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Future Islands — A Song for Our Grandfathers
Album: Singles
Avg rating:
7.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3812









Released: 2014
Length: 4:45
Plays (last 30 days): 4
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Been a long time, in a low place
Surrounded by what I have made
Need to get away
Get away from what relates
And what was done...

Cuz it's all over now

Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf
And carve my name
In the lines, there's not a trace
I hear the ghost whisper, and those old eyes watching me
But I feel safe...
Grandfather looking over me

He said:
Don't make them wait
Gotta go a long way
Let's be brave
Don't make them wait
Nah, don't make them wait

I sat down, with a coffee on my bent knee
Looking out, at the burnt land, looking back at me
These used to be green crops
And high on a summer breeze
No it's fallow fields and clear-cut barren weeds

They said that if I stared
The abyss would stare back at me
So I did...
And I felt it slowly creep in me

Save for the smoke, that danced when I took a drag
It made me think about the way it all came to be...
Grandma watching over me

And she said:
Don't make them wait
Gotta go a long way
Let's be brave
Don't make them wait
Nah, don't make them wait

Don't make them wait, nah
Don't make them wait

I hear the ghost whisper
And those old eyes watching me
But I feel safe
I feel safe
Comments (210)add comment
Love the vocal!
Posted 1 day ago by henryisland    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:

From some future Weird Al album release:

Been a long time on this highway,
Rollin' in my big rig night and day.
Turn on the old CB radio
I hear the seasoned voices,
And old tales guiding me,
Granddad, the trucker, watching over me.

And he said: "Watch for the lot lizards,
They're sneakin' all around,
Keep an eye out for Smokey in town.
Don't you hesitate,
Keep that cargo rollin', don't be late,
No, don't you be late.


A Song for Our Dispatchers
Posted 2 months ago by damonlazer    [ Reply ]
Future Islands is a national treasure. fantastic vibes, amazing vocals, incredible personality.
Posted 2 months ago by boristhedev    [ Reply ]
I wish I could dig the voice, but I cannot.  My loss.
Posted 4 months ago by mjiggidy    [ Reply ]
The lyrics don't match what is printed
Posted 6 months ago by jeffscrivens    [ Reply ]
His voice is so damn cool! Not a gimmick or cheap affectation, a tasteful instrument it's own.
Posted 6 months ago by dustinhuman    [ Reply ]
 jasonthehead wrote:

It's groovy to be stranded on Future Islands



so groovy baby yeah  
Posted 11 months ago by davidsackville    [ Reply ]
It's groovy to be stranded on Future Islands
Posted 1 year ago by jasonthehead    [ Reply ]
I always thought they were from northern Europe. Danish, Swedish etc. Far from there.
I like the vibe.
Posted 1 year ago by Peter.    [ Reply ]
that voice is so good and unique. The east coast bands from the '70's to the late '90's were special. In 1983 on our honeymoon through all of eastern/northern NY state, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts. I was blown away by what I heard from bars to clubs. Still love Future Islands 
Posted 1 year ago by Peter.    [ Reply ]
An easy 9 for me because it's soooooo heartbreakingly relatable.  OMG is it ever.
Posted 1 year ago by DigitalJer    [ Reply ]
I really like this band. He has a pretty cool voice and the bass is always very distinct.
Posted 1 year ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
I really liked this group's first couple of hits. But ever since most of their songs somehow sound too much the same to me and keeps reminding me of those hits. It's like they're relying too much on the characteristic voice of the lead singer. It's getting old.
Posted 1 year ago by geeollie    [ Reply ]
The synth and lead vocal are not in my spreadsheet of things I like, but can't stop listening to this band. 
Posted 1 year ago by aneal300    [ Reply ]
And don't forget Roger Chapman and Derek Shulman.
Posted 1 year ago by dougnichols2021    [ Reply ]
 Wavemechanic wrote:

Ugh can't stand this poseur.


I think he's authentic on the basis that if he was a poser I don't think this would be his pose.
Posted 2 years ago by Jakethemuss    [ Reply ]
Arnica Cream
Posted 2 years ago by arnicacream1    [ Reply ]
One of their finest... it has everything I love about this group. 

Thank you RP for introducing me to them. Been to their shows the last 2 years now and it probably wouldn't have happened without RP.
Posted 2 years ago by amcostigan88    [ Reply ]
I like it a lot ,gives me an '80s vibe
Posted 2 years ago by neotrogg    [ Reply ]
Discovered on RP and now one of my favorite bands -- have several of their albums.    
Posted 2 years ago by TallCreative1    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  

Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time:  Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.


I see that you did not expressly list David Byrne! Like salmiakki is among licorice, Byrne is an acquired taste even among the "acquired taste" vocalists.
Posted 2 years ago by sjccroquet    [ Reply ]
From some future Weird Al album release:

Been a long time on this highway,
Rollin' in my big rig night and day.
Turn on the old CB radio
I hear the seasoned voices,
And old tales guiding me,
Granddad, the trucker, watching over me.

And he said: "Watch for the lot lizards,
They're sneakin' all around,
Keep an eye out for Smokey in town.
Don't you hesitate,
Keep that cargo rollin', don't be late,
No, don't you be late.
Posted 2 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  

Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time:  Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.


Yes, I'm with you on all of the above artists, but I have to say I can't seem to "acquire a taste" for this guy's vocals.  Alas.
Posted 2 years ago by On_The_Beach    [ Reply ]
What a segue from In the Kingdom of Peace
Posted 3 years ago by jlind    [ Reply ]
 johnybladex wrote:

Actually, it's pure 10.


wha?

maybe if you play it twice
Posted 3 years ago by Wonderloaf    [ Reply ]
Future Islands=California. LOL It must have been hard for Samuel T. Herring to sing this song since he is usually eating the mic.
Posted 3 years ago by renegade_X    [ Reply ]
I read the lyrics just now and started weeping.  I miss all four grandparents a lot, even after they've been gone 10-20 years.
Posted 3 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
 timmus wrote:
 
Hearing a bit of Mr. Lahey's late night whisky philosophy there.

It's actually derived from Nietzsche, the passage usually translated as:

"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you."
Posted 3 years ago by tschno    [ Reply ]
Oh My God  this song.

First time i listen to it, its amazing the vibe it transmit.
Gretins from Venezuela
Posted 3 years ago by lemyskaman    [ Reply ]
 radiotoe wrote:
Them boys got tar on their heels...
 

you betta recognize...
Posted 4 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
The unique blend of great synth pop and an exceptional voice is what catched my attention right away some years ago on RP.

Just a few weeks ago I saw them live and it was excellent!
Thanks again, RP!!!!
Posted 4 years ago by trogel    [ Reply ]
FI rules!
Posted 4 years ago by yroom    [ Reply ]
They said that if I stared
The abyss would stare back at me
 
Hearing a bit of Mr. Lahey's late night whisky philosophy there.
Posted 4 years ago by timmus    [ Reply ]
Them boys got tar on their heels...
Posted 4 years ago by radiotoe    [ Reply ]
 flyboy wrote:

Gouda?

"it shoulda be, i justa bought it!"
Posted 4 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  

Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time:  Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.



Great voice - True artist. 
And add Elvis Costello to that list.
Posted 5 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
As a grandfather of 5, this tears me up. Take care of your future ladies and gentlemen. You'll be doing everyone a favor.
Posted 5 years ago by bahalana    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  

Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time:  Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
 

Interesting list and apropos. However ,Neil and Jon Anderson pulled me in at first listen!   
Anderson seemed Angelic
&
Young seemed so angsty and vulnerable. Qualities that appealed to me in my youth! I suppose!!
I think as  different individuals we are all wired to respond and be drawn to different tones!
Posted 5 years ago by surfrider4life    [ Reply ]
Everyone comments on this guy's voice. The reason it's unique is because he destroyed his vocal cords. You can tell from the extreme raspiness in his singing. If you watch interviews with him, it's very apparent when he talks as well. You'll also notice that he doesn't sustain notes for long, which is also a function of the damage. 

You can hear the same thing from later Tom Waits, later Bob Dylan, and Brian Johnson from AC/DC.  If you listen to Tom Waits during a recent interview, he can barely talk. Stevie Ray Vaughn used to call it "hamburger throat." He sang with really bad technique and, if he had lived longer, would have eventually sounded like those guys too.

Personally, I hate this guy's voice. He makes me want to get a drink of water just listening to him. 
Posted 5 years ago by Stuff_n_Nonsense    [ Reply ]
 Segue wrote:
This vomit launch voice is still disgusting.
 

Posted 5 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
This has so grown on me
Posted 5 years ago by maxnaude    [ Reply ]
Ugh can't stand this poseur.
Posted 5 years ago by Wavemechanic    [ Reply ]
The War on Islands 

A very easy 8 from yo boyyee
Posted 5 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
MORE FI, please!!!
Posted 5 years ago by wtango    [ Reply ]
 Prius wrote:
This is absolutely stunning - 10.
 

Agreed. This is special. Quality at it's finest.
Posted 6 years ago by ace-marc    [ Reply ]
This vomit launch voice is still disgusting.
Posted 6 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
I still remember the first time seeing future islands do that crazy dance on Letterman. The song was interesting enough to look at some of their other stuff. But this tune has over the past few years risen to the point where whenever it comes on its so distracting (in a good way, i'm probably just getting old..). So, i'm giving it a 10, and buying a copy...

Off topic, weirdly enough I have a couple computer that are all on different playlists despite "main RP mix", I had to sync this one to "browser tab" whatever that is, to get it to sync to "RP main mix" on another PC.
Posted 6 years ago by jli    [ Reply ]
It does grow on you 6>7.
Posted 6 years ago by keenevision    [ Reply ]
Saw on another thread that someone described his voice as Tom Jones like.  It is unusual. Pun intended.


Posted 6 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
"Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf"

I've always preferred spiral bound.
 


BillG wrote:
I disagree. I find loose leaf much preferable to bagged tea. :-)  


I prefer Sweet Leaf {#Dance}
Posted 6 years ago by 25demayo    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:
Just hoovered this bile up into one place and I'm now going to blow it into the ether forever, bye bye bad comments ...' This is unbelievably bad. 2>1, The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota. These vocals are sickening. So is arsenic. I’ll pass. The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD'...

 

Come, come ... don't beat about the bush ... tell us what you really think about this band.
 
Posted 6 years ago by corvair    [ Reply ]
Saw this band on a Glastonbury vid and thought they were bizarre...and yet... many times when listening to Radio Paradise I've thought 'Oh, this sounds interesting, I wonder who it is?' and of course it's Future Islandss. I feel an album purchase coming on ! These guys must have the slowest burning appeal I've ever experienced . Have to say I love the guy's voice. This station is so cool...
Posted 7 years ago by Rob57    [ Reply ]
Just hoovered this bile up into one place and I'm now going to blow it into the ether forever, bye bye bad comments ...' This is unbelievably bad. 2>1, The vocals are appalling. Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota. These vocals are sickening. So is arsenic. I’ll pass. The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD'...

 


Posted 7 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
Indeed a distinctive voice. Reminds me of some of the best bits of Talk Talk. 
Posted 7 years ago by Dave_Mack    [ Reply ]
 Segue wrote:
The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD.
 
Interesting, I myself just bought it through the RP link to amazon mp3
Posted 7 years ago by Triquel67    [ Reply ]
The Voice is the tone of a cat yowling before it vomits. Rush for the PSD.
Posted 7 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
This is absolutely stunning - 10.
Posted 7 years ago by Prius    [ Reply ]
So it's a voice they wouldn't turn their chairs for in The Voice.
THAT'S A GOOD THING.
So it's a face and a dance that similarly wouldn't appease bland mass appeal.
THAT'S A GOOD THING TOO.

Posted 7 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
I find it hilarious, people getting upset about his voice. I sat through 12 minutes of Dylan a few songs ago, once again an acquired taste.   What voice isn't different? 

What sound that is made in any particular song, that does not attract or annoy individuals? 
   
Posted 7 years ago by Kaisersosay    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  
 
So is arsenic.

I'll pass.
Posted 7 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  

Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time:  Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
 
Welcome to the club!
Posted 7 years ago by Canadese    [ Reply ]
 wgsu_1978 wrote:
"Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf"

I've always preferred spiral bound.
 
I disagree. I find loose leaf much preferable to bagged tea. :-)
Posted 7 years ago by William    [ Reply ]
I' ve always love "odd voices." Waits, Prine, Dylan, Cohen, etc. I've also always loved harmony. Hence I love 10CC and The Beach Boys. My first album was "Little Deuce Coupe."
Posted 7 years ago by cosmicjoe54    [ Reply ]
 1wolfy wrote:
Always enjoyed this tune. In memory of the finest Opa and Oma watchin over me
 
Me too . 10.
Posted 8 years ago by Prius    [ Reply ]
Yes the singer has a 'different" voice, I must admit to liking for short periods I couldn't do a whole album. Still better than Tom Waits.
Posted 8 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
BillG is correct, the voice is an acquired taste.  

Been acquiring tastes in vocals for a very long time:  Bob Dylan, Jon Anderson, Neil Young, Leonard Cohen, Bjork, Tom Waits, etc.
Posted 8 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
I sometimes wonder if Bill chooses songs based on the weird cover art.
Posted 8 years ago by Laptopdog    [ Reply ]
"Through the woods, I come running to loose leaf"

I've always preferred spiral bound.
Posted 8 years ago by wgsu_1978    [ Reply ]
 Segue wrote:
These vocals are sickening.

 
I'm with BillG - I think the unique quality of his voice is pretty groovy and I've grown to like most/all of the Future Islands tracks he plays.  LONG LIVE RP!!
Posted 8 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
These vocals are sickening.
Posted 8 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
 aelfheld wrote:

The vocals are appalling.  Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota.

 
I at least like your use of the word iota.
Posted 8 years ago by cmcisaac    [ Reply ]
Always enjoyed this tune. In memory of the finest Opa and Oma watchin over me
Posted 8 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
 david@darluthier.com wrote:
Cheese, but good cheese!

 
Gouda?
Posted 8 years ago by flyboy    [ Reply ]
Whoever Future Islands is, I really like them.
Posted 8 years ago by GTT    [ Reply ]
Cheese, but good cheese!
Posted 8 years ago by david16    [ Reply ]
 cmcisaac wrote:
The first time I heard this band I was turned off by the vocals but then the more I listened, the more I liked them. Naysayers should at least give them a fair chance! 
 
The vocals are appalling.  Continued exposure fails to improve them one iota.
Posted 8 years ago by aelfheld    [ Reply ]
 {#Yes}the lyrics are quite nice too  westslope wrote:
Off with your heads you naysayers.   The vocals are the best part!   {#Nyah}

 


Posted 9 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]
This...  Song For Our Ancestors
Should follow that.
Posted 9 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
 arserocket wrote:


Yes.... it is pure gold. You have to love this band

 
Well, you don't have to.  But I do really like them.
Posted 9 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Ten to ten{#Music}
Posted 9 years ago by Noé    [ Reply ]
 johnybladex wrote:

Actually, it's pure 10.

 

Yes.... it is pure gold. You have to love this band
Posted 9 years ago by arserocket    [ Reply ]
 lasker98 wrote:
This is unbelievably bad.  2>1

 
Actually, it's pure 10.
Posted 9 years ago by johnybladex    [ Reply ]
This is unbelievably bad.  2>1
Posted 9 years ago by lasker98    [ Reply ]
{#Music}
Posted 9 years ago by johnybladex    [ Reply ]
 cmcisaac wrote:
The first time I heard this band I was turned off by the vocals but then the more I listened, the more I liked them. Naysayers should at least give them a fair chance! 

 
Agreed. The more I listen the more I like.
Posted 9 years ago by IndyDoug    [ Reply ]
The first time I heard this band I was turned off by the vocals but then the more I listened, the more I liked them. Naysayers should at least give them a fair chance! 
Posted 9 years ago by cmcisaac    [ Reply ]
 Chumbawamba-1984 wrote:

Agree.  Looks like he is warning up as a ice hockey goalie before the game.  

 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOGq85w0w1Y
Posted 9 years ago by DragonSixGolf    [ Reply ]
Off with your heads you naysayers.   The vocals are the best part!   {#Nyah}
Posted 9 years ago by westslope    [ Reply ]
 jchrise wrote:
Regardless if you like these guys or not, DO NOT view them playing live. You won't be able to unsee Samuel T. Herring's dancing in your mind EVER. The dude's moves are inhumanly psychotic!

 
Agree.  Looks like he is warning up as a ice hockey goalie before the game.  
Posted 9 years ago by Chumbawamba-1984    [ Reply ]
 Segue wrote:
disgusting voice. not even singing.
 
I think the term you were looking for is "unique".
I can appreciate someone who doesn't sound like everyone else.  He's on pitch, just sings with an odd emphasis.
Posted 9 years ago by bc    [ Reply ]
disgusting voice. not even singing.
Posted 9 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]
I now realise that the singer reminds me a lot of Daan, a Belgian artist. Those who like this singing style but want a slightly less extreme version of it, could check him out.
Posted 9 years ago by DrLex    [ Reply ]
" 'Bridge', not badge." - That's all I recall of the story ~
Posted 9 years ago by sfyi2001    [ Reply ]
Great vibe. Yet another North Carolina connection...
Posted 9 years ago by oldviolin    [ Reply ]
Regardless if you like these guys or not, DO NOT view them playing live. You won't be able to unsee Samuel T. Herring's dancing in your mind EVER. The dude's moves are inhumanly psychotic!
Posted 9 years ago by jchrise    [ Reply ]
This only compelling for the vocals. 
Posted 10 years ago by Wilfrue    [ Reply ]
It's Ok taken in small doses. I listened to the whole album and his quirky voice was starting to grate on me by the end.
Posted 10 years ago by VV    [ Reply ]
I love the vocals
Posted 10 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]
 Prius wrote:

10 for me. Getting better every time I hear it. Thanks Bill!
 
This is a 9. "Spirit" track is a 10 :)
I love the '80s sound of this band. The voice is very warm.
Posted 10 years ago by CHuLoYo    [ Reply ]
Second that, it seems unaffected and just....him and them.
Posted 10 years ago by TerryS    [ Reply ]
Just love this song {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 10 years ago by Robertchu    [ Reply ]
Excellent! {#Music}
Posted 10 years ago by johnybladex    [ Reply ]
 calypsus_1 wrote:


Moving Portrait
.

 
Which one of them let Polly out, do you think?
Posted 10 years ago by DaidyBoy    [ Reply ]
 onelittlemoose wrote:
Wow. What was I thinking?  I had rated this a 6 when I last heard it. I bumped it up to a 7. And now 8. This. Is. So. Good. 

 
10 for me. Getting better every time I hear it. Thanks Bill!
Posted 10 years ago by Prius    [ Reply ]
Wow. What was I thinking?  I had rated this a 6 when I last heard it. I bumped it up to a 7. And now 8. This. Is. So. Good. 
Posted 10 years ago by onelittlemoose    [ Reply ]
Super cool {#Bananajam}
Posted 10 years ago by floydoftherocks    [ Reply ]
Digging it!
Posted 10 years ago by fitzworld    [ Reply ]
Told ya so {#Wink}
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
I never switch the music source.   There is nothing better out there !
 
Posted 10 years ago by msymmes    [ Reply ]
So sorry but Future Islands is wayyyyy overplayed. One of the very few bands on RP that make me switch the music source.
Posted 10 years ago by Karmala    [ Reply ]


Moving Portrait


.
Posted 10 years ago by calypsus_1    [ Reply ]
Great video of a live show: https://www.npr.org/event/music/306847305/future-islands-live-in-concert
Posted 10 years ago by cbrandtbuffalo    [ Reply ]
 jazzdevil wrote:
The good vocals save the song because the music is not so good. 4

 
Crazy how opinions can be so different! I was just thinking: it's a shame the singer sounds like someone is repeatedly hitting him in the throat, 'cos the music's not so bad" lol!

But even if I like it a bit more, this song is played way too often on RP these days! 
Posted 11 years ago by Mannick    [ Reply ]
 zurcronium wrote:
Come on, the lead singer has got to be pushing 50 or so. Of curse live is not as clean as produced voice. 
 
"Pushing 50"?  These guys met in college in the mid-2000s; they are probably no older than their early thirties, not that it matters when it comes to making music.

*edit - the singer was born in 1984
Posted 11 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 zurcronium wrote:
Come on, the lead singer has got to be pushing 50 or so. Of curse live is not as clean as produced voice. 
 
What's wrong with pushing 50....or even 60? (I am 60 and in a rock band.......still have things to do)
Posted 11 years ago by boober    [ Reply ]
The good vocals save the song because the music is not so good. 4
Posted 11 years ago by jazzdevil    [ Reply ]
Ridiculous and amateur looking artwork. Detracts from the experience unfortunately. I like the music far more than the artwork. Ugh.
Posted 11 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
There's a future island in the Caribbean right now. It's an undersea volcano that's about to erupt. In case you care, the volcano's name is Kick 'em Jenny.

It's true.

 
Posted 11 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
 westslope wrote:

I love the unassuming every other guy look of the band members.  

They look like major, serious highly disciplined drug dealers but so do guys who unpack boxes at the local grocery store.  

.....   

The music is terrific.  Yet another great discovery on radio paradise. 

  ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿

Posted 11 years ago by frandoms    [ Reply ]

 no_twits wrote:


I'm new to RP. Does it have a twit filter?

 
It IS a vomit voice, but the best one I've heard.
Posted 11 years ago by Segue    [ Reply ]