Clap Your Hands Say Yeah share seven songs about flying

Flying can be as joyful as it can be stressful. Sometimes it is just necessary to get from one point to another. Alec Ounsworth, the mastermind behind acclaimed indie-rock band  CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH, shares this fascination. At least when it comes to his choices for his own participation in NOTHING BUT HOPE AND PASSION‘s ‘Seven Songs’ feature. To his excuse, Ounsworth was on a plane when he decided to list his seven favourite songs regarding airplanes, flying, flies and all these things. But of course, with an diversified artist like him it’s not just about the positive aspects of flying

After a decent break CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH will release their long awaited new album Only Run on June the 3rd. The fourth longplayer of the project sees Ounsworth returning to his musical roots, connecting stronger with his fans by playing living room shows, for example. ‘Back to basics’ might be the key. Ounsworth keeps it simple, also for his comments. But the music itself proves to be wisely chosen for that occasion. Find his seven choices on the following pages.

01. BRIAN ENO –  ‘Burning Airlines Give You So Much More’

I chose this because it was the first song about airplanes I could think of.  Brian Eno is an influence.

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02. THE BYRDS –  ‘Get to You’

I always get a little homesick at the end of a tour.  This is a song that speaks to that feeling . . .  It’s a bit of a tearjerker . . . so watch out!

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03. WIRE – ‘I am the Fly’

‘I started to blank on songs about flying, airplanes.  This song popped into my mind.  Colin Newman is one of my favorite lyricists.’

04. TALKING HEADS – ‘The Big Country’

‘Sometimes this song comes to mind as I’m driving around the US when I’m in the worst of moods . . .’

05. BIG JOE TURNER – ‘Flip, Flop, and Fly’

Some of these songs tempt fate a bit I suppose (e.g. Burning Airlines . . .) — ‘Flip, Flop, and Fly/Don’t Care if I Die.’  I do care if I die but don’t think I have much control over the situation here in seat 23H.

06. JONATHAN RICHMOND – ‘I’m a Little Airplane’

This is usually what runs through my head on repeat during long flights . . .

07. THE CRAMPS – ‘Human Fly’

I say buzz . . .  I don’t know why.

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 CLAP YOUR HANDS SAY YEAH