here they are:
"Before I Found You" by Van William: Before I found this song by Van William, he was merely the guy who had a song where the Swedish folk-rock group First Aid Kit provided guest vocals on one verse. Now that I've found "Before I Found You", though, I can see why so many adult alt radio stations have latched onto it! It combines acoustic instrumentation with catchy rock/pop beats. It has a heck of a catchy chorus, too. "I never knew who I was before I found you", Van declares during the chorus of the song, and then adds, "Don't let me sleep tonight". New love is full of exciting moments, isn't it?!
"Blackout" by Frank Turner: Frank Turner might just be one of the most eclectic musicians of the 2010's. From folk-rock to folk-punk to Bruce Springsteen-esque roots rock, he seems to have done it all! "Blackout" adds a new dimension to Frank's music. A sort of post-punk-cum-pop sound akin to groups like Franz Ferdinand and Arctic Monkeys is what drives Frank's latest song, "Blackout". The song centers around "the darkness" and how Frank is afraid of it, like he presumes the listener to be. What darkness is he talking about? We may never know the answer to that one. What we do know, however, is that this song is yet another reason to admire Frank Turner, just as I did when I first heard his music 5 years ago!
"Don't Give In" by Snow Patrol: Gary Lightbody's voice sounds a bit strained during the first verse of this song, but it does become more recognizable to Snow Patrol fans as it progresses. Choosing to perform their latest song in the not so commonly used key of D sharp minor (or E flat minor, depending on where you go in the musical scale), "Don't Give In" is a unique song for the part Irish and part Scottish indie-pop quintet. Perhaps the urgency here in Gary's voice is due to his addressing the problems with depression he has faced since he was young. Like many Snow Patrol songs, there is a sense of vulnerability in "Don't Give In". For a band who has not released a new album in 7 years, this is a pretty strong comeback!
"Fool Me Once" by Lukas Nelson: I've only heard a handful of Lukas Nelson songs, but this is probably the one where he sounds the closest to his legendary dad, Willie, in terms of both his vocals and his musical style. The song may be about someone's cheatin' heart, in true country-rock fashion, but it has a rather upbeat, happy-go-lucky sound in the spirit of groups like The Allman Brothers Band or Little Feat. Funny that Lukas chose to release this song as a single so close to April Fool's Day, isn't it? Considering its title, I mean...
"If Your Prayers Don't Get to Heaven" by Brian Fallon (lead singer of Gaslight Anthem): The Gaslight Anthem are like what you'd get if you mixed Bruce Springsteen with The Clash. Both Springsteen and The Clash had a hidden fondness for Motown and early soul music that occasionally surfaced in their music, so it only figures that The Gaslight Anthem's lead singer, Brian Fallon, would make a soul inflected tune of his own. That tune is "If Your Prayers Don't Get to Heaven". Given the bleak and desperate tone of most Gaslight Anthem songs, you might think the title to this song is a sarcastic one, but from what I can tell from the lyrics, it isn't. It just seems to be a song of reassurance to whoever Brian's current lover is. If your prayers don't get to heaven, the power of good music will!
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Wednesday, March 21, 2018
New songs for March 21st, 2018
here they are:
"Bad Bad News" by Leon Bridges: "Bad bad news" is probably what some of Leon Bridges' fans think of this song! After all, it doesn't have the warm, nostalgic Sam Cooke-ish vibes that the stuff from his debut album did. However, Leon's new direction is still an interesting one. Going about a decade forward in his musical time machine, "Bad Bad News" is more derivative of the music of people like Gil Scott Heron, who provided a "missing link" between jazz and hip-hop during the '70s, back when "hip-hop" wasn't exactly the buzzword it is today. Like a lot of today's contemporary rock and alt acts, Leon seems to be eschewing the guitar of his previous work in favor of a more keyboard based sound, but instead of giving it an '80s synthesizer flavor, he puts his own twist on it by making it sound jazzy!
"Can't Deny Me" by Pearl Jam: In yet another controversial political era, rock and roll fans were probably wondering what, if anything, would end up being the next "American Idiot". Well, Pearl Jam might just have the answer to that question! In their charged new song, "Can't Deny Me", Eddie and the boys point their fingers towards a business tycoon who later starred in a reality show and then somehow became president. "You may be rich, but you can't deny me", Eddie Vedder snarls at his opponent during the chorus. The anti-Robin Hood mentality of the man currently running the U.S.A. is what Pearl Jam appear to be protesting here. In an era where rock and roll has become an endangered species, Pearl Jam remain one of the last known survivors!
"Today Is the Day" by Eels: A happy song with angry lyrics?! I wouldn't expect anything else from Mark Everett (better known simply as "E"), whose music seems to be based around irony. To more naive listeners, this song might seem like it's about having a great day, but make no mistake! Right from the start, E declares this day to be the day when he throws everything out the door, and then wonders why he's even alive. The "Get out of the f**king road!" spoken by E in the middle of the song would probably have me shaking my head and cringing if it weren't for E's effortlessly sardonic delivery. The Eels are truly unique. They're like Barenaked Ladies for "South Park" fans!
"Bad Bad News" by Leon Bridges: "Bad bad news" is probably what some of Leon Bridges' fans think of this song! After all, it doesn't have the warm, nostalgic Sam Cooke-ish vibes that the stuff from his debut album did. However, Leon's new direction is still an interesting one. Going about a decade forward in his musical time machine, "Bad Bad News" is more derivative of the music of people like Gil Scott Heron, who provided a "missing link" between jazz and hip-hop during the '70s, back when "hip-hop" wasn't exactly the buzzword it is today. Like a lot of today's contemporary rock and alt acts, Leon seems to be eschewing the guitar of his previous work in favor of a more keyboard based sound, but instead of giving it an '80s synthesizer flavor, he puts his own twist on it by making it sound jazzy!
"Can't Deny Me" by Pearl Jam: In yet another controversial political era, rock and roll fans were probably wondering what, if anything, would end up being the next "American Idiot". Well, Pearl Jam might just have the answer to that question! In their charged new song, "Can't Deny Me", Eddie and the boys point their fingers towards a business tycoon who later starred in a reality show and then somehow became president. "You may be rich, but you can't deny me", Eddie Vedder snarls at his opponent during the chorus. The anti-Robin Hood mentality of the man currently running the U.S.A. is what Pearl Jam appear to be protesting here. In an era where rock and roll has become an endangered species, Pearl Jam remain one of the last known survivors!
"Today Is the Day" by Eels: A happy song with angry lyrics?! I wouldn't expect anything else from Mark Everett (better known simply as "E"), whose music seems to be based around irony. To more naive listeners, this song might seem like it's about having a great day, but make no mistake! Right from the start, E declares this day to be the day when he throws everything out the door, and then wonders why he's even alive. The "Get out of the f**king road!" spoken by E in the middle of the song would probably have me shaking my head and cringing if it weren't for E's effortlessly sardonic delivery. The Eels are truly unique. They're like Barenaked Ladies for "South Park" fans!
Wednesday, March 14, 2018
New songs for March 14th 2018
here they are:
"Found the One" by Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite: For almost 25 years, Ben Harper has made a long journey from soul inflected folk-rocker to a musician who can do just about anything. It was only a few years ago that Ben first got together with blues musician Charlie Musselwhite to create powerhouse blues-rock songs. With "Found the One", Ben and Charlie continue to pound out some mean blues riffs, using a typical blues chord progression accompanied by a rhythm similar to that of "I'm Waiting For the Man" by The Velvet Underground. Ben is quite talented at whatever he does, really, but I kinda like it when he goes blues-y, so "Found the One" works for me!
"Short Court Style" by Natalie Prass: Natalie Prass was originally one of many female singer-songwriters in the "indie" format influenced by folk-rock. Maybe this is why "Short Court Style" sounds so distinctive in comparison! You've gotta distinguish yourself somehow, right?! Surprisingly, Natalie turns to early '90s R & B (of all things) for musical inspiration for her latest song, "Short Court Style". The YouTube comments for the song compare her to performers like Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. It probably sounds unbelievable for those already familiar with Prass' music, but it's true! There appears to be a late '70s disco/funk influence in this song, too, as evidenced by its chunky, rhythmic guitar grooves. While the song doesn't have much to offer lyrically, what it does have to offer in terms of lyrical content is reflective of the breezy dance-pop vibes it gives off, centering largely around dancing and having a good time!
"Found the One" by Ben Harper and Charlie Musselwhite: For almost 25 years, Ben Harper has made a long journey from soul inflected folk-rocker to a musician who can do just about anything. It was only a few years ago that Ben first got together with blues musician Charlie Musselwhite to create powerhouse blues-rock songs. With "Found the One", Ben and Charlie continue to pound out some mean blues riffs, using a typical blues chord progression accompanied by a rhythm similar to that of "I'm Waiting For the Man" by The Velvet Underground. Ben is quite talented at whatever he does, really, but I kinda like it when he goes blues-y, so "Found the One" works for me!
"Short Court Style" by Natalie Prass: Natalie Prass was originally one of many female singer-songwriters in the "indie" format influenced by folk-rock. Maybe this is why "Short Court Style" sounds so distinctive in comparison! You've gotta distinguish yourself somehow, right?! Surprisingly, Natalie turns to early '90s R & B (of all things) for musical inspiration for her latest song, "Short Court Style". The YouTube comments for the song compare her to performers like Mariah Carey and Janet Jackson. It probably sounds unbelievable for those already familiar with Prass' music, but it's true! There appears to be a late '70s disco/funk influence in this song, too, as evidenced by its chunky, rhythmic guitar grooves. While the song doesn't have much to offer lyrically, what it does have to offer in terms of lyrical content is reflective of the breezy dance-pop vibes it gives off, centering largely around dancing and having a good time!
Wednesday, March 7, 2018
New songs for March 7th, 2018
here they are:
"Can We Hang On?" by Cold War Kids: Cold War Kids return with a third single from "L.A. Divine" with "Can We Hang On?" Once again, Cold War Kids mix U2-ish guitars with Coldplay style pianos to create the soundscape for "Can We Hang On?" It is nothing new for CWK, musically. However, it does present an interesting lyrical theme of how looking back nostalgically at the past can make one more uncertain about the future. It's almost the opposite point of view of "Best Days" by Lissie, from earlier this year. Where Lissie wants more best days in the here and now, Cold War Kids are left wondering if they can hang on long enough for a bright future to greet them.
"Go Out Fighting" by Dr. Dog: After the perils of doubt from the last song, it might be nice to ease into a song with a more positive message. This is where Dr. Dog come in, with their latest song, "Go Out Fighting", which opens with the lyrics, "Never give up. Go out fighting". This "fighting", of course, is not the physical kind, but the metaphorical kind. In other words, to "go out fighting" for what you think is right and for what you want out of life! Just as Dr. Dog did with "Listening In" from earlier this year, "Go Out Fighting" also uses major influence from 1960's psychedelic rock, using swirly, tremolo laden guitar feedback with a reverberating vintage organ sound. Fight the good fight, guys!
"Good Kisser" by Lake Street Dive: "If you're gonna tell them anything, tell 'em I'm a good kisser", Rachael Price croons in a sultry manner on the opening lyrics of this soulful tune that sounds both retro and modern. With a rhythm as syncopated as it is slinky, "Good Kisser" is a bit like receiving a kiss. It sneaks up on you, wraps itself around you, and leaves you with a puckering, vibrant, "Wow!" feeling afterwards. Rachael, if you're available, please, come give me a good kiss! I bet you're great at it!
"Shiny One" by Belly: An early '90s alt-rock quartet that is half female and half male, Belly are considered by many to be a one-hit wonder for their quirky yet enchanting, "Feed the Tree", from 1993. It's amazing to think that their next big hit took 25 years for them to make, but better late than never, I suppose! "Shiny One" is enchanting, just as "Feed the Tree" was, yet there's something oddly hippie-ish about it. Not what you'd expect from a band from Kurt Cobain's heyday, but it does manage to work here! Tanya Donnelly's languid but sweet vocals are enough to lure in listeners from miles around on this track. "Shine on, sparkly one. My shiny, my shiny one" almost sounds like a Donovan lyric to me. Let your mind wander and gaze at your "belly" (get it?) as you take a 5 and a half minute trip upon Belly's magic swirling ship!
"Can We Hang On?" by Cold War Kids: Cold War Kids return with a third single from "L.A. Divine" with "Can We Hang On?" Once again, Cold War Kids mix U2-ish guitars with Coldplay style pianos to create the soundscape for "Can We Hang On?" It is nothing new for CWK, musically. However, it does present an interesting lyrical theme of how looking back nostalgically at the past can make one more uncertain about the future. It's almost the opposite point of view of "Best Days" by Lissie, from earlier this year. Where Lissie wants more best days in the here and now, Cold War Kids are left wondering if they can hang on long enough for a bright future to greet them.
"Go Out Fighting" by Dr. Dog: After the perils of doubt from the last song, it might be nice to ease into a song with a more positive message. This is where Dr. Dog come in, with their latest song, "Go Out Fighting", which opens with the lyrics, "Never give up. Go out fighting". This "fighting", of course, is not the physical kind, but the metaphorical kind. In other words, to "go out fighting" for what you think is right and for what you want out of life! Just as Dr. Dog did with "Listening In" from earlier this year, "Go Out Fighting" also uses major influence from 1960's psychedelic rock, using swirly, tremolo laden guitar feedback with a reverberating vintage organ sound. Fight the good fight, guys!
"Good Kisser" by Lake Street Dive: "If you're gonna tell them anything, tell 'em I'm a good kisser", Rachael Price croons in a sultry manner on the opening lyrics of this soulful tune that sounds both retro and modern. With a rhythm as syncopated as it is slinky, "Good Kisser" is a bit like receiving a kiss. It sneaks up on you, wraps itself around you, and leaves you with a puckering, vibrant, "Wow!" feeling afterwards. Rachael, if you're available, please, come give me a good kiss! I bet you're great at it!
"Shiny One" by Belly: An early '90s alt-rock quartet that is half female and half male, Belly are considered by many to be a one-hit wonder for their quirky yet enchanting, "Feed the Tree", from 1993. It's amazing to think that their next big hit took 25 years for them to make, but better late than never, I suppose! "Shiny One" is enchanting, just as "Feed the Tree" was, yet there's something oddly hippie-ish about it. Not what you'd expect from a band from Kurt Cobain's heyday, but it does manage to work here! Tanya Donnelly's languid but sweet vocals are enough to lure in listeners from miles around on this track. "Shine on, sparkly one. My shiny, my shiny one" almost sounds like a Donovan lyric to me. Let your mind wander and gaze at your "belly" (get it?) as you take a 5 and a half minute trip upon Belly's magic swirling ship!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)