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.

–

Adrian (me):
Lymbyc Systym – Astrology Days (mp3) (buy)

I immediately liked their live show but their album, Love Your Abuser has taken a few weeks to really grab hold. I’m not sure what it is in particular about this track that I love. Maybe that it grinds to a halt and reinvents itself partway through.

–

Keith:
the Lucksmiths – Untidy Towns (mp3) (buy)

It’s pretty easy to become obsessed with any random Lucksmiths song – their ability to craft catchy melodies and “I’ve felt that way too” lyrics lead to a multitude of obsessive opportunities. This single is one of my favorites with the line of reasons starting somewhere to the right of the lyric “I say it like it’s unrehearsed / but I said it the bathroom first”

–

Scott:
Black Pus – Juggernaut (mp3) (buy)

–

Andy:
Damien Jurado – Put the Hatchet Down (mp3) (not available? cover, on original artist’s myspace page)

I only first heard this song on Wednesday night, but I listened to it about 10 times while I was at work.

I love Damien Jurado, but I especially love his songs when they’re pared down to the bare bones of his voice and a guitar. The spare recording, the power of his voice, and the simplicity of his guitar are all very evocative for me. I’d love to see this one get an official release sometime, but I’m pretty sure it’ll stay in the vast world (which I’ve only recently discovered) of unreleased Damien Jurado demos.

–

Natalie:
Spiritualized – Soul on Fire (mp3) (buy)

Swim Party – The Kids are a Drag (mp3) (not out yet, artist’s website)

I’ve been M.I.A. for a couple weeks, so I thought I’d share two song obsessions this week. Spiritualized’s “Soul on Fire” from their new album Songs in A & E makes me want to hold hands with someone and go to the drive-in. I think this is a good thing.

Swim Party’s “The Kids Are a Drag” is from their upcoming album Pixie Dust on the Blood Range. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of the album, and this song’s definitely my favorite track. The melody keeps rolling around in my brain. In many ways it reminds me of recordings by The National – the way the intensity builds throughout the song, the many layers and sonic tidbits that I keep stumbling upon. It might be my favorite song of the year so far.

I just noticed that both of these songs are track five on their respective albums. What is it with me and track number five?

This entry was posted on Friday, June 6th, 2008 at 1:48 am Posted by adrian in SF bay area, mp3s, song obsessions. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.