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Cloud Cult — The Mission: Unexplainable Stories
Album: Light Chasers
Avg rating:
7.2

Your rating:
Total ratings: 3422









Released: 2010
Length: 4:34
Plays (last 30 days): 3
We've been searching for our whole lives.
And we have traveled through unexplainable stories.
Swear to God I fought the good fight,
always waiting for the coming of morning.
And I heard the Captain say, I heard the Captain say,
"The more I know, the less I'm knowing."
And I heard the Captain say, I heard the Captain say,
"Activate your force-fields and just keep going..."
Comments (328)add comment
It was equinox that day. It's equinox today. Might have something to do with it 
There is a noticeable pattern this morning -
all songs in the last two hours or so are about space, exploration,
searching, traveling. As I am writing this, Bowie's Space Oddity kicked in.

As for this song - I have to give it 10, up from 8. It is one of the songs that made me fall in love with the RP (Bill played it a lot back then ❤️).

The more I listen, the more I know. But, as they say, "the more I know, the less I'm knowing".


)


 blueskymind wrote:

My lunch is coming up.  And so is my breakfast.  


Virtually all your ratings are "sucko barfo". Kinda sad.
Enjoy your barfing, I guess.
This is why I'm still donating!
This is quite a poem.
i keep hearing the vocalist from flaming lips. but, it's not a bad thing. 
Just need to say, I absolutely love this!  Thank you!
 dkwalika wrote:
 There's a great article called "The Grain of the Voice," that talks about this. Add Neil Young to your excellent list.
Here is a link to that article.  Not an easy read, but interesting.


I heard the Captain say
"We haven't had that spirit here since 1969"
For the Cloud Cult fans, I had to mention this.  In April 2022, I got to listen to Cloud Cult perform with the Minnesota Orchestra. This was through Minnesota Public Radio.  WOW! What an amazing show!  I felt it in my soul.  That good.  Here's some links if you're interested:  

Watch Cloud Cult with the Minnesota Orchestra live in concert
View the show through the Minnesota Orchestra website.
Bill!! Thanks for introducing me to these guys!!! Highly recommend listening to some of there other stuff!!!
 bruceandjenna wrote:


I mark the beginning of the decline of Western Society as the last day of Calvin and Hobbes.
Final services to be held at Chagrin Falls...?-)

Tony in NJ
W.A.S.T.E.

I started listening to the band because they seemed to have a lot of haters and I was just curious. I'm totally a fan now. 
I adore the sound of the French horn. It transports a pretty interesting melodic line into an amazing, uplifting journey. What a fun track.
 codeic wrote:
There is a noticeable pattern this morning -
all songs in the last two hours or so are about space, exploration,
searching, traveling. As I am writing this, Bowie's Space Oddity kicked in.

As for this song - I have to give it 10, up from 8. It is one of the songs that made me fall in love with the RP (Bill played it a lot back then ❤️).

The more I listen, the more I know. But, as they say, "the more I know, the less I'm knowing".


)


Damn - I miss C&H
I really love this song.  I always stop what I'm doing to listen.  Compelling stuff.
 tgrier wrote:
This is one of the many songs RP plays that grab me and make me sit and listen.  To think about the world once I am gone. To think about the shortness of my life.  And even tho this is true and you could arrive at "what does it all really mean" ... you hear the captain say .... "Activate your force-fields and just keep going" ...

No matter how bad life is or challenging or fleeting it can feel - you only real choice is to wait for the coming of the morning and keep going. 

Powerful song. 
 
Look after the king of R n R please 
It's a nine for me today, up from an eight, not that anybody should care or compare. Just, I listen to this station precisely for exposure to stuff like this. Different. Quirky. Excellent. 
Maybe it's because the Perseverance Rover just landed successfully on Mars but, striking the right chord today, so, yeah. 
Thanks.
 bruceandjenna wrote:


I mark the beginning of the decline of Western Society as the last day of Calvin and Hobbes.
 Truth
This is one of the many songs RP plays that grab me and make me sit and listen.  To think about the world once I am gone. To think about the shortness of my life.  And even tho this is true and you could arrive at "what does it all really mean" ... you hear the captain say .... "Activate your force-fields and just keep going" ...

No matter how bad life is or challenging or fleeting it can feel - you only real choice is to wait for the coming of the morning and keep going. 

Powerful song. 
This song was life-changing wisdom to me in my teens
Nice segue from Greg Brown... although these two artists are quite different musically, they live in the same soulful bittersweet loving universe. 
Thanks Bill. I discovered this group here on RP a while ago. They are not very well known in Europe.
I swear I thought this was the flaming lips!
a great spiritual journey, this album.
Not a big fan if indie pop voices in general, but this is quite decent!
rilassante - eccellente antistress / grazie
And I heard the Captain say, I heard the Captain say,
"The more I know, the less I'm knowing."
And I heard the Captain say, I heard the Captain say,
"Activate your force-fields and just keep going...


It might just be me, but a month or so into a pandemic quarantine, this stanza really resonates with me.
 codeic wrote:
There is a noticeable pattern this morning -
all songs in the last two hours or so are about space, exploration,
searching, traveling. As I am writing this, Bowie's Space Oddity kicked in.

As for this song - I have to give it 10, up from 8. It is one of the songs that made me fall in love with the RP (Bill played it a lot back then ❤️).

The more I listen, the more I know. But, as they say, "the more I know, the less I'm knowing".


)
 

Again tonight with Fat Old Sun, Ashes to Ashes before this.

What’s not to like?
Like this, but RP plays it too often.  
 codeic wrote:
There is a noticeable pattern this morning -
all songs in the last two hours or so are about space, exploration,
searching, traveling. As I am writing this, Bowie's Space Oddity kicked in.

As for this song - I have to give it 10, up from 8. It is one of the songs that made me fall in love with the RP (Bill played it a lot back then ❤️).

The more I listen, the more I know. But, as they say, "the more I know, the less I'm knowing".


)
 

I mark the beginning of the decline of Western Society as the last day of Calvin and Hobbes.
Hey @ Radio Paradise! No other good songs in this album? Why always this one?
I've been a RP listener for years, and somehow, some way, this is the FIRST time I've heard this song.

So fun, and exactly fits my current mood.  Hoping to hear it again in future. Thanks RP!
It’s not for everyone but this band has become one of my top ten favorites since first hearing them here. Stuff like this makes tolerating the influx of obscure (i.e., crappy) classic rock on RP worthwhile.
There is a noticeable pattern this morning -
all songs in the last two hours or so are about space, exploration,
searching, traveling. As I am writing this, Bowie's Space Oddity kicked in.

As for this song - I have to give it 10, up from 8. It is one of the songs that made me fall in love with the RP (Bill played it a lot back then ❤️).

The more I listen, the more I know. But, as they say, "the more I know, the less I'm knowing".


)
I have to give this one 10, up from 8. It is one of the songs that made me fall in love with this radio station (Bill then played it a lot).

The more I listen, the more I know. But, as they say, "the more I know, the less I'm knowin".
 kingart wrote:

... TAKE THIS NICE AND WELL-MEANING AND POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING TRACK TO HEART.  

That's certainly an interesting take on these short and (IMO) rather cryptic lyrics.
 Ihatethissong wrote:

I enjoy mocking those who complain about a song, so here goes!

On one hand I can readily identify with your helplessly lazy and self-absorbed whining, as I too live in a highly developed nation.
But on the other hand shut the fuck up and turn the volume down, hit PSD, or just stop the damn song from playing.
 
Or do neither -- and TAKE THIS NICE AND WELL-MEANING AND POSITIVE AND UPLIFTING TRACK TO HEART. We have enough fucking negativity on this planet. WHY NOT JUST LISTEN TO AND HEAR THE SONG. ?
Very cool tune I would have never have been exposed to if not for RP.  Reminds me of mid-1970s Yes a bit.
few bands are as grating as Cloud Cult....my Sonos does not support PSD, so deep silence is the only respite
10
NOT BORED!
{#Dancingbanana_2}
Reminds me of Procol Harum. 
 ncollingridge wrote:
REALLY bored with this one now. I quite liked it at first but the bombast and repetitiveness has ground me down.

 
I enjoy mocking those who complain about a song, so here goes!

On one hand I can readily identify with your helplessly lazy and self-absorbed whining, as I too live in a highly developed nation.
But on the other hand shut the fuck up and turn the volume down, hit PSD, or just stop the damn song from playing.
a great song to soar with!
I'm with you Bill... Innovative and intriguing. Please keep bringing us interesting tunes.
I dig the vibe, smooth take-off, cruise, then it hits the ion-engines and rockets across the RP universe... 
 
Anyone else see Wendy, Peter, and the boys, on the album cover, flying off to Neverland?
nice segue from moby look back in!
REALLY bored with this one now. I quite liked it at first but the bombast and repetitiveness has ground me down.
 thewiseking wrote:
I can say this in defense of these guys, Modest Mouse are worse.

 
yes, so is Tori Amos.
One of the greatest songs ever
 thewiseking wrote:
I can say this in defense of these guys, Modest Mouse are worse.

 
Must not be the same Modest Mouse I saw in concert this summer, they rocked!
Super-mellow-chill-grove....with Sci Fi words.
  I totally love this band.. {#Cheers}
For what it's worth, I've come to be quite appreciative of their sound and their quirkiness. I'd personally like to hear much more.
I can say this in defense of these guys, Modest Mouse are worse.
 fatcatjb wrote:
as soon as I hear the opening notes, it's a mad rush to hit mute before the "singing" begins

 
Mad rush? You actually have quite a lot of time to get that done....
This is one of those rare tracks where the voice actually suits the material.
Captain my captain was, however, better.
 Jörg_Asmussen wrote:

There is personal taste. I personally love the voice of this singer, while I despise the whining of Morrissey from The Smiths.
 

 
I'm completely with you
 GTT wrote:
This is the song that made me realize what an excellent station RP is, so it has a special place in my heart.

 
Same feeling :-)
 SchrodingersCat wrote:

Absolutely.  It would fit right in on "Yoshimi".

 
Bingo!
 GTT wrote:
This is the song that made me realize what an excellent station RP is, so it has a special place in my heart.

 
I can't remember that moment for me, but I'm with you in spirit - how many music (or any kind of media) "channels" actually are good enough to evoke that kind of response?  Not many.
 GTT wrote:
This is the song that made me realize what an excellent station RP is, so it has a special place in my heart.

 
Dude, that's exactly what happened to me, too :)
This is the song that made me realize what an excellent station RP is, so it has a special place in my heart.
 zedstation wrote:

Is there such a thing as bad singing? After decades of complaints regarding a long list of bad singers?

Is beauty perhaps in the ear of the beholder, as opposed to the voice of the singer?

 
There is personal taste. I personally love the voice of this singer, while I despise the whining of Morrissey from The Smiths.
 
 stevendejong wrote:

Pity, then, that the words are delivered by someone who should be instructed never to attempt singing again. The music is beautiful, but the guy's singing is intolerable.

 
Is there such a thing as bad singing? After decades of complaints regarding a long list of bad singers?

Is beauty perhaps in the ear of the beholder, as opposed to the voice of the singer?
 Screature wrote:
Song reminds me of The Flaming Lips.

 
Absolutely.  It would fit right in on "Yoshimi".
 agd3 wrote:
This album and song are all about the words.  Music provides a nice canvas.
 
Pity, then, that the words are delivered by someone who should be instructed never to attempt singing again. The music is beautiful, but the guy's singing is intolerable.
I love Cloud Cult.  They are particularly good in concert. 
as soon as I hear the opening notes, it's a mad rush to hit mute before the "singing" begins
yawn.

.
cartoon character voices should only be heard on Saturday mornings
.


 izycrzy wrote:
I still maintain this song is actually about sperm trying to fertilize an egg. 

 
In a sense, it totally is. This is the first track on an album that the band called "a concept album that interweaves stories focused on the exploration of the mysteries of the universe, life and death.".
I thought this was the Flaming Lips when it started playing.
one day Cloud Cult will be viewed a disease to be eradicated from eclectic radio stations like RP...for CC fans, I applaud your tolerance. I don't get this band...at all
Needs a movie to go with it!
This album and song are all about the words.  Music provides a nice canvas.
This guy and Adam Duritz (Counting Crows) should form a whiners duo.  Their vocal style is like grabbing you by the lapels and yelling at you to listen to their pain and suffering.  'Druther not.

Nevertheless, this tune has enough other good stuff going on.  PSD not required.  7
 zigzag wrote:
Tiring of the "he can't sing" comments.

No, he probably wouldn't get far on The Voice or any modern talent filter of that ilk.

But he can most certainly sing and has the advantage of a distinctive and emotional voice - perfect for this intriguing outfit.

Many of my favourite singers "can't sing". Dylan, Waits, Costello and even Bowie have been accused of as much. Maybe I need to listen to more Backstreet Boys or something.

In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy these singers with "terrible voices"...and something to say. 

 
Well said zigzag ... and after just looking at a Live recorded video the group have not called upon session people for there Horns and Fiddle and using a Megaphone instead of some electronic gadgetery impresses me even more. Which basically sums up there artistic expertise.
It was already explained, when the captain greets crew with  'you did a great job,''
Less I'm knowing.
 There's a great article called "The Grain of the Voice," that talks about this. Add Neil Young to your excellent list.

zigzag wrote:
Tiring of the "he can't sing" comments.

No, he probably wouldn't get far on The Voice or any modern talent filter of that ilk.

But he can most certainly sing and has the advantage of a distinctive and emotional voice - perfect for this intriguing outfit.

Many of my favourite singers "can't sing". Dylan, Waits, Costello and even Bowie have been accused of as much. Maybe I need to listen to more Backstreet Boys or something.

In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy these singers with "terrible voices"...and something to say. 

 


 4merdj wrote:
I hear some Yes (Jon Anderson) influences {#Cheers}

 

Yes, that is what I hear too.
Tiring of the "he can't sing" comments.

No, he probably wouldn't get far on The Voice or any modern talent filter of that ilk.

But he can most certainly sing and has the advantage of a distinctive and emotional voice - perfect for this intriguing outfit.

Many of my favourite singers "can't sing". Dylan, Waits, Costello and even Bowie have been accused of as much. Maybe I need to listen to more Backstreet Boys or something.

In the meantime I'll continue to enjoy these singers with "terrible voices"...and something to say. 
The start reminds me of northern mining towns in the UK and Hovis bread.
👑
 Screature wrote:
Song reminds me of The Flaming Lips.

 
Same here. And that's a compliment to CC
Arggg... The older colleague that thinks that speaking extremely loud through the phone helps him making himself understood.
Not while this song is playing please.

Yesterday a 6 year old girl died. She was the class mate of my daughter and also a good friend of her and the family.
Just needed to hear the lyrics: "Activate your forcefields and just keep going." Really need to just keep going even when life seems so fragile and even useless. 
 ColdMiser wrote:
Thanks to Bill for turning me onto this group. Wouldn't have heard them anywhere else.

 
Seconded! I now have all of their albums, quite a captivating group.  Thanks Bill!
I was listening to this album a lot when my first child was born. Then I read somewhere the singer was becoming a dad when he recoded it. I always think about that one now when I hear it.
Goosebumps.  Every. Time. {#Cheers}
 Grammarcop wrote:

"If you're going through hell, keep going."
—Winston Churchill

 
Well, he did lay a few bricks in his time.
I hear some Yes (Jon Anderson) influences {#Cheers}
I just don't get this band...it must be me, as there are plenty of positive comments. 

"Activate your force fields and just keep going."

Love it!


This song used to be appalling. Its great. What happened?
Thanks to Bill for turning me onto this group. Wouldn't have heard them anywhere else.
 Screature wrote:
Song reminds me of The Flaming Lips.

 
Yes...very much so!
Song reminds me of The Flaming Lips.
Could be me, but portions of the intro melody sounds like it was sampled from Last of the Mohican's songs of the Soundtrack  
Yep, some definite Gabriel influence, and sounds great 
nice. guitar reminds me of old genesis/early gabriel. 
 stegokitty wrote:
Sounds a bit like a modern Thunderclap Newman (Something In The Air).

 
Their album "Hollywood Dream" was a favorite of mine in college. Sure, I was the only person I know who actually liked it, but it had some charming quirks.

Wish I still had it. Guess I need to hit the old vinyl shops this weekend. 
Just love this group. Brought my whole family of 5 together, as CLOUD CULT was something we could ALL agree on listening to on long road trip from Atlanta to Boston. Waiting patiently for them to tour the southeast again.
 stegokitty wrote:
Sounds a bit like a modern Thunderclap Newman (Something In The Air).

 
That's exactly the thought that went through my mind.
 pjthoma wrote:
Suddenly I am looking at my shoes.

 
Did someone play a joke on you and tell you they were untied?
Terrible voice...
Sounds a bit like a modern Thunderclap Newman (Something In The Air).
OK it's starting to grow on me
1 to 2 
I still maintain this song is actually about sperm trying to fertilize an egg. 
 pjthoma wrote:
Suddenly I am looking at my shoes.

 
{#Smile}
The contrast between this song and the more recent piece that has been played here is rather considerable. That in itself sets this band apart.
 
Fun band to see in concert, although it has been a while since i've seen them live.

Sounds a lot like how I'd imagine Yes would have sounded if they were a more modern band.
Rather apt.   Just as this track started in the UK Nasa launched the Orion Spaceship.
 Kaw wrote:
We've been searching for our whole lives.
And we have traveled through unexplainable stories.
Swear to God I fought the good fight,
always waiting for the coming of morning.
And I heard the Captain say, I heard the Captain say,
"The more I know, the less I'm knowing."
And I heard the Captain say, I heard the Captain say,
"Activate your force-fields and just keep going..."
 
"If you're going through hell, keep going."
—Winston Churchill
Suddenly I am looking at my shoes.
 melkhyah wrote:
Some people just can´t sing... why they still do it?

 
He must be related to Geddy Lee
OK, I may be way out there on this one... But I actually think this song is about sperms trying to reach an egg... Am I crazy? 
One of the few songs that my whole family can agree on, including the kids.  We all love it.  OK, my 7 year old son just informed me he doesn't like it too much.
It is true - the music is inventive, captivating.  The singer is not.    {#Yell}