Nick Malpezzi
Depreston – Courtney Barnett
13 February 2018
No one writes lyrics like Courtney Barnett. She has the ability to make mundane everyday things seem interesting as she looks on them with a wry eye. The way she sings almost seems like a stream of consciousness which speaks to her songwriting style – she makes it look easy, and her music perfectly compliments that…
The Wilhelm Scream – James Blake
7 February 2018
Soft chords set the mood while the drums give us this sense of tension. They are tight, punchy and hit us in the chest. A super wide vocal appears, one side slightly delayed behind the other creating a dream-like state – one where we understand as much as we are trying to figure out.
White Gloves – Khruganbin
30 January 2018
Let’s take a step back. Let’s remember what it’s like to experience something new for the first time. It’s mysterious. It’s engaging. You end up in this little bubble that keeps getting bigger and you can’t get enough. This is the feeling I get every time I listen to Khruangbin. They have this sound that is so comforting, it melts away everything that is wrong with the world. It’s almost as though they have created a little universe with their music that only promotes happiness. Seriously try to listen to this song without a smile on your face.
Birthday Drunk – Fruit Bats
23 January 2018
I have been a fan of the Fruit Bats for a long time. Their music has also been transparent and often feels like it sees straight through any facade. This interest has only compounded with the release of “Absolute Loser,” the most recent album. One song in particular really grabs me: Birthday Drunk. To me, it’s a perfect song. A capitulating guitar rhythm you can just vibe to, a perfectly produced snare (for the song), passionate lyrics and an ever moving song structure…
Chinese Translation – M Ward
16 January 2018
If you could know the answer to three questions, any questions, what would you ask? Maybe some secrets of the universe? Maybe about how your life will turn out? Or maybe even who is going to win the Super Bowl? M Ward digs deep into his soul and asks an old man about his troubles he has been seeking the answers to.
Things It Would Have Been Helpful to Know Before the Revolution – Father John Misty
9 January 2018
Say what you will about Father John Misty, the dude is an incredible songwriter. Pure Comedy was one of the most hyped records of last year, but man did it deliver. Somehow he is able to talk about his cynical worldview into sarcastic hooks you can’t help but to laugh at…
Great Gig in the Sky – Pink Floyd
2 January 2018
Four chords, some big drums, a longing organ and a powerful vocal. Simple, yet seemingly complex, Pink Floyd’s Great Gig in the Sky quickly take hold of you and you won’t want it to let go. The piece starts out with a simple progression on the piano, then some spoken words about death accompanied by some slide guitar. Oh yeah, there’s some bass in there too…
Nude – Radiohead
18 December 2017
The human body. Everyone has one, yet when we picture one we have so many different thoughts and emotions. A nude body is us in our most vulnerable state, open to the world around for for all to see. Theres nothing hiding us, it’s full exposure and theres something very intimate about that. Enter Radiohead’s Nude, oddly enough a very intimate and vulnerable piece that seems to sway as if it were in the wind. The beautiful strings give an elevated sense to to the sung vocal melody. And that baseline is so mesmerizing!
To Be Alone – Hozier
12 December 2017
I’ll be honest, back in 2013 when Hozier put out his self-titled (and only) album, I was turned off by how just how big Take Me To Church got; boy was I missing out. Every single song on this record is incredible, and his voice has an intimate grit to it. If you haven’t really listened to it, you need to right now.
Carolina Drama – The Raconteurs
5 December 2017
I could go on and on about Jack White, but I won’t. I will say, however, that though his many bands, he really seems to dive into lyricism in The Raconteurs. Don’t get me wrong this album is riddled with unforgettable guitar licks and a raw overall sound he has crafted, but there seems to be a bit more depth than just rock and roll.
Dark Child – Marlon Williams
28 November 2017
Marlon Williams uses a very unique narrative type when writing lyrics for his songs. Sometimes he sings from the perspective of made up characters, but in Dark Child, he sings as himself as he ponders what it might be like to have a child. He looks at himself and how his child will grow up to have the same doubts and slightly depressing outlook on life he does. The song takes an interesting shift when he says, “Looking in from the outside.” Take a listen for yourself.
Abandoned Mansion – Dr. Dog
21 November 2017
Dr. Dog has been steadily releasing music for fourteen years, and every album they come out with seems to get better and better – these guys churn out good music as if it is easy. They are one of those bands you know but can never remember the name of, until now…