I’ve slowed down a bit on my listening to music, trying to find something that fits this nebulous definition I have of “different like the 80s post-punk era, but newer” music. Of course, while I am watching videos of nerdy girls building out their rooms on YouTube, the site is more than happy to continue providing me with music ideas to listen to, including Falco’s “Rock Me, Amadeus” (has there been anyone more absurd and apparently oblivious to their absurdity than Falco? Perhaps Boy George? Right Said Fred?).
Of course, there is only so much Viking-inspired music I can listen to, and Falco is not really someone I want to listen to on a regular basis — nor is that terribly “new”. So, I end up watching my videogame hype videos and largely ignore the offerings on deck.
That is, until the algorithm reminded me of a song that Chris Nelson introduced me to a couple of years back by a chap named Ren. Watching and listening to the song again (and this is a case where the song is best as a multimedia experience), I am still really, really impressed with this song. It does a lot of things that I wish I could do as a musician, but lack the talent to be able to do — both in the guitar playing and the presentation. The song itself is reminiscent of a manic Arlo Guthrie singing about a restaurant owned by Alice. Except not done for laughs and glitched on the part where they are jumping up and down yelling, “Kill! Kill!”
That’s an exaggeration. Honestly, I can’t quite place what this reminds me of except, maybe, some of the conversations I have in my own mind at times.
Warning. The content contains NSFW language and potentially disturbing subject matter about Ren’s struggle with auditory hallucinations growing up. In this video, he sings about two Ren’s having an argument about Ren’s intrinsic value as a human being. If such things disturb you, I recommend skipping this video and song.
This song really stands at the core of what I think music can do and should do more of: provide more than just a rhythm to daily life to elicit a visceral or emotional reaction that cuts to the quick.
Thanks, Chris, for introducing me to this song a few years ago. I need to give this young man more opportunities to play on my playlists.
22 responses to “Towards the Within — Hi Ren”
In a word…Intense.
Not for the meek, I’d wager. You know, in ways this reminds me also a little of very early Bowie when he was still really challenging the ideas of music and rock. He never really stopped challenging our ideas, but those first few albums were not classic rock albums in a lot of ways. Some of his longer pieces from those albums were probably as shocking as this song is at the time they were released. Just a thought. 🤔
I love this song! So good.
There is much to like about it if your not the kind of person who is bothered by the subject matter. Obviously, you’re not based on it other conversations. Glad you liked it! 💙
I remember when it first came out and being very blown away. It went pretty “viral” if I recall. I think Ren has some physical health problems as well. Anyway, he’s a great artist.
Something neurological, I believe. Yeah.
And yes he is. 🙂
Wow. He doesn’t hold back. That was a wild ride.
No, he doesn’t. It’s pretty intense.
OMG this one had me at the video thumbnail, and delivered even more. than suggested. Thank you, Michael!
I’m glad you liked it. If I could harness even a tenth of that intensity…
You’re very welcome Stacey 💙
I think you know my feelings about this!
Talented lad – I stumbled across a piece on he was playing piano recently (can’t remember the title, but the video had him in a desert – if I find it I’ll put it up).
Sometimes it’s the demons who drive us on.
*Often it’s the demons…
Please do. I’ve been meaning to check out more of his stuff, but life got in the way. And Pink Floyd’s Pompeii rerelease.
One of these days I’m going to….
Michael, please put down that axe…
T’schay t’schay t’schay…
Nothing wrong with intense 🤔 that reminds me Yungblud has a new album out…he has some very interesting music (just in case you hadn’t heard of him – thought I’d share 😊)
Nothing at all wrong with intense. I typically prefer it as long as it feels authentic instead of contrived.
I know the name Yungblud, but I haven’t checked anything out. Got a recommendation or a dozen?
There are so many but I shall try to keep it to just a few 😅 The Funeral, Weird, Hated, God save me but don’t drown me out, Ice Cream man, The Freakshow and Strawberry Lipstick….that is the small list of recommendations 🤣 Now I gotta go check out that YT video you posted above! Looking forward to hearing something new 👀🎵🎸
Also I freaking love that song! Thanks for sharing this today – He is now on my “different” playlist….powerful voice and heartfelt perspective! He had a new fan here 😊 gonna down a music rabbit hole!
DON’T drink or eat anything while you’re down there. Just sayin’, y’know. Even if it says to drink/eat it.
I’ll check them out. Thanks lodestarwytch. 💙
“Kill! Kill!” 😂 And ”Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii” is a wonderful movie too.
I’m tempted to see Pompeii remastered in the theater.