Vague Souvenir – Des Armes

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The first time the band performed this song live was during the European Tour… in England, I remember the song was welcomed very warmly, even though people did not understand what the lyrics were about, the song being in French. The shows have always been an opportunity for the band to not only perform and share their own songs, but also to share with the people they love some songs that had inspired them over the years… During the European Tour, “Des Armes” was one of them.

An outstanding text, written by Leo Ferré, and adapted into music by Noir Désir, one of Alex’s all time favorite bands, for their texts, their music, and their intensity. And this intensity, Your Favorite Enemies knows it very well… So when the decision came to add “Des Armes” to “Vague Souvenir”, I think it was pretty natural for everyone… This song had accompanied them through some of the most significant moments of a band: a first tour in Europe…

But this time, however, they did not only want to reproduce it as they did in the past. No. It wasn’t about playing another band’s song. It was all about translating what the song made them live through their instrument… The song would basically remain the same, however, they would not be bound by reproducing someone else’s feeling: it would be their feelings that they played this time…

And this is just how I lived it… Because this song, compared to the one that was played in Europe in 2007, was a brand-new song… The lyrics were the same. The chords were the same. The intensity, though it was as tangible as in 2007, was totally different… Through this song, you could feel how much the band had evolved, as individuals and as a band… And as soon as I heard this song performed the way it was on June 3rd during the Bla Bla Bla: The Live Show, I knew that this song alone was a perfect image of the journey the band had been through throughout the years; without a doubt, they had moved at high speed to reach where they were now… and continued moving… as this journey we are on is one that never ends…

– Stephanie

Comments (5)

  • Chris

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    29 aug 2013: Greatly appreciate your passing by in our neighborhood and offering your CDs . Great music, readable text and interesting style. Happy to see a quality group within our area. Hope you world success.

    Reply

  • Elizabeth

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    I wasn’t in Europe 5 years ago, but i was very close to all of you at that time, following every step through the “tour bus confessional” blogs and pictures and sharing with those remaining at “base camp” – and I’ve lived the moments of the past 5 years with you as well, traveling by your side from here in TN and occasionally with you in person as well – what a journey it has been!! The changes in the performance of a song are indeed a very powerful way to “see” the transformation that has taken place in people over time, and as Stephanie says, in your case (and for me and others in the extended “family”) it is indeed very very beautiful – we truly have grown and evolved together in powerful ways – light illuminating darkness, healing and freedom gently caressing us..beautiful..and imagine all that is to come!!

    love you always!! praying!! mom/eliz

    Reply

  • Mary

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    It’s impressive to see that a song written by an artist can be performed by different bands, in different musical styles, but the soul of the song stays the same. The emotions that need to be shared through the lyrics are unchangeable even if we may feel that emphasis is put on some verses more than others by the way it’s sung, or the way the music is played, but the message stays the same and doesn’t loose it’s power.

    Glad to know that this song is still relevant for the band 5 years later, even if they have changed through time, they still carry a powerful message!

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  • Marjo

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    I totally agree with you Stephanie, as I had the privilege of witnessing the live performance of this song, throughout the European tour, in 2007!! And also once more, during the “Bla Bla Bla: The Live Show”, last year! I was happily surprised to hear them perform this song again, and you’re right… it changed and evolved so much… And I couldn’t make the statement of saying that the performance they did of this song, 5 years ago, was better than the one they did, live from the set of the show… because they were both part of two very different moments in time… But one thing is for sure, both of them were performed with this same sense of authenticity and depth… turning the moment into eternity!! I’m glad I was there, both times, to be part of the history of this song, performed Your Favorite Enemies’ way!!

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  • Anna

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    I remember when I first heard ”Des Armes” on the Vague Souvenir album… and I thought to myself ”Wow… this is totally a different song from the one I heard 5 years ago”. This song has matured and grown so much over the years… just like the band members. That’s the beauty of music… Depending on what period you are in your life it can translate perfectly what you’re living. Just like this song… 5 years ago it was perfect they way it was performed back then, because it was the perfect refection of what the band was going through, and today’s version is a perfect reflexion of the band now… How beautiful!!! Like you say Stephanie… the chords haven’t changed but the intensity and the soul of it had evolved! Every time I listen to this song, it reminds me of our journey and how all together we have grown and evolved…

    Reply

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