Lou Barlow — Holding Back the Year
Album: EmohAvg rating:
Your rating:
Total ratings: 1186
Length: 3:27
Plays (last 30 days): 0
share
tweet
Rollin' from your brat sarcastic eye
A California tear, a drop of gold
Maybe you were cold, yeah, so was I
Holdin' back
Holdin' back the year
The year before the poison took its toll
Made you paper thin, me- wrinkled, old
Eventually, yeah, finally it caught up
I held you back, grabbed you by the arm
I played upon your fear
Rollin' down the window won't I
Order up some breakfast if I can
Hold me back
Hold me by the arm
Wipe away my tear
Wipe away my tear
The story ends with friends and early nights
A kitten grown to cat and no more fights
This is how we stay together, love
Holdin' back
Holdin' back the year
Hold me back
Grab me by the arm
Whisper in my ear
Holdin' back the year
Holdin' back the year
A California tear, a drop of gold
Maybe you were cold, yeah, so was I
Holdin' back
Holdin' back the year
The year before the poison took its toll
Made you paper thin, me- wrinkled, old
Eventually, yeah, finally it caught up
I held you back, grabbed you by the arm
I played upon your fear
Rollin' down the window won't I
Order up some breakfast if I can
Hold me back
Hold me by the arm
Wipe away my tear
Wipe away my tear
The story ends with friends and early nights
A kitten grown to cat and no more fights
This is how we stay together, love
Holdin' back
Holdin' back the year
Hold me back
Grab me by the arm
Whisper in my ear
Holdin' back the year
Holdin' back the year
Comments (129)add comment
thought it was nick drake for a split second...
tm wrote:
YES!
Loved this guy in all his adventures.. he's got great style and musical chops in all of them.
YES!
Loved this guy in all his adventures.. he's got great style and musical chops in all of them.
bctreefarmer wrote:
Im hearing you!
Thought I was hearing a young Bruce Cockburn. Had to do a double take and check. In my books, that's a good thing.
Im hearing you!
It looks like the house on the album cover ate a bad buritto.
murr69st335 wrote:
Guess what,WHO CARES
No sir I didn't like it
Guess what,WHO CARES
Thought I was hearing a young Bruce Cockburn. Had to do a double take and check. In my books, that's a good thing.
No sir I didn't like it
I really love Lou and everything he's in.
I anticipated some other lyric... 'A kitten grown to cat, but no more mice.'
I'm not going to comment on the song. But the house on the album cover looks like it's puking.
Great!
Why only 6.4? it's a good song!
Manx, Beck, Queen, Lou Barlow.
Nice little set Bill, thanks and I can even stomach the JT, which normally causes me serious GI distress.
Nice little set Bill, thanks and I can even stomach the JT, which normally causes me serious GI distress.
I like this...have not heard in toooooooooo long....
hey I like him and I'm old as dirt
I don't think there are any Russians
And there ain't no Yanks
Just corporate criminals
playin' with tanks
----------------------------------
That's just totally classic. And really funny!
I could have used that line, back in the day.
(When I was an active radical.)
And there ain't no Yanks
Just corporate criminals
playin' with tanks
----------------------------------
That's just totally classic. And really funny!
I could have used that line, back in the day.
(When I was an active radical.)
thenicholas wrote:
Not necessarily. Besides, he's been making records since 1985 or so.
I guess you had to be a teenager in the 90s to really like Lou Barlow. Which I was. Which is why I do.
Not necessarily. Besides, he's been making records since 1985 or so.
Great song.
LMAO! I LOVE LOVE The album cover for this album. Great!
And I agree with the below poster... I was a teen in the 90's and this song really clicks.
And I agree with the below poster... I was a teen in the 90's and this song really clicks.
chyk5 wrote:
Agreed. That was part of the point I was trying to make, albeit a long-winded one! I read some of your posts-quite funny stuff.
Thanks! Agreed
Agreed. That was part of the point I was trying to make, albeit a long-winded one! I read some of your posts-quite funny stuff.
Thanks! Agreed
I guess you had to be a teenager in the 90s to really like Lou Barlow. Which I was. Which is why I do.
floydoftherocks wrote:
This is the kind of high-quality commentary that keeps me coming back to RP.
THIS is a classic RPesque tune.. 
but yeah, the artwork looks like the house is taking a really violent shit.
or maybe straddling a really big, brown penis.
but yeah, the artwork looks like the house is taking a really violent shit.
or maybe straddling a really big, brown penis.This is the kind of high-quality commentary that keeps me coming back to RP.
rtrudeau wrote:
What do you mean? It's Spiny Norman at the door. Don't let him in!
PS Like the song.
It's a pleasant enough song but I'm having such a hard time getting past that god-awful album cover ...
What do you mean? It's Spiny Norman at the door. Don't let him in!
PS Like the song.
This is
very good! This should be on a car radio.
very good! This should be on a car radio.THIS is a classic RPesque tune..
but yeah, the artwork looks like the house is taking a really violent shit. or maybe straddling a really big, brown penis.
but yeah, the artwork looks like the house is taking a really violent shit.
or maybe straddling a really big, brown penis.It takes me 5 second to understand this is terrible!
PS
Meant as a joke?
Hear the tired pony galopping?
PPS
Best is the "cover-art"
PS
Meant as a joke?
Hear the tired pony galopping?
PPS
Best is the "cover-art"
rdo wrote:
You're right, there is no need, no one cares anyway, about your or anyone else's credentials. Tell me what you love, that's all I am interested in. Do you have two ears and a brain? That's enough.
Agreed. That was part of the point I was trying to make, albeit a long-winded one! I read some of your posts-quite funny stuff.
You're right, there is no need, no one cares anyway, about your or anyone else's credentials. Tell me what you love, that's all I am interested in. Do you have two ears and a brain? That's enough.
Agreed. That was part of the point I was trying to make, albeit a long-winded one! I read some of your posts-quite funny stuff.
chyk5 wrote:
You're right, there is no need, no one cares anyway, about your or anyone else's credentials. Tell me what you love, that's all I am interested in. Do you have two ears and a brain? That's enough.
I also have a background in music but do not feel the same need to list my credentials.
You're right, there is no need, no one cares anyway, about your or anyone else's credentials. Tell me what you love, that's all I am interested in. Do you have two ears and a brain? That's enough.
BAD WHINER!!!
PS
...that MOOG is terribly progressive!
Laughing my ass off.
PS
...that MOOG is terribly progressive!
Laughing my ass off.
Oh my god, I can't believe someone released a track with the lead guitar that much out of tune. YIKES!! 
rtrudeau wrote:
I've seen some pretty bad (IMHO) cover art lately. No budget left for the art department? Artists doing it themselves? Local elementary students enlisted?
It's a pleasant enough song but I'm having such a hard time getting past that god-awful album cover ...
I've seen some pretty bad (IMHO) cover art lately. No budget left for the art department? Artists doing it themselves? Local elementary students enlisted?
This is a RP song, for sure... totally hits the spot. Never would even know of Lou Barlow if not for B&R...
C'mon listeners, it's not a "10" but this is okay. I like it
ktnsb wrote:
Yeah I'm serious. Whether he noticed or not matters less than the fact that he didn't care.
Style, my butt. It's just crappy, careless musicianship.
Pfffffftt.
Yeah I'm serious. Whether he noticed or not matters less than the fact that he didn't care.
Style, my butt. It's just crappy, careless musicianship.
Pfffffftt.
Half an hour with nothing better than a four, and this is dull dull dull 
. Fortunately it's Morphine up next so maybe that'll rouse me from narcolepsy.
. Fortunately it's Morphine up next so maybe that'll rouse me from narcolepsy.Reminds me of Bruce Cockburn when he's not angry about something. Would like to hear some other tracks by this artist.
ThePoose wrote:
This is the comment that made me change from the LRC to hear this song.
Guitar work sounds like Neil Young on speed playing The Old Laughing Lady.
This is the comment that made me change from the LRC to hear this song.
Funny how someone else’s trash can be a treasure to another. I really like the album cover, it caught my eye when I scanned the page.
rtrudeau wrote:
rtrudeau wrote:
It's a pleasant enough song but I'm having such a hard time getting past that god-awful album cover ...
playing with dinosaur jr tonight in louisville at headliners!
soooo wish i was going.
soooo wish i was going.
Is this the "Sunday Night, No One's Really Tuned In, They're Just Sort Of Listening" set?
It's a pleasant enough song but I'm having such a hard time getting past that god-awful album cover ...
sounds old
Sounds like Stephen Stills to me.
What an interesting and prolific musical history this guy has had. Here is a list of groups he has been a main force in:
Deep Wound
Dinosaur
Dinosaur Jr
Sebadoh
Sentridoh
Folk Implosion
He's been busy.
Deep Wound
Dinosaur
Dinosaur Jr
Sebadoh
Sentridoh
Folk Implosion
He's been busy.
a_genuine_find wrote:
whats your point?
cat got your tongue?
we are all friends here...share when you are ready..
whats your point?
cat got your tongue?
we are all friends here...share when you are ready..
I really like this.....
Excelsior wrote:
Oh look, it's the out-of-tune puking house song again. 
It's a house rocket. =)
This song is amazing. LOVE it. Very eclectic.
This song is amazing. LOVE it. Very eclectic.
Oh look, it's the out-of-tune puking house song again.
Nice song from an artist new to me, but man, is that a bizarre album cover.
ktnsb wrote:
I don't understand what you're getting all personal about. You like his music? good for you! I don't, and to be more specific I resent it when musicians are sloppy about details like pitch and tuning. What can I say other than it bugs me?
This is an open forum, meaning I don't have to have a publicist and a fan base to have an opinion about music. I have been a fairly serious amateur(pianist, classical & jazz guitar, vocalist) for over 40 years, and have been tuning pianos professionally for more than 25 years. I know when someone is singing or playing out of tune. If you don't mind inharmonicity, or can't detect it like most people, consider yourself either fortunate or indiscriminate, but don't bother getting your chones in wad about someone else's opinion. Life's too short.
Ok? Thought so.
You accuse him of being sloppy about pitch and tuning. I own just about everything the man has recorded under various band names and I've seen him live on 3 occasions. This method of recording is intentional, not merely being sloppy. You've heard one song and you're an expert?
I do understand and can detect when an artist is singing or playing out of tune. I also have a background in music but do not feel the same need to list my credentials. I'm sorry, despite your "25 years of tuning experience", you cannot differentiate between style and musicianship. It is not getting personal, or as you inanely put it "getting my chones in a wad", when I point it out. This all refers to your original post:
the guy sings flat a lot, and the guitar needs tuning.
Stuff like that really bugs me. If they're going to make a record and expect people to pay money for then they're supposed to be pros.
For years people have gladly paid money for his recordings and to see him live. I suppose we should all bow to your "expertise" and demand a refund. I think not. I will simply pity your ignorance.
I don't understand what you're getting all personal about. You like his music? good for you! I don't, and to be more specific I resent it when musicians are sloppy about details like pitch and tuning. What can I say other than it bugs me?
This is an open forum, meaning I don't have to have a publicist and a fan base to have an opinion about music. I have been a fairly serious amateur(pianist, classical & jazz guitar, vocalist) for over 40 years, and have been tuning pianos professionally for more than 25 years. I know when someone is singing or playing out of tune. If you don't mind inharmonicity, or can't detect it like most people, consider yourself either fortunate or indiscriminate, but don't bother getting your chones in wad about someone else's opinion. Life's too short.
Ok? Thought so.
You accuse him of being sloppy about pitch and tuning. I own just about everything the man has recorded under various band names and I've seen him live on 3 occasions. This method of recording is intentional, not merely being sloppy. You've heard one song and you're an expert?
I do understand and can detect when an artist is singing or playing out of tune. I also have a background in music but do not feel the same need to list my credentials. I'm sorry, despite your "25 years of tuning experience", you cannot differentiate between style and musicianship. It is not getting personal, or as you inanely put it "getting my chones in a wad", when I point it out. This all refers to your original post:
the guy sings flat a lot, and the guitar needs tuning.
Stuff like that really bugs me. If they're going to make a record and expect people to pay money for then they're supposed to be pros.
For years people have gladly paid money for his recordings and to see him live. I suppose we should all bow to your "expertise" and demand a refund. I think not. I will simply pity your ignorance.
Guitar work sounds like Neil Young on speed playing The Old Laughing Lady.
The house looks like it's puking. After hearing that discordant guitar solo, I can understand why.
ktnsb wrote:
Sorry, but "chones" is some kind of slang (anyone know?) for underwear, which does tend to wad under imbalanced tension, not testicles like the spanish "cojones". I may have been mistaken, but the object of my comment more likely had the former, and none of the latter.
Miscellaneous info for cocktail hour conversation and radioparadise postings.
You're welcome.
https://www.urbandictionary.com/
First time listening to Lou Barlow and enjoying here.
miahfost wrote:
If you are going to mix your metaphors properly, it is cojones. And they tend not to wad as much as shrivel.
Sorry, but "chones" is some kind of slang (anyone know?) for underwear, which does tend to wad under imbalanced tension, not testicles like the spanish "cojones". I may have been mistaken, but the object of my comment more likely had the former, and none of the latter.
ktnsb wrote:
. . .but don't bother getting your chones in wad about someone else's opinion.
If you are going to mix your metaphors properly, it is cojones. And they tend not to wad as much as shrivel.
ktnsb wrote:
... inharmonicity, ...
Now there is a word that doesn't slip into everyday conversation easily. It's now on my list to try and use. I just need to work Mark Harmon into the conversation and that city he's building and poof we can all live in Harmon City.
Something new everyday.
I always thought this was John Gorka... the little instrumental Beatlesque bridge sounds older than the rest of the song, Nice little folk song.
chyk5 wrote:
Since you're an expert, how long have you had your recording contract? Is your fan base as numerous and loyal as Lou's? Has your music career been as long and varied (sebadoh, folk implosion, solo) as his? Thought not.
I don't understand what you're getting all personal about. You like his music? good for you! I don't, and to be more specific I resent it when musicians are sloppy about details like pitch and tuning. What can I say other than it bugs me?
This is an open forum, meaning I don't have to have a publicist and a fan base to have an opinion about music. I have been a fairly serious amateur(pianist, classical & jazz guitar, vocalist) for over 40 years, and have been tuning pianos professionally for more than 25 years. I know when someone is singing or playing out of tune. If you don't mind inharmonicity, or can't detect it like most people, consider yourself either fortunate or indiscriminate, but don't bother getting your chones in wad about someone else's opinion. Life's too short.
Ok? Thought so.
ktnsb wrote:
Yeah I'm serious. Whether he noticed or not matters less than the fact that he didn't care.
Style, my butt. It's just crappy, careless musicianship.
Since you're an expert, how long have you had your recording contract? Is your fan base as numerous and loyal as Lou's? Has your music career been as long and varied (sebadoh, folk implosion, solo) as his? Thought not.
chyk5 wrote:
Are you serious? That is Lou's style. Did you think he played it back after recording it and just didn't notice?
Yeah I'm serious. Whether he noticed or not matters less than the fact that he didn't care.
Style, my butt. It's just crappy, careless musicianship.
damn missed it
ktnsb wrote:
the guy sings flat a lot, and the guitar needs tuning.
Stuff like that really bugs me. If they're going to make a record and expect people to pay money for then they're supposed to be pros.
Are you serious? That is Lou's style. Did you think he played it back after recording it and just didn't notice?
SmackDaddy wrote:
I'll concede he's no Richard Thompson, but Lou's got his own style and quality...this tune's one of my faves of his. Thanks, Bill.
Maybe it's just a dirt driveway leading up to the home, and that's a dust cloud kicked up by someone leaving in a hurry, hence the surprised look of the house and the word home as seen in a review mirror. Ever think of that?
Give our San Diego listener a prize...and counseling for the vomiting house folks...
I'll concede he's no Richard Thompson, but Lou's got his own style and quality...this tune's one of my faves of his. Thanks, Bill.
the guy sings flat a lot, and the guitar needs tuning.
Stuff like that really bugs me. If they're going to make a record and expect people to pay money for then they're supposed to be pros.
farbenblinde wrote:
Well, I just have to say, as a nurse, that the cover art looks like barf. Music OK, but the cover causes my stomach distress. 
Maybe it's just a dirt driveway leading up to the home, and that's a dust cloud kicked up by someone leaving in a hurry, hence the surprised look of the house and the word home as seen in a review mirror. Ever think of that?
This song just makes me want to grab my wife and dance around the kitchen, so it can\'t be that bad, since I can\'t even dance!
Well, I just have to say, as a nurse, that the cover art looks like barf. Music OK, but the cover causes my stomach distress.
coloradojohn wrote:
Wow, for a sec I thought it was gonna be that " -- sunshine go away today, I don't feel much like dancing..." classic...
and I kinda wish it would have been!
Me, too and me, too.
Dude, while I like Lou Barlow, RT spanks him right off the stage.
Pay closer attention to the guitarwork. Barlow is simply catchy. RT is a virtuoso.
Vogelfrei wrote:
Play Richard Thompson next! This song has the same acoustic groove feel as 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.
Wow, for a sec I thought it was gonna be that " -- sunshine go away today, I don't feel much like dancing..." classic...
and I kinda wish it would have been!
Why is the house projectile hurling? Wait a sec- is it blasting off?
I gave it a 3 quite a while back, but today I feel it's at least a 7. Nice and mellow, wish I didn't have so much work or I'd light up a fattie.
jonleehacker wrote:
Good to know there's a spare Bruce Cockburn...in case we run out.
Guitar work sounds like Neil Young on speed playing The Old Laughing Lady.
Lonestar wrote:Not that is there is ever really a GOOD case of explosive diarrhea... This case just looks extra bad.
I need to floss my brain, really.
I think I could probably sneeze out a better looking album cover.
First thing I thought it looked like was a bad case of explosive diarrhea.
jonleehacker wrote:
Good to know there's a spare Bruce Cockburn...in case we run out.
This guy sings better. Bruce plays guitar better. What we need is the two of 'em together! Yeah!
Good to know there's a spare Bruce Cockburn...in case we run out.
Lonestar wrote:
I think I could probably sneeze out a better looking album cover.
That might be the point...
I like this song, but I think it's getting a little too much airplay.
the album cover is upside down, and I like the song.
I think this song is great, but that guitar solo is just enough out of tune to make me cringe. Maybe it's intentional, but it really detracts for me.
I think I could probably sneeze out a better looking album cover.
Play Richard Thompson next! This song has the same acoustic groove feel as 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.
Can't find much to clear up the symbolism of the artwork on the cover. Don't artists usually put a lot of thought into the title and artwork? The title could be "Emoh" because there is already an album called "Home", but maybe it's looking back. Maybe the path is more of a dust cloud (think Snoopy). No clue what Sebadoh or Sentridoh mean or are about either... any ideas?
TobalMoreno wrote:
i'm getting a more juvenile image...
Yeah I am definately getting that image also, and it was immediate.
Morteriana wrote:
To me it looks like the house is a rocket ship taking off
i'm getting a more juvenile image...
zaknafein wrote:
When I saw it, I thought it looked like the house was vomiting...but I see that perspective as well...
To me it looks like the house is a rocket ship taking off
kazuma wrote:
Yikes. Mayhaps I was correct.
When I saw it, I thought it looked like the house was vomiting...but I see that perspective as well...
great song, excellent recording quality...
This song has a very distinctive impression of a train chugging allong, a feeling of travel. That, coupled with the cover of the album, and the song being about aging.... hmm, I think there is some symbolism that is above my head here.
kazuma wrote:
I thought he was gonna say "hold me back and grab me by the ears ..."
You mean that wasn't what he was saying?
Dragonfly_Launch wrote:
There are three songs in the RP library.
Get over it.
Correction- there are 20 songs of his in the RP library. Look up Sebadoh (6) and Folk Implosion (11). Not that I dislike his music but there was a period where his music was being played a whole lot on here.
Too bad there's not some Dinosaur Jr. on here.
jstevep00 wrote:
Is it just me or does this album cover look like...um...something dirty? Fellacio, with the door into the house and the eyes on the house and all that?
Yikes. Mayhaps I was correct.
I thought he was gonna say "hold me back and grab me by the ears ..."
What a quiet gift to modern music Lou Barlow is. Nice guy with a good sense of humor too. See him in a small club some time where he can interact a lot with the crowd.
Love the light little guitar interlude in this song. Just an essence of sound, but just perfect little licks.
Tux wrote:
I don't know how "Jammerende Jenny" is called in the english versions of Harry Potter, but this guy is nothing but a Jammerende Jenny
Jammerende Jenny is called Moaning Myrtle in the English Versions. ;)
Tux wrote:
"Jammerende Jenny" is the ghost girl in the girls toilet in the Secret Chamber version
Jammeren (Dutch) is Wailing/Moaning/Lament in english
So, one of my favorite RP bands is actually the The Jammerende Jennys? Cool. ;-) Sounds like a good follow to me, Bill...
Decent tune.
Tux wrote:
"Jammerende Jenny" is the ghost girl in the girls toilet in the Secret Chamber version
Jammeren (Dutch) is Wailing/Moaning/Lament in english, which is what I think this sounds like
Ahh, now I know. Thanks for clearing that up!
winter wrote:
Not sure I know which character is "Jammerende Jenny". Elaborate, please, before my curiousity kills me?
"Jammerende Jenny" is the ghost girl in the girls toilet in the Secret Chamber version
Jammeren (Dutch) is Wailing/Moaning/Lament in english, which is what I think this sounds like
His guitar needs tuning, it's just off key enough to drive me batty. :headshake:
Tux wrote:
I don't know how "Jammerende Jenny" is called in the english versions of Harry Potter, but this guy is nothing but a Jammerende Jenny
Not sure I know which character is "Jammerende Jenny". Elaborate, please, before my curiousity kills me?
emilym7 wrote:
Yep.
But back in the 70's they had the old tricyclic antidepressants which could kill ya if taken in large quantities, especially mixed with alcohol or other meds. Now, you pretty much can't kill yourself w/ SSRI's like Prozac, it takes greater effort.
greenplato wrote:
Ouch! Didn't Nick Drake die from an overdose of antidepressants?
Yep.
Arrghh, please make it stop! Heavy rotation + annoying song = Sucko-barfo 
Edit: I gotta learn to spell.
Edit: I gotta learn to spell.Is this Ken Barlow?
I don't know how "Jammerende Jenny" is called in the english versions of Harry Potter, but this guy is nothing but a Jammerende Jenny
BKardon wrote:
What's with all the Lou Barlow? Give me a break already!
There are three songs in the RP library.
Get over it.
Nice and ecclectic.
Oh, please don't slam on poor Lou! He's so good, and SO cute! :)
flandersdog wrote:
sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. but maybe not this time.
What's with all the Lou Barlow? Give me a break already!
jstevep00 wrote:
Is it just me or does this album cover look like...um...something dirty? Fellacio, with the door into the house and the eyes on the house and all that? I wonder if that was intentional.
Oh, and this is a good song.
sometimes a cigar is just a cigar. but maybe not this time.
It would be good, if it were not for that ingratiating out of tune solo.
ptooey wrote:
Nice.
And yeah, Lou's from Folk Implosion and Sebadoh.
And from Dinosaur Jr., I believe
Why only 6.4? it's a good song!
I have the same question