Allo Darlin’ – The Polaroid Song
From about ten minutes after I first heard Allo Darlin’s Henry Rollins Don’t Dance, I was certain that it was going to be a strong contender for my favourite song of the year. I couldn’t see anything else coming close to the utter joy that those three minutes brought over and over, and as the year moved on, it seemed even more certain. Indeed, it took until December for another song to challenge for the position, and incredibly, it was from Allo, Darlin’ once again.
The Polaroid Song isn’t as immediate as the aforementioned Rollins. It doesn’t have one particular line or image that ingrains itself into one’s attention. What it does have though is a feeling. It’s all upbeat and cheerful enough, but there seems to be a slightly mournful take to the proceedings here. It’s the vocals that do it I think. Elizabeth Darling’s voice here seems more restrained than before, only really letting go for certain lines, but it works. We end up with a song that seems to lament the passing of time and what’s left behind, making it ideal for this time of year.
You can download the b-side to the Polaroid Song, the even more apt for this time of year Will You Please Spend New Year’s Eve With Me? for absolutely nothing from the superb Fortuna Pop. They’ll also sell it to you on 7″ vinyl if that’s your cup of tea too.
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