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Counting Crows — Omaha
Album: August and Everything After
Avg rating:
6.8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2121









Released: 1993
Length: 3:31
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Start tearing the old man down,
Run past the heather and down to the old road,
Start turning the grain into the ground,
Roll a new leaf over, in the middle of the night,
There's an old man treading around in the gathered rain,
Well mister, if you're going to walk on water,
Oh could you drop a line my way?

Omaha, somewhere in middle America,
Get right to the heart of matters,
It's the heart that matters more,
I think you better turn your ticket in,
And get your money back at the door, oh.

Start threading a needle,
Brush past the shuttle that slides through the cold room,
Start turning the wool across the wire,
Roll a new life over, in the middle of the night,
there's an old man threading his toes through a bucket of rain,
Hey mister, you don't want to walk on water,
'Cause you're only going to walk all over me.

Omaha, somewhere in middle America,
Get right to the heart of matters,
It's the heart that matters more,
I think you better turn your ticket in,
And get your money back at the door.

Start running the banner down,
Drop past the color come up through the summer rain,
Start turning the girl into the ground,
Roll a new love over, in the middle of the day,
There's a young man rolling around in the earth and rain,
Hey mister, if you're going to walk on water,
You know you're only going to walk all over me.

Omaha, somewhere in middle America,
Get right to the heart of matters,
It's the heart that matters more,
I think you better turn your ticket in,
And get your money back at the door.

Omaha, oh somewhere in middle America,
Get right to the heart of matters, oh,
It's the heart that matters more,
I think you better turn your ticket in,
And get your money back at the door,
Oh, said Omaha, Sunday morning,
I'm coming home today.
Comments (207)add comment
his voice...
I hear you, and I HATE the band "Cake" with the passion of a thousand burning suns!  Every cell in my being is allergic to their sound.  

WonderLizard wrote:

I've tried, I really have, but I have yet to understand how anyone can actually hate music of any kind. I can understand simply not caring for it—changing the dial so to speak, but hating? Music, my friend, is a miracle, and those who make it are artists of the highest order. I happen to like Counting Crows, and I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd be hard pressed to muster the emotional energy to actually hate them. Life's too short. Give a little.


For some reason, even after hundreds of plays, this song still gets me right in the heart. And I don't even have a clue what it's about!
 dickmahoon wrote:
I've often wondered how this 'band' ever got a recording contract.
I just want to throw something large like a crocodile at the computer/stereo/speakers but then I'd be really annoyed with myself.
So I won't.
 
The PSD button is priceless. 
I would never support RP if I had to listen to some of the crap Bill plays.

I simply can’t comprehend why this bad generates so much hate?
I do not hate this Counting Crows song.  Thank you RP
 dickmahoon wrote:
I've often wondered how this 'band' ever got a recording contract.
I just want to throw something large like a crocodile at the computer/stereo/speakers but then I'd be really annoyed with myself.
So I won't.
 

I think the answer to your question is that lots and lots of people like their music.  
I've often wondered how this 'band' ever got a recording contract.
I just want to throw something large like a crocodile at the computer/stereo/speakers but then I'd be really annoyed with myself.
So I won't.
one of my favorites!
 jason:d wrote:
I could listen to this album all day long.
 
I have, and probably will again at some point.
 jelgator wrote:
Yep, still h8in it.

yep, garbage at its finest.

 cosmicjoe54 wrote:
I almost got into an argument with  guy who, apparently kows a lot about music. I don't try to intellectualize music, it comes form the heart , not the mind. rmagg wrote:



 

 THANK YOU!! I You've been on this site at least a year, based on your comment. You surely see how many of these people do exactly what you're saying... they talk about it like a cake being baked... and how it's getting nicely golden brown... no musician wants that, not one. They want you to EAT CAKE!

I almost got into an argument with  guy who, apparently kows a lot about music. I don't try to intellectualize music, it comes form the heart , not the mind. rmagg wrote:



 

 jelgator wrote:
Yep, still h8in it.
 
tit
Yep, still h8in it.
I've always liked this one, and, for good or ill, it does make me think of all the tiny towns I saw on multiple cross country road trips..
 WeAdmire wrote:

This doesn't come to much without some sort of explanation.  Let's have it...
 
I agree with h8rhater - I think we (as in the average 1st world person) OVERuse the word Hate.  In relation to many things, food, people, songs, tv shows, whatever.  .... I for one like the Counting Crows, although it was on the radio in my HS days so it might be nostalgia.  LONG LIVE RP!!
 h8rhater wrote:

There it is.... h8.

 
This doesn't come to much without some sort of explanation.  Let's have it...
 h8rhater wrote:

There it is.... h8.

 

Yeah, well, you h8 h8rs, by your own admission.
 jelgator wrote:
Gross.  Hate these guys, always have.

 
There it is.... h8.
 maboleth wrote:
There's something in his voice that is.... kind of faux urgent, faux important, faux emotional.
 
Adorned with faux dreadlocks....
Counting Crows and Cloud Cult both have a kind of... urgency? in their singing? It's something like that, but I'm not quite sure how to articulate it.
There's something in his voice that is.... kind of faux urgent, faux important, faux emotional.
Gross.  Hate these guys, always have.
I do not hate this. More solid than their usual frenetic whinging.
I could listen to this album all day long.
       



                        




 ScottishWillie wrote:

Good point eloquently expressed.



 
Nicely said. Oh, and I agree with you. 
Sorry, but this album is still a revelation. Just place it against everything else in that moment. It passes the test. Years later, yes, I can play it and still smile. 
One of my favorite bands.
 WonderLizard wrote:
I've tried, I really have, but I have yet to understand how anyone can actually hate music of any kind. I can understand simply not caring for it—changing the dial so to speak, but hating? Music, my friend, is a miracle, and those who make it are artists of the highest order. I happen to like Counting Crows, and I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd be hard pressed to muster the emotional energy to actually hate them. Life's too short. Give a little.
 

Good point eloquently expressed.


While this band is different, I don't feel such Sturm und Drang to rail against them; Adam Duritz sings in a voice a lot like Rick Danko of The Band did; the heartbreaking pain and poignant passion in his heart is readily apparent and brought to expression. It works for me...
Oh yes, so great. Place and time adds to the flavour 
 raga wrote:
Sorry, but Counting Crows = PSD 

 
Don't be sorry - just leave quietly. I'm staying. See you in a bit.
 Euskadita wrote:

I don't find this song crap, only a typical "average" song of what there was in the 90's

 
Pretty much.
 scrubbrush wrote:
 I think it's worth bringing this sentiment back to the top. I've always liked this song a a few others by CC... Like any band, there are a few that i don't care for, but the dramatic cries for help seem a little, how shall i say? Dramatic?

casey1024 wrote:

Still well said, from the other side.  She KNEW.

 
 
 

 
Cynaera was almost unfailingly positive and interesting. RIP, kiddo. 

Some  CC songs are OK in small doses. This album just got played way too much when it came out. Other songs of theirs are great!  
Sorry, but Counting Crows = PSD 
lol @ this guy's voice.
 DeemerDave wrote:
Peyton Manning in the shotgun....
Omaha!

 

Heh.  Beat me to it.


Peyton Manning in the shotgun....
Omaha!
It's funny how music can sometimes only speak to a specific time and place. This came out when I was in high school. It was HUGE. I owned the CD and had all the tracks memorized. Listening to this song today, I did not particularly like it, but still knew all the lyrics. But if this came out today, they would be lucky to sell a few CDs at whatever 'hole in the wall' bar they happened to be playing at.
 I think it's worth bringing this sentiment back to the top. I've always liked this song a a few others by CC... Like any band, there are a few that i don't care for, but the dramatic cries for help seem a little, how shall i say? Dramatic?

casey1024 wrote:

Still well said, from the other side.  She KNEW.

 
 
 Cynaera wrote:
I know what's-his-name can't sing. I don't care. I sorta love the lyrics, and the music, and oh, hell - I don't isolate one factor of a song - I just take the whole thing and what it does to me. I guess I'm not so insular. If the music makes me dance, I dance. If the lyrics make me laugh, I laugh. If I don't understand them, I dance anyway. And if the lyrics are so banal ("moon," "June," "tune,"...) that the cynic in me has to rise up and be snarky, so be it.

Counting Crows doesn't elicit the snarky dragon in me. They inspire me (in spite of the negativity other people experience when listening to them.)  And I love this song.

  
gag, uuk and pit-tooie what crap
 rmagg wrote:

Very well said WonderLizard misic is a miricle, hate is way too strong an emotion for something so wonderful. 
 


 mdnlsn wrote:
I know that hating them only hurts me in the end, but I can't stop myself. Call it a cry for help. Please Bill, HELP ME!

WonderLizard wrote:

I've tried, I really have, but I have yet to understand how anyone can actually hate music of any kind. I can understand simply not caring for it—changing the dial so to speak, but hating? Music, my friend, is a miracle, and those who make it are artists of the highest order. I happen to like Counting Crows, and I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd be hard pressed to muster the emotional energy to actually hate them. Life's too short. Give a little.

 



 


I know that hating them only hurts me in the end, but I can't stop myself. Call it a cry for help. Please Bill, HELP ME!

WonderLizard wrote:

I've tried, I really have, but I have yet to understand how anyone can actually hate music of any kind. I can understand simply not caring for it—changing the dial so to speak, but hating? Music, my friend, is a miracle, and those who make it are artists of the highest order. I happen to like Counting Crows, and I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd be hard pressed to muster the emotional energy to actually hate them. Life's too short. Give a little.

 


 WonderLizard wrote:

I've tried, I really have, but I have yet to understand how anyone can actually hate music of any kind. I can understand simply not caring for it—changing the dial so to speak, but hating? Music, my friend, is a miracle, and those who make it are artists of the highest order. I happen to like Counting Crows, and I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd be hard pressed to muster the emotional energy to actually hate them. Life's too short. Give a little.

 

Never could find a way to phrase this notion quite so eloquently. Bravo.
PSD, thanks for that feature , RP.
Never could stand this singer. {#Razz}  One of the few times that I use the PSD button.
 Cynaera wrote:
I know what's-his-name can't sing. I don't care. I sorta love the lyrics, and the music, and oh, hell - I don't isolate one factor of a song - I just take the whole thing and what it does to me. I guess I'm not so insular. If the music makes me dance, I dance. If the lyrics make me laugh, I laugh. If I don't understand them, I dance anyway. And if the lyrics are so banal ("moon," "June," "tune,"...) that the cynic in me has to rise up and be snarky, so be it.

Counting Crows doesn't elicit the snarky dragon in me. They inspire me (in spite of the negativity other people experience when listening to them.)  And I love this song.

 
Still well said, from the other side.  She KNEW.
 zvezdarka wrote:
I love this album, and the memories that go with it :)

 
Aye - the best album they made. Good live band at the time too. 
I love this album, and the memories that go with it :)
 Nuance wrote:

You mean it was all crap?
 
I don't find this song crap, only a typical "average" song of what there was in the 90's
 Stave wrote:
Driving back to California from visiting my family a few years ago, my wife said of Omaha that it was the only nice place she'd seen in Nebraska. The look on her face when I told her that we were still in Council Bluffs, IA and hadn't actually crossed into Nebraska yet was priceless.
 
{#Lol} This anecdote is also priceless.
 chinnymcchipstah wrote:
I've tried, I really have but I HATE THIS BAND!!!! 
 
I've tried, I really have, but I have yet to understand how anyone can actually hate music of any kind. I can understand simply not caring for it—changing the dial so to speak, but hating? Music, my friend, is a miracle, and those who make it are artists of the highest order. I happen to like Counting Crows, and I happen to love this album, but even if I didn't, I'd be hard pressed to muster the emotional energy to actually hate them. Life's too short. Give a little.
 Euskadita wrote:
This song may be a synonym for American alternative rock of the 90's 
 
I guess it depends who you ask.  There were a lot of American alternative rock bands in the '90s - some better, some worse (more of the former IMO).
I've been watching too much election coverage, I misread the name of the song completely.   Counting Crows - Obama  {#Shifty}
this was always one of my favorite songs by them. it's nice to hear it again.
 Euskadita wrote:
This song may be a synonym for American alternative rock of the 90's 
 
You mean it was all crap?
I've tried, I really have but I HATE THIS BAND!!!! 
This song may be a synonym for American alternative rock of the 90's 
 sirdroseph wrote:
Yea I know his voice can be annoying, but this is still a pretty good album.
 




Yea I know his voice can be annoying, but this is still a pretty good album.
 MiracleDrug wrote:
this dude has a REALLY annoying voice...{#Frustrated}
 



And a penchant for bagging the hotties! Can I get a what? What?
 wibadger wrote:
Is it possible that Bill tracks what songs are playing when the count of streams drops precipitously? {#Wink} I've only found two things that chase me to Pandora temporarily: that horrible car crash song and Counting Crows. Ugh.

 
Yep, ran for the safety of Grooveshark immediately.  Works every time.

I am a fan. Like the songs, the band plays a wide range of instruments and give each other space to play. Like the double live MTV sessions. The band is really strong and switch between instruments from song to song.
this dude has a REALLY annoying voice...{#Frustrated}
 Cynaera wrote:

Um, which horrible car crash song would that be?  (Guessing it's that lame Pearl-Jam cover, but if there's another one, I'm pretty sure I don't want to hear it.) 
 
Vienna Teng - Passage.

Came to view the comments as I was looking through a gallery of pictures of the Missouri River flooding around Omaha when this song came on.

(Link broken - pic deleted)

The "walk on water" lyrics were...ironic. The song is still terrible. ;-)

I'm very open minded when it comes to music and I can find something to like about almost every band or song, but Counting Crows does nothing for me.  It's not overtly painful for me to listen to like, say, Natalie Merchant, but I would generally prefer silence over Counting Crows.
Wow, it appears that lotsa people hate these guys.
I really liked this album, although their subsequent output was pretty average. 
I have always loved this album.  It is thematically consistent, at times sublime, and holds up even after all the bad stuff they made afterwards. 
 wibadger wrote:
Is it possible that Bill tracks what songs are playing when the count of streams drops precipitously? {#Wink} I've only found two things that chase me to Pandora temporarily: that horrible car crash song and Counting Crows. Ugh.

 
Um, which horrible car crash song would that be?  (Guessing it's that lame Pearl-Jam cover, but if there's another one, I'm pretty sure I don't want to hear it.)  At least no one's tried to upload (or, thankfully, if they did, it was rejected) "D.O.A." by Bloodrock. THAT piece of morbid shock-rock used to give me nightmares. I listened to it once for the first time, and ever after that, when I heard the first four bars of it, I'd vault to the radio, risking life and limb, to turn it off. Got a broken toe one time (my ONLY broken bone - I tripped over the vacuum cleaner cord and landed terribly wrong, but still managed to hit the "off" button before those cute little white sparkles of pain shifted my focus to the damage to my foot.)

Guess I should give a shout-out to Bloodrock for breaking my "bones-perfectly-intact" record, literally. F*ckers.  {#Lol}

And this has absolutely nothing to do with Counting Crows, except that I never risk life and limb to turn off a Counting Crows song. Gee - maybe I've mellowed with age. {#Sunny}
Very pleasant song from the Rain King.
 socalhol wrote:

me neither — he's such a whiner.....!

 

Excuse me...?

This song and the whole album is GREAT MUSIC!
Not that I would repeat that for anything they came up with later!

To say this is not a gorgeous song (overplayed or not)
is, again, BULL!
 fluffybum wrote:
can't stand 'em.
 
me neither — he's such a whiner.....!

I know what's-his-name can't sing. I don't care. I sorta love the lyrics, and the music, and oh, hell - I don't isolate one factor of a song - I just take the whole thing and what it does to me. I guess I'm not so insular. If the music makes me dance, I dance. If the lyrics make me laugh, I laugh. If I don't understand them, I dance anyway. And if the lyrics are so banal ("moon," "June," "tune,"...) that the cynic in me has to rise up and be snarky, so be it.

Counting Crows doesn't elicit the snarky dragon in me. They inspire me (in spite of the negativity other people experience when listening to them.)  And I love this song.
 Quixmundi wrote:
Plastic angst - totally predictable from this group.
 
Well said.
Why ruin a good set with bird poop?
 BettyB wrote:
I really can't stand the vocals. Ick.
 
And people say Bob Dylan can't sing?
Is it possible that Bill tracks what songs are playing when the count of streams drops precipitously? {#Wink} I've only found two things that chase me to Pandora temporarily: that horrible car crash song and Counting Crows. Ugh.

 speakerman wrote:

You may be similarly surprised that a very large number of us can't stand Dave Matthews Band either.
 
can't stand DMB, bob seeger or the "boss" or U2, neil young, tom petty, do like cownting crows and david gray and old cold play, go figure
 jonrox wrote:
I completely agree - I was amazed that so many people apparently can't stand them!
 
You may be similarly surprised that a very large number of us can't stand Dave Matthews Band either.


OldFrenchie wrote:
I drove through Omaha last year. It looks like it really sucks


Driving back to California from visiting my family a few years ago, my wife said of Omaha that it was the only nice place she'd seen in Nebraska. The look on her face when I told her that we were still in Council Bluffs, IA and hadn't actually crossed into Nebraska yet was priceless.
just a beautiful song...

make it stop!
can't stand 'em.
 plaid wrote:
Counting Crows selections sure seem to be quite polarizing here in the comments and forums.
 

I completely agree - I was amazed that so many people apparently can't stand them!
I think that this is the best album ever made, in terms of every song is great, way they are put together, originality, it had everything. Great live too.
One of the best CDs of the 90's, in my opinion. Also, one heck of a great debut album.

I know that some aren't fans of Adam's voice, but, then again, no one is universally liked. I personally think he's a great singer & lyricist, but, that's just my opinion.


marcel
(some 10.000 km east of paradise)
Posted: May 24, 2008 - 12:44 < Reply >

jjbix wrote: one of the best crow songs . . .
From their best album...

Good! Now I know I never need to invesitgate their music any further.
 hippiechick wrote:
I still pull this album out for a listen once in awhile. One of my faves. I love Adam's whiny lyrics.
 
Which proves how different everyone's tastes are.  I can't stand Adam's whiny lyrics.  I've often thought that if this band were fronted by, say, Patti Griffin, then they'd be among my top faves.  But sadly, I'm left with the Whine King...
I still pull this album out for a listen once in awhile. One of my faves. I love Adam's whiny lyrics.
I like the melody{#Dancingbanana}
I really can't stand the vocals. Ick.
Plastic angst - totally predictable from this group.
A good song is a good song. It doesn't matter if it's overplayed... it's an overplayed good song. It can lose the impact when you've heard it too much though. Anyway, this song is a great song, one that I'm not burned out on probably because I don't listen to the radio very much. I know there are people who just don't like these guys... I can actually understand it, because I can't find my way to like any Pearl Jam/Vedder songs. Something about the guy's voice... which is probably how many here feel about Duritz. Oh well. We all have our thing.
jjbix wrote:
one of the best crow songs . . .
From their best album...
one of the best crow songs . . .
amcallis wrote:
It's got a nice zoo, and crime is low. Affordable place to live, all in all. Some great independent music coming out of Omaha in the last 3 years or so, also (saddle creek records). It's not a *boom* you're having a wonderful time type of city. It's a place to live that's a little more laid back than that.
high510 wrote:
I worked in Omaha for a year. A remarkably interesting town that has a wonderfully egalatarian streak (you should see Warren Buffet's house. Just a slightly bigger than normal house on the corner of a street near down town). Typical of a hard working Mid-West/Plains city. Easy place to work.
Odyzzeuz wrote:
Look kids! This is a good example of striking below the belt!
xkolibuul wrote:
Yep, and I could make a snide comment here about Winnipeg too, but...I shall refrain.
You guys should petition Bill to hold a new contest: "A Change of Heart - Sponsor RP most Northernly Troll's visit to America's bread basket" Budget breakdown: Greyhound return ticket from Winnipeg to Omaha - 97 bucks 2 night stay at the Super 8 Motel - 120 bucks Six pack of Bud - 7 bucks Bus tickets to Warren Buffet's house - 2 bucks Daily per diem (2x30) - 60 bucks (a troll has gotta eat you know) I could post my experiences on the forums with photos for all to see. Whad-da ya say?
tompoll wrote:
Counting Crows = automatic mute. I just don't think the guy can sing on key.
yeah and tries to look and act like a cocker spaniel.
a_genuine_find wrote:
..??..
Good point! Bob doesn't even TRY to sing on-key. I have a hard time listening to him too, though as a songwriter he's one of the very best. Counting Crows as songwriters--not so much.
tompoll wrote:
Counting Crows = automatic mute. I just don't think the guy can sing on key.
..??..
Omaha? HA! HA HA! As Wichita Falls, so falls Wichita Falls.
I want to pull my hair out evertime I hear these guys!!!
Counting Crows = automatic mute. I just don't think the guy can sing on key.
musikalia wrote:
I'd never heard Counting Crows til I listened to Radio Paradise. One band I'd have been happier not to have ever discovered. Terrible. So mainstream....just like the song says...middle America.
You NEVER heard of the Counting Crows before RP? Where the hell have you been the last 15 years? On the moon? Crows are good but Bud does make pretty bland beer. I agree with Nate917 on Goose Island being a very tasty, hoppy beer. Loose Cannon Hop3 is also good as is "X", "Wailing Wench" and "Impaled Ale" from our niche brewery : Middle Ages, in snowy Syracuse NY. Cheers!
OldFrenchie wrote:
I drove through Omaha last year. It looks like it really sucks
It's got a nice zoo, and crime is low. Affordable place to live, all in all. Some great independent music coming out of Omaha in the last 3 years or so, also (saddle creek records). It's not a *boom* you're having a wonderful time type of city. It's a place to live that's a little more laid back than that.
Man, I feel 14 all over again. Awesome.
OldFrenchie wrote:
I drove through Omaha last year. It looks like it really sucks
I worked in Omaha for a year. A remarkably interesting town that has a wonderfully egalatarian streak (you should see Warren Buffet's house. Just a slightly bigger than normal house on the corner of a street near down town). Typical of a hard working Mid-West/Plains city. Easy place to work.
...nice transition from late night radio...
prolly my favorite song from a band that I can't stand
robco1 wrote:
I'm a Fat Tire fan myself, though our home-grown Goose Island is pretty nice too.
Seems like I agree with Robco a lot. Goose Island is indeed delicious beer, and I wish I were in Wicker Park drinking some right now.
gandalfbmg wrote:
Not ALL of middle America is actually bad, that's just coastal elitism. And even though I am from Missouri, *I* too agree that bud is bland, mass produced dreck. I much prefer the beer from right, er, correct side of the state, from the state's second largest and highest quality brewery...
I'm a Fat Tire fan myself, though our home-grown Goose Island is pretty nice too. Being from the "elitist" east coast and now living in the Mid-West, I resent the elitist crack. Even if it fits. ;-) Bud puts traces of formaldehyde and antifreeze in their beer to be able to run the capping machines faster.
Rickvee wrote:
CC's best song. Back from the time they were a good band.
Yeah, man, Counting Crows was a good band never.
OldFrenchie wrote:
I drove through Omaha last year. It looks like it really sucks
Look kids! This is a good example of striking below the belt!
Right up there with Cake in my book. Third. Worst. Band. Ever.
musikalia wrote:
I'd never heard Counting Crows til I listened to Radio Paradise. One band I'd have been happier not to have ever discovered. Terrible. So mainstream....just like the song says...middle America.
Not ALL of middle America is actually bad, that's just coastal elitism. And even though I am from Missouri, *I* too agree that bud is bland, mass produced dreck. I much prefer the beer from right, er, correct side of the state, from the state's second largest and highest quality brewery...
I hate to be negative about artists,.... these guys seem to be really down to earth sort of fellows. The vibrato on the singers voice sounds like he\'s singing through a box fan though,..... together with being pitchy in spots it can be hard to listen to.
Counting Crows selections sure seem to be quite polarizing here in the comments and forums.