Something Special - How is nobody talking about this beautiful song???

PureandEasy
PureandEasy Posts: 5,818
in The Porch
It's clearly a song about Ed's daughters and it is heartwarming to the core.  O-H (Olivia, Harper)

And if the night grows long

not feeling loved

I will be there, and not just cause it's my job

I work for free cause, you are both special


My father, whom I adore and thank God everyday he is still with us (90 YO) is not in any way artistic, as I assume is the same for many of your parents.    My dad is awesome and is my best friend.  He has been there in good and bad times.  Then at some point, you become friends.  

But to have your father write a song like this for his children.  Who wouldn't want this??  





Don't come closer or I'll have to go
«13

Comments

  • Greyhound06
    Greyhound06 Posts: 41
    It is the perfect song to come down after this amazing 5 song stretch.

    Love the lyrics, too. But I think this is more a solo record song than a band song. But I like it anyway.
  • mrk2
    mrk2 Finland Posts: 2,093
    It was ok when I listened to it the first time, nice change of pace. Didn't pay attention to the lyrics as it was playing in the background while I was cooking. But after that... well. Would've fit better on Earthling
    225xxx - 6/28/00, 10/20/01, 10/22/01, 9/11/06, 9/22/06, 9/23/06, 6/18/07, 6/26/07, 8/15/09, 6/25/10, 6/30/10, 7/4/12, 7/5/12, 7/7/12, 7/10/12, 6/26/14, 6/28/14, 7/3/18, 7/5/18
  • KB82926
    KB82926 Posts: 61
    That song is something special.
  • MikeDigs
    MikeDigs Santa Monica, CA Posts: 1,680
    edited April 2024
    I'm at around 30 spins of Dark Matter (SPIN SPIN!!) and Something Special is an absolute banger.
    Post edited by MikeDigs on
    I'm spinning, oh-oh-oh I'm spinning
  • curmudgeoness
    curmudgeoness Brigadoon, foodie capital Posts: 4,131
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
  • SVRDhand13
    SVRDhand13 Posts: 27,020
    curmudgeoness said:
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    They've had what sounds like EV solo songs on their records for a long time now though


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  • Ryan_WFC
    Ryan_WFC Posts: 1,353
    curmudgeoness said:
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    agree
    "They said ... timing was everything
    made him ... want to be everywhere
    there's a ... lot to be said for nowhere."
  • kmcmanus
    kmcmanus Posts: 905
    curmudgeoness said:
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    If songs about his kids are off limits then so are songs about his dad. So give back your copy of Ten.
  • gotthebottle
    gotthebottle San Diego Posts: 3,900
    One of my least favorites
  • mace1229
    mace1229 Posts: 10,090
    One of my least favorites on the album. But I still like it, so that says a lot about this album.
    Would have been near the top of the list if it was on LB or Gigaton. 
  • curmudgeoness
    curmudgeoness Brigadoon, foodie capital Posts: 4,131
    kmcmanus said:
    curmudgeoness said:
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    If songs about his kids are off limits then so are songs about his dad. So give back your copy of Ten.

    It's not a question of subject matter, it's a question of composition. That's a song well-suited to a solo acoustic concert, with Ed playing his guitar or his uke and talking about how proud he is of the women his daughters are becoming. "Alive" is a quintessential PJ song, with scorching guitar solo, intense vocals, etc.; the subject of either song is not the point. If the band had included a fiery song on this album, called, maybe, "Unfuckwithable," about how badass their wives and daughters are, well, that would, to my mind, fit the overall vibe of the album better.

    You are positing an argument I didn't make. I didn't and wouldn't suggest that any topic is "off-limits;" in fact, I've argued on here for years that the band, and Ed in particular, have made it clear over the past few decades that they're going to do whatever they feel like doing, and it's our choice to follow them or not.

    Moreover, "..give back your copy of Ten" makes me giggle. I had a strong aversion to PJ in 1992 because I couldn't turn on the damn TV without seeing "Jeremy." I didn't start listening until Vitalogy came out. I don't believe Ten is the greatest album of all time, or of the '90s, or even from this band.

    You love the song -- that's the great thing about this band and this album, there are songs for everyone. I would like it more in the context of an Ed solo album. You have your opinion, I have mine -- and yelling at me because you don't share my opinion is not going to change my mind or win your argument.
    All those who seek to destroy the liberties of a democratic nation ought to know that war is the surest and shortest means to accomplish it.
  • DEGBTI
    DEGBTI san diego Posts: 999
    Great song for a solo album for sure. Not sure how it end up on this album though. Seems out of place and odd to show up on this kick mother effen ass album!!!
  • kmcmanus
    kmcmanus Posts: 905
    curmudgeoness said:
    kmcmanus said:
    curmudgeoness said:
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    If songs about his kids are off limits then so are songs about his dad. So give back your copy of Ten.

    It's not a question of subject matter, it's a question of composition. That's a song well-suited to a solo acoustic concert, with Ed playing his guitar or his uke and talking about how proud he is of the women his daughters are becoming. "Alive" is a quintessential PJ song, with scorching guitar solo, intense vocals, etc.; the subject of either song is not the point. If the band had included a fiery song on this album, called, maybe, "Unfuckwithable," about how badass their wives and daughters are, well, that would, to my mind, fit the overall vibe of the album better.

    You are positing an argument I didn't make. I didn't and wouldn't suggest that any topic is "off-limits;" in fact, I've argued on here for years that the band, and Ed in particular, have made it clear over the past few decades that they're going to do whatever they feel like doing, and it's our choice to follow them or not.

    Moreover, "..give back your copy of Ten" makes me giggle. I had a strong aversion to PJ in 1992 because I couldn't turn on the damn TV without seeing "Jeremy." I didn't start listening until Vitalogy came out. I don't believe Ten is the greatest album of all time, or of the '90s, or even from this band.

    You love the song -- that's the great thing about this band and this album, there are songs for everyone. I would like it more in the context of an Ed solo album. You have your opinion, I have mine -- and yelling at me because you don't share my opinion is not going to change my mind or win your argument.
    I was more joking than yelling…
    I agree about Ten actually, I would have ranked them fourth of the big four bands in ‘92. Then I heard Vs and never looked back, still my all time favorite album. 
    I actually kinda suspect that song made the album (and the March Madness clips) specifically to give Josh a li’l piece of the publishing but I may be wrong. Hell, I’m wrong all the time. Ask my wife.
  • Live4themusic
    Live4themusic Wisconsin Posts: 17
    I actually did post about something special and can't stop talking about this beautiful song. That lyric in particular gets me teary every time because it so closely reflects something that my dad tells me all the time. The first time I listened through it without distraction, laying in my dorm room late at night, I broke down because I miss my dad so much while away from him at college. It's quickly becoming one of my favorite pj songs and the only reason that I'm not listening to it more is because I can't be crying as I walk to class lol.

    As for the argument that it doesn't fit the album and seems more like a solo song, don't be silly. They're allowed to write sweet songs and put them on their album. I love just breathe, which gives me similar vibes. Eddie is in pj, so this is a pj song. I feel like the "I like this song but don't think it fits on the album" is so nitpicky. Just appreciate the song.
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  • MikeDigs
    MikeDigs Santa Monica, CA Posts: 1,680
    edited April 2024
    I also don't get the argument about the song not fitting on a Pearl Jam album or belonging on a solo record, due to composition?  Wreckage has pop-country / pop-rock vocalization styles that I would never guessed could ever end up on a Pearl Jam album.  I cringe every time, and would rather hear Bugs + Stupid Mop on repeat than pop-country.  But I couldn't imagine not having Wreckage on the album.  It fits so good, and even though I dislike some parts of the song, it has other parts that I really like, such as the bridge, guitar, and lyrics.

    Also, EV + Watt wrote Waiting For Steve, but I don't hear anyone saying that should be on a EV solo album.  EV is part of the band Pearl Jam.  EV writes songs for Pearl Jam, since Vitalogy.  No surprise to see that trend continue.

    The bass is so good in Something Special, and the band is so in-sync.  The intro part reminds me of 90s Everclear.  Quite a catchy tune.  I get having this as your least ranked song, but if we are being honest, Something Special absolutely fits on Dark Matter.  Wreckage too for that matter.

    Just like Bugs fits on Vitalogy.  Or I'm Open on No Code.  Or Red Dot and Push Me Pull Me on Yield.  I'm sure there are others, but you get my point.

    This band is awesome, and I think that Dark Matter will age very well.  Something Special likely will grow on you if you don't like it now.
    Post edited by MikeDigs on
    I'm spinning, oh-oh-oh I'm spinning
  • BF25394
    BF25394 Posts: 4,957
    curmudgeoness said:
    kmcmanus said:
    curmudgeoness said:
    It's a sweet song, and as the mother of young adults I appreciate the sentiment. But for me it's an Ed solo album song and thus feels out of place here.
    If songs about his kids are off limits then so are songs about his dad. So give back your copy of Ten.

    It's not a question of subject matter, it's a question of composition. That's a song well-suited to a solo acoustic concert, with Ed playing his guitar or his uke and talking about how proud he is of the women his daughters are becoming. "Alive" is a quintessential PJ song, with scorching guitar solo, intense vocals, etc.; the subject of either song is not the point. If the band had included a fiery song on this album, called, maybe, "Unfuckwithable," about how badass their wives and daughters are, well, that would, to my mind, fit the overall vibe of the album better.

    You are positing an argument I didn't make. I didn't and wouldn't suggest that any topic is "off-limits;" in fact, I've argued on here for years that the band, and Ed in particular, have made it clear over the past few decades that they're going to do whatever they feel like doing, and it's our choice to follow them or not.

    Moreover, "..give back your copy of Ten" makes me giggle. I had a strong aversion to PJ in 1992 because I couldn't turn on the damn TV without seeing "Jeremy." I didn't start listening until Vitalogy came out. I don't believe Ten is the greatest album of all time, or of the '90s, or even from this band.

    You love the song -- that's the great thing about this band and this album, there are songs for everyone. I would like it more in the context of an Ed solo album. You have your opinion, I have mine -- and yelling at me because you don't share my opinion is not going to change my mind or win your argument.
    If this song were performed as a solo acoustic song, it would lose the twangy guitars and the rolling drums. It would be totally stripped-down from what it is on the record and not nearly as interesting or effective, in my opinion. This is a Pearl Jam song, not a solo song. It's not like "Comes Then Goes" (which is great, but basically an Ed solo song with no additional instrumentation other than guitar).
    I gather speed from you fucking with me.
  • BF25394
    BF25394 Posts: 4,957
    MikeDigs said:
    I also don't get the argument about the song not fitting on a Pearl Jam album or belonging on a solo record, due to composition?  Wreckage has pop-country / pop-rock vocalization styles that I would never guessed could ever end up on a Pearl Jam album. 

    I refer you to "Off He Goes" and "Around the Bend."
    I gather speed from you fucking with me.
  • MikeDigs
    MikeDigs Santa Monica, CA Posts: 1,680
    BF25394 said:
    MikeDigs said:
    I also don't get the argument about the song not fitting on a Pearl Jam album or belonging on a solo record, due to composition?  Wreckage has pop-country / pop-rock vocalization styles that I would never guessed could ever end up on a Pearl Jam album. 

    I refer you to "Off He Goes" and "Around the Bend."
    You mentioned Off He Goes before, and I love that track.  I don't see Pop-Country at all.  I also love Around The Bend.
    None of theses songs have the pop-like vocals in Wreckage.   I really don't get how you are connecting those songs to Wreckage.
    I'm spinning, oh-oh-oh I'm spinning
  • PJNB
    PJNB Posts: 13,890
    MikeDigs said:
    BF25394 said:
    MikeDigs said:
    I also don't get the argument about the song not fitting on a Pearl Jam album or belonging on a solo record, due to composition?  Wreckage has pop-country / pop-rock vocalization styles that I would never guessed could ever end up on a Pearl Jam album. 

    I refer you to "Off He Goes" and "Around the Bend."
    You mentioned Off He Goes before, and I love that track.  I don't see Pop-Country at all.  I also love Around The Bend.
    None of theses songs have the pop-like vocals in Wreckage.   I really don't get how you are connecting those songs to Wreckage.
    Those are not even close to being the same songs imo. 
  • BF25394
    BF25394 Posts: 4,957
    edited April 2024
    PJNB said:
    MikeDigs said:
    BF25394 said:
    MikeDigs said:
    I also don't get the argument about the song not fitting on a Pearl Jam album or belonging on a solo record, due to composition?  Wreckage has pop-country / pop-rock vocalization styles that I would never guessed could ever end up on a Pearl Jam album. 

    I refer you to "Off He Goes" and "Around the Bend."
    You mentioned Off He Goes before, and I love that track.  I don't see Pop-Country at all.  I also love Around The Bend.
    None of theses songs have the pop-like vocals in Wreckage.   I really don't get how you are connecting those songs to Wreckage.
    Those are not even close to being the same songs imo. 
    They're not the same songs, but "Off He Goes" and "Around the Bend" both have a pop-country sensibility. I'm just working off of MikeDigs' description. I don't actually hear anything "country" in "Wreckage." It is very easy to imagine a country artist doing a faithful cover of either of the No Code songs I mentioned.

    EDIT: From Rob Sheffield's review of No Code from the October 1996 issue of Details:

    "Off He Goes" builds its prairie atmosphere around a gentle countrified guitar riff that takes its sweet time going nowhere.

    This doesn't make me right, but it just goes to show I'm not the only person who hears this. (And other reviewers made similar observations at the time.)
    Post edited by BF25394 on
    I gather speed from you fucking with me.

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