Ever since i stumbled upon The Lone Dining Society live at the Sound Of Munich, I have realized their music scratches an itch of mine really well. Good music. I know where to find scratching devices for my own, but it only helps a little to locate and identify the itch. I am hoping other esteemed members of this community can join me on this quest to understand why we love this music so much. This is especially true as we wait for an album to be realeased, so I can listen more closely, enough to decypher lyrics in a language which isn't my mother tongue, and bathe in the music until we almost get tired of it then learn to love it in a whole new way. The only tools at my disposal right now are other great scratchers. I would like, if you'll allow me, to share some of those and ask for your help in closing in. Here is where i am so far in my quest, and I hope to get constribution from other adventurers. 1 - Melodies that tell stories To go back to the most "musical" aspect of music, sometimes melodies tell stories. Of course we have centuries of classical music to rely on to prove that, but here is an example of a relatively modern good itch-scratcher that doesn't even include lyrics. And yet somehow the story feels clear to me (though i have seen the movie, so the mix of heroism, cowardice and melancholic ambiguity expressed through the melody might come clearer because of it) 2 - Wonderful songwriting for stories Steven Wilson is officially the artist I have seen live the second most (the first place comes naturally to those sneaky Lone Dining Society bastards who tease us with their great songs you have to see live if you want to explore their music in the very itchy but very temporary absence of an album). He is a British talented artist writing songs for years in several projects (the most famous of which is Porcupine Tree) with bonus points for having one of the most talented drummers in history to record this album (who actually happens to be German). This song is a story about an old man meeting a raven which he believes might be the reincarnation of his long-lost sister. Extra bonus points: the song is animated in live versions as well. And the moment those drums finally enter, with this haunting hook. Heartbreaking but beautiful. 3 - Fun catchy tunes that tell equally catchy stories I haven't heard of Paddy Milner in a while. I was blessed to see him twice at Duc des Lombards in Paris, and those were wonderful experiences. This Scotish prodigy comes from blues, which isn't the best itch-scratcher for me, but some of his tear-jerking romantic tunes are amazing (check our Forever Gone), and he has a much appreciated knack for writing stories, including fun ones. "Bob" has integrated my playlist since the moment I heard it. It's fun, it has a great original bridge and chorus, and the story told truely carries you through the song if you let it. Also animated. 4 - Song that summon creatures, personality, and emotion Those songs feel genuine as they connect me back to who I was, then make me realize I may not be a completely different person after all, and there is a lot to take out of this bunch of akward confidence and connecting with emotions. A lot of Radiohead songs do this but the perfect example that comes to my mind is from Gurdan Thomas, a band that might be, or sound, vaguely familiar to you. 5 - The current closest itch-scratcher Unfortunately this comes in a language you might not be familar with. In 1979, Jaques Higelin, one of "our" most underrated songwriters, realeased a song that would conclude his concerts for at least two decades. It is the story of a vampire joining a monster party where even the devil briefly shows up. The music is part of the story. The writing is brilliant. It is very fun and catchy. It is theatrical as hell (pun very much intended). It has vampires, nightmares, skelettons, gorgons joining a dinner. And one of the greatest song quotes that accompanied me for a long time: "La nuit qui soigne et guérit, la folie qui m'accompagne, et jamais je m'a trahi.. Champagne!". Which roughly translates to "The night that heals and cures, the madness that accompanies me, and never betrayed me.. Champagne !" The live versions of this song are one step above on all of those aspects. To me, the current perfect itch-scratcher. And because i cannot resist a live version here. Last song of the concert and for a moment, the crowd is the skeletton and spirit crowd this vampire summoned: But enough of me. Help us find our itch. What brings you to the Lone Dining Society's music? I hope to hear from you. Tell us your stories. And let's wait together for the much awaited release.