Elanso

After reviewing The Verve’s new single, Love Is Noise, yesterday, I thought it would be fitting to review what is probably their best ever video, and what is now considered to be a classic song.

This is Bitter Sweet Symphony, which for those not aware, follows lead singer Richard Ashcroft’s journey down a London street where he is completely oblivious to anyone he encounters. It’s brilliant to watch, and a great song to boot.

This song is now over ten years old, being released as a single way back in 1997. But to me, it still sums up the moment perfectly, while also remaining very relevant and now.

There’s an intriguing history, and resolution to the song though, with the foundation of the track being a sample taken from the Andrew Oldham Orchestra recording of The Rolling Stones’ song The Last Time. Even though Ashcroft adds original lyrics, the song is therefore credited to Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, who made 100% of the song writing royalties.

The video is amazing, even though it is such a simple concept. The people who Ashcroft bumps in to are actors, although a first attempt at uses passers-by resulted in an altercation. Even so, it stands out as a brilliant music video.

Song: 9/10
Video: 10/10

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