Tag Archives: maxïmo park

My iPod #124: Maxïmo Park – Books from Boxes

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“Books from Boxes” was the comedown single from “Our Earthly Pleasures”, the second album by Maxïmo Park after the high that was set up by its predecessor “Our Velocity”.

I never really got into that song as many other people did. “Our Velocity” was the comeback, it was energetic and quick. After two years, the band was back with a bang. For me, it was catchy but there wasa something about it that didn’t capture me as much as songs from “A Certain Trigger”.

“Books from Boxes” had the complete opposite effect on me. You can tell why it wasn’t released as the first single if you listen to it. Out of all their singles, this is the one that really sinks into you. Especially if you listen to the lyrics and understand what it’s about.

Like yesterday, the subject of today’s song is one that details a relationship. Whereas the one in “Bones” by The Killers sees it being taken further, “Books from Boxes” is from the perspective of one in an relationship that is dead, and the couple involved know it. “Two bodies in motion/This is a matter of fact/It wasn’t built to last” says it all really.

All in all, the song is quite the downer. But one of my favourites by the band. If you like it, that’s cool too.

Until tomorrow.

Jamie.

My iPod #48: Maxïmo Park – Apply Some Pressure

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 Version 1
Version 2

In my opinion, Version 1 is the better video. The whole circus concept didn’t really work for me.

Hi everyone.

Apparently I got 158 views on the blog today which is great! I think it’s a bug though, so I won’t get too emotional about it.

I’m quite late too, so I do apologise.

Today’s song comes from Newcastle’s finest, Maxïmo Park. The song’s name? Well, you can see it in the title of the blog.

Maxïmo Park rose in popularity during the mid-noughties when the surge in post-punk revival and indie acts occurred. Bands such as Bloc Party, Editors, The Kooks, Arctic Monkeys, you name it, most of them released their debuts during that golden era of 2004-2006.

Maxïmo released their debut, ‘A Certain Trigger’, in 2005. This song was released once as its second single, and then re-released in 2006, hence the two different music videos.

‘Apply Some Pressure’ is one of the band’s most popular songs. You could probably say it’s their signature song. It appeared on the soundtrack of Burnout Revenge, and possibly on another EA game that I haven’t played. Burnout Revenge was the shit though. If you want a Burnout game, just get Revenge for PS2. Or Legends for PSP.

Personally, ‘Apply Some Pressure’ isn’t my favourite Maxïmo song. That goes to another song that I will post in due time. Don’t get me wrong, the song’s fantastic. I think it’s that when I’m listening to it, I don’t feel anything as much as I do when I’m watching the music video for it. The band are known for their energy, especially from lead singer Paul Smith and keyboard player Lukas Wooller.

Those music videos are almost ten years old. They’re very rarely played on MTV ‘Rocks’. Particularly the first version.

Still, it’s a brilliant song from a brilliant album, and it deserves its place on my iPod.

Until next time.

Jamie.