Rose City; Bump dee Bump dee Bump
Randy Leonard
I received an intriguing email last week from a local company that sells high end audio equipment for music production.
Cliff Castle, a co-founder of Audix, sent me a song that his company wrote and produced entitled "Rose City". It was written to celebrate the place we call home, Portland, Oregon.
My wife and I listened to it the other night and we both liked it a lot.
Its big horns and funky beat remind me a lot of one of my all time favorite bands, The Tower of Power.
Cliff has offered to donate the song to the City of Portland as the official song of Portland.
"Hmmm", I thought, "there must be other songs out there written about Portland."
Of course, in another era those wonderments found their way into the dark hole of unsolved curiosity. Today, however, randmom curious thoughts of "what ever happend to..." or "I wonder if..." are answered by six little letters...Google.
So I did.
I found a song about Portland performed by Loretta Lynn and Jack White entitled "Portland, Oregon".
Of course, there is the song "Louie Louie" written in Portland by the Kingsmen.
Then there is the song sent to me last week written for Portland, "Rose City"
So what do you think BlueOregon? Is "Rose City" worthy of being Portland's official song?
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Apr 7, '07
Of the three songs up for vote, "Rose City" has mine.
9:04 p.m.
Apr 7, '07
I'll take a listen, Randy, but here's one critical factor: If it's going to be the official song, the songwriter has to give up all rights to it and put it into the public domain.
Frankly, it's ridiculous that the city allowed the guy who created the Portlandia statue to retain the rights -- and he's apparently very difficult about allowing images of Portlandia to be used.
Imagine if every time someone sang or played the "Star-Spangled Banner", they had to pay royalties to the estate of Francis Scott Key. It'd be ridiculous. (By the same token, it is ridiculous that restaurants can't sing "Happy Birthday" to customers because they'll get sued by the rights-owner.)
If you want this song to truly represent the city, then make sure the rights are released into the public domain. No one should fear a lawsuit or have to pay royalties just because the song gets played in a classroom, a baseball stadium, a commencement ceremony, a concert, or on the radio.
OK, off to listen now.
9:06 p.m.
Apr 7, '07
Can't wait to hear what other songs are out there…this one's neat, but the words "official song" establish a pretty high bar, at least in my mind.
What about "Rose City Till I Die," as belted out all summer long by the Timbers Army? ;)
Apr 7, '07
Kari- The owner of the song indicated he would gift it to the city. Of course, we would acquire all of the rights to the song if in fact we adopted the song for Portland.
Apr 7, '07
I like the track, but I think the line about James Brown having a field day because we have so many bridges is weak. Remember what Spinal Tap said: It's a fine line between clever and stupid. The sax solo rules.
10:49 p.m.
Apr 7, '07
Randy -- There's a difference between the city government owning the rights and the song being in the public domain. I'd suggest the latter.
Apr 7, '07
I think this is a bad idea. The song is okay, and Audix makes some great audio gear. But "official song" is indeed a high honor, and one that song frankly does not deserve. Why do we need an official song anyway?
Apr 7, '07
"Why do we need an official song anyway?"
That is why I have asked the question "Is "Rose City" worthy of being Portland's official song?"
12:18 a.m.
Apr 8, '07
An interesting question: What should be the criteria for picking an official song?
Should it be a song that has deep cultural or historical meaning? (Like say, Louie Louie) Or can it be an original song?
Should it identify a particular moment in time? Or should it be timeless?
Should it be by a well-known local resident? Or is an anonymous or unknown author a positive?
12:20 a.m.
Apr 8, '07
Not if "Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered" is available.
Apr 8, '07
How's about "Rose Parade"?
Apr 8, '07
There's also "Portland Oregon" by Belle and Sebastian. It's only ever been performed twice, both times in Portland. 2000 and 2006 I believe. You tube it.
Apr 8, '07
Official songs and IKEA signs...don't you have something better to do with the city's time?...like Police reform or school budgets? Sounds to me like your getting bored with yor job and you need something to do to justify your position on the city council.
Apr 8, '07
It would definitely need to be a blues tune. Perhaps something that speaks to the 98% of people in Portland who are not on Randy's friends list and don't like funding these silly projects because our water/sewer bill is so high, our roads have a 15 year history of neglect and schools don't really have adequate funding.
I'd also like Mr Oken-Berg to write it since he almost beat Vera with barely a HS Diploma. I think he is the politician most taxpayers would want writing something like this.
Please get back to work on something the city needs!
9:33 a.m.
Apr 8, '07
A little self-consciously boosterish for my taste. Of course, I was living in Memphis when Marc Cohen came out "Walking in Memphis", so those early childhood psychological wounds are still healing.
I think local band Quasi's "It's Raining" is a great Portland song, even if it doesn't rise to the level of official candidate. The Loretta Lynn/Jack White song's fantastic too, as is the whole album.
9:37 a.m.
Apr 8, '07
I think "Hit the Road Jack" would make an excellent Blue Oregon anthem, btw.
Apr 8, '07
"Rose City" is certainly well executed by the musicians, but it sounds an awful lot like an upbeat jingle for a mall that's trying to attract senior citizens.
And I don't think a country tune really reflects Portland.
How about "The KKK Took My Baby Away" by the Ramones? Either that or "Killer Weed" by the Supersuckers.
Apr 8, '07
Don't forget Todd Snider's "Rose City Blues," and "D.B. Cooper" and the Replacements have a song called Portland. Of course, the City of Portland may not want to have D.B. Cooper mentioned, he!
Apr 8, '07
Dear Portanders,
Here’s a little more insight explaining the true nature of this song, how it was conceived, and the true intent.
First, Audix is a microphone manufacturer who moved here in 1991 with the idea that Portland is intrinsically beautiful and offers a higher quality of life, especially for people raising families. As the co-founder of the company, I can honestly say that we made the right choice.
Audix is , of course, involved in the local music community, but we are also an international company with heavy distribution in the USA and all of the major countries. We proudly make our products in the US and we strive for quality, performance, and value.
As for the song (written by myself, Gene Houck, and Jay Koder and produced by Audix) - it occurred to me after having worked with many of Portland’s finest musicians, that having a good them song would provide many attributes for the City.
First of all, it’s a lively, contemporary, catchy song that is very musical, mainstream and commercial. Just play it for your kids, they will be singing along with it by the end of the song. The song features some of the finest musicians Portland has to offer, and all the musicians were excited to be a part of this “Rose City Project.” The song could be used as a backdrop for a video that could feature landmarks, public workers, Police, fireman , city officials, Blazers,. It’s got an uplifting message. It could be a great promotional tool and would draw attention to Portland on a national level. Not many cities lend themselves to a song , and this one just happens to work – all great cities are associated with their music - be it San Francisco, New York, Chicago, New Orleans ; Portland now also has this potential.
There IS a mountain in the Hood. Once you’re here, your really DO lose your umbrella. And for those of you who love rhythm and blues, James Brown’s most famous line in just about every one of his songs is “Take me to the bridge!”
The song, like any work of art, is always the property of the owner , however, it can be licensed freely to the City without having to be placed in Public domain. In fact, there is a commercial advantage to making the song available on CD’s, downloads, movies, sporting events, etc. whereby monies could be raised for music programs in the schools and the community.
Music is the one common denominator that brings people together regardless of age, background, and social standing. With this in mind, we would be honored if Portland would adopt Rose City as the official theme song.
With kind regards,
Apr 8, '07
Great Song. However, I am partial to Ward Jean Stroud's "Stumptown Boy". Not only are the lyrics fun and descriptive, but embodies what the blues and jazz revival has meant to this city. It's upbeat, and quite catchy. Give it a listen on iTunes.
Apr 8, '07
hey... no one's mentioned Sleater-Kinney's 'Light Rail Coyote.' i love that song. 'oh dirty river...' good stuff.
Apr 8, '07
"Why do we need an official song anyway?"
That is why I have asked the question "Is "Rose City" worthy of being Portland's official song?"
-- No, the way the question is posed assumes we need an official song and whether this one is worthy.
5:19 p.m.
Apr 8, '07
While I think the Loretta Lynn song is cool (and the vid is especially nice), it characterizes Portland not at all or badly, depending on how you look at it:
Sloe gin fizzes sound like a Memphis drink. If you're drinking by the glass or pitcher, it should be beer. "I lost my mind in Oregon" also meshes poorly with the "We love dreamers" motto.
5:21 p.m.
Apr 8, '07
Louie Louie, incidentally, has always seemed like our city song, official or not. The "Rose City" song is a bit too ... much. Sounds like one of those songs they write for pro sports teams.
5:23 p.m.
Apr 8, '07
It's a perfectly good song (and I agree that the best parts do sound like Tower of Power, which I love), but it's too new. I think that for a song to be a real and authentic "official song of..." whatever, the song needs to have been around and well-liked long enough that the designation seems more like an official recognition of that which was already the case. You can't just pass a City Council resolution and make it so. It has to be more organic than that.
Apr 8, '07
Definately Belle and Sebastian
Apr 8, '07
I seem to recall a fuzzy memory of being a kid in Portland in the '70s and learning a song to the tune of "Battle Hymn of the Republic" that was designated our "Official Song" the the "Mayor Who Dare Not Speak His Name." Does anyone else remember this (or the actual song)?
Apr 8, '07
Maybe its just because I'm a bit younger and such but I'm going to give 1 very large hint. PORTLAND IS THE CAPITAL OF INDIE ROCK MUSIC IN THE ENTIRE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW. Sorry to yell that but I wanted to make a point. This song sounds absolutely nothing like anything this city puts out that makes it famous musically. This song, while produced well, is really nothing like anything in Portland. It screams Michael McDonald which isn't exactly hip or edgy either. I understand the intention and its really nice but really? We could draw on people like Elliot Smith, The Decemberists, The Shins, Modest Mouse, Sleater-Kinney, The Dandy Warhols, Norfolk and Western, The Thermals, The Joggers, Lifesavas, Pond, Hazel, Helio Sequence, Blitzen Trapper, Stars of Track and Field, Pink Martini, Crackerbash, Menomena, Viva Voce, Heatmiser...I could keep going.
Try going to pdxpopnow.com and checking out the free festival that normal people on an e-mail list threw together that revolves around the Portland music scene. This town has something incredible going on musically and to be honest, while well intentioned, is a really weak official song. I have no problem with an official song...I just don't want people around the country making fun of us because our official song sounds like it was sung by a Michael McDonald cover band...cause if I have to hear Yamo Be There one more time I'm going to Yamo burn this place to the ground. I'm not going to really burn anything down but I thought the quote was appropriate.
I'm not trying to be a big jerk but honestly...there is no way this could be considered the official Portland song.
Apr 9, '07
Ouch.
I love Michael McDonald.
Apr 9, '07
Sorry Randy...I wasn't trying to play the Simon Cowell.
Apr 9, '07
@JJ: exactly what my response was going to be...
I think everybody has their own favorite song that reminds them of Portland, or is about Portland, etc. We don't need an "official song". Additionally, if we were to have an official song, I don't think this one is deserving, which is what I said in my previous post.
Apr 9, '07
Louie Louie was not 'written' in Portland - it was only recorded here by The Kingsmen as well as Paul Revere and The Raiders.
12:00 p.m.
Apr 9, '07
On the copyright/licensing issue:
If Oregon is to embrace a leadership position in the "open source" world, we need to show greater familiarity with the licensing options.
"Public domain" would be an acceptable option, but isn't ideal. A "copyleft" license like the GFDL offers two distinct advantages over a release into the public domain:
Cliff, thanks for spelling out your thoughts in detail; but can you please address the distinction raised above, between licensing the song to the public, vs. licensing it to the city government?
Apr 9, '07
Louie Louie
Apr 9, '07
To Garrett's comment: How about a contest among PDX bands for official song?
Semifinals are held in various venues; a cover is charged. Finalists are web- and telecast. People vote via web or phone.
Money raised goes to arts orgs.
Apr 9, '07
Can Michael McDonald compete?
Apr 9, '07
and the finals of the contest be done live atop the platformed IKEA sign near the airport?
Apr 9, '07
Michael McDonald can compete only if he promises not to play Yamo Be There or anything off any of his records :)
Apr 9, '07
Carol- please check out http://www.pdxpopnow.com/about and support Portland's local music scene.
Apr 9, '07
To Louis Louis - good points regarding the licensing arragement - this would all be worked out to the city's benefit.
Please note that Rose City is just one song off the Rose City Project's upcoming musical collection. It features some of the most musically talented people in the area and includes a wide genre of music. Rose City is being offered to the city, but if they choose not to use it, it will be available commercially for those who like it. Most of the songs that have become associated with a particular city have been commercial endeavors.
We all have our own musical tastes and I am glad to see that the idea of a city theme song has raised some interesting points. Whether you like this one or not, it was written with the idea that Portland is worth singing about. Portland has some great bands and a lot of talented people - hopefully they will also start singing the praises of this place we call home.
Apr 9, '07
Rose City is a cool song - not entirely my taste, but overall an upbeat and clever tune. Michael McDonald cover band or no, the horns and background vocals are wonderful.
The thing that makes 'Rose City' really cool is that it was written to be Portland's song. Of all the songs considered, this is the one whose intention is a gift to Portland.
This is a love song...for and about Portland...and the folks who live here.
Whether or not the city officially makes 'Rose City' its own on paper - it already belongs to Portland. I think that it'd be cool to hear it at a Blazer's game, or at the Rose Festival, or some other similar event.
Apr 9, '07
I like it. I think that if you don't like it you should write your own. Why should Portland have just one song? There's like 50 about New York. Someone call the Decemberists or the Shins and tell them to make an emo indy Portland theme song that will make everyone happy unless you happen to be in the growing underground hip-hop scene in Portland or country or any other genre for that matter.
Apr 10, '07
But can you sing along with it?
Here's a song which really tells it like its is. Portland Town (An ode to James G. Blaine)
It was written back in 1975 by Sean Slattery.
Apr 10, '07
How about 'PDX' by locals THE HAZMATS? Rich in Portland history, culture and of course rock:
PDX
Copyright 2007 PoTown Records
Apr 10, '07
There's that line that sounds like: "Rose City's got herpes," so that pretty much took that one out of the running for me. I'd vote for Lynn/White.
Apr 10, '07
Wow, that song was horrible. Sounds like a 1980's sit com theme. Imagine how it will sound to us many years from now.
I am so glad we're tackling the tough issues. This and the refurbished cabin at bull run, which is probably a Leonard Family getaway by now are all excellent moves for Portland.
Good thing I have a CD player that won't skip, I can listen to this song skip free going over pot holes in our streets.
Apr 10, '07
To Garrett:
We work with and help support many of of the indy bands in Portland including the Shins, Decembrists, Pink Martini, and most others. While you're points are well taken, I think that you'll find that most musicians in town will like Rose City, regardless of the type of music they play. It's well written, spirited, grooves, and features great players, most of whom have dedicated their lives to music. Musicians all appreciate what it takes to put an original song together. The musicians who play on the song and very diverse and ALL of them have played and can play many types of music, and do it well.
I would love to see more Portland bands writing a song for Portland, for the cool city that it is - hey write your own song in fact. I can guarantee you that I wouldn't be one of the people criticizing anyone for trying.
Apr 12, '07
I am a recording and performing artist and award winning songwriter who has a song about the Portland bridges that may interest all of you. It is called Bridges of This Town. I released it as a single song CD a few years back and I have performed it here in Portland at many concerts and events over the years. You can hear it on Sharon Wood Wortman's Bridge Stories web site:
http://www.bridgestories.com (a clip of the song) http://www.bridgestories.com/morrison_bridge_vt.html (the whole song)
thanks, Stephen
Stephen Cohen, Portland, Oregon
Apr 24, '07
That song sucks big time.
Apr 26, '07