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Flawless Takeoff

from Sonic Irony by Bricklayers Foundation

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about

This is about a dream I had (and sometimes still have) where I’m flying just above houses and trees. It’s freeing but can also be a little intense at times. I guess I thought this meant I would become a superhero, making everyone else obsolete. There’s definitely an undercurrent of high school arrogance in there too, especially with the chorus, like everyone else is just a side character. But then the bridge brings it back, because you wake up and you’re back to reality, and you’re stuck thinking, “why couldn’t I just stay in that amazing dream world?” And then towards the end I think I just gave up, laughing at my ridiculous lyrics about supermodels and being ready for it all to be over. Musically speaking, I love the irregular verse length (7 chords long), which kind of makes the melody blend together nicely. I was also very into switching between major and minor keys, like in the chorus. We’ve also got Ross doing his best to keep up on the drums, falling out and somehow getting back in sync after the chorus (I think I recorded the guitar track first, clearly without a metronome, and he would then lay down the drums while listening to my take through headphones). Ross also did the vocals on the chorus after the bridge, and we had a sweet phaser effect on my amp that we ran the mic through. This was also my era of letting everything go on way too long (because back then I thought writing songs was all about filling album time), so we’ve got a goofy solo at the end with Lou Reed style vocals responding to my licks. –Adam

I learned this song as we recorded the drums for it, so it's a little Syd Barrett-esque in that regard. Love the "Me and Julio Down By The Schoolyard Snorting Ketamine" vibe of this. --Ross

lyrics

Birds and people, no one’s mean in a dream
Rocketman, saves the day, we’re ok
Superman past his prime, who needs crime
Wears his pack, can’t be seen, he’s so clean

Flying through the air, no one knows where
Someday you’ll see, there’s no one like me.
The smile returns but nobody learns
That I’m all you’ll ever be.

Clouds and pigeons in my face, sharing space
No need for planes, it’s a little cold, so I’m told
Life is so simple, why you gotta ruin everything?
For once, I am king.

Supermodels in love with me, don’t you see?
Flawless takeoff, yet again, will it end?

Check it baby!

You better believe it!

credits

from Sonic Irony, released April 7, 2003
Adam Cohen-Leadholm: guitars, vocals
Ross Howard: drums, vocals

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all rights reserved

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Bricklayers Foundation Chicago, Illinois

Starting in 2003 as a high school home recording project in Boston, Adam Cohen-Leadholm and Ross Howard reunited in 2009 in Chicago to again carry the flame for weirdo art pop everywhere. The 'Layers have a knack for unexpected melodies/chords and satisfying pop songs couched in shifting atmospheres. ... more

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