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The War on Drugs — An Ocean In Between The Waves
Album: Lost in the Dream
Avg rating:
7.6

Your rating:
Total ratings: 5236









Released: 2014
Length: 7:10
Plays (last 30 days): 1
Run away, I'm a travellin' man
Been working every day
I watch you as you hesitate
Walking through the rain

I bet against the company again
Been trying to redefine
Everything that I know and love
Gotta know you're mine, yeah

Feel the way that the wild wind blows through the room
Like a nail gun through the heart
That just don't beat the same anymore
That might as well be gone

I'm in my finest hour
Can I be more than just a fool?
It always gets so hard to seem bright
Before the moon

Far away ma, there's a black sun risin' overhead
There's a moon through the midnight rain
How can I surround myself in time and time again?
How can I be free?

Just wanna lay in the moonlight
See the light shine in, see you in the outline
It never gets too dark to find
Anybody at anytime

I'm at the darkened hillside
And there's a haze right between the trees
And I can barely see you
You're like an ocean in between the waves
Comments (331)add comment
A brilliant case study of how to make a song both energetic and gentle! 
 klaasstap wrote:

Every song the same routine. Nothing really happens in this music. It could be used as elevator music. I don't know why people are crazy about it.



I'd like to be in those elevators.  
 undo_silence wrote:

I'm in love with his band. I can hear Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, Roxy Music, Dire Straits, Bruce Springsteen .... they are awesome! Thanks RP for introducing this band to me. 



I was trying to think of who the singer reminded me of, and the vocals remind me of Mark Knopfler on songs like Sultan of Swing.
Still a head-turner after 10 years... 


 MattP wrote:
The "wooo!" gets me *every* time!  Lovin' this song...


That "woo" takes the song to 11.
I found this band (and sooo many others) through listening to Radio Paradise. Love it!
RP made me discover W.O.D. to my delight. For what ever reason,  the band brings tears to my eyes. Can't help it. My wife hasn't said anything, yet. Love her, love them.
Saw then recently,  outdoor venue, warm summers evening, they played this and it sounded fantastic.
I cannot explain the source of the happiness that overwhelms me listening to The War on Drugs
Yo tambien agradezco a RP dar a conocer bandas de esta calidad. F.-/$&-k the algorithm
 Pound33 wrote:

The War on Drugs is one of numerous bands that I never paid attention to but thanks to RP have come to realize sound really good to me.  This song in particular is most excellent and gets an 8 from this desk denizen.



Seconded!
Love love love it.  One of the best songs of the 2010's.
There still is power in rock...Bravo
suena de maravilla...
cada vez descubro nuevos grupos... 
muy buena calidad de sonido
The War on Drugs is one of numerous bands that I never paid attention to but thanks to RP have come to realize sound really good to me.  This song in particular is most excellent and gets an 8 from this desk denizen.
Cool late 80s Mister Mister kinda vibe....
its my music...
This song is the worst. Just kidding, it is the best. 10/10
 edan61 wrote:

I friggin love this group.  Never get tired of hearing them.  Thanks Bill!

 

Eloquently phrased! Whenever one of their songs comes around it puts things right.
 struzi wrote:

this track is really good, imo it has much more life than all the other "the war on drugs" tracks.


I can't speak to much of their other material but this one seems to have the pleasant undercurrent of Brian Eno in places.
this track is really good, imo it has much more life than all the other "the war on drugs" tracks.
 spitzbart wrote:




Short and sweet agree with you :-)

Every time my mind wants to wander with this, the drumming pulls me back.
 dandueck07 wrote:

Another reason I LOVE Radio Paradise.  I can't stand the endless repetition of schlock on commercial radio stations.  If it weren't for Bill and Rebecca's wonderful eclectic mix, I would still be listening to music that came out before 1980, and not even be aware that there are great bands like The War on Drugs that are currently producing music I really enjoy.  

For those of you who listen without contributing because, after all, commercial radio is "free," please reconsider.  IT'S NOT!
Commercials actually DO work - they're the product of millions of dollars of research spent by companies on what stimulates people to buy stuff they didn't think they needed or wanted.  SO instead of rewarding those companies for giving you crappy music, why not use some of the money you're saving to pay the people who are actually giving you great music that you can play all day / week long without hearing the same song twice!  IT'S A GREAT BARGAIN!!!



This would be fabulous with a decent drummer.  Or even a real one...
Truly among one of the best bands that I discovered in the last few years.

Nancy Reagan's house band...
 joejennings wrote:

Good tune, but not great!


Good point! 
Enorme proximité avec l'esprit de Rebel,  Alain Bashung (1981), comme un écho de l'un à l'autre.
Anyone who likes this song should listen to the live version on "Live Drugs".

Also, fun fact... The studio version is called "An Ocean In Between The Waves", and the live version on Live Drugs is "An Ocean Between The Waves" (no "in").
 joejennings wrote:
"Down the Shore"! ...what exit? ...82?
 
Good guess, but no, exit 4
This song is growing on me! I just upped my rating!
 weedyjoe wrote:

I listen to it every time I ride down the shore.  I love the bass and drums.  And the guitar solo.  And the ending chord progression.



"Down the Shore"! ...what exit? ...82?
Great driving song. Saw them few years back in Singapore and they put on a fine shindig
 Deni123 wrote:

radio paradise made me love this band. thanks!




I see Radio Paradise is doing all sorts of magic ..... x
Definitely the best way to be doing war if you must i suppose
Good tune, but not great!
I have tried to like this song. I never heard of them before hearing it on RP, several times. ...maybe it will grow on me.
I don't know how RP sources their songs, but the version at KEXP is so much better. I wish RP would switch over to that version.
 klaasstap wrote:

Every song the same routine. Nothing really happens in this music. It could be used as elevator music. I don't know why people are crazy about it.

depends on what you do in elevators...

 klaasstap wrote:
Every song the same routine. Nothing really happens in this music. It could be used as elevator music. I don't know why people are crazy about it.
 
I listen to it every time I ride down the shore.  I love the bass and drums.  And the guitar solo.  And the ending chord progression.
Every song the same routine. Nothing really happens in this music. It could be used as elevator music. I don't know why people are crazy about it.
 bdwhitepm wrote:

Are they any good live?  More energetic more Jam-ing?  anyone know?




Check them out on YouTube, you'll find a bunch of great moments among all the recorded live sessions.
Are they any good live?  More energetic more Jam-ing?  anyone know?
One of the most exciting bands in a while,✌️
 orthomd wrote:

Does anyone else hear some Bob Dylan?



My first impression was: Dire Straits crush with Hendrix. But TWOD are of thier own, that is, original.  

"Whoo!!!" 
 MA wrote:

Why do I like this song? There is noting it it that strikes me as outstanding, barely mediocre. But I still like it. Very irritating.



Because it's a wonderful love song upon a metronome heart.
Why do I like this song? There is noting it it that strikes me as outstanding, barely mediocre. But I still like it. Very irritating.
 dandueck07 wrote:

Another reason I LOVE Radio Paradise.  I can't stand the endless repetition of schlock on commercial radio stations.  If it weren't for Bill and Rebecca's wonderful eclectic mix, I would still be listening to music that came out before 1980, and not even be aware that there are great bands like The War on Drugs that are currently producing music I really enjoy.  

For those of you who listen without contributing because, after all, commercial radio is "free," please reconsider.  IT'S NOT!
Commercials actually DO work - they're the product of millions of dollars of research spent by companies on what stimulates people to buy stuff they didn't think they needed or wanted.  SO instead of rewarding those companies for giving you crappy music, why not use some of the money you're saving to pay the people who are actually giving you great music that you can play all day / week long without hearing the same song twice!  IT'S A GREAT BARGAIN!!!


I chipped in a few bucks an hour after discovering RP just last week.   Great service.  
fairly new listening to this group and they get better, like wine.
 Oxen1morale wrote:
He sings like Dylan
 
But his voice is so much less annoying ;-)
I love all the love this band creates here on RP.  
 dandueck07 wrote:
Another reason I LOVE Radio Paradise.  I can't stand the endless repetition of schlock on commercial radio stations.  If it weren't for Bill and Rebecca's wonderful eclectic mix, I would still be listening to music that came out before 1980, and not even be aware that there are great bands like The War on Drugs that are currently producing music I really enjoy.  

For those of you who listen without contributing because, after all, commercial radio is "free," please reconsider.  IT'S NOT!
Commercials actually DO work - they're the product of millions of dollars of research spent by companies on what stimulates people to buy stuff they didn't think they needed or wanted.  SO instead of rewarding those companies for giving you crappy music, why not use some of the money you're saving to pay the people who are actually giving you great music that you can play all day / week long without hearing the same song twice!  IT'S A GREAT BARGAIN!!!
 

Point well made about Radio Paradise being a great bargain. As you say, commercial radio isn't free. Support those radio stations (and other entities) that support their communities.
Another reason I LOVE Radio Paradise.  I can't stand the endless repetition of schlock on commercial radio stations.  If it weren't for Bill and Rebecca's wonderful eclectic mix, I would still be listening to music that came out before 1980, and not even be aware that there are great bands like The War on Drugs that are currently producing music I really enjoy.  

For those of you who listen without contributing because, after all, commercial radio is "free," please reconsider.  IT'S NOT!
Commercials actually DO work - they're the product of millions of dollars of research spent by companies on what stimulates people to buy stuff they didn't think they needed or wanted.  SO instead of rewarding those companies for giving you crappy music, why not use some of the money you're saving to pay the people who are actually giving you great music that you can play all day / week long without hearing the same song twice!  IT'S A GREAT BARGAIN!!!
 opaceo wrote:



agkagk wrote:Every time I hear "War on Drugs" I'm disappointed..........by the song that follows.



gmichaelt wrote:


Unless it's "Another Brick in the Wall" -- which it is , on this occasion.

 

And a month later the same transition ... what are the chances? Apparently pretty high if you recycle blocks of programming. 
 
I'll take that transition. Recycling can be good. 



agkagk wrote:Every time I hear "War on Drugs" I'm disappointed..........by the song that follows.



gmichaelt wrote:


Unless it's "Another Brick in the Wall" -- which it is , on this occasion.

 

And a month later the same transition ... what are the chances? Apparently pretty high if you recycle blocks of programming. 
 adz68 wrote:
I love this band and this track in particular!
 
Yes, but still a dumb name for a band.
I love this band and this track in particular!
Thanks RP for introducing me to this amazing band!
 Triquel67 wrote:

I've enjoyed this group on RP, and am glad to hear new stuff I wouldn't otherwise hear
 
Agreed. I've put off buying their music, but just going to have to do it.... I want to hear the rest of the recording.
 Stetsonman wrote:
what is it with this band?

what exactly is their stance on drugs?

personally  I wish they'd take a whole shed load, then either write some good tunes or roll their eyes up into their skulls and OD
 
that's a really unduly harsh thing to say over a song you don't like

what is it with the internet inviting people to just say horrible crap they'd not say in public out loud? is it, 'I'm essentially anonymous so I can be rude if I want to?

I've enjoyed this group on RP, and am glad to hear new stuff I wouldn't otherwise hear
 Stetsonman wrote:
what is it with this band?

what exactly is their stance on drugs?

personally  I wish they'd take a whole shed load, then either write some good tunes or roll their eyes up into their skulls and OD
 
If you were aiming for humor, you missed. 
what is it with this band?

what exactly is their stance on drugs?

personally  I wish they'd take a whole shed load, then either write some good tunes or roll their eyes up into their skulls and OD
 orthomd wrote:
Does anyone else hear some Bob Dylan?
 
Kind of? but he is articulate in vocalization and lyrics are understandable!
He sings like Dylan
They sound like they could have been produced by Eno. That being one of the highest compliments . Love this. It feels so good. Puts that warm smile in you.
 agkagk wrote:
Every time I hear "War on Drugs" I'm disappointed..........by the song that follows.
 

Unless it's "Another Brick in the Wall" -- which it is , on this occasion.
Like most these others, this station introduced me to WOD and for that I am grateful.
A previously unexplored band for me. Thanks RP.
As many here...Thanks Radio Paradise... always introducing some really nice bands...as this one!
Anyone else start singing A-ha's Take on Me after the drums in the intro?
I'm upping this to a 9
All the great music is worth every penny I give to support it!!!! Thanks RP!
Heard the first bar. Thought this was about to play:

The Sugababes - About You Now
 orthomd wrote:
Does anyone else hear some Bob Dylan?
 

Sorry, I don’t hear Mr Bob but it’s a pretty good song all the same
Every time I hear "War on Drugs" I'm disappointed..........by the song that follows.
 orthomd wrote:
Does anyone else hear some Bob Dylan?
 
Absolutely. But better.
 t0m5k1 wrote:
Another band I discovered here.
Love it
 
Exactly...
Does anyone else hear some Bob Dylan?
 edan61 wrote:
I friggin love this group.  Never get tired of hearing them.  Thanks Bill!
 

Yep, every time I hear something by them here, I like it.
FUCKING 10!!!
Don't get me wrong, I love these guys.

That said, the drum pattern and tempo seems very much the same on every track. Not bad at all but as a bassist I'm looking for a bit more depth from the rhythm section.

Just sayin' ...
Love the groove and the way the pace and tension builds.
Wish they'd found a way to wind it down rather than just pulling the plug.
Also still struggling with the lyrics.
So it remains an 8.
This song is perfect on a long run.
Damn these guys are good.
 iloveradio wrote:
Thank you RP for all the music you provide in it’s variety. The BEST streaming quality of any source.
 

I Agree Totaly
This is one of the my favourite guitar solo's ever! So much so I made it my ring tone. My dilemma now is i never answer my phone. 
 zinzarin wrote:

I couldn't agree more.  Everything from them is just fantastic.  They do Roxy Music 100% better than Roxy Music ever did.
 
  I wouldn't have made that connection.  The music from these guys is more like "roots" or "heartland" rock/folk (e.g.: Dylan, Petty, Mellencamp) - straight, 4/4 rhythm with little or no syncopation.  Roxy Music's material was generally more "cosmopolitan"  or elaborate to me, especially their arrangements.   However, I can hear how this music is similar to that mellow sound that Roxy Music had in their later, "easy-listening" years.  Everyone can hear different things of course.
A magical band. Most have to add in the entire freakin' orchestra to even get close to TWOD's build-up abilities.
 sonymagellan wrote:
Super, cette musique apaise l´esprit et donne  vraiment envie d´aller balader en vélo.
 
...et en bécane dans le no man's land, wowwww 
I'm always dreaming with this song , high performance, great artists, glad to meet them!     let's ride!!!!!!
 edan61 wrote:
I friggin love this group.  Never get tired of hearing them.  Thanks Bill!
 
I couldn't agree more.  Everything from them is just fantastic.  They do Roxy Music 100% better than Roxy Music ever did.
Great band, great hooks, great melodies.  Absolutely nothing not to like.
This track is a clinic on how to build suspense in a song.  Absolutely masterful.
Waves appreciate the Ocean.
If you will ever get a chance, watch them live! I saw TWOD in Hamburg / Germany in a middle sized Club about a year ago, what an outstanding performance was that? RP made me becoming a fan, thx thx thx!

 
Man, is not giving this one a 10 like the hardest thing to do. Like the last chapter of the last Harry Potter, just saving the 10 for a later need. 
Summer time driving music.  It does not get better than this.
 MattP wrote:
The "wooo!" gets me *every* time!  Lovin' this song...
 

Yeah, never ever heard such "wooo" before; it incredibly original!!
Can somebody please give him a new drum machine for the next album...? Please.....?
Super, cette musique apaise l´esprit et donne  vraiment envie d´aller balader en vélo.
Another band I discovered here.
Love it
Overplayed!
Thanks, RP, for introducing me to a band I never knew, and now truly love.  My donation of support comes with a big THANK YOU for that
Bumped from 8 to 9. Rockin’ for the road!
The "wooo!" gets me *every* time!  Lovin' this song...
Etcetera etcetera
I friggin love this group.  Never get tired of hearing them.  Thanks Bill!
Thank you RP for all the music you provide in it’s variety. The BEST streaming quality of any source.
 nickmetalx3317 wrote:

This is the band I like listening to when I'm reading.
 
You listen to rock music while reading?   And I thought that's what folks used Classical or Jazz for....to each their own...and Long Live RP!!

 gregmu8370 wrote:
This is getting better each time I hear it
I totally agree.  My concert of the year for 2018.   Lord Huron is 2019’s.   

Saw them last night at the O2, London. Terrific!
love this band! thanks again RP ... as the saying goes on here .... LONG LIVE RP !!
 thewiseking wrote:
extremely cheezy '80s style drum machinery
 

Even if it's "live" drums it doesn't make a lot of difference; they seem to have pretty much the same beat in every song, sometimes different tempos, minimal fills and cymbals.  Nice guitar work though, kind of dreamy sounding.
 gregmu8370 wrote:
This is getting better each time I hear it

I agree... I really like their sound...

This is getting better each time I hear it
Did not know TWOD before RP.  Now I own their entire output.
Kick ass guitar work.
Live version from KEXP is even better.