“Unknown Brother” - The Black Keys
As soon as this song begins and you hear the guitar climbing up and down, you have a feeling this is something special. Once the wistful riff is added, you are sure. The song is about Dan Auerbach’s brother in law, who died at a young age. Much like the climbing guitar, the verses have a building passion and the subtle harmony in the chorus has a calming effect. “We’ll smile like pictures of you as a boy,” says Auerbach of the day when he meets this unknown family member. What else could one possible want upon reuniting with a loved one?
“When My Time Comes” - Dawes
This is a song about feeling trapped and yearning for more in life (don’t worry, it’s not that emo). It’s also about knowing how to get it – sort of. The lyrics are about someone who feels not only unhappy with their situation, but upset because their decisions led them there. The drum and bass are driving from the very beginning, as though they are anticipating a solution. “You can judge the whole world on the sparkle that you think it lacks,” says Taylor Goldsmith halfway through the song, “You can stare into the abyss, but it’s staring right back.” It doesn’t matter how sorry you feel for yourself, no one else cares. It reminds me a bit of “Like a Rolling Stone,” but from the opposite perspective. The chorus and is so full of harmony, it might as well be Crosby, Stills, Nash and (sometimes) Young. “When my time comes,” they sing, to an instrumentation that by now sounds like a heartbeat, like they’ve finally come aline. A turning point has been reached, and everything is going to be ok.
“Little Lion Man” – Mumford & Sons
I believe it was Lin Brehmer who said “A song so good, not even multiple f-bombs could keep it off the radio.” For an acoustic, harmony filled piece with a heavy bluegrass influence it has unbelievable drive and a solid foundation. The bands website proclaims “they have fire in their bellies, romance in their hearts, and rapture in their masterful, melancholy voices.” I agree.
“I and Love and You” – Avett Brothers
“Load the car and write the note.” It’s just that simple. When you are stuck in a rut, you have to cut yourself free. This is driven mostly by piano, but infused with strings. It all weaves together beautifully, especially for a song about something as sad as falling out of love. Hidden gem: “That woman, she’s got eyes that shine; like a pair of stolen, polished dimes.”
“Dance Yrself Clean” – LCD Soundsystem
This 9 minute album opener opens with a modern tribal feel. Singer James Murphey’s voice sounds a little thin and unsure, especially compared to the heavy downbeat. Then you realize something big is about to happen, the song breaks through into synthesized confidence. The lyrics are near nonsensical at times, but I think it’s mostly about missing carefree times past and attempting to return to them (or at least a version of them). “I miss the way the night comes; with friends who always make it feel good.” I wish someone would break me into bigger pieces, so some of me is home with you.
"Laredo" - Band of Horses
Possibly the catchiest song of the list. I think the ingredients include of pinch of despondency from Dawes and a dash of wanting to start afresh from the Avett Brothers. Despite this, it's upbeat and even a bit pretty. One listen will leave you wanting more.
Honorable Mention:
“Home” – Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Holy moly, me-oh-my, as soon as I heard Jade Castrinos sing the opening lyrics full of twang, I was in love. The whole idea of the song is one I’ve felt many times over: “Let me come home; home is whenever I’m with you.” Home isn’t a place, it’s a time, a situation. I did have to downgrade it because of significant spoken interlude. Fun Fact: Edward Sharpe is a fictional character and the band is composed of umpteen members. At least it’s only 1/5 the size of the Polyphonic Spree. And no, I’m not afraid of any diehard fans coming after me; tree dwelling hippies simply do not have the means.
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