The violin was the first instrument I ever learned to play, and out of the multitudes I've heard and the few more I've come to play since, a beautifully-played violin still remains one of my favorite sounds to date. The fact that the violin is still a predominantly classical instrument often limits its use in more contemporary forms of music, but it's really great to see an example of the instrument being used in exactly that way. Final Fantasy, a.k.a. Owen Pallett, composer and long-time Arcade Fire collaborator, is one of the best violin-based projects I've heard.
Final Fantasy - This is the Dream of Win & Regine
Before you ask - yes, the name of the project is based on the video game series, and the title of the track refers to Win Butler and Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire. Simplicity, not subtlety, is clearly the emphasis here, and that intention is also present in the music. It's very minimal, dominated by Pallett's violin and voice and backed only by quiet drums and laid-back 'filler' instrumentation. 'Childlike' might even be a good description, but far be it from me to suggest that this song is childish. On the contrary, it's the childlike honesty of the music that helps it to communicate a very mature and personal mix of emotions. The recurring violin melody in particular, which effectively takes the place of a chorus, is uncomplicated and unassuming, yet sublime, complementing the vocals perfectly.
Pictured: not Owen PallettAlthough the title gives away the identities of the characters who effectively speak in this track, without it the lyrics could be referring to anyone who has experienced the fickle fortunes of stardom. The way these words are sung, as if by a small voice in the back of your head, are just brilliant in the way they convey this message. Whether or not you've ever experienced such an internal conflict, this track, at least to a certain extent, makes you feel like you have.
If that's not a mark of a great song, feel free to tell me what is.
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