Future Islands — Back in the Tall Grass
Album: SinglesAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 2957
Length: 3:53
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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Home isn't open
It's like, when you get there
The tracks by the creek bed
The minnow's the body
Crawdads with their heads down low
Back in the tall grass
Stinging my cattails oh!
Looking for brother
It feels like winter
But it's the heart of the summer
We can't go swimming
As long as we slumber
'cuz we're a long way from home
A long way from home
How did we get here?
One step takes me home
Two steps back on my own
Three skips to each stone
Four steps back and I'm gone
And I wanted you to know
I was thinking about you
And you look like a rose
Especially, when I'm a long way from home
A long way from home
How did we get here?
Back to the body
Words jump like salmon
One step takes me home
Two steps back on my own
Three skips to each stone
Four steps back and I'm gone
And I wanted you to know
I was thinking about you
And you look like a rose
Especially, when I'm a long way from home
In that backwater
Running through the woods
In that red water
In the mirror
Thinking of you
Spend all day just thinking of you
In the mirror thinking of you
Spend my days just thinking of you
And I wanted you to know
I was thinking about you
And you look like a rose
Especially, when I'm a long way from home
Long way from home
(Long way from home)
Long way from home
(Long way from home)
Long way from home...
It's like, when you get there
The tracks by the creek bed
The minnow's the body
Crawdads with their heads down low
Back in the tall grass
Stinging my cattails oh!
Looking for brother
It feels like winter
But it's the heart of the summer
We can't go swimming
As long as we slumber
'cuz we're a long way from home
A long way from home
How did we get here?
One step takes me home
Two steps back on my own
Three skips to each stone
Four steps back and I'm gone
And I wanted you to know
I was thinking about you
And you look like a rose
Especially, when I'm a long way from home
A long way from home
How did we get here?
Back to the body
Words jump like salmon
One step takes me home
Two steps back on my own
Three skips to each stone
Four steps back and I'm gone
And I wanted you to know
I was thinking about you
And you look like a rose
Especially, when I'm a long way from home
In that backwater
Running through the woods
In that red water
In the mirror
Thinking of you
Spend all day just thinking of you
In the mirror thinking of you
Spend my days just thinking of you
And I wanted you to know
I was thinking about you
And you look like a rose
Especially, when I'm a long way from home
Long way from home
(Long way from home)
Long way from home
(Long way from home)
Long way from home...
Comments (115)add comment
Good band. Anybody reminded of the Fine Young Cannibals?
One of the reasons I still listen to Radio Paradise.
Such an original sound. The singer is very unique and instantly recognizable. I like this.
I had never seen these guys until I caught them one night playing on the Colbert Show. The singer was exactly how I had imagined him to be.
Saw them on the Late Show recently, doing the Tower. Quite an interesting group and very distinctive.
If you see him do this live you're hooked forever!
khardog145 wrote:
Goes for it indeed, so hard, he even went right off the stage once. YouTube.
Saw them on Austin City Limits and they were pretty impressive. His dancing is definitely unconventional, but I love the way he just goes for it!
Goes for it indeed, so hard, he even went right off the stage once. YouTube.
Every time I listen to this song, I like it more
meatmike wrote:
Sure, but singing like the Future Islands guy is a sure way to win the Biggest Goof trophy during drunken karaoke.
Every singer aspires to drop all inhibitions no matter how silly it might sound to critics and JUST LET IT OUT like he does.
Sure, but singing like the Future Islands guy is a sure way to win the Biggest Goof trophy during drunken karaoke.
I was thankin' about you
The name of the group puts me in mind of what China is illegally building in the South China Sea.
8 -> 9
jlind wrote:
Just moved it to an 8 myself. His voice really is something -- very emotive.
I find this solidly underrated at 7, very well deserved 8 here
Just moved it to an 8 myself. His voice really is something -- very emotive.
I find this solidly underrated at 7, very well deserved 8 here
the album art bugs me for some reason. always has. i don't even know why.
also, this band is played several times a day...it's getting old.
also, this band is played several times a day...it's getting old.
westslope wrote:
The bass is a big part of their unique sound. Love it.
Interesting bass line. The bass sets the mood for the song.
The bass is a big part of their unique sound. Love it.
timmus wrote:
It's interesting that commercial radio isn't even making any serious effort to compete with independent streaming radio websites. They're still playing the same old garbage with a playlist that would fit on a single page of paper.
Yeah they are which is why I either listen to this station, WFMU or the current out of Minnesota because they play a lot of stuff off the beaten path .
It's interesting that commercial radio isn't even making any serious effort to compete with independent streaming radio websites. They're still playing the same old garbage with a playlist that would fit on a single page of paper.
Yeah they are which is why I either listen to this station, WFMU or the current out of Minnesota because they play a lot of stuff off the beaten path .
jp33442 wrote:
It's interesting that commercial radio isn't even making any serious effort to compete with independent streaming radio websites. They're still playing the same old garbage with a playlist that would fit on a single page of paper.
Gave up on commercial rock radio also WFMU is pretty good too
It's interesting that commercial radio isn't even making any serious effort to compete with independent streaming radio websites. They're still playing the same old garbage with a playlist that would fit on a single page of paper.
6 --> 7
Downwind from home?
xc.farmer.antoine486 wrote:
Not at all, thank god.
Shannon Hoon-style vocals…?!
Not at all, thank god.
diannemck56 wrote:
Actually, the only things we know to be there are the shoulders and left arm. You could write to the artist and ask her what's missing.
Song gets a 5 - Album cover a 0. I just don't like art where the women's head and therefore mouth and brains are missing. 
Actually, the only things we know to be there are the shoulders and left arm. You could write to the artist and ask her what's missing.
Shannon Hoon-style vocals…?!
Just makes me happy 
I'm planning to see these guys at Summerfest in Milwaukee September 17th, they're playing a ground stage!
diannemck56 wrote:
Song gets a 5 - Album cover a 0. I just don't like art where the women's head and therefore mouth and brains are missing.
The interesting bits without the irritating bits?
Bill:
"Samuel Herring's voice is definitely an acquired taste".
So right. I'm not there yet but within a few months, I stopped hitting PSD every time Future Islands comes up. It's a start.
Or maybe I'm just getting used to it?
"Samuel Herring's voice is definitely an acquired taste".
So right. I'm not there yet but within a few months, I stopped hitting PSD every time Future Islands comes up. It's a start.
Or maybe I'm just getting used to it?
Interesting voice. Nice bass. Terrible farting synth. Worth a 6 for effort and originality.
khardog145 wrote:
Dancing?
Dancing.
So that’s what that was...
; )
Saw them on Austin City Limits and they were pretty impressive. His dancing is definitely unconventional, but I love the way he just goes for it!
Dancing?
Dancing.
So that’s what that was...
; )
solid 9. these guys are cool!
The end of this tune sounds like my back yard right now...
lizardking wrote:
Agreed, considering "tolerable" for me is a 4 and I have this one rated an 8...i'd say that's a long way from tolerable. Long Live RP!!
a case of working your instrument well.
This and Alt-J are things I should not like, but work well for me, and I can't pin down why.
Agreed, considering "tolerable" for me is a 4 and I have this one rated an 8...i'd say that's a long way from tolerable. Long Live RP!!
a case of working your instrument well.
This and Alt-J are things I should not like, but work well for me, and I can't pin down why.
obankenobi wrote:
add to the long list of bands I'd never heard of before RP. Thanks again!
Gave up on commercial rock radio also WFMU is pretty good too aelfheld wrote:
Agreed, considering "tolerable" for me is a 4 and I have this one rated an 8...i'd say that's a long way from tolerable. Long Live RP!!
Long way from tolerable.
Agreed, considering "tolerable" for me is a 4 and I have this one rated an 8...i'd say that's a long way from tolerable. Long Live RP!!
Song gets a 5 - Album cover a 0. I just don't like art where the women's head and therefore mouth and brains are missing.
add to the long list of bands I'd never heard of before RP. Thanks again!
Every singer aspires to drop all inhibitions no matter how silly it might sound to critics and JUST LET IT OUT like he does.
His voice sure has power. Excellent!
Long way from tolerable.
Interesting bass line. The bass sets the mood for the song.
DocStrangelove wrote:
Lol just 1 word did it for you.
was ten, now one -- just cannot stand the way he spews out the word "long" -- sounds like he is swallow a cat, ruins a otherwise great song
Lol just 1 word did it for you.
Don't like yodeling. Unless it's in the Alps. Alps, not yelps.
david927 wrote:
Click on Options (it's the gear (*) icon near the volume control) and switch "Show Comments" to 'off'.
That will turn the comments display off in Slideshow view. To hide the comments in the song-info view, click the Settings (gear) link, then set 'info options' to '2 column'
Click on Options (it's the gear (*) icon near the volume control) and switch "Show Comments" to 'off'.
That will turn the comments display off in Slideshow view. To hide the comments in the song-info view, click the Settings (gear) link, then set 'info options' to '2 column'
marklaw wrote:
Click on Options (it's the gear (*) icon near the volume control) and switch "Show Comments" to 'off'.
Getting used to the new format of RP - but don't like seeing all the comments by default. No offense to the negative posters, but that's not why I listen.
Click on Options (it's the gear (*) icon near the volume control) and switch "Show Comments" to 'off'.
eveliko wrote:
I agree...but the lyrical suffering's uniqueness is for a reason. It should have stayed in the 80's. I like the song....just not the way Voice #2 overplays the hand.
There is a sort of lyrical suffering that emanates from this band which I like more and more after each listening, reminding me of some gothic or new wave acts of the early eighties like Lords, Killing Joke. Very original and quite unique in today's musical landscape.
I agree...but the lyrical suffering's uniqueness is for a reason. It should have stayed in the 80's. I like the song....just not the way Voice #2 overplays the hand.
I just enjoyed listening to the drums. Sounded like he was giving it everything he had.
Easier to give them the time of day (read: proper consideration) without seeing the stage act.
There is a sort of lyrical suffering that emanates from this band which I like more and more after each listening, reminding me of some gothic or new wave acts of the early eighties like Lords, Killing Joke. Very original and quite unique in today's musical landscape.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
I feel the same way about The Head and the Heart. Great tunes, lyrics and vocals, but all I could thing when I watched a concert on TV was "these guys are twitching their way across the U.S."
Like the voice, like the sound, don't like to watch him dance....it's really weird. I don't count them down for that....cause I'm listening to radio, dude. ;)
I feel the same way about The Head and the Heart. Great tunes, lyrics and vocals, but all I could thing when I watched a concert on TV was "these guys are twitching their way across the U.S."
Getting used to the new format of RP - but don't like seeing all the comments by default. No offense to the negative posters, but that's not why I listen.
Saw them on Austin City Limits and they were pretty impressive. His dancing is definitely unconventional, but I love the way he just goes for it!
I don't believe I've ever given a song a sucko barfo rating, but here it is.
Under Pressurrrrrrrrrggggtgghhhhhhhhhhrhr.
This was okay until he started yodeling? Alt Future J Islands. Not a fan of this gargling whiny painful vocal styling, or whatever it is.
This was okay until he started yodeling? Alt Future J Islands. Not a fan of this gargling whiny painful vocal styling, or whatever it is.
AhhtheMusic wrote:
You left out "Like the LOOK"!
Early Brando! :-)
Like the voice, like the sound, don't like to watch him dance....it's really weird. I don't count them down for that....cause I'm listening to radio, dude. ;)
You left out "Like the LOOK"!
Early Brando! :-)
AhhtheMusic wrote:
Watch Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull a couple of times......then maybe it won't seem so bad! Ha Ha!
Like the voice, like the sound, don't like to watch him dance....it's really weird. I don't count them down for that....cause I'm listening to radio, dude. ;)
Watch Ian Anderson/Jethro Tull a couple of times......then maybe it won't seem so bad! Ha Ha!
Not their most catchy tune...
Definitely going from grate to great.
Thanks to RP because i didn't knew this group before one year. Now i love them
rosehearty973 wrote:
I saw them perform on Jools Holland's music program. Forget the name of it but the lead singer has a bit of a bizarre stage presence. Moves around like a caged animal.
Looking forward to seeing these @ Bluedot Festival 2018 this summer. ;)
I saw them perform on Jools Holland's music program. Forget the name of it but the lead singer has a bit of a bizarre stage presence. Moves around like a caged animal.
Looking forward to seeing these @ Bluedot Festival 2018 this summer. ;)
pfwashburn9485 wrote:
I find the voice more grating with every exposure.
I hated this song for the longest time... the voice just grabbed me the wrong way. I enjoy this very much now,after many listens. :o)~
I find the voice more grating with every exposure.
Sasha2001 wrote:
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull also made me feel this way.
It's really hard to dance on one leg.
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull also made me feel this way.
It's really hard to dance on one leg.
Love the music - once saw dancin like that - chilli on the pecary..... nicht guit
AhhtheMusic wrote:
I like the dancing - truly singular self expression going on there. He doesn't seem care what we think - brilliant.
Like the voice, like the sound, don't like to watch him dance....it's really weird. I don't count them down for that....cause I'm listening to radio, dude. ;)
I like the dancing - truly singular self expression going on there. He doesn't seem care what we think - brilliant.
Stefen wrote:
The album is excellent.
It's a good album.
The album is excellent.
Breakdance for the poor, it's hilarious:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MrrVb_pf3w
Don't like the music, don't like the voice. Summa summarum: sucko-barfo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MrrVb_pf3w
Don't like the music, don't like the voice. Summa summarum: sucko-barfo!
AhhtheMusic wrote:
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull also made me feel this way.
Like the voice, like the sound, don't like to watch him dance....it's really weird. I don't count them down for that....cause I'm listening to radio, dude. ;)
Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull also made me feel this way.
It's a good album.
I really love this sound, and read along with the thoughts of missing a lover while experiencing warm spring : )
Like the voice, like the sound, don't like to watch him dance....it's really weird. I don't count them down for that....cause I'm listening to radio, dude. ;)
Saw these on Jools Holland - odd, very odd!! His voice live was way OTT!! May grow on me thought.
My guilty pleasure and private hit. 
growing on me, the whole group, hmmm thanks RP one more timeClupea is good for you.
reminds me of when I first heard The Cars..jimtyrrell wrote:what can I say about "Future Islands" but they are just a great sound and this song is but an example. When I listen to any band, is it, the vocals, the instruments, the music, the poetry or all of them? Future Islands doesn't seem to fit any single niche for me, other than, I just love their sound. It's a big sound for a small band but original and originality is what makes rock and roll so much fun.
greiffenstein wrote:
You mean he isn't a 50-year-old, chain-smoking Greek?
I bet everyone has the same reaction. It's a very unique voice, and at first that's weird. But as I listened on, I felt that the vocal stylings were a sincere artistic expression, not affectation. This guy just really loves playing with his voice but in a very honest, unassuming way which is contagious. I really like these guys.
You mean he isn't a 50-year-old, chain-smoking Greek?
I bet everyone has the same reaction. It's a very unique voice, and at first that's weird. But as I listened on, I felt that the vocal stylings were a sincere artistic expression, not affectation. This guy just really loves playing with his voice but in a very honest, unassuming way which is contagious. I really like these guys.
jimtyrrell wrote:
Yes.
what can I say about "Future Islands" but they are just a great sound and this song is but an example. When I listen to any band, is it, the vocals, the instruments, the music, the poetry or all of them? Future Islands doesn't seem to fit any single niche for me, other than, I just love their sound. It's a big sound for a small band but original and originality is what makes rock and roll so much fun.
Yes.
what can I say about "Future Islands" but they are just a great sound and this song is but an example. When I listen to any band, is it, the vocals, the instruments, the music, the poetry or all of them? Future Islands doesn't seem to fit any single niche for me, other than, I just love their sound. It's a big sound for a small band but original and originality is what makes rock and roll so much fun.
xtalman wrote:
Funny but I feel the same way. Never really liked them at first.
These guys are growing on me. Thought they were ok at first but really starting to like them now.
Funny but I feel the same way. Never really liked them at first.
Low good. Yodel bad.
I like this band. Everytime I see them they seem to be having a good crack. Their faces always look like they are in on some kind of hilarious joke that none of us out there know, especially the keyboards dude.
These guys are growing on me. Thought they were ok at first but really starting to like them now.
Me as well..especially track 9 'Fall from Grace' it is quite different. Check it out on YouTube live..Amazing, he nearly collapses on stage. westslope wrote:I quite like the vocal style.
Drums, bass and keyboards. Sometimes a drum machine is combined with the actual drums. It produces an original sound.
Drums, bass and keyboards. Sometimes a drum machine is combined with the actual drums. It produces an original sound.
awesomeThere's a little bit of Angie Aparo in there.
offroadbiker wrote:
He's got a vibrant and unique energy, as well as a one-of-a-kind voice. I like him even more after watching the Letterman performance. Thanks for the link.
Me too! The performance was so...different. In a good way. I'd love to see them live
He's got a vibrant and unique energy, as well as a one-of-a-kind voice. I like him even more after watching the Letterman performance. Thanks for the link.
Me too! The performance was so...different. In a good way. I'd love to see them live
Album was top 10 for 2014 on Pitchfork. Not sure about that one - but not heard whole album. Others thoughts?
calypsus_1 wrote:
nice photo, calyp! But I am not too fond of this tune. maybe warrants another listen.
nice photo, calyp! But I am not too fond of this tune. maybe warrants another listen.
First time I've heard them. I think I like it a lot. Thanks RP
Rocksteadybeat wrote:
He's got a vibrant and unique energy, as well as a one-of-a-kind voice. I like him even more after watching the Letterman performance. Thanks for the link.
Horrid. Can't listen to his voice any longer.
Since I have seen the video clip of his performance on David Letterman I can only laugh when I hear this band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ee4bfu_t3c
Since I have seen the video clip of his performance on David Letterman I can only laugh when I hear this band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ee4bfu_t3c
He's got a vibrant and unique energy, as well as a one-of-a-kind voice. I like him even more after watching the Letterman performance. Thanks for the link.
Horrid. Can't listen to his voice any longer.
Since I have seen the video clip of his performance on David Letterman I can only laugh when I hear this band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ee4bfu_t3c
Since I have seen the video clip of his performance on David Letterman I can only laugh when I hear this band.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Ee4bfu_t3c
Everybody in my mushrooming multitude of homeless camps loves this song... we love sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll...
I guess he's got one of those love it or leave it types of voices.
I came here to post that I really dig the vocals and was kind of surprised by the negativity.
I came here to post that I really dig the vocals and was kind of surprised by the negativity.
Future Islands, from Greenville (nicknamed: The Spirit of the East, The Emerald City, G-Vegas), North Carolina.
The Band "Future Islands" formed in Greenville, North Carolina, in 2006, won a surprising popularity, largely by "guilt" of his 4th recent studio-album "Singles" published in March, 2014, but not only. Its uniqueness in this area of music, is also due to how to put into practice their songs, the lyrics, and also the charisma, expressivity and performance live on stage their frontman and lead vocalist Samuel T. Herring, the contrasts, a energy, a rhythmic and danceable sound, with a posture with some sobriety and discretion, the message that their lyrics want convey. So, inexplicably, as I heard someone comment, arrives to cause a depth emotional moments in public. So, this músic, in which many artists would be trite and commonplace, implemented by the hands of this band "Future Islands", becomes an interesting and good level of performance.
And so much so, that between January 2006 and July 2014, "Future Islands" held approximately 900 live shows, tours the US and Europe, so no wonder the singer is showing signs of fatigue and hoarseness in the voice, that should take care and lead to very seriously. And more than 60 performances scheduled from August to November 2014, of which, even today, 15 "sold out". - review by calypsus_1
.
.
————————————————————————————————————————————
Some notable people from North Carolina:
John Coltrane saxophonist, composer, Charlie Daniels musician, Charles Duke astronauta, Ben Folds singer, Ava Gardner actress, Ben E. King singer, songwriter, Thelonious Monk pianist, composer, Julianne Moore actress, author, Charlie Rose television journalist, Earl Scruggs musician, Nina Simone singer, songwriter, civil rights activist, Squirrel Nut Zippers music group, James Taylor singer, songwriter, Loudon Snowden Wainwright III singer, songwriter, Doc Watson guitarist, songwriter, singer, Billy Taylor pianist, composer, Michael J. Smith astronaut (Challenger), Michael Jordan basketball player, Andy Griffith actor, Roberta Flack singer, Annie Elizabeth "Bessie" Delany civil rights, activist, author, Curtis "Curt" Brown astronaut , Caleb Bradham inventor, Ryan Adams, Tori Amos, George Clinton musician, Catherine Tift Merritt, singer-songwriter, musician, Carolina Chocolate Drops, old-time string band, Americana, Rhiannon Giddens musician, songwriter, Maya Angelou poet, civil rights activist, film director, professor, Robert Franklin Williams civil rights leader, author, Edward Snowden professional computer System, Daniel Little McFadden economist, econometrician, Levi Coffin abolitionist, farmer, businessman, Jennifer Anne Ehle actress, Scott Avett singer-songwriter, Warren Haynes musician,guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, Elizabeth Cotten musician, guitarist singer, songwriter, Jimmy Herring musician, guitarist, Jim Lauderdale musician, singer-songwriter, Arthur Smith musician, songwriter, producer, Thomas Wolfe author, novelist, Tom Robbins author, novelist, Paul Eliot Green playwright, Michael Houser singer, songwriter, guitarist, Tony Rice musician, songwriter, guitarist, Tim Sparks guitarist, singer, composer, Etta Baker guitarist, singer, Jonathan Wilson musician, producer, The Kruger Brothers a trio of musicians, American folk music, Loretta Lynch bachelor of arts and literature, law degree, US attorney-general, Tut Taylor bluegrass musician, Bobby Hicks American bluegrass fiddler, musician, Django Haskins musician, singer-songwriter,
instant PSD
I'm starting to get allergic reaction to them.....
I'm starting to get allergic reaction to them.....
One more on a long list of finds for which I can thank RP. Yes, he does have a unique and pleasing vocal style.
I like his voice.
I quite like the vocal style.
Drums, bass and keyboards. Sometimes a drum machine is combined with the actual drums. It produces an original sound.
Drums, bass and keyboards. Sometimes a drum machine is combined with the actual drums. It produces an original sound.
can't digest his voice or his style of singing......
A bit early in the year to lie on my back in the Tall Grass. Depends on what else is going on.
Perhaps I just need to drink that wine.
Nice groove, but just doesn't work. Sounds too self important, while just falling flat. Trying too hard....
Garyohh wrote:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mosHFxtoVWI here is it different too. Much better. :)
Check them out on YouTube. Lettermen show. different for sure.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mosHFxtoVWI here is it different too. Much better. :)
Check them out on YouTube. Lettermen show. different for sure.
that voice is so awsome!
Just another pretentious voice making things worse.
They can go away now.
They can go away now.
Nice piece, once you get past the awful vocal styling of the singer.
Good job, Bill. I am sold. Where do I sign? CD is in q.
We heard a better cut from these guys yesterday. This one sounds a bit forced or constipated. The cut played yesterday had a lot of good lyrics going on. Still, these guys are interesting. More.
Perky piece, I cranked it up and shook my butt
Nice energy! 
No. But they both drive me crazy.