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The Be Good Tanyas — It's Not Happening
Album: Chinatown
Avg rating:
6.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1245









Released: 2003
Length: 2:35
Plays (last 30 days): 2
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The way your mind works
Travelling so fast
Carving your way
Through the city

And you can tell me
You get what you want
You figure it out
And you're just fine

Cause you're talking to yourself
Don't hear a thing
Now history unfolds before you
You just shut your eyes
You just shut your eyes
It's not happening

We all go up, down
Fend for ourselves,
Or fend for each other
Fend for each other sometimes

But you keep on racing me
Like something's chasing you
Like something's gonna get you
Something's gonna get you
One day

And you're talking to yourself
Don't hear a thing
Now history unfolds before you
You just shut your eyes
You just shut your eyes
It's not happening

And you're talking to yourself
Don't hear a thing
Now history unfolds before you
You just shut your eyes
You just shut your eyes
It's not happening

You just shut your eyes
You just shut your eyes
It's not happening
Comments (110)add comment
 kenmo wrote:

I remember a warm summer day in 2001 in a park in Vancouver with me & my lady sitting on the grass in front of a small stage with the BGTanyas in concert. Just lovely with a great show put on by the BGT performing stuff off their (then) new first album.



What a lovely picture you have painted for us. Thank you.
Posted 4 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
I would like to say, what a beautiful, sunny album cover!
Posted 4 months ago by GingerandMe    [ Reply ]
I remember a warm summer day in 2001 in a park in Vancouver with me & my lady sitting on the grass in front of a small stage with the BGTanyas in concert. Just lovely with a great show put on by the BGT performing stuff off their (then) new first album.
Posted 6 months ago by kenmo    [ Reply ]
 sfoster66 wrote:

I used to know Tanya.  She worked for me as a young lady some years ago.  Infectious smile.  Became a nurse, a wife to a nice fellow from the village we called home and a mother to two young girls.  

Last year Covid took her from this world.  She worked in a long term care home and exposed herself to that "it's just the flu" every shift...just to be there for her charges.   She gave her life in service of others. 

So, screw the deniers...and be good, Tanya.  Be good, indeed.



may she rest in peace 🕊️
Posted 1 year ago by redalftouhi362    [ Reply ]
I used to know Tanya.  She worked for me as a young lady some years ago.  Infectious smile.  Became a nurse, a wife to a nice fellow from the village we called home and a mother to two young girls.  

Last year Covid took her from this world.  She worked in a long term care home and exposed herself to that "it's just the flu" every shift...just to be there for her charges.   She gave her life in service of others. 

So, screw the deniers...and be good, Tanya.  Be good, indeed.
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 PeterMC3 wrote:
Anyone who doesn't like the BGTs should listen to another station, cos they are the best Canadian band ever!
 
I am not sure if they are the best, but they are good. I am not sure if they are the best even in this genre. Ian and Sylvia are pretty good as well.
Posted 4 years ago by Chongo1959    [ Reply ]
 drictor wrote:
I love these guys, but this is not their best tune.  So many better ones.
 
Funny, I feel the whole album was tight. This is one of the more uptempo tunes but their sad songs are moving. I love her version of the House of the Rising Sun - her voice is perfect for it.
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]

 Hannio wrote:

Well, that's just kind of sad, actually.
 
Only if they are over 16.
Posted 4 years ago by ScottishWillie    [ Reply ]
 PeterMC3 wrote:
Anyone who doesn't like the BGTs should listen to another station, cos they are the best Canadian band ever!

 
Well, that's just kind of sad, actually.
Posted 7 years ago by Hannio    [ Reply ]
 PeterMC3 wrote:
Anyone who doesn't like the BGTs should listen to another station, cos they are the best Canadian band ever!
 
Even better than The Poppy Family?!
Posted 7 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
why does the band have this name?
 
From an old article in the UK Independent: "The sleeve notes come with an excerpt from an Obo Martin McCrory song about a gypsy man whose desire to sing and travel leads him to leave his love behind. As he departs, he exhorts her to "Be good Tanya, Tanya be good" – hence the band's name".
Posted 7 years ago by mdnlsn    [ Reply ]
 jone_ston wrote:
What I meant is that she slides all over the place, never seeming to really find the note she's singing. Additionally, see seems to have no enunciative ability at all. It makes my ears want to explode.
 
Amazingly, the sound engineers were able to filter out the sound of the washing machine she is sitting on during the spin cycle. 
Posted 7 years ago by FlatCat    [ Reply ]
I love these guys, but this is not their best tune.  So many better ones.
Posted 8 years ago by drictor    [ Reply ]
Frazey Ford is filling houses as a solo (plus backing group) performer now, but I hope she'll still do another BGT tour.
Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Canadian set here—love it!
Posted 10 years ago by alux    [ Reply ]
Anyone who doesn't like the BGTs should listen to another station, cos they are the best Canadian band ever!
Posted 10 years ago by PeterMC3    [ Reply ]
That's right—this isn't happening.

PSD 
Posted 10 years ago by jagdriver    [ Reply ]
Another "really good 'live' group.
Posted 11 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Bill just referred to them as being from BC, no superfluous qualification required {#Biggrin}
 
How cool is that?!?!
Posted 11 years ago by bushrat    [ Reply ]
{#Clap}
Posted 12 years ago by Diamond_Dog    [ Reply ]
{#Puke}{#Puke}{#Puke}This just isn't my set.

Posted 16 years ago by Shesdifferent    [ Reply ]
This may be one of the worst bands to come out in the last 10 years.
Posted 16 years ago by Excelsior    [ Reply ]
please don't eat while you sing
Posted 16 years ago by vit    [ Reply ]
...and here's a very touching performance of another great songs of BGT... (click here)
Posted 16 years ago by kobolda    [ Reply ]
I first got their music whilst I was in re-hab and they've kind of stuck since then. Very much a healing balm through some difficult times if I remember correctly. I'd like to meet that Ruben they sing about and shake his hand.
Posted 16 years ago by typecast    [ Reply ]
mefrombrazil wrote:
why does the band have this name?
oh, they could call themselves mefromcanada? personally i prefer The Be Good Tanyas
Posted 16 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Fabulous! Nothing like this anywhere. Thank god for the Tanyas.
Posted 16 years ago by Moak    [ Reply ]
why does the band have this name?
Posted 17 years ago by mefrombrazil    [ Reply ]
pannaramma wrote:
WAAAAAY too much BGT lately.
yep, they're like the Fergie of Radio Paradise...
Posted 17 years ago by electronicshaman    [ Reply ]
Not nearly as good as "Light Enough to Travel". Sorry ladies, you can't win 'em all.
Posted 17 years ago by speakerman    [ Reply ]
Lucked it again! Woo! Love them gals! Just got a bran new Blue Horse from Canada today as I keep givin' away copies, to avid fans? Maybe?
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Hmm! Nice, did I mention? love love love!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
WAAAAAY too much BGT lately.
Posted 17 years ago by pannaramma    [ Reply ]
Wadro13 wrote:
WTF.. Nice new find. Thanks again RP!
WooHoo! new convert, yea!!!
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
WTF.. Nice new find. Thanks again RP!
Posted 17 years ago by Wadro13    [ Reply ]
sadsack wrote:
The BGTs twice in two days. Can there be such a thing as better than paradise? Discuss.
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
dundidit wrote:
rated my fave album of 2005,06, and am now gettin my teeth stuck into the rest of their stuff, would dig to see them jam with Cat Power. Their wavering voices haunt me beautifully. Phk Yea. . .
I really like BGT. I think Cat Power is some kind of progressive comedy act that is pretending to be a really horrible musician and I am just lacking in sufficient intellect to grasp the nuances.
Posted 17 years ago by bokey    [ Reply ]
rated my fave album of 2005,06, and am now gettin my teeth stuck into the rest of their stuff, would dig to see them jam with Cat Power. Their wavering voices haunt me beautifully. Phk Yea...
Posted 17 years ago by dundidit    [ Reply ]
I mean, what a fantastic voice. I love the Be Good Tanyas and only hear them on Radio Paradise. Truth be told, I was introduced to them by WRVG in KY a long time ago, but the station went kaput. I love Radio Paradise!
Posted 17 years ago by snakechaser    [ Reply ]
The BGTs twice in two days. Can there be such a thing as better than paradise? Discuss.
Posted 17 years ago by sadsack    [ Reply ]
Posted 17 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Sure, It's a Happenin' Thing That's my Girls!
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
New album release date We have a release date for our new record - October 10th, 2006. Hooray! Thanks everyone for sticking it out... xo the bgts Meantime check ém out at the Thirsty Ear Festival in New Mexico on September 1 2 & 3
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
shevek wrote:
'Imprecise singing'? That is a new one!
What I meant is that she slides all over the place, never seeming to really find the note she's singing. Additionally, see seems to have no enunciative ability at all. It makes my ears want to explode.
Posted 18 years ago by jone_ston    [ Reply ]
you're all nerds.
Posted 18 years ago by jeffersonpump    [ Reply ]
... Hmm, think I'll have to go Po'Girl if I want to keep up ...?
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Still play this and the other album blue horse at least twice a week, can't wait for another release
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
... Oh yes it is! ... ...
Posted 18 years ago by Mari    [ Reply ]
Lazy8 wrote:
They're on Prairie Home Companion this weekend. Worth a listen if you can handle the filler in between.
Hey, I like PHC!
Posted 18 years ago by moonbat    [ Reply ]
Yummy mando!!
Posted 18 years ago by ArmchairMusician    [ Reply ]
I love the Tanyas! Their new tune "Opal's Blues" is good. Her so called imprecise voice is one of my favorites.
Posted 18 years ago by dylanv    [ Reply ]
Megahertz wrote:
This group does a killer version of "In My Time of Dying"
As in the Led Zeppelin song?? Whoa. How dare they?? Just kidding I'd like to see what they made of it.
Posted 18 years ago by mafe    [ Reply ]
Great album, great group of women. My favorite track is "In spite of all the damage". Really a knockout, tear your heart out of your chest kind of feeling. Why do I always like this kind the best?
Posted 18 years ago by freeone1    [ Reply ]
This group does a killer version of "In My Time of Dying"
Posted 18 years ago by Megahertz    [ Reply ]
"Just accessorize, just accessorize..."
Posted 18 years ago by GregX59    [ Reply ]
jone_ston wrote:
Oh god, please make it stop! I mean, I like the instrumentation all right but I just can't stand her imprecise singing. I need notes! I need the vocals to be in tune with the instruments! Clearly it's just my opinion, since some many other people seem to like the BGTs so much, but her singing grates on me to the point that this is one of the few songs that gets me to jump up and turn off RP as fast as I can.
'Imprecise singing'? That is a new one!
Posted 19 years ago by shevek    [ Reply ]
Oh god, please make it stop! I mean, I like the instrumentation all right but I just can't stand her imprecise singing. I need notes! I need the vocals to be in tune with the instruments! Clearly it's just my opinion, since some many other people seem to like the BGTs so much, but her singing grates on me to the point that this is one of the few songs that gets me to jump up and turn off RP as fast as I can.
Posted 19 years ago by jone_ston    [ Reply ]
Lazy8 wrote:
They're on Prairie Home Companion this weekend. Worth a listen if you can handle the filler in between.
What Lazy8 said...
Posted 19 years ago by Zarba    [ Reply ]
They're on Prairie Home Companion this weekend. Worth a listen if you can handle the filler in between.
Posted 19 years ago by Lazy8    [ Reply ]
An absolutely beautiful album. I like this one and Ship especially well....
Posted 19 years ago by number6    [ Reply ]
while many are bitching about this that and the other... i'm kicking back enjoying this tune... .
Posted 19 years ago by traveyes    [ Reply ]
MrSpaz wrote:
Yeah, these people goin' on about Canadien accents ya know. What's this all aboot anywho? Canada's a fine country. Ya know what I'm gettin' to, eh? Sorry, couldn't resist. :)
'Th'heck'ya talkin' about? Oh-fer-gawsh-sakes! I'm doin' Fargo nawt Caneeedian! Well they booth go ewt and abote in a boot!
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
8)
Posted 19 years ago by R_P    [ Reply ]
MrSpaz wrote:
Yeah, these people goin' on about Canadien accents ya know. What's this all aboot anywho? Canada's a fine country. Ya know what I'm gettin' to, eh? Sorry, couldn't resist. :)
LOL!!
Posted 19 years ago by Thistle    [ Reply ]
I had this CD out from the library and I *forgot* to rip and burn it before it had to be back! :grumpy.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by laozilover    [ Reply ]
Great song, great album. And look for Jolie Holland's solo album Escondida, also terrific.
Posted 19 years ago by lazybrilliant    [ Reply ]
This reminds me of early Dixie Chicks
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
This is one of several good tracks on the album.
Posted 20 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
UncleRemus wrote:
I can't deal with people who complain about Canadian accents.... And while I'm at it, I can't stand intolerant people either!
WTF are you aboot, eh?
Posted 20 years ago by JokesandJokesandJokes    [ Reply ]
UncleRemus wrote:
I can't deal with people who complain about Canadian accents.... And while I'm at it, I can't stand intolerant people either!
Yeah, these people goin' on about Canadien accents ya know. What's this all aboot anywho? Canada's a fine country. Ya know what I'm gettin' to, eh? Sorry, couldn't resist. :)
Posted 20 years ago by MrSpaz    [ Reply ]
Art_Carnage wrote:
"Oh I've got a brand new pair of roller skates, you've got a brand new key." Is she channeling Melanie on purpose?
Oh - is Melanie pushing up daisies? I didn't know that.
Posted 20 years ago by UncleRemus    [ Reply ]
rgrace wrote:
I guess that is true. I just can't deal with the Canadian accents - they get annoying to me after awhile. Blue Horse did not last too long on our CD rack. Oh well, to each their own.
I can't deal with people who complain about Canadian accents.... And while I'm at it, I can't stand intolerant people either!
Posted 20 years ago by UncleRemus    [ Reply ]
brighthue wrote:
What are bad Tanyas like? :-k
Their name is from a Bluesy/Jazz song (by T-Bone Burnett?) about a musician who has to/wants to go on the road again adn leave his girl. As he leaves he says "Be Good Tanya, Be Good". This is my recollection from their album jacket. I love the BGTs. It is pure, homey and yet complex enough to be interesting. My girls love it to - I find good music knows no generation - it's a good test if they sing a long in the car too and they do. Sometimes I hearthem singing the BGTs just walking around the house. Enjoy.
Posted 20 years ago by KALINEVE    [ Reply ]
rgrace wrote:
I guess that is true. I just can't deal with the Canadian accents - they get annoying to me after awhile. Blue Horse did not last too long on our CD rack. Oh well, to each their own.
Is that a common thing in the States, to dislike Canadian accents? From a foreigners perspective this is quite funny. I can't really hear the difference... Well, whatever, I think they're great....
Posted 20 years ago by marcel    [ Reply ]
tonyp2 wrote:
I like their sound!
I do too, but there's a little too much verbrado in her voice. It IS possible to control that. (I never liked it with Stevie Nicks or Belinda Carlisle either!)
Posted 20 years ago by Alexandra    [ Reply ]
I like their sound!
Posted 21 years ago by tonyp2    [ Reply ]
What are bad Tanyas like? :-k
Posted 21 years ago by brighthue    [ Reply ]
beelzebubba wrote:
To quote something I wrote earlier today, regarding the Kennedys "homophobes , misogynists and barely post pubescent headbangers, ya know your basic testosterone crazed swine, don't much care for empowered women. Seems we have a few in Paradise. I like to drop in when I hear a potential red flag to examine the feces they like to smear. Got a few beauts here."
Posted 21 years ago by philarktos    [ Reply ]
fatport wrote:
Normally I consider RP listers to be pretty sophisticated, so where did all of the cretins who commented on this song come from? Chinatown is probably the best album I've bought in the last two years. I like their funky low-key style. Not all music has to come from the crotch.
Righton "fatport". These girls are great! They not only have wonderful harmony but they all play their own instruments. Its OK to like musicians who sing from the heart. Be Good Tanyas did well at Austin's South By Southwest this spring. Also check out the band Po Girl for a similar sound. They share talent with Be Good Tanyas.
Posted 21 years ago by wthcpa    [ Reply ]
beelzebubba wrote:
Posted 21 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
Normally I consider RP listers to be pretty sophisticated, so where did all of the cretins who commented on this song come from? Chinatown is probably the best album I've bought in the last two years. I like their funky low-key style. Not all music has to come from the crotch.
Posted 21 years ago by fatport    [ Reply ]
Posted 21 years ago by beelzebubba    [ Reply ]
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
Rounder vowels. More deliberate enunciation. That's what I think of, anyway. Of course there are many regional accents in Canada, just like the US. None of them are anything to protest.
The lead singer, Samantha Parton, has an unusual voice/delivery ---- it's not a "Canadian" accent that's making her sound the way she does....eh.
Posted 21 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
coldatlantic wrote:
Canadian accent? What's that?
Rounder vowels. More deliberate enunciation. That's what I think of, anyway. Of course there are many regional accents in Canada, just like the US. None of them are anything to protest.
Posted 21 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
coldatlantic wrote:
Canadian accent? What's that?
Ah, ya hoser, eh? Oh heck, I can't convey it in print. But I do love the new emoticons, which eloquently convey the shades and range of human emotions....
Posted 21 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by rgrace: I guess that is true. I just can't deal with the Canadian accents - they get annoying to me after awhile. Blue Horse did not last too long on our CD rack. Oh well, to each their own.
Canadian accent? What's that?
Posted 21 years ago by coldatlantic    [ Reply ]
The drums sound like they were recorded on a crappy four track, but the other instruments and the vocals sound clear. That\'s not right.
Posted 21 years ago by camarkim    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Johray63: The sort of music that makes me realize (again) how overstrained and fake lots of popmusic is.
I guess that is true. I just can't deal with the Canadian accents - they get annoying to me after awhile. Blue Horse did not last too long on our CD rack. Oh well, to each their own.
Posted 21 years ago by rgrace    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Art_Carnage: "Oh I've got a brand new pair of roller skates, you've got a brand new key." Is she channeling Melanie on purpose?
Yeah, I hear it too, particularly in the very beginning.
Posted 21 years ago by the_om    [ Reply ]
What a refreshing group of singers! Their Chinatown and Blue Horse CD\'s are a great deviation from the mainstream norm. You can\'t keep your feet still. Love \'em... play more! Light enuff to travel...!
Posted 21 years ago by chrisp54    [ Reply ]
Originally Posted by Johray63: The sort of music that makes me realize (again) how overstrained and fake lots of popmusic is.
You know, you're right. I won't rush out and buy it but it's very refreshing, compared to the overproduced goop on commercial radio & cable TV.
Posted 21 years ago by brighthue    [ Reply ]
The sort of music that makes me realize (again) how overstrained and fake lots of popmusic is.
Posted 21 years ago by Johray63    [ Reply ]
Obviously when they named this tune \"It\'s Not Happening\" they knew what they were on about....this is icky.
Posted 21 years ago by CompuTech    [ Reply ]
Geez, you guys are harsh. I\'m kinda likin\' \'em.
Posted 21 years ago by AC    [ Reply ]
\"Oh I\'ve got a brand new pair of roller skates, you\'ve got a brand new key.\" Is she channeling Melanie on purpose?
Posted 21 years ago by Art_Carnage    [ Reply ]
What is this? The Dixie Chicks on valium? Yawn.
Posted 21 years ago by dignan2    [ Reply ]
Be Bad Tanyas...or Sing Bad Tanyas...or Sound Bad Tanyas...
Posted 21 years ago by jbwiv    [ Reply ]
nope, its not happening. can\'t get into this band at all.
Posted 21 years ago by lily34    [ Reply ]
They\'re right. It\'s not.
Posted 21 years ago by Flying_Donut    [ Reply ]
An aptly named song.
Posted 21 years ago by ndanger666    [ Reply ]
I think this is an interesting group. I started hearing their stuff on NPR a while ago. Thanks for playing it here. You have an awesome mix of everything!
Posted 21 years ago by tuningin    [ Reply ]
I am starting to like their stuff more and more!! Love it!
Posted 21 years ago by gypsy222    [ Reply ]
Some good ole\' blue grass for winding down this afternoonl! I really enjoy this group.
Posted 21 years ago by tuningin    [ Reply ]