TS: "Malibu" versus "Simple Kind of Life"

"Simple Kind of Life," but yeah you're sorta right

Didn't Billy Corgan write "Malibu?" They definitely have a similar feel, but I think that if Corgan hadn't given "Malibu" to Courtney, this valid connection might never have processed.

Oddly enough I think these are my favorite songs by both bands. "Simple Kind Of Life" wins for me.

Oh wait, just before hitting "submit" I realized that "New" is my favorite No Doubt song. They still win imo.

Malibu

TS: "Gold Dust Woman" vs "You Make Loving Fun"

In what will inevitably turn into a TS: Courtney vs. Gwen, I will choose Courtney every single time.

That said, in this case it's the right choice. "Simple Kind of Life" is okay and all, even if Gwen's poor little rich girl act chafes, but "Malibu" simply kicks its ass.

Not only because it rocks harder, but because it's a better pop song. Take away the nifty outro ("I can't be near you..."), take away the snarling "uh-HUH," and you've still got a sweet melody and a nice, catchy ascending-descending guitar fill. Whereas "Simple Kind Of Life" lifts its melody from one of Tom Petty's weaker radio hits.

What seals it though is that Courtney Love writes first-rate lyrics, while Gwen writes literalist high-school poetry. Nothing wrong with that, and it connects well enough, but that makes this a decidedly unfair fight.

Compare:

For a long time - I was in love
Not only in love - I was obsessed

vs.

Crash and burn -
All the stars explode tonight.
How'd you get so desperate?
How'd you stay alive?

Gold Dust Woman, of course.

Courtney Love IS a fantastic lyricist, and Celebrity Skin is chockful of great examples. "Malibu" has always sounded sorta generic but it's one of the few numbers not arranged and produced like Heart and Starship are waiting outside for the band to finish.

Courtney always and forever, for about six months "Malibu" was my favorite song. period.

and i know ive said this before, but Gwen Stefani's lyrics make me suspect she has undiagnosed down syndrome. some of her music is *ok*

It's so much fun to imitate Courtney Love's voice (and her drug use to an extent...) on that song. Malllliiibbuuuuuu-uh, uh huhhhyeah.

MALIBU

see it's a great song cuz it's like all about california but actually if you listen to it it's all dark and about death and shit. < /sarcasm>

but i do love it.

I seccond every single word rogermexico wrote up there. Except maybe for Goldust Woman... I don't think I like it that much. I love the Malibu's part when she sings about his belly on fire.