HOOGENBOOM - “Shame On Us”
Photo: Billy Yarbrough
“Shame On Us,” by Hoogenboom, is another great song that showcases his musical prowess and lyrical intelligence. The opening of the song is driven by acoustic guitars that create a driving rhythm reminiscent of Beady Eye’s “Soul Love.” The addition of unusual synth sounds adds a tension which is matched by the lyrics.
One of the standout features of the song is the vocal performance of Hoogenboom. He always has a way of finding a cool, easy, and relaxed tone. The vocal melody and song structure are reminiscent of Paul McCartney’s style, making the song familiar in nature. The strings, at the end of the song, add an elegant touch to the whole arrangement.
Lyrically, “Shame On Us” is a biting satirical exploration of blame in the internet age. The lyrics are well crafted offering a solution to these problems. The song is taken from Hoogenboom's debut album, Good For Nothing (A Spiraling Blackout Montage).