Songs of the Week #2- Editors Pick
“Weird, mystical, synthy, devilish.”
ROY:
“The Rat” - Walkmen
Such typical rock/pop cliche -- a song of rejection. But this one has an infectious driving sound and energy behind it. And midway through it breaks down and gets all introspective, momentarily revealing a vulnerable reality: "When I used to go out I'd know everyone I saw. Now I go out alone, if I go out at all," before flinging itself back into chest-puffing indignation.
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JOHN:
“Someone I Once Knew" – Paul Westerberg from his 14 songs LP
Anytime my kid sings a song off a record we listened to hours earlier, it automatically makes his mix. The fact that it is Paul Westerberg only swells my pride.
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SHENYAH:
“Elephant Gun” – Beirut
I’m reminded of how big a song can sound with some horn layers and percussion, alongside other captivating elements. I fantasize myself doing a swoopy-type dance. When I’m alone with this, this fantasy is played out proudly! To no surprise, this video does it too. I didn’t know that.
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MATTY:
“Fitzpleasure” – Alt-J
Every once in a while, I will use iTunes as a way to learn about a few bands that I've not yet heard of. I'll browse a few listings of bands that I like, and then see what other recommendations come up below, and follow the interface's lead. It's like a game -- having to decide in thirty seconds or so, whether or not you're willing to buy a song. But the stakes are low, with most songs priced out at a dollar, so for ten bucks, chances are you're going to find a gem or two. Alt-J was one of those such gems. Weird, mystical, synthy, devilish. Then I heard them perform this song live on Q with Jian Ghomeshi, and I was sold -- they were able to recreate all the weird, without sacrificing very much at all. And a drummer without cymbals, on top of it. If you want to know what it would feel like to lick the back of your own neck, then watch the video.
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CARRIE:
"Nightcall" – Kavinsky featuring Lovefoxxx
Music from the motion picture soundtrack for the film, Drive
This song is admittedly excellent for it's uncanny 80's pop synth qualities, even to the tiniest detail of Lovefoxxx's vocal treatment and hint of an 80's accent. The simplicity and near ridiculousness of the lyrics are fitting and period-appropriate as well. This whole soundtrack is awesome.
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