Song of the Week 11/21

Rotation 1

Local Natives, Gorilla Manor - "Sun Hands"

The vehicular kinetic rhythm of "Sun Hands" instantly catches the listener with it's infectious beat.  Infused with a swirling back chorus, it is difficult not to start bouncing your foot along to this track.  I am fascinated by songs that when listened to, I feel simultaneously transported into a visual menagerie driven by audio sounds.
- Enjoy






Rotation 2

Man/Miracle, The Shape of Things - "Hot Sprawl"

These Oakland guys make this song seem so effortless - just another day laying back and making great music among friends.  The guitar rhythm is extremely chill and the vocals match the slow drifting pattern. At the 1:30 mark, they make their move and deliver a burst of energy that captures the heart of the song. Then the intensity falls perfectly back into rhythm as if nothing was out of place.





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Artist Retrospective : The Beatles

In celebration of the holidays (and the fact that they are finally on i-Tunes), we have decided to bring on the daunting challenge of picking our favourite Beatles tunes.  I should not say that it is a daunting task, because listening to their breadth of work is one of my most enjoyable past-times.  Realise that in a short decade of work, these lads have been in our lives for fifty years.  Their music transcends the small minded-ness that tends to divide us, to become a voice which shows that we all have much more in common than we realise.  In the spirit of peace on earth for the holidays, everybody should listen to The Beatles and enjoy.
- Cheers

Rotation 1

"A Hard Day's Night" - A Hard Day's Night,1964

"Things We Said Today" - A Hard Day's Night, 1964

"Ticket to Ride" - Help!, 1965

"Help!" - Help!, 1965

"Yesterday" - Help!, 1965

"Drive My Car" - Rubber Soul, 1965

"Norwegian Wood" - Rubber Soul, 1965

"Taxman" - Revolver, 1966

"Eleanor Rigby" - Revolver, 1966

"A Day in the Life" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart's Club Band, 1967

"Come Together" - Abbey Road, 1969

"Something" - Abbey Road, 1969
"I Want You (She's So Heavy)" - Abbey Road, 1969

"Across the Universe" - Let It Be, 1970

"Let It Be" - Let It Be, 1970

Rotation 2

"If I Fell" - A Hard Day's Night, 1964
"You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" - Help!, 1965
"I've Just Seen A Face" - Help!, 1965
"Norwegian Wood" - Rubber Soul, 1965
"Fixing A Hole" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967
"A Day in the Life" - Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, 1967

"Strawberry Field's Forever" - Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

"I Am the Walrus" - Magical Mystery Tour, 1967

"While My Guitar Gently Weeps" - The Beatles (White Album), 1968
"Happiness is a Warm Gun" - The Beatles (White Album), 1968
"Rocky Raccoon" - The Beatles (White Album), 1968

"Come Together" - Abbey Road, 1969

"You Never Give Me your Money" - Abbey Road, 1969
"Golden Slumbers" - Abbey Road, 1969
"Let It Be" - Let It Be, 1970

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Song of the Week 11/14

Rotation 1

Beach House, Devotion - "Gila"

Melodically hypnotizing, the droning beat and swirling vocals of  "Gila" has me pushing the repeat button often.  The lyrics are simple and repeat frequently: 

"Give a little more than you like
Pick apart the past, you’re not going back
So don’t you waste your time"

However, in combination with the instrumentation this song becomes deeper and the meaning are left up for each listeners interpretation.

Rotation 2

Wavves, Wavvves - "To the Dregs"

Originally on the fence about this artist, I am slowly coming around with the help of this tune.  I had picked up this earlier album based on the buzz surrounding their third and latest release, King of the Beach.  I am drawn to their lo-fi surfer punk vibe that transports you straight to the beaches of Cali.  And in terms of pure noise and energy, they have plenty, making them one band you can't ignore.




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Song of the Week 11/7

Rotation 1

Gorillaz, Plastic Beach - "Cloud of Unknowing"

Plastic Beach is the third album project released by Gorillaz creator Damon Albarn.  It is a departure from the character driven sound which brought the Gorillaz out on to the music scene.  This project is a compilation of featured artist.  "Cloud of Unknowing", features Bobby Womack and Sinfonia ViVA.  It is a slow beautiful introspective moment found within the album. 

Rotation 2

Julia Stone, The Memory Machine - "Catastrophe"

Known mostly for musical partnership with her brother Angus, Julia is breaking away with the debut of her own solo album.  This Aussie has a fragility in her voice that contrasts beautifully with a darkness in her songs. "Catastrophe" is instrumentally one of the more upbeat songs that gives a nice break in tone to the middle of the album.  Although the name of the song and lyrics surround a doomed situation between two people, I find there is a unique sense of hope that quietly emerges from the song.


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In Rotation 2 : Foals - "Blue Blood"

Another great musical export from the UK, Foals have a quiet strength in their songs.  The five member band released their second album, Total Life Forever, back in May.  While I have yet to hear the entire album, I am taken by their single "Blue Blood."  It perfectly showcases the depth of vocals and has great instrumentation to complement the highs and lows of the song.  One look at their video for this song and you too will be taken over by the music.


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Song of the Week 10/31

Rotation 1

Heart, Dreamboat Annie - "Crazy on You"

Being a single released off their debut album back in 1976, "Crazy on You" is not a new occurrence in ones listening spectrum.  However, when I need strength and clarity to figure out my next step; I find myself turning to 70's anthems.  This time it was the powerful vocals and lyrics provided by Ann and Nancy.  I cannot deny that there is wisdom found within guitar rifts.





Rotation 2

Matt & Kim, Sidewalks - "Cameras"

After much success with their 2009 breakout song "Daylight," Matt & Kim released a new album this week full of more fun indie dance rock.  The album is upbeat and enjoyable. Watch out for this first single, as well as the two other standouts, "Where You're Coming From" and "Good for Great."








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In Rotation 2 : Sleigh Bells - Treats

At first listen, you might think they are just a cacophony of noise.  But take a second listen, and Sleigh Bells has produced some of the most in-your-face, captivating sounds of the year on their debut album, Treats. I was instantly drawn to the NYC duo's "Crown on the Ground." A song with loud shrilling guitars and throbbing beats that appear to be launching an assault straight out of your speakers, and has made me ponder what exactly does it mean to "crown on the ground?" The album goes on to deliver ten more bold tracks by counterbalancing the abrasiveness of the instruments with a playful quality in the vocals.  My suggestion when listening to this album: turn the volume up, way up, so you can feel every note pound in your chest. 

Notable Tracks:
2. "Kids"
3. "Riot Rhythm"
7. "Rill Rill"
8. "Crown on the Ground"
11. "Treats"

Not a real video, but at least you get the music

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