Song obsessions are those songs that we listen to on repeat. I noticed that my obsessions are often a week long. I also thought that other people might have similar obsessions. I’ve collected a panel of a few like-minded individuals and gotten their “song obsessions of the week.” Quite often it’s easy to explain why the song is good; it’s much hard to explain why we’re obsessed. Maybe you’ll become obsessed with one of these.

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Adrian (me):
Benni Hemm Hemm – Brekkan (mp3) (buy)

I saw these guys last Friday and I liked this song before that. The show just kicked my listening into overdrive. I really like the horns and the rhythm and how the post-rockish parts alternate with the delicate singer-songwriter parts.

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Chris:
Federico Aubele – Esta Noche (mp3) (buy)

A tight track mixing classical Spanish guitar with some downtempo influences. Federico is a classical guitarist from Argentina, and his albums (usually produced by Thievery Corp) feature chilled out guitar alongside electronica and smoky Spanish vocals. I saw Federico perform in Central Park this week, and he’s got some serious guitar chops. You can’t go wrong with any track off this album.

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Scott:
Volcano! – Fire Fire (mp3) (buy)

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Oz:
Dr. Dog – Heart It Races (mp3) (buy)

This song falls in the category of “cover songs that are better than the original.” Dr. Dog’s version of “Heart it Races” by Architecture in Helsinki has put a skip in my step for the past week. Try to not to tap your foot or bob your head to this track. It’s impossible.

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Andy:
the One AM Radio – I Think This is My Exit (mp3) (buy)

I’ve been pulling out some vinyl to throw on the stereo lately – stuff I haven’t listened to in a while, just to provide a counterpoint to the 4 CDs I have in my car, and the shockingly small number of albums I have on my ancient ipod. I think this is my favorite album of Hrishi’s. I’m less sure, though, whether it’s because it’s the best, or whether it’s because this is the first of his work I heard.

This track has always been a standout for me – it’s got little bits of everything that sets Hrishi apart from other artists I like. A clean, well-played guitar part, a simple beat, and electronic bits that complement the melody without intruding. Excellent harmonies, and a willingness to let his voice stand alone. Cello. Even more, this is one of those tracks in which the whole is greater than the sum – like Ida’s “So Long,” there’s something more happening here, and if you
can’t hear it, there’s nothing I can say that will change that. I’ve listened to this album (especially the A-side) maybe 100 times, and this is the track that I keep coming back to.

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Dave:
Rocky Votolato – Goldfield (mp3) (buy)

I love the old-school folkiness of this song. There’s something about the simple guitar and hushed vocals that really get me. The rest of the album is also very good (”Makers” on Barsuk Records), if you like this song I definitely recommend checking it out, it’s much more mature and focused than his first album.

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Keith:
Mary Onettes – Void (mp3) (buy)

The Mary Onettes recently put out a strong self-titled release on Labrador, unfortunately I haven’t made it past song three as my repeat button is permanently locked into “Void.” This tune earns its retro-new wave cred by melding a gleefully uplifting guitar lick and silvery synth line with plenty of low-end gothy bass. Match that with a dramatically soaring chorus hinting at the singer’s crippling inability to proactively pursue his object of lust (”I’m a void / You can fall into me now”) and this is required introvert bedroom headphones listening. If this had come out in ‘86 the vinyl would have quickly developed a permanent skip from overplay, just like my copy of “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out.”

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I’m completely thrilled with this week’s panel and choices. Our newest panelist is Keith, my long time college radio DJ hero and still one of the best I’ve heard.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 13th, 2007 at 6:42 am Posted by adrian in mp3s, song obsessions. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.