Balarama Music

Carbon Leaf Countdown #2: Desperation Song

Feb 18

Doug2000s carbon leaf 2 Comments

The true indication of the Carbon Leaf Irish-folk-rock sound is no more evident than in their first true masterpiece. At #2, it’s “Desperation Song!”

When you hear the fans talking about the old Carbon Leaf sound, this is most likely what they’re referring too. Sure, you may have some who want the Shadows sound or the Porch Music sound; you might even have one crazy fan (this guy) who wants to hear some Meander stuff. But when they point to the old Carbon Leaf sound, this is it most of the time. It’s got everything in it. Every weird instrument you want to hear is here. All the crazy rhythms are present. The mysterious & enchanting lyrics are everywhere. The great backing vocals even make an appearance here. It’s even got an extended bridge section for all you who love to just space out during the middle of a song. This is the song Echo Echo is really built upon. Sorry “Boxer.” You’re a great song and all, but you’re no match for “Desperation Song.” Not even close in my book. In terms of purely rocking out and rocking out in that alt-country/alt-folk or Brazilian Death Metal style, this is that song. If you want something to really educate new fans on Carbon Leaf, you can look no further than the top three on this list. #1 will give you every reason to admire them, #3will give you every reason to know they can out-do any other band on radio, and this one will show you that the band just purely rocks on all front.

Real quick, I want to send someone a shout-out. I’ve given everyone in Carbon Leaf their props. Barry, Terry, Carter, Jon, & Jason. They’re an amazing group of musicians. I’ll even give props to those before them as drummer Scott Milstead and bassist Jordan Medas as they were just as great as the current rhythm section. But there’s one person who needs some praise. If you’ve ever been to a Carbon Leaf show, you know full well what is one of the most enjoyable parts of it. I’m talking about the lights. The lighting for the Carbon Leaf show is out-of-this-world at times and really makes songs that much more meaningful & memorable. Amazing credit has to go out to Chris Buford for doing this as well as other integral parts of the live show. I mention the lights here though because “Desperation Song” has one of the best light shows in the Carbon Leaf catalogue. Trust me; I’ve seen the song done dozens of times. Each time, the lighting just gets better and really enunciates the way the verses & pre-choruses are set-up. As I’ve said all along, if you haven’t been to a Carbon Leaf show, you need to go to one. Even if you have to drive three hours, trust me it’s worth it. There’s nothing like seeing your favorite songs against an amazing backdrop of lights and there is absolutely no performance like “Desperation Song” in Carbon Leaf, or many other bands, sets. It’s truly one-of-a-kind and something you can’t miss.

Song: Desperation Song
Album: Echo Echo
Year: 2001