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!
