my personal retrospective of ray guns are not just the future

The first time I listened to the Bird and the Bee, I was in high school – 2014 – and in my quirky girl Regina Spektor phase. While I didn’t act like a full-on wannabe twee queen, I definitely had my manic-pixie-dream-girl moments. In the throes of this period, I found Pamplemousse on Youtube, which led me to the Bird and the Bee… the soft feminine vocals, punchy indie pop, and quirky all brought the connection forward.

The first song I heard was “Love Letter to Japan”, I believe from an 8tracks playlist, and it didn’t really pull me at first. I could appreciate the funky bass and colorful synths, but it didn’t click with me until the breakdown 48 seconds in. The subtle dialing back and focus on a light beat, the plucky guitar, and those featheresque vocals all made me do a double take. I ran away to (definitely legally purchase) the whole album, and binged the whole thing. Many a fanfiction was read with this album as the background, lol.

In honor of their song Again and Again trending, I wanted to come back and listen to my favorite album from them, Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future, all the way through once more. And I’m glad I did. It’s still so fresh and effective, even after 16 years. So this post will be dedicated to talking through my thoughts on these songs!

Fanfare and My Love

Right off the bat, the fun 60’s vibe rings in to set the tone for the album – it reminds me of Austin Powers a bit. As it settles into the percussion that transitions from one song to the next, I’m hit with the nostalgic warmth of the chord progressions, reflected later in Birthday. It’s a great song, but not my favorite. But with an album like this, it’s tricky to nail down my #1 spot.

Diamond Dave

THIS is a favorite of mine – Diamond Dave is, of course, an ode to David Lee Roth, and it really spoke to me as a teen, who also daydreamed about celebrity and anime crushes so passionately. I remember dancing around my room to this song, blasting through my hand-me-down beatbox, kicking my legs up like how teens used to dance in 80’s coming of age films (think Breakfast Club vibes)! It always managed to produce a mental image of my current hyperfixation whenever she said “I’ll always love you”, and make me get all flustered.

What’s in the Middle?

I don’t think this song really clicked with me until this most recent listen – I never dealt with depression and anxiety until I was older, in college, and now listening to this song again, I feel like it described my sentiments at some of the more difficult parts of school. Burnt out, forgetful, apathetic, numb. Just wanting to stay in bed. This song finds a way to perfectly describe how I was feeling at the time, all with a sick fucking guitar solo. Impressive.

Ray Gun

A companion piece to What’s in the Middle, in my mind. Someone trapped in their own misery, now dissociating, wanting something or someone to pull them away from their current circumstances; feeling like the world and planets are moving, but they’re still stuck. Tethered to an invisible chain leashing them to their grungy apartment room, wishing to be light as a dancer, and whisked off to some place that they don’t have to think anymore. Or maybe that’s just me. Either way, it’s a beautiful and delicate song, and just a bit sad. Perfect.

Love Letter to Japan

While this is my introductory song to The Bird and the Bee, it’s not necessarily my favorite. It’s fun and quirky, but… I don’t know. Maybe my 13-year old weeaboo elitism kicks in and turns its nose up at the poor Japanese pronunciation. It reminds me of something I would hear in a Katamari game, so it’s got that going for it, lol. It is a good song, just unfortunately tainted by my inner teenage snob.

It's at least a cute theme though, about traveling to see a long distance lover in Japan, and being fully devoted to the one you love. <3

Meteor

Trioncube. The DS game. Not sure if anyone else really played it, but I absolutely LOVED it when I was younger. It was a Tetris-esque space themed block stacking game, and was so so so much fun.

And this song reminds me of that. Fun and bouncy, exploratory, and, of course, space-themed. The first verse invokes the imagery of someone stepping into a spaceship and buckling in for an adventure. Or, more metaphorically, meeting someone special and giving yourself a chance at love – a different kind of adventure. The Meteor crashing into your life, the shooting star brightening your days.

Baby

Whenever I think of this song, I think of Bruises by Chairlift – I just picture the same kids with bruises and grass stains on their clothes as carrying one another home after being hurt. There is a closeness built in childhood that never really leaves – meeting someone so long, you learn their heart, before it’s clouded with the troubles of adulthood.

“If ever you need me, just call me, I'll carry you home”… not to be sappy on main or anything, but I’m grateful to have someone who would carry me home.

Phil and Polite Dance Song

Absolute classic. Funny and funky, bright and uncontrite in its honesty… just said politely, of course. Everything about this song slaps, from the silly lyrics to the layered vocals and driving drums, and is definitely a highlight of the album.

"apologies, would you please clap your hands?"

You’re a Cad

Per Urban Dictionary: Cad. Someone who acts like a COMPLETE butt to girls but is SO handsome.

A rascal, a rogue, a villain, a crook – but with an indescribable charm. The Spike and Buffy archetype. It’s such an upbeat song to describe a toxic relationship, which seems to be a continuing theme for this album… upbeat music for big feelings.

Witch

A spooky song, perhaps from the perspective of the cad? Describing how they are fully aware of their own manipulation, but have had the displeasure of falling victim to the innocent – their tricks and games have backfired, and they are now at the mercy of the one who they were originally trying to enthrall. Maybe it’s just the BG3 brainrot kicking in, but this feels very Astarion lol.

Birthday

Another favorite of mine, Birthday feels warm and nostalgic – this was a definite repeat in my library as a teen, a danceable backdrop to my daydreams. The beginning seconds sound like my brain booting up, like a computer, setting the scene for my scenarios. I remember thinking of dancing with my crushes in my school cafeteria, decorated for the Winter Ball, or in a small club, with bright lights reflecting off a disco ball, spattering dark wood-paneled walls with sparkles. This song is joyful and almost pleading, begging someone to recognize how good you are for them. A love song, with a twinge of desperation.

I’m so happy I listened through this album again. It’s so fun and nostalgic, and the songs still hold up as indie pop bangers. It’s always nice to be reminded of childhood faves, especially ones that had such a grip on my daydreams.

Thanks for reading! :)

-C 💖

Lifespan of a Fly

I remember feeling sad and off-put the first time I heard this song, and the feeling hasn’t changed much since then – it’s a delicate song, reminiscent of a carousel tune, spinning around like a fly circles an exposed plate. It’s difficult to sympathize with a creature that’s normally so detestable, but Lifespan of a Fly finds a way to make it work. It invokes imagery of a fly on its back, wings spread, pleading with the sun to remember it, so it does not die alone. And the sun can only respond by sharing its rays, bathing the fly in warmth in its final moments.

Everything is Ending

The final track to this album is lukewarm for me – not a standout track, but not terrible either. The trumpets provide a sound send-off to the listeners, but the lyrics remind me a bit of Midsommar? Throwing things into a fire, mindlessly clapping and singing, confusion and overwhelm (“everything is ending, and it seems to be the perfect thing”). It’s an okay close to a great album, and I can’t be too mad at it.