Song of the Week 1/23

Rotation 1

The Antlers, Hospice - "Two"

Again...Again...I like it.  "Two" is presented in a melodic round, where the lyrical melody is mono climatic through both the verse and the chorus.  The simple guitar strumming and continuous droning backdrop is a compliment to emotionally powerful storytelling.  I appreciate the repetitious use of the word "two" to enforce the ending verse.

"There's two people living in one small room,
From your two half-families tearing at you,
Two ways to tell the story (no one worries),
Two silver rings on our fingers in a hurry,
Two people talking inside your brain,
                                                           Two people believing that I'm the one
                                                           to blame,
                                                           Two different voices coming out of
                                                           your mouth,
                                                           When I'm too cold to care and too sick to
                                                           shout."

Rotation 2

U.S. Royalty, Mirrors - "Equestrian"

DC rockers U.S. Royalty are primed to grab the attention of some new music fans with the release of their debut album this week. Their first single "Equestrian" has a fresh, naturalistic feel that pulls you in from the very first line "I slept in hills of wheat and pine/Too many years have passed me by."  There's an honest quality to the songs of Mirrors that makes their debut album very appealing.  They aren't trying too hard to be something they're not and they aren't afraid to show different sides to their music.  Case in point, check out their amazing blues-rock track "The Desert Won't SaveYou."
____________________________________________

Song of the Week 1/16

Rotation 1

First Aid Kit, Ghost Town EP - "When I Grow Up"

Young Swedish duo covers Fever Ray's, "When I Grow Up", stripping down the original to its lyrical core.  Removing the overtones of synthesizers and percussional beats, the song is represented with the same vocal hauntingness accompanied a softly ramblin' guitar.  In the spirit of Fleet Foxes, First Aid Kit, is true to their harmonizing vocals and simple folk instrumentation.  Check out their full length album, The Big Black and the Blue.





Rotation 2

Abbe May - "Mammalian Locomotion"

With a deep throbbing beat, gritty blues rock guitars, and sultry vocals, "Mammalian Locomotion" is Australian singer Abbe May's answer to Charlotte Gainsbourg's "Trick Pony."  The contrasting aspects of a delicate, yet seductive voice over strong instrumentation is a combination that makes both songs so addictive.  Be ready for this song to grab attention as Abbe prepares to release her upcoming album slated for May.




____________________________________________

In Rotation 2 : Pepper Rabbit - "Harvest Moon"

French horn anyone? Both Xander Singh and Luc Laurent of Pepper Rabbit aren't afraid to infuse a wide array of instruments into their music. Their song "Harvest Moon" is a melodic fusion of their capability to weave together the gentle tones of each instrument.  This trait coupled with the gentle vocals creates a real warmth in the song that is refreshing. 

You can find this track off of the band's debut album "Beauregard" released back in October 2010. And, watch for the band to put out new material later this year.


____________________________________________

Rotation 1 : Jose Gonzalez - In Our Nature

Singer songwriter Jose Gonzalez release of, In Our Nature, is a simple yet beautiful collection of songs.  Stripped down to an acoustic guitar, vocals, with a few percussional beats each track is intoxicating hypnotic; flowing effortlessly from one to another.  In Our Nature has a sweet humanistic quality with many of the lyrical subject revolving around the topics of human interaction and passage of time.  The guitar arrangement is organic with the feeling as if the melodic tones were those created by the sound of the wind passing through the landscape.

Notable tracks:
2. "Down the Line"
3. "Killing for Love"
5. "Teardrop"
10. "Cycling Trivialities"




____________________________________________

In Rotation 2 : Oh Land - Oh Land EP

Based off of a four song EP released back in October, Oh Land is one act to look out for in 2011.  Oh Land, also known as the talented electropop singer Nanna Fabricius, hails from Denmark bringing with her a  truly strong yet delicate, unique voice.  Like her European counterparts, Oh Land with her intriguing vocals and haunting beats falls somewhere between the likes of Lykke Li, Fever Ray, and Bjork. Until the release of her full album later this year, here are two songs worth putting on repeat:




___________________________________________

Song of the Week 12/26

Rotation 1

Danger Mouse and Sparklehorse, Dark Night of the Soul - "Revenge" featuring The Flaming Lips

2010 was a very prolific year for Brian Burton (Danger Mouse).  Besides teaming up with James Mercer to form Broken Bells, and offering his production talent on The Black Keys,  "Tighten Up"; he and Mark Linkous (Sparklehorse) introduced Dark Night of the Soul, a collaborative album featuring many musically influential artist. 

From the album, "Revenge" has an intoxicating quality; hooking the listener in traditional Flaming Lips style with its lyrical melodic combination. 

                                                             "In my mind
                                                             I have shot you and stabbed you
                                                             throught the heart
                                                             I just didn't understand
                                                             The ricochet is the second part
                                                            
                                                             Cause you can't hide
                                                             What you intend
                                                             It glows in the dark
                                                             Once you've sought
                                                             The path of revenge
                                                             There is no way to stop
                                                             And the more I try to hurt you
                                                             The more it hurts me"

Rotation 2

Sufjan Stevens, The Age of Adz - "Too Much"

There is something magical about the songs is Sufjan's latest album The Age of Adz.  Accompanied by the images of apocalyptic artist Royal Robertson, Sufjan has created an album full of sensory rich songs that transports you to an ancient society bent on the quest for eternal glory.  The blending of orchestral and electronic sound strengthens the conceptual idea adding a mechanical and mystical element to the musical journey.




____________________________________________