here they are:
“Happy In the Sorrow Key” by Indigo Girls: If it were up to Amy Ray, The Indigo Girls might have been more influenced by punk than folk. She kinda sorta got her way with The Indigos’ “Shame On You” in the mid ‘90s, but so far, it hasn’t happened since. Until now, that is. “Happy In the Sorrow Key” is neither happy nor sorrowful, but it’s got plenty of grit. It is a surprisingly raw, rocking song for the duo. Amy’s love of bands like Husker Du, The Jam, and (especially) The Pretenders has finally paid off!!
“Once A Day” by Michael Franti and Spearhead: Michael Franti could be likened to a modern day Bob Marley, and no, it’s not just because of the influence of reggae can be heard in his music (after all, Franti also has plenty of influence from rock, folk, soul, and jazz as well). It’s also because Franti is just as much an advocate of social justice as he is for the feeling of being loved. Where Marley said, “Could you be loved? Then be loved”, Franti picks up where Marley left off with a message just as universal and affectionate, “Everybody oughta hug somebody at least once a day”. Michael, I must say, I agree with you on this one, very much! Love, be loved, and stay loved!
“The Ghosts of Beverly Drive” by Death Cab for Cutie: This might just be one of the most rocking songs Death Cab have ever attempted. Sure, they have incorporated the use of electric guitars into their music on more than one occasion, but the catchiness of the rhythm and the fuzziness of the guitar are not common elements in DCFC’s music. This does not mean that “The Ghosts of Beverly Drive” is a happy song, though, it isn’t, but it is more upbeat than their usual material. Musically, it almost seems like a slightly calmer and less solo driven version of The Police’s “Synchronicity II”. Finally, the lyrics are still trademark Death Cab, with clever but thoughtful lines like, “You wanna teach but not be taught”, and “I wanna sell but not be bought”.
