Randy Newman-I Want You To Hurt Like I Do
I have such a soft spot for this guy. He’s such a clever writer, using satire in the best way possible-to tackle things that aren’t really funny in the first place. Such as that despicable feeling that we all get occasionally, wanting someone to feel as low as you do. Especially if he wants Michael Jackson to sing it.
Mystery Jets-The Hale Bop
CATCHY AS A FUCK.
Hooray for music journalism.
Tv On The Radio-Ambulance
TVOTR are one of my favourite bands around because they manage to be experimental and forward thinking with their music without sacrificing songwriting. Its hard to balance those two sides, as is evident by the indie world’s growing obsession with new sounds-often in sacrifice of what truly makes songs magical or catchy.
But then TVOTR also two major sides to them: the art rock-funk jams full of verbal gymnastics that make the critics love them, and then the simple, silly love songs that we all secretly adore. Their latest album was definately full of the latter, even though the songs were consistently great and still forward thinking-it was cleaner, gentler and completely obsessed with love. Hence, the cooler reception.
Then there’s ambulance. Off their first album, and maybe their best silly love song. The original’s acapella, built off Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone’s strong voices and still pretty great-but this kinda blows it out of the water. It becomes so much more powerful. Plus who knew beatboxing would work so well?
Pearl Jam-Mankind
Vitology & No Code have always been my favourite Pearl Jam albums, they’re so pissed off, experimental and going off the deep end after becoming way too huge too fast. While a lot of their audience may have been alienated (probably a good thing), those who stuck around got the band’s wilder side. Like a Stone Gossard written/sung tune that’s essentially power pop. Sounds like something Cheap Trick should have recorded in the 70’s. SO CATCHY.
Cat Stevens-Trouble
What happened to Cat Stevens AKA How to write an amazing song
Step 1: Become a teen pop/rock sensation really fast
Step 2: Succumb to the pressure of new found fame, end up with tuberculosis and a collapsed lung.
Step 3: Spend three months recovering in a hospital, where doctors tell you you may only have weeks to live.
Step 4: Spend another 9 months at home under bedrest.
Step 5: Honestly earn the right to be introspective.
Step 6: Write. A lot.
Was it worth it? Probably. One of my favourites.
U2-Love Is Blindness/Can’t Help Falling In Love
Some seriously amazing showmanship here. Arena rock can be pretty magical; Edge’s solo is perfectly simple and soulful, and that girl dancing with bono just makes it. Then add an Elvis cover, because why not-they’re U2 at the top of their game.
International Noise Conspiracy-Capitalism Stole My Virginity
International Noise Conspiracy or INC. (Clever fuckers huh?) are a swedish garage rock band that write awesomely catchy tunes full of politics and rage, not really surprising seeing as lead singer Dennix Lyxzen’s other band Refused were kinda all about the rage. However, the bands don’t really sound anything alike. Refused were all rage all the time, basically perfecting post-hardcore and accidently launching millions of lesser imitators. INC doesn’t seem to be trying anything as ambitious as Refused, Dennis is singing not screaming, and they’re making classic catchy garage rock-with an anti-capitalist ethos. Maybe they are trying something new?
Duffy & The Doubters-Spider Baby Jesus
In what be my most obscure post ever, here’s Duffy & the Doubters! A side project of one of the guys from Ladyhawk, a great Vancouver band. However, this album is better than both Ladyhawk’s records, I suggest picking it up. Especially cause there’s only 500 copies. Extremely catchy power/pop/punk, like Ladyhawk on meth.
Tame Impala-Solitude Is Bliss
Tame Impala aka John Lennon’s great lost forgotten funk/psych project. BLISS.
Kurt Vile-Freeway In Mind
A friend recently posted a question on facebook: What is your favourite childhood song? Which got me thinking because absolutely nothing stuck out, which I found kind of upsetting. As a music obsessive you think children’s music would have played a role in my upbringing as well, but hey I’ve never had a good memory.
However, the one thing to come to mind was this. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a song as idealistic, childish, pure and oddly enough-cute as this. It captures all the wonder and joy of childhood, before any of that any responsibility bullshit comes in the way. So let go of your cares, listen and hopefully be wrapped in warm layers of nostalgia.
