song obsession friday! (for the last week in January)
January 27th, 2012This is the second in the relaunch of the song obsessions posts, two and a half years after my last regular song obsession post.
Song obsessions are those songs that get stuck in your head. This series of posts isn’t about what I or the other panel members think is best, but what our brain latches onto, those ear worms that loop around and around in your head.
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Adrian (me):
Tyler Lyle – The Wine Maker’s Love Song (mp3) (buy)
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On Heather’s suggestion I checked out this album and I’ve been hooked. It’s almost too earnest and almost too much of a snapshot–the story goes that it was recorded in one day after a break-up and before moving across the country–but as long as my cynical side is at bay even a little bit, I’m on board with these melodic and wonderful songs. And the banjo doesn’t hurt either.
Sean Kingston – Beautiful Girl (video)
Sometimes earworms are not the best songs; they’re just catchy. I don’t hate this song, but I don’t love it either. However my girlfriend’s shampoo is “Beautiful Curls” which has gotten me singing this song/ a slight parody in my head a lot recently.
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Natalie:
Noah Gunderson – Ledges (live) (mp3) (unreleased song, buy other songs by the artist)
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I was lucky enough to see this house concert while visiting Seattle a few weeks ago. Noah Gundersen is one of my new favorite artists, and since this house show, I haven’t been able to stop listening to his music. This is the song that most often hums in my brain.
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Andy:
Molina and Johnston – Almost Let You In (mp3) (buy
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For me, this song is the standout on the Molina/Johnson record. Every bit of the production is perfect. Every sound contributes to the atmosphere of sparse loneliness. I love the guitar sound, the piano, the understated kick drum, and especially the harmonies. It’s a simple, beautiful song.
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Keith:
Industry – State of the Nation (mp3) (buy
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A favorite sub-genre of authentic new wave is the anti-war/nuclear paranoia song. Not just because every band delved into this pot, but because it takes superior skill to polish up a strident political message with a pop radio sheen. This obsesso-worthy example dares you to care about the message in the music, as the bubbly synths and popcorn lite chorus dress up a thanklessly bitter defense for the cannon fodder.
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Dave:
The Black Keys – Gold on the Ceiling (mp3) (buy
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This foot tapping, hand clapping, head bobbing ear-worm has just about everything that usually gets me obsessed with a song. Danger Mouse’s production brings a fullness of sound that is a long way from The Black Keys’ early albums, but is welcome evolution, taking them in new directions without forsaking their signature rawness. This song is still just good ol’ Rock ‘n Roll.
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Also of note, a photo of mine is featured on NPR’s website. It’s a worthwhile list to check out anyway.
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Posted in mp3s, song obsessions by adrian at 7:04 am No Comments
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