phrase the instrumental to match the emotion of the tune (best done coming out of the middle 8 where it strips back to an acoustic base before exploding with a crescendo of sound for one final run through of that fist-pumping chorus). But of course it's Eli's exquisitely expressive vocal that is the anchor of the song - full of passion, drama, longing, wistful reminiscing and soul; he draws you inextricably into his story and has you rooting for him from the outset. It's a song that makes you happy to be alive, infusing you with the limitless possibilities that love can bring. A mighty effort that will sound bloody brilliant pumping out of your car this summer - or anytime of year for that matter. Buy it, buy it now you ninnies or live to regret passing this perfect opportunity by. Now here's what you get from the video...
- Eli is getting his guitar on. He has very clean finger nails which is very important a) generally because mucky fingernails are a bit gross and b) if you are going to have close ups of your hands...
- Meanwhile, Eli is sitting next to a rather dashing young fella (renowned hottie and all round talented chappie Aaron Milo) and the chasm between them speaks volumes. Before we can get too maudlin that these fine two are not appreciating the attractiveness of each other, we are swept (I assume) back into the past and a group of youngsters are frolicking around on bikes...
- There's something rather carefree about cycling isn't there? I mean once you've got your helmet on and ensured you aren't going to get knocked off by those crazy London cabbies, then yes it is all fling your legs out with gay abandon and let yourself go. And here, also a good visual representation of the frisson of anticipation you feel when young love hits :)
- Through rapid imagery we get to see Eli and his young beau get their courtship on. It's all very sweet. Holding hands under the stars. Bit of pool playing (*insert balls in pockets joke here*!). Breaking into community property. Those wacky kids :D
- Everyone takes their bikes into the building - they are happy to jimmy the lock and are obviously aware of a criminal element because they don't want to leave their bikes outside! I don't blame them - I once left my fold up commuter bike outside Starbucks and it was gone when I got back. Most expensive frappucino ever.
- The gang do some indoor cycling and general merriment ensues. Eli exchanges longing glances with his paramour - the fella sure knows how to seduce with his eyes. I went all giddy for a second with the vapours :)
- Train tracks, booze and graffiti! Good lord but these kids are on a crime spree :) Despite other people hooking up, high on the exhilaration of the day, Eli and his desired still haven't got their groove on. However, nothing says I want to smooch the face off you while you grasp hands getting matching tattoos. The tension is palpable. JUST KISS ALREADY!
- The relentless eye flirting is paying off. Young fella me lad has his arm around Eli who looks jolly happy about this development (and frankly who wouldn't? He's chosen a right tall drink of water!)
- While 2 girls cause a distraction, Eli and the Stud steal some booze from the bar. They run tittering like two school girls caught with their hands in the cookie jar, before speeding off into the night (daylight!) They are like a blokey Thelma and Louise (though Louise was always rather butch)...
- Skinny dipping and bonfires are to follow and if you pause at around 2m56, I am pleased to report that both dudes look mighty f to the i to the n to the e in their undies. This will come as no surprise to anyone. Repeat: exhibit no surprise!
- Here it comes... seeing people who you find attractive when they are clothed in a state of undress which is equally appealing thanks to their ridiculously rock hard bodies will also get those pheromones flowing into hyper drive...
- 3m11s - THE SMOOCH! Eli and his boy get their kissy kissy on. It is a good kiss too. Not too hard, not too soft, just the right amount of intensity and passion. It's nice that there are fireworks behind it as this seems like a moment that everyone has been waiting for. I'm all hot and bothered now :D
- More kissing (full on this time) happens briefly at 3m18s. This is part of a montage that captures their wacky, wild, hormone infested day together and gives you a big happy inside. It all finishes with a prolonged shot of Eli playing the guitar, bringing the song to a close. Just lovely
Brilliant review!
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