Moral Kiosk

First of all, could this cut work on any other album? Well, my friend, the answer is no. This is classic "Murmur": quirky, frantic, random, murky, and well, murmury. There are a ton of odd little moments and changes in this tune that I can't help thinking are intentionally crafted to create something of a kiosk - the little structure in the center of town where you can find advertisements, invitations, and varied connections.

I do have a vague memory of an old REM concert where, in a soft lull before the next tune someone yelled out, "Moral Kiosk!", and I think it made Pete chuckle.

Talk About the Passion

Great tune. The opening riff brings back some cool memories of sitting in my room with my first guitar, feeling pretty good about learning how to play that shimmering little ditty. The production on that opening has a close up feel, and you can hear the percussive tone of the picking. But at the chorus, the acoustics have a mellow, far away feel as they strum, making way for the bright electric (12 string?). Dig the ethereal backing vocals from Mills.

Lyrically, it's another journey into Michael's religious tapestry: the Passion in question, of course, is the Passion of Christ; and not everyone can carry the weight of the world. Then what's he saying at the bridge, Gunga Din?