The Fold - "Beside You Now" (2007)

The Fold are a band that actually sound like a lot of other bands. There’s no denying their pop-punk style is pretty commonplace these days. That being said, I still like them better than a lot of other bands in that scene and I really can’t put my finger on why. Their 2006 debut This Too Shall Pass was full of songs with incredibly catchy choruses and an excellent balance of pop and rock. Their 2007 follow-up Secrets Keep You Sick follows in the same direction, with maybe a little more emphasis on the pop. There is an added element of some electronic drums on this record that somewhat expands The Fold’s sound. Even if you don’t really dig this kind of music you have to admit that they write catchy songs and they’re the kind you can sing along to while you’re driving with the windows rolled down. There’s an interesting story behind today’s song. Last year during the writing process, singer Daniel Castady’s mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away shortly thereafter. This definitely affected the lyrics of some of the songs on the record but most notably in today’s song. Castady said in an interview that he wrote “Beside You Now” from the point of view of his father, trying to imagine what it would be like to lose someone you spent your life with. Now you would think that would make for an incredibly sad song, and it is to some degree, but there’s also an element of hope found in it. Plus, the programmed drums give it an excellent 80s feel. You have to love that.

The Fold - "Beside You Now"