093010

What's It Called?

Bloc Party - Banquet

What's The Story?

Bloc Party are a British indie rock band, descended from Sonic Youth & Joy Division. Banquet is from their first album, Silent Alarm.

Who's To Blame?

Plenty o' hipsters amid the tubes of the internet.

Why ♥ It?

Many moons ago when I registered my Audioscrobbler (now last.fm) account, this track was constantly number one on the sitewide chart, and I couldn't understand why at the time. I had, until later, apparently missed all the best parts of late 80's/early 90's England.

Obviously, I can't say the same now.

The intro drums are strong and tribal, which ignites the song. During the verse, the guitar tone is choppy and processed, and then during the chorus it's clean and chipper, both of which match the now high-hat laden drum beat. This combination makes the tune sound like an ambling serenade; staggered and diced through could-be-improvised verse lines, while collected for a definitely-rehearsed chorus. At 2:46, the song tapers to the same rough verse, with a new bass movement that lets you know it's an outro, before flaring a whiny lead guitar to finish.

This attractive back-and-forth structure is a great draw, and has me understanding why this song attracted so well to the indie community after its release (& continues to reach a wider audience today).

092910

What's It Called?

Arctic Monkeys - I Bet You Look Good On The Dance Floor

What's The Story?

Noel Gallagher has described the Arctic Monkeys as his favorite band. Jackass or not, his music compass must merit some credit. This tune is from the first Arctic Monkeys album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not.

Who's To Blame?

A journalist who used to date another journalist before either of them were journalists. (Overuse of the word journalist is probably bad journalism)

Why ♥ It?

The latest entry in what has accidentally become modern British punk rock week at Psongaday; the Arctic Monkeys always bring tempo to the table. The intro to this track reminds me kind of Can't Stop by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, in that it has little to do with the rest of the song but builds ample excitement regardless.

The main verse guitar riff is as saucy as they come, and the trashy tone is ideal for the environment. The bass during the chorus glows while the rest of the song builds around it. The backing vocals before the choruses (1:24) sound like shouted conversations from a room away, and do the Brit-punk justice. The lyrics are both punk and hipster in their cleverness and inanity.

There's an awesome 2 second vocal-only transition at 2:24 as well that gives just enough time for a quick breath before another bout of headbanging.

...Sort of the same way as the above paragraph is a one-dimensional transition into a closing statement like this one. If you haven't heard the high-energy youth punk of the Arctic Monkeys, this is a great place to start.

092810

What's It Called?

Muse - Thoughts of A Dying Atheist

What's The Story?

Muse are perhaps the biggest thing in England since sliced bread (which wasn't invented until after The Beatles, so I'm not blaspheming here). Thoughts of A Dying Atheist is one of the lesser-hyped tunes from their third album, Absolution.

Who's To Blame?

A beer brewer/musician. A brewsician!

Why ♥ It?

Upon first hearing this song years ago, I always thought it would be a good joke track with the vocal just saying something to the effect of "aw, shit". Whether this is actually funny or not, I am glad to report that Muse had much bigger intent for this track.

I try not to harp too much on things like titles and lyrics, because those are by design usually meant to take a backseat to the song proper. That's all well and dandy, but this song gets at least 4.7 times better when the title is kept in mind while listening--whether an atheist or not, it's not hard to imagine the ultimate of uncertainty, and Muse conveys this wonderfully through lyrics and effects in addition to music.

Par exemple, the constant notes on lead guitar in the verse are pensive and chaotic at once. The bass is foreboding while keeping the track moving. The background vocal/synth in the chorus under the powerful vocals of singer Matt Bellamy is a downright creepy one-two punch. The breakdown/solo starting at 2:05 could easily play during a car wreck or a death bed scene alike, over a montage of a life flashing before the eyes.

Thoughts of A Dying Atheist is a pretty abstract thought. All of the musical facets cooperate in almost-disturbing unison to bring that from the realm of the theoretical to make it feel real for 3:11. Needless to say, this tune is an experience.

092710

What's It Called?

Kaiser Chiefs - The Angry Mob

What's The Story?

Kaiser Chiefs are a British indie rock band who have achieved chart-topping success overseas with Ruby, a song you have almost definitely heard. That's track one on their album Yours Truly, Angry Mob; this is track two.

Who's To Blame?

One half of the robot-minion duo from Reboot.

Why ♥ It?

This song sounds like England to me, but I've never been there. Pick the bones out of that.

The structure is great; verse-bridge-verse-bridge-chorus & etc., with a nice variation for the outro that's worth the two minutes if just for the tambourine.

The lyrics sound like an angry mob; the music sounds like a reasonably funloving mob.

The bass in the bridge (0:46 for an example) is a figment of the disco-inspired kick I've found myself mired in lately, while the keys in the chorus (1:33 for an example) drive pleasantly like something either classical or modern, but not in between.

In 20 years, the Chiefs will probably (& unfortunately) be remembered as a one-trick pony, but this song alone illustrates a library of them.

092610

What's It Called?

Band of Skulls - Death By Diamonds & Pearls

What's The Story?

Band of Skulls are a British rock band that really embrace the raw, usually-two-piece garage sound embodied by bands like The White Stripes or The Black Keys. This is from their only studio album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey.

Who's To Blame?

A show junkie who will no doubt do her best to impart the next generation of young children with legitimate taste in music.

Why ♥ It?

The above-described raw & catchy sound still maintains a huge indie following, but is beginning to become radio-friendly as well, and this track is a good example. The intro chords sound pretty unprocessed, but are charming as a result. The tune uses silence and start-stop playing pretty heavily and effectively.

Even the tambourines just after 2:00 sound uncut. I'm sure it took weeks in the studio to get that to sound just right, but the result will definitely continue to crowd a deservedly popular niche of sorta-punk, sorta-rock.

This track even comes with some bonus cynicism in the lyrics!

092510

What's It Called?

DNA feat. Suzanne Vega - Tom's Diner

What's The Story?

DNA are a British dance group. Suzanne Vega is an American folk singer. Tom's Diner was an originally a capella track released by Vega in the mid-80s, and DNA remixed it in 1990.

Who's To Blame?

A guy whose forum username comes from electrocuted weenies.

Why ♥ It?

Do not click the link above unless you want a chorus stuck in your head. The track is fairly downtempo, but flows through 5:22 quickly & seamlessly, with repeated iterations of the intro/chorus constant. The bass sounds surprisingly like the intro to the TV show The Sopranos, and the horns and early morning-sounding synth are generally content about life, the universe and everything. When dance meets folk, pleasant and catchy both happen.

Now, if you'll excuse me... dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah, dah dah dah dah dah dah dah dah

092410

What's It Called?

Big Wreck - That Song

What's The Story?

Wikipedia describes Big Wreck as "neo-progressive hard rock". Prog rockers and mainstream rockers alike will shudder at Big Wreck being labelled neo-prog, but either group will probably like them. Go figure.

They're from Boston, and this track is from their first (& only successful) release, In Loving Memory Of...

Who's To Blame?

Large gleaming songs the third.

Why ♥ It?

I talked the other day about how Anthrax could write a laid back, muchly unheavy metal tune. Big Wreck writes a song that gets on MuchMusic's annual pop-rock compilation for its general likability & accessibility, but thrashes heavily in a way that Pantera would probably respect. (See, among others, 1:50 & 3:29). It seems especially heavy, since they often pump the noise in after slow, mostly vocal breakdowns. If you've heard Stars by Hum, this song effects in a similar way.

All considered, this song... er... That Song is a solid rock song with a draw for radio types and anti-radio types alike.

092310

What's It Called?

VHS or Beta - Disco Paradise

What's The Story?

VHS or Beta are a five piece electrofunk band from Kentucky. Apparently, they still make disco in the home of the colonel. This track is from their first album Le Funk.

Who's To Blame?

The Macho Man's biggest fan.

Why ♥ It?

Take disco, and add some modern indie sensibility. At times, the result will sound like Daft Punk, some others will sound like straight disco or funk. Regardless, the result feels great to listen to. Props also to some of the chord progressions (see 2:56 for an example); they manage to keep the sunny, upbeat feeling while still building intensity. This belongs on a soundtrack.

...But will it be on an HDDVD or Bluray?

092210

What's It Called?

Anthrax - Cadillac Rock Box

What's The Story?

Anthrax is perhaps the least known of what's come to be known as "The Big 4" metal bands. Cadillac Rock Box is from one of their later studio albums from their second vocalist's run, We've Come For You All, and features a voice intro and guest guitar solo by metal legend Dimebag Darrell.

Who's To Blame?

A man who could've stayed in the closet for life, and nobody would've known.

Why ♥ It?

This song is dirty, southern-style metal. File it with Jesus Built My Hot Rod; it is what it is and is not ashamed about it. Perhaps best filed under hard rock rather than heavy metal, the catch guitar riff features a metal-style lick without the heavy. The vocals are accessible and clean, and at only 3:41 (with a voice intro and crowd noise outro), the track doesn't overstay its welcome, either.

If metal can possibly be laid back, this is how.

092110

What's It Called?

Fleetwood Mac - Never Going Back Again

What's The Story?

This is the third track from one of the most storied albums in rock history, Rumors. Fleetwood Mac are... you know what, jfgi.

Who's To Blame?

The superstar of this past weekend.

Why ♥ It?

This song is one of those tunes where the instruments exhibit a sort of role reversal; despite the inability to talk*, the guitar feels like it's the one telling the story in this short and sweet tune, while the vocals add rhythm and flair. It may also help foster appreciation for this song if you sit down and read all the trash that actually went into the writing of Rumors as a whole, but it's certainly not a requirement: this track shines devoid of context.

* = Unless we're talking about Peter Frampton. He wasn't in the Mac, was he?

092010

What's It Called?

Justine Electra - Killalady

What's The Story?

Justine Electra is a relatively unknown artist from Australia currently based in Germany. This blurb is almost as long as her Wikipedia article. Killalady is from her only studio album, Soft Rock.

Who's To Blame?

Another guy who does these, and probably has better taste than I do.

Why ♥ It?

The guitar riff and the chiming sound breed familiarity. The vocals show a Feist-like beauty, and the lyrics seem like they'd appeal to the track's audience. The obnoxiously fuzzy synth that enters soon after the 3 minute mark rewards the patient listener. An easygoing treat.

091910

What's It Called?

Does It Offend You Yeah - Let's Make Out

What's The Story?

Does It Offend You Yeah are a British five-piece electronic racket that pass for Justice sometimes, and The Killers other times. They got their name by deciding to name themselves after the first thing they saw on TV, which happened to be Ricky Gervais saying "My drinking; does it offend you, yeah?"

Let's Make Out is from their (currently only) studio album You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into.

Who's To Blame?

A guy who decided the house needed a ping pong table more than a kitchen table.

Why ♥ It?

This song is a pretty bizarre entry that falls in about the middle of the above listed spectrum. It's a song that feels like youth; others write neat and tidy songs about life and love, and Does It Offend You Yeah opt instead to write a dirty, grooving song about anti-love. The high-pitched vocals aren't the most accessible, but anything else would be an injustice to the mood that the song creates.

091810

What's It Called?

Finger Eleven - Obvious Heart

What's The Story?

Finger Eleven are a Canadian rock band who were once known as the Rainbow Butt Monkeys. This track was from their self-titled third studio album, the same one that bore the monster hit One Thing.

Who's To Blame?

A guy who once wrote a song about a guy who shit his pants.

Why ♥ It?

The lead guitar riff at 1:52. The rest of the song is solid and will appeal to fans of Nine Inch Nails or Nirvana, but that guitar lead creates a soundscape of beautiful chaos that makes this song a catalogue staple.

091710

What's It Called?

Metric - Down

What's The Story?

Metric is the face of the mostly-Canadian, pop-punk-with-girl-singer sound who have started to make waves internationally by putting a song on one of the Twilight soundtracks (ick). Down is from their Static Anonymity EP.

Who's To Blame?

A Canucks fan who lives about as far away from BC as is possible in North America.

Why ♥ It?

This track is not what you expect from Metric. I can't put my finger on who the music sounds like, but this song could easily have hit #1 on the top 40 as a downtempo, yet feel-good summer hit. It's a nice change of pace from Metric's upbeat & catchy (but eventually stagnant) library.

091610

What's It Called?

Everlast - Folsom Prison Blues

What's The Story?

Everlast is a singer/songwriter out of the US, best known for his radio hit What It's Like. Lesser known, he was the frontman from House of Pain. This cover is from his album Love, War & The Ghost of Whitey Ford.

Who's To Blame?

A guy who I think might be in a major biker gang, but who I won't ask because I like having my spleen connected to whatever it is that a spleen connects to.

Why ♥ It?

There's a video making the internet rounds of Jimmy Kimmel impersonating Neil Young performing the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. Whether approve or disapprove, it seems that the general consensus is that the video delivers exactly what it promises. The reason I waste breath (finger-breath?) typing this is because this song can be summed up in exactly the same way: Everlast covers Folsom Prison Blues while sampling the beat from Insane In The Membrane.

...Hey, it could be worse, he could be sampling Jump Around.

091510

What's It Called?

David Palmer & The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - Run Like Hell

What's The Story?

This tune is one of a collection of Pink Floyd covers by this orchestra, released in 1991. David Palmer is well known as a later member of Jethro Tull.

Who's To Blame?

A late-night record shop downtown. Which may or may not have been visited at 9:30 on a Tuesday night in the rain.

Why ♥ It?

On the surface, this is neat enough as an orchestra performing Pink Floyd.

However, the spin Palmer arranges here is what's most attractive about the song. I'm not going to even pretend I have any idea what goes on or went on in Roger Waters' head, but Run Like Hell by Pink Floyd is a foreboding, intimidating song that sounds about fit for an air raid. Organized by this orchestra, it's a happy, sunny-day-in-a-field-with-butterflies-everywhere effort. Something that many of the string quartet cover albums of late seem to miss is to arrange with a hint of flair, and that's something that Palmer did to a T. See for yourself!

091410

What's It Called?

Pain of Salvation - Cribcaged

What's The Story?

Pain of Salvation is a progressive rock/metal outfit from Sweden who have a minor beef with the American way of life. Their vocalist, Daniel Gildenlow, is well known from working with other artists in the field. Cribcaged is from their sixth studio album, Scarsick.

Who's To Blame?

An organic chemist who plays the organ.

Why ♥ It?

This song is liquid catharsis. The piano throughout (especially until the 3 minute mark) is heartwrenching, and the mood is dark and brooding. I like how the band doesn't achieve the mass release of frustration through screaming and drop-D chords; they spend 3 minutes building the mood and then kick in the metal, and it's still subtle then by metal standards. Teenagers would love this song if they had the attention span to wait 3 minutes to hear a vocalist sing the word fuck.

091310

What's It Called?

MSTRKRFT (feat. John L) - Heartbreaker

What's The Story?

I've done MSTRKRFT before; electronic duo from Canada who mix and remix with the best of them. Heartbreaker is the single-esque song from their second album, Fist of God.

Who's To Blame?

A guy who probably would spell Yale with a 6.

Why ♥ It?

If you're one of those people who dodges rap/hip-hop & electro because you "like music with real instruments", check this track out for the piano. If you're someone who digs rap/hip-hop & electro, check this and ask yourself why you haven't heard it at Greasy Dance Club X.

091210

What's It Called?

La Roux - Bulletproof

What's The Story?

La Roux are a British electronic duo made up of a vocalist and a producer. This smash hit is from their eponymous & only studio album.

Who's To Blame?

A guy with the talent, potential and attitude to be the next Hunter S. Thompson.

Why ♥ It?

Funny story for this tune. It popped up on Grooveshark radio one day, and a friend of mine (the to-blame guy) told me who and what it was.

On another occasion, I played the song for a few friends, all of similar attitude to me; love to talk about and listen to music. None of the guys had heard it, and I got mad props for recommending it because the vocal work is stellar and the tune is catchy.

Flash forward to a couple weeks later, when I recommend the song to another of my friends, telling her that it sounded like something from trashy radio but was great. Turns out, this song is all over trashy radio, and I got some funny looks for recommending it like it was something new and unknown.

The very next day, I was drunkenly accosted by one of the guys I'd recommended the song to. Apparently, he'd tried to spread the word too, to the same "what are you, an idiot?" kind of response.

I love when songs have stories or memories attached to them, and I felt like sharing this one. That's probably the main reason I ♥ it now, but it's still a catchy electronic sound with a striking vocal performance.

Even if you can hear it on Generic Hits FM.

091110

What's It Called?

Dragonette - I Get Around

What's The Story?

Dragonette exemplify one of the prominent Canadian sounds; synthpop/rock with an enchanting female lead and catchy hooks. I Get Around is from their first album, Galore.

Who's To Blame?

A TV junkie who's partially responsible for the coming generation.

Why ♥ It?

Take Lady GaGa's catchy hooks and electronic feel and give her a three piece backup band, and you have this track. It could fit into a sketchy dance bar or underground indie show, and still be appreciated.

091010

What's It Called?

Corinne Bailey Rae - Steady As She Goes

What's The Story?

Corinne Bailey Rae is a newer singer that modernizes a soulful Motown sound, but is signed with EMI. The track was written and performed originally by Jack White's Raconteurs in 2006.

Who's To Blame?

A girl with a smile eons long.

Why ♥ It?

Keep the original catchy guitar riff and probably-thiefed-from-Joe-Jackson bass line, and throw Motown into the mix with some slowed down sections to give the song a new vibe. Why isn't Corinne Bailey Rae on the radio more than she is?

090910

What's It Called?

Fastball - The Way

What's The Story?

This is the one hit from the one hit wonder Fastball. It was one of the biggest songs of 1998, especially in Canada. It's from their album All The Pain Money Can Buy.

Who's To Blame?

MuchMusic. Or Blossom. Remember Blossom?

Why ♥ It?

This tune is a has-it-all pop/rock tune that tells a story Jim Croce would be proud of. You've heard it before--but I'm not posting to inform, rather remind: this track does everything right.

090810

What's It Called?

The Mars Volta - L'Via L'Viaquez

What's The Story?

The Mars Volta are the weirdest band you know. Formed in 2001 from the ashes of At The Drive In, the band has many guest and session players, including John Frusciante & Flea of the better-known Red Hot Chili Peppers. L'Via L'Viaquez is from their most popular album, Frances The Mute.

Who's To Blame?

A guy who, at one point, claimed membership in 7 bands that play downtown regularly.

Why ♥ It?

The main verse has an appealing punky hook and funky bass line, and then transitions into a breakdown that does Black Magic Woman proud. Somehow, these work together.

090710

What's It Called?

The Lemonheads - If I Could Talk, I'd Tell You

What's The Story?

The Lemonheads are an alt-rock band that belong on 90s radio stations without pigeonholing entirely into that niche. If I Could Talk, I'd Tell You comes from Car Button Cloth, an album released after the height of their fame had come and gone.

Who's To Blame?

A guy who, when we were kids, accused me of being nothing but a bandwagon hopper because I wore a fur hat one day. Today, he's probably my favorite folk artist.

Why ♥ It?

This song takes two chords and gives them legs enough for almost three minutes through the use of smart & singable lyrics.

090610

Due to falling almost a week behind, I will STFU and just post the tunes this week with one sentence or less, like many other song a day blogs do. Let's see if this format is more or less fun. Feel free to comment with any thoughts on this maybe-temporary paradigm shift.

What's It Called?

Liquid Tension Experiment - Paradigm Shift

What's The Story?

Liquid Tension Experiment are an instrumental prog rock supergroup formed mostly of current and former members of Dream Theater. This tune is from their first self titled album.

Who's To Blame?

One of the more irritating people on Earth.

Why ♥ It?

Phenomenal and catchy instrumentation if you want to invest attention, great hooks and progressions if you want background music.

090510

What's It Called?

Megadeth - Crush 'Em

What's The Story?

Megadeth formed when an old Metallica guitarist got drunk and the rest of the band put him on a bus going to the other side of the country to let him know that he was kicked out (or so urban lore tells us). Crush 'Em was the single from the 2000 album Risk.

Who's To Blame?

A cat whose nickname and persona start at his hair.

Why ♥ It?

Megadeth is one of the quintessential old thrash metal artists. However, much of their newer work is either ignored or maligned by modern metalheads. This tune is a good front for that newer work, and although I can see why the draw may not be there for a fan who cut their teeth on Rust In Peace, I feel as though that leads to there being a draw for some others.

The drum and bass to this song are ever-solid; they don't change a lot, but will generate some toe-tapping. The guitar licks thrown in over the verses are appreciable in much the same way Hendrix is; rather than just playing the chords required, the guitar is always making some sort of sound to add another element to the song.

The chorus is plenty catchy. Nothing special happens, but the simple chord progression and ever-solid instrumentation combine with the relaxed metal vocal style of Dave Mustaine. Also, the key change at 3:20 is welcomed, adding a brighter sound to a metal tune best suited on the soundtrack to an action movie.

I'll admit that this falls more in the domain of hard rock (and perhaps even radio rock) than it does heavy metal, but whatever pigeonhole you want to stuff the track into, it's a good one.

090410

What's It Called?

The Rapture - Don Gon Do It

What's The Story?

The Rapture are a dance punk group from New York City. They're signed to Motown, for what it's worth, and have three studio albums. Don Gon Do It is a grammatical abomination from their most recent effort, Pieces of The People We Love.

Who's To Blame?

The current all-time leader in blame mentions on this blog by a wide margin.

Why ♥ It?

I know that this precedes Black Kids' Partie Traumatic, but all I can think when I hear this song's fuzzy bass and the darting synth is how much I'm waiting for another of their albums.

The most easily appreciable attribute of this tune is the cooperation of lead guitar and vocals during the chorus sections. It's far from original, but having the two work in unison brings catchy to another level.

Furthermore, name me a use of cowbell that isn't catchy. It's so prominent in the percussion that even Bruce Dickinson would be a cool 98.6 listening to this track.

Part of me is kind of sad that I missed the 70s when disco was all the rage, because I could listen to tracks like these all day and night. & even when they're over, they're still playing in my head anyways. But hey, at least our generation has Lady GaGa!*

* = I'll leave it up to you to figure out if I'm being serious or sarcastic. I'm not quite sure myself.

090310

What's It Called?

Rise Against - Rumors of My Demise Have Been Greatly Exaggerated

What's The Story?

Rise Against may well be the oughts' version of Bad Religion. This track is one of their lesser known, and is the last track from their breakthrough album Siren Song of The Counterculture.

Who's To Blame?

A punk rocker who insists on pronouncing silent Ks.

Why ♥ It?

The title of this song is one of the most clever and cheeky things said by a man renowned for his cheekiness and cleverness. The lyrics of the song reflect this attitude; they aren't ha-ha clever, but you can tell that the word selection didn't just come from the fact that sand rhymes with hand.

I hate to say this about any tune, but I really think that the lyrics are the best thing that this song brings to the table. The structure and performance are both competent and standard for punk rock, but I feel that this one stands out because of what it's saying rather than how it's saying it.

Consider exhibit A, the upbeat rocking instruments and half-yelled/half-sung presentation of the lyrics. Consider also exhibit B, the structural layout of some fast, some slow parts. Together, these elements (along with the lyrics I won't shut up about) do a great job of conveying what it feels like to be twenty-something and have a whole world of options open.

I think, based on the above, that this song will depress me a bit when I'm 40. But for now, the high energy and catchy punk rock style are just right.

090210

What's It Called?

Citizen Cope - Bullet & A Target

What's The Story?
Citizen Cope is a folk artist from Brooklyn. Bullet & A Target is from his third full length album, Citizen Cope: The Clarence Greenwood Recordings.

Who's To Blame?

I don't remember, so I'll just say it was either Jesus or Batman.

Why ♥ It?

The cool thing about a folk artist from Brooklyn is that you can expect some soulful vocal work. In particular, I would've assumed Citizen Cope was a rapper with a guitar from this song. The delivery is casual like a rap, but with a hint of tune. (not to be confused with autotune)

Also, the rest of the track is simple. The rhythm guitar only ever plays four chords, in the same order and style every time. The bass, same story. My n-year old family member could probably play the drums for much of the track. They all sound great, but take a backseat by design to the heavy & soulful sound of the vocals.

I really like the clapping sound that starts near the outro of the song. Adds another layer, and I'm sure it would liven the song up a little live. The guitar lead there could be tinkered as well, but it's great for the studio track in its simplicity.

I keep using the word simple, but don't let that deter you. Anything more involved would rob the song of its soulful folk charm.

090110

What's It Called?

The Bird & The Bee - Meteor

What's The Story?

The Bird & The Bee are a synthpop duo from LA, featuring producer Greg Kurstin as a member, which is apparently a big deal if you're into knowing who producers are. Meteor is from their second studio album, Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future.

Who's To Blame?

A sweet, health-conscious girl who frequently uses the word pal.

Why ♥ It?

Do you trust me, blog readers?

If so, skip to 1:10 and listen to just the way that she sings the word arms. That is so effortless and beautiful, and in one word is an illustration of what's so wonderful about this song.

The vocals are enchanting; her singing in the chorus alone is enough, but the added ooh-la-la-la effect makes the combo pack a heavy punch.

Everything else about this song just feels right. As the name & lyrics might suggest, it plays like a soundtrack for looking at the night sky with someone you care about. I really can't heap any higher praise or better description than that.

083110

What's It Called?

The Main Drag - How We'd Look On Paper

What's The Story?

The Main Drag are an indie pop/rock outfit from the land of the green monster. With the exception of one member, they all work for Harmonix (makers of the Rock Band games), and saw their biggest explosion of exposure from the inclusion of their song A Jagged Gorgerous Winter in Rock Band 2. This tune is from that same album, Yours As Fast As Mine.

Who's To Blame?

A radio personality who is the king of virtual hockey.

Why ♥ It?

Ever listen to the guitar intro in Hey There Delilah and kind of wish you didn't have to be ashamed to admit to yourself that it actually sounds kinda nice? (Is that just me?) This track starts in a similar vein, with the guitar sounding similar to that radio smash. However, the addition of synth sounds and (what sounds like) a glockenspiel make the song feel more like Your Ex-Lover Is Dead; the music feels like walking outside on a crisp winter day where it's sunny, but lightly snowing. I realize that's a ridiculous way to describe a song, but tell me I'm wrong when you listen for yourself.

The percussion in this track is a standout, the drum keeps a marvelous beat, and either through skillful style or effortful post-processing, has a very unique voice for a percussion sound. It's complex, but a bongo drum would do the same job and probably the same justice for the mood of the song. To write such a complex part within that framework is admirable.

There are also wonderful horns and genre-perfect vocals and a bass line that plays exactly the right notes at exactly the right times. But there's so much goodness from elsewhere that I don't even want to elaborate on those. This song is masterfully crafted and is a guaranteed pick-me-up for the most diehard indie fan or casual music listener.