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Broken Bells — Your Head Is On Fire
Album: Broken Bells
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1596









Released: 0
Length: 2:58
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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(Look behind
Your head is on fire
Whirling masses
Rolling ashes
Keep on yawning
Career dawning
Life is tasteless
Forty paces

Run and hide
Your head's on fire
Whirling masses
Rolling ashes
Dream of morning
Queen of dawning
Life is tasteless
Forty paces)

To turn away from the night
Allowing the light alone
Is surely fooling yourself
Leaving half on the shelf

You'll never know
How low an angry heart can go
How long a sitting hand's return meant

(Look behind
Your head is on fire
Whirling masses
Rolling ashes
Dream of morning
Career dawning
Life in stasis
Forty paces)

Does anybody else here feel that fear
That none of all these good things had to be
Or is it just me
Comments (88)add comment
Oh good! This one doesn't scare the Bee Geesus out of me like that other tune.
Posted 2 months ago by awhfman    [ Reply ]
Saw the CD being sold at the counter of Sacks or some fancy department store while my lady friend was shopping.   I confess I bought it because I thought the cover was cool, but found I really liked it.  

If you like this song even a little bit, check out the whole album.
Posted 5 months ago by brosen    [ Reply ]
EASTER EGG! If you look closely at the cover, it's a lantern and not broken bells.
Posted 8 months ago by brianbouton    [ Reply ]
This is a great album. Quickly ran up to the top ranking of my favorite albums of all time. 
Posted 8 months ago by bluebeag    [ Reply ]
No, your head is on fire !!
Posted 8 months ago by xray38    [ Reply ]
 ednazarko wrote:

These guys should send the Moody Blues a thank you note.

And Beach Boys for vocals.

Posted 1 year ago by bruceandjenna    [ Reply ]
 ashjonesie wrote:

One of the most amazing songs I have ever heard. Amazing.




It is very catchy...
Posted 1 year ago by xrdstv    [ Reply ]
First time I heard this, I got dyslexic. I thought the artist was Broken Balls!  LOL!   
Posted 1 year ago by joejennings    [ Reply ]
When this comes on, I feel a need to pressurize the cabin, and then, things make A LOT more sense, for This is a HIGHLY TRIPPY atmosphere here, Captain...
Posted 3 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
Beach Boys much?
Posted 3 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
Nice segue even if I thought it was the Beach Boys. 
Posted 4 years ago by GeorgeMWoods    [ Reply ]
Can recognize Mercer's voice instantly.  Love the Shins, like this pretty well too.
Posted 4 years ago by bluefrog    [ Reply ]
Pet Sounds all the way!
Posted 4 years ago by bimmerfan739    [ Reply ]
 rate 7 
Posted 4 years ago by sonymagellan    [ Reply ]
 ednazarko wrote:
These guys should send the Moody Blues a thank you note.
 
Right after the one they write to David Bowie for "Always Crashing in the Same Car."
Posted 5 years ago by linden    [ Reply ]
These guys should send the Moody Blues a thank you note.
Posted 5 years ago by ednazarko    [ Reply ]
When this thing catches you at Standard Orbit or above, it can really take you by surprise; like the best that The Shins can do, & more!
Posted 9 years ago by coloradojohn    [ Reply ]
My take is Mercer and DangerMouse should have gotten album of the year. 
Seems likes great production, musicality, structure etc takes a backseat to forgettable pop rubbish.
I can listen to this album over and over and always love hearing it . . .  
Posted 11 years ago by fab2121    [ Reply ]
Brilliant album! {#Mrgreen}
Posted 11 years ago by contractor07    [ Reply ]
I liked it then, I don't it now
Posted 11 years ago by t00lur    [ Reply ]
 rdo wrote:

You have left 2 enigmatic posts for this song.  The ending is straight from the CD, no edits.  What was the b-day comment about?  That sounded rude, without any apparent justification.

 
He rated the song a 7... I don't think it was meant as a negative comment... just well... probably enjoying too much of that recently legalized substance to be behind the keys. Just a thought... {#Foot-in-mouth}
Posted 11 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
 CWKeeney wrote:
This is great. I immediately thought of Pet Sounds or Smiley Smile.
 
Was thinking these guys had listened a lot to Brian Wilson.
Posted 11 years ago by tonypf    [ Reply ]
An abrupt ending, which would've been appreciated somewhat earlier.
Posted 11 years ago by suggettsmiss    [ Reply ]
broken cerebrum is what you get when your head is on fire.....{#Beat}
Posted 11 years ago by Disti    [ Reply ]
Digging this...Moody Blues-ish. +9
Posted 11 years ago by d-don    [ Reply ]
I hear a bit of Bach here, St. Matthews Passion/Mass in B Minor (maybe, who knows?).  It's that ethereal chorus that's just wonderful.
Posted 11 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 lemmoth wrote:
love this album -

This song starts like an outtake from Smile or Pet Sounds

I'm thinking Mr. Mercer was listening to some of Mr. Wilson.
"Feel Flows" off of 1971's Surfs Up for example.

Posted 12 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
Following Bill Withers' "Use Me" - that's odd.   {#Stupid}
Posted 12 years ago by dingusbother    [ Reply ]
like it.. More like tommy James and the shondels
Posted 12 years ago by angelomisterioso    [ Reply ]
 CWKeeney wrote:
This is great. I immediately thought of Pet Sounds or Smiley Smile.
 
TOTALLY agree. Also - to cite a more recent example, Animal Collective.
Posted 12 years ago by progrockette    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:

this is exactly the kind of thing that gets my goat....{#Roflol}..RP is quite good at this Radio Thing
 
You have left 2 enigmatic posts for this song.  The ending is straight from the CD, no edits.  What was the b-day comment about?  That sounded rude, without any apparent justification.
Posted 12 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
 cohifi wrote:

This is why you post your birthday WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR RP!   nice
 
um, because i said i love broken bells? i don't get it.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
 lily34 wrote:
love broken bells.
 
This is why you post your birthday WHEN YOU SIGN UP FOR RP!   nice
Posted 12 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
love broken bells.
Posted 12 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
This is great. I immediately thought of Pet Sounds or Smiley Smile.
Posted 12 years ago by CWKeeney    [ Reply ]
Not being "judge-mental" at all, i'd say this is a great listen!
Posted 12 years ago by GrooVy    [ Reply ]
Judging from the opening, I'd say that Danger Mouse was listening to a lot of 'Pet Sounds' around the time they made this record.
Posted 13 years ago by copymonkey    [ Reply ]
 TerryS wrote:
Abrupt ending. A really brupt ending.
 
this is exactly the kind of thing that gets my goat....{#Roflol}..RP is quite good at this Radio Thing


Posted 13 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Abrupt ending. A really brupt ending.
Posted 13 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Brilliant album, perfection {#Mrgreen}
Posted 13 years ago by contractor07    [ Reply ]
If you like this song, I would highly recommend buying this CD. It flows extremely well and is filled with tuneful, well-crafted songs.
Posted 13 years ago by progrockette    [ Reply ]
Sounds to me like some lateish Beatles (White Album-) in absolute amazing recording quality.

Posted 13 years ago by Sweetshark    [ Reply ]
Like this CD. Just got a copy from a friend.
Posted 13 years ago by CCinSB    [ Reply ]
Very tasteful wah in this - nice.
Posted 13 years ago by TwinEngine    [ Reply ]
Weird.
Posted 13 years ago by michaelgmitchell    [ Reply ]
My favorite cd of last year.Love, love, love it!
Posted 13 years ago by Darlington    [ Reply ]
Ah, now I see, they're called Broken Bells.

Posted 14 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
 ashjonesie wrote:
One of the most amazing songs I have ever heard. Amazing.
 

Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
Broken Bells and Andrew Bird,  a maa maiii in heean.......{#Ass}
Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
yaaa, i wooo luu thaaa s0000nnn ebbbbbbbennnnnnbettuuuhhhhh iifffff annnne  iiiii  whhaaaaaa heeeeee woooeee sllaaayayinnnnn boouuut,,..
(Kitchen Towel in Mouth School of Voice Technique, see:  Andrew Bird)

slloooonnngggg fooooossss....haabbbbbb phooonnnee in liiif

annneeeee effinnnnnn  foochiiinnnnnn 5 for lyrics beyond comprehension.

and if you understood them, hhahahahaha, you peeked at the CD cover.


Posted 14 years ago by Rooney    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:
Which is worse?

Your Head is on Fire or your sex is on fire.{#Stupid}
 
Which is worse?

Broken Bells or Howling Bells?

Posted 14 years ago by tpa29970    [ Reply ]
 DeemerDave wrote:
Which is worse?

Your Head is on Fire or your sex is on fire.{#Stupid}
 
If I had to choose, I'd 'sex is on fire' is worse in the literal sense.  Also, 'sex is on fire' is worse in the musical sense.  Or at least overplayed more.  Or overplayed sooner.  I don't know.  I like this song, and this album.

Posted 14 years ago by alanthecowboy    [ Reply ]
Is there nothing the great Danger Mouse cannot do?{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by dannyboy57    [ Reply ]
Which is worse?

Your Head is on Fire or your sex is on fire.{#Stupid}
Posted 14 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
One of the most amazing songs I have ever heard. Amazing.
Posted 14 years ago by ashjonesie    [ Reply ]
love this album -

This song starts like an outtake from Smile or Pet Sounds
Posted 14 years ago by lemmoth    [ Reply ]

This has to be the most original song of the year.  What a dreamy chorus.



Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]


 flatpicker wrote:
I have been listening to this album a lot lately.
Really good stuff!

 
Really GREAT stuff!


Posted 14 years ago by meadowwoods    [ Reply ]
I have been listening to this album a lot lately.
Really good stuff!

Posted 14 years ago by flatpicker    [ Reply ]
 scruffystevie wrote:
{#Tongue} Going to see them tomorrow night!  Can't wait - bring on the bells!
 

What the Bell...when are they coming to the Bloody US of A?  ;)
Posted 14 years ago by coolpeople_rule    [ Reply ]
broken bell
Posted 14 years ago by socalhol    [ Reply ]
This is trippy... RadioParadise has stolen my mind, and somehow, work tomorrow seems like a rather laughable concept. I might just call in fat and stay home with my computer.
Posted 14 years ago by Cynaera    [ Reply ]
sweet
Posted 14 years ago by billynyc    [ Reply ]
I almost had an out-of-body experience listening to this song while gazing down from an airplane window at towering summer cumulus passing by like cotton mountains rising from a sea of indigo shadows. 

No chemical refreshment, either!
Posted 14 years ago by Derecho    [ Reply ]
{#Tongue} Going to see them tomorrow night!  Can't wait - bring on the bells!
Posted 14 years ago by scruffystevie    [ Reply ]
{#Daisy}
Posted 14 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
{#Clap}
Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
https://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2010-05-19/blog/decibel-san-diego-music/broken-bells-deliver-pleasant-humphreys-performance-kicking-off-summer-tour

Review of their first show here in San Diego.
Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
I don't think it's boring but I'll give you that it's hard to explain why it's appealing. It just is.
Posted 14 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
Sorry. This is just dead boring. What's the appeal?
Posted 14 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
 mandolin wrote:


{#Fire} Don't you hate it when that happens!

 


Posted 14 years ago by peter_james_bond    [ Reply ]

Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
This is a great song and the album as well, must buy.
Posted 14 years ago by nalle    [ Reply ]
being a huge DM fan, i wanted to like this more than i did.  will have to give it a few more listens.
Posted 14 years ago by slimvincent    [ Reply ]
I like this {#Music}
Posted 14 years ago by DaveInSaoMiguel    [ Reply ]
Yea, I dig it! That Danger Mouse is everywhere lately, is there anybody he didn't do a collabaration with or produce in the last few years?{#Lol}
Posted 14 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
 miahfost wrote:
So this _isn't_ the lead singer of the Shins singing?
 

No. It is the Shins dude. James Mercer. This is a collaboration between him & Danger Mouse.
Posted 14 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
So this _isn't_ the lead singer of the Shins singing?
Posted 14 years ago by miahfost    [ Reply ]
 Felix_The_Cat wrote:
Flaming Lips, anyone?
 
Dangerous Flaming Mouse Shins

catchy... that's the new name for my band!


Posted 14 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
this whole album is amazing
still bitter that i didn't get to see these guys at SXSW this year.
crossing my fingers hoping they will be a late addition to the bonnaroo lineup
Posted 14 years ago by topherg87    [ Reply ]

Nice.  Not quite the same level of attraction to this cut as with "The High Road" but still nice. 

Posted 14 years ago by vandal    [ Reply ]
Flaming Lips, anyone?
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]
 adroc wrote:
This is really the first instance of a Broken Bells track played on RP!? The album is solid overall, but not spectacular, IMO.
 
I hear what you're saying, but it's really interesting and ear-catching stuff.

Posted 14 years ago by Tana    [ Reply ]
Ahh, I was just about to say how these guys sound eerily similar to the Shins!
Posted 14 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
great choice Bill !  This album does pack a few excellent tracks!
Posted 14 years ago by isaak    [ Reply ]
Glad to finally hear Broken Bells on RP. I hope The High Road gets added in rotation soon. 
Posted 14 years ago by Marley    [ Reply ]
This is really the first instance of a Broken Bells track played on RP!? The album is solid overall, but not spectacular, IMO.
Posted 14 years ago by adroc    [ Reply ]
I'm digging this album... good to hear it on RP!
Posted 14 years ago by thatslongformud    [ Reply ]