I was thinking of posting this song, but then I thought no wait, I must have already posted a song by The Decemberists!
But OMG! No! I just realized I've been posting songs all this time, but not a single one by The Decemberists! They are one of the few I have actually seen in concert (with G and G's sister), and recently too! I saw them around the end of 2008 and they were fantastic! Very entertaining. They played so many of songs, it must've been like half their material. They played all my favorites. Colin Meloy is passionate when performing too. We was like climbing out onto flimsy spotlight ladders and speakers to be closer to the crowd. It was just great.
Originally I had planned to post "Sam's Town" this week, but this album is too solid. When I first heard the album it seemed weaker than Sam's Town, but now I disagree with that. After repeated listens, I think The Killers have an awesome trifecta of albums with Hot Fuss, Sam's Town, and now Day & Age. (Oh but don't skip over their "b-sides/extras" album "Sawdust". Lots of good stuff on there too!)
I was tempted to not just post my favorite 5 songs below but to post the whole album, because after my very favorite song, "Spaceman", it gets very difficult to choose. Possibly seeing them twice in concert on their current tour, where they play most if not all of the songs on this album, has helped to endear them all to me. (Well… except maybe the last one "Goodnight, Travel Well". That might be my least favorite.)
Seriously though, of all of the music from 2008, this is the album to buy in my opinion. Each song is different, good lyrics, energetic in their own ways, and well sung & played. It is a Post-Punk Revival masterpiece.
In concert they are truly entertainers. Both shows had the theatres packed, the energy high, and even some effects and theatrics. Brandon Flowers in particular was totally pumped each time! I was also impressed with just how many songs they played. Given the opportunity, I would highly suggest seeing them in concert!
Here are my 5 favorites from the album, with "Spaceman" being my favorite.
I got to see Chairlift a few weeks ago open for The Killers in Cleveland. I was impressed with how each of them played multiple instruments and there was no distinct "lead", though I really think the energy of Caroline Polachek outpaced both Aaron Pfenning and Patrick Wimberly. Also without her voice I don't know if they would be distinctive enough to have made it as far as they have. I liked several of their songs, today's song being their prize jewel. Most of you have probably heard it a gazillion times already on iPod commercials.
G made an interesting observation about the "ooo"-ing of Caroline, which occurs in several songs. G thought she must have grown up listening to a lot of Björk. It does make for a distinctive sound, but hopefully they won't over do it and make it their shtick. I did love the use of the cowbells. "I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!" (Click for SNL video of Christopher Walken and the cowbell skit.) Given how passionate Caroline seemed, I think we can expect a lot more out of her, Chairlift, and definitely her cowbell.
I saw "The Sounds" at The Grog Shop, a week and a half ago now, as I previously mentioned. I must say I was taken aback by just how rough they sounded live, in a more traditional punk fashion. High energy and fast at the expense of polish. I think the nature of The Grog Shop, with that dark hole in the wall kind of feel, contributed to it. They were not quite what I had expected after listening to their albums and watching their videos, but I am still awaiting the release of their new album, "Crossing the Rubicon" on June 2nd with baited breath. Today's song, "No One Sleeps When I'm Awake", is the first single off the album which I got to hear live too!
The concert was a bit rough for me because after traveling all day to get to Cleveland and then standing in line for a couple hours to get into the venue, and then watching the opening band, "Hey Champ" (who impressed me), I was beat. I should've had coffee instead of beers because I just could not match the energy of the 19 year-olds around me at half past midnight when they started playing. Half the women in the audience seemed to have bleach blond hair to match Maja Ivarsson's and half the guys had on super tight jeans, a fashion trend that I had not really noticed until that night. I like my loose grunge-like "I just rolled out of bed" clothing, so I think I'm going to skip on the tight pants. I did have on my black converse though, straight laced of course (click for instructive image). Black converse are always cool.
My Straight Laces Black Converse Low Tops - Always Cool
As part of our "Rock and Roll Vacation" to Cleveland, G and I saw "The Sounds" with opening band "Hey Champ" at The Grog Shop. We were over by the drummer (to my delight because I've taken up the drums) and I was blown away. I'm still a beginner and easily impressed, but of all the drummers I've seen live since I started, Jon Marks has impressed me the most. Today's song of the day really does not do his ability justice either. Watch this clip on YouTube and judge for yourself (note I think some of the better stuff in the clip starts near the middle):
He reminds me the drums are an instrument and not just there to keep the beat. I've never seen a drummer with so much presence as Jon had. The three of them really have something unique because of it too. I'll be waiting and watching for an LP from these guys (they don't have one yet)!
Of all all their recorded work I've listened to over the past couple days, I think today's song of the day is the best. No wonder it was stuck in my head as I awoke.
This bonus song today was my song of the day on 3/6, and totally deserved it! Now you have to understand I had only heard of "The Sounds" in February 2009. I am now obsessed. As a sweet bonus for me personally, I am going to get to see them in concert in the near future because they are going to be within a day's drive. (Review of the concert to come after the show for sure, assuming I don't explode from experience!)
I am questioning how I did not hear of them until this year. I think I know the answer though. I got stuck in a musical rut the past couple years. Listening to new music by the 500+ artists I already knew, and nothing else. But that is over now. I am getting back in touch thanks to sites like NPR's All Songs Considered, Pandora Radio, and my eMusic subscription & recommendations. I'm also starting to ask everyone I know what they're listening to all the time. I don't want to miss out anymore!
Why am I obsessed? They have that post-punk revival sound. Edgy yet honest lyrics, a driving danceable beat, a touch of the 70s/80s pop & punk, and a "don't mess with me or I will kill you and throw a party like its 1999 on your skull" kind of attitude …AND they are Swedish. How could you not love that!? Also, do you not love the video? Oh I can't wait to see them!
