AROUND THE SUN: WANDERLUST

   The last single released from the album did pretty well in the UK (#27), but if I didn't state this already ATS killed in the UK going to #1. It did not chart in the US, nor did any of the other singles, plus again they (or those at the WB) had a strange release strategy of one single every couple of months. Maybe it's a touring strategy? In any case this song is by far the jauntiest on the album and while 'Sidewinder' from AFTP was a late addition to add some upbeat feel, this song doesn't quite measure up. For me it's the slapdash feel of the song in production and the first chorus--until Michael goes up a register the song is kind of flat, which is a shame because from the middle 8 to the end I love the song. That astronauts line is perfect, and the passion there is how the whole song should be. As far as characters go, I understand Michael's intention, but again there might be a sacrifice here between clarity and mystery that doesn't quite walk the line enough for me. In exploring this album I was dreading this track because it exemplifies everything that doesn't quite gel with ATS, but I'm happy to explore Michael being extremely prolific lyrically, even if some of these lyrics are not as nuanced and original as Michael has aimed for in the past. Could it be that UP just kicked his ass when he ran into the old writer's block wall? He's opening up and dismantling the R.E.M. mystique in a way that should be breathtaking--and at times it is--but that rhyme-y first verse, I just ... I mean ... I don't know, nevermind, it's great, it's ALL GREAT!




WANDERLUST

Looks like I pulled a fast one
Looks like I went to town
Looks like the world revolves around me
Looks like it's falling down

I thought I'd kicked the traces
I thought the wheels would spin
I thought I'd jumped the fence and bolted
Looks like I'm back again

I got my signals crossed
It’s overwhelming because
I’m all alone and I can’t get back
Get back with my wanderlust

I had to grab a suitcase
I had to change my clothes
I had to run the shower hot
Until the water froze

I brushed against confusion
I wanted time to grow
I want the sticks and stones not to throw me
Get back to what I know

I got my signals crossed
It’s overwhelming because
I’m all alone and I can’t get back
Get back with my wanderlust

I'm searching for a greatness
I smear it on my face
I want to bathe in grape must swim the length of the milky way
I want it to be brilliant
I want it to be sweet
I want to kiss the astronauts when they salute to me me me me

I got my signals crossed
It’s overwhelming because
I’m all alone and I can’t get back
Get back with my wanderlust

I got my signals crossed
It’s overwhelming because
I’m all alone and I can’t get back
Get back with my wander

Back with my wander

Back with my wanderlust

   This must have been so easy to play live. It's so basic chord heavy I can't believe it, but at least the progression is a tad original. And the switch of time signatures in the chorus makes it a little more interesting--there's a recording online where they start the song, but Peter and Bill (R) are not on the same page and they have to stop and start again. The A Chord riff can be done right on the barred A, also the D pick is the bridge to the chorus.

WANDERLUST

Intro/Chorus

e|-3-3-2-2-5---7-|

B|-3-3-3-3-5---7-|

G|-4-4-4-4-6---8-|

D|-5-5-4-4-7---9-|

A|-5-5-2-2-7---9-|

E|-3-3-2-2-5---7-|

Intro A Chord Riff

e|-7p-5-7p-5--|-5-7hp-5----|

B|-----5----5-|--------5---|

G|------------|------------|

D|------------|------------|

A|------------|------------|

E|------------|------------|

Verse

e|-0---1---0---0--|-0---1---0---2--2--3--2----|

B|-1---1---1---0--|-1---1---1---3-3-3--3--3---|

G|-2---2---0---1--|-2---2---0---2----2--2--2--|

D|-2---3---2---2--|-2---3---2---0-------------|

A|-0---3---3---2--|-0---3---3-----------------|

E|-0---1---0---0--|-0---1---0-----------------|

Middle 8 (F#-Bm x3, walk the notes down to G-E)

e|----------------------------------|

B|----------------------------------|

G|----------------------------------|

D|----------4-2-0-------------------|

A|--1-2----1-----4----1-2-1-0-------|

E|-2------2----------2-------4-3-0--|

Last Chorus Bend (B)

e|-----|

B|-11b-|

G|-----|

D|-----|

A|-----|

E|-----|

End on B