Q1 Obsessions

Now that it’s (well past) the end of the first quarter of 2011, I thought I would recap some of the songs that have stood out to me over the past three months.

“Jesus” – DOM, Sun Bronzed Greek Gods
This song is likable right from the beginning - all 2:05 minutes of it. The catchy, happy beats always leave you wishing the song wasn’t over, no matter how many times you hear it. The upbeat feel is a little strange, since the song is about the agony felt when lead singer (named Dom) found his girlfriend kissing someone else. Although this is noticeable after scrutinizing lyrics (“Jesus, baby, fill me with your love again”), the appeal of this one is the easygoing pop feel and breathy vocals – not the lyrics. After listening to the song, it might be a fun to check out what the band looks like. I’ll ruin the surprise: they all look like Shaun White (I would have pictured something more along the lines of, say, Hellogoodbye).

“Infinity Guitars” – Sleigh Bells, Treats
Ok, I can’t pinpoint what I like about this one. Besides “Infinity Guitars,” the lyrics are unintelligible, but almost certainly nonsense. The vocals are choppy and punctuated by clapping. For the first third or so of the song, the only instrument is a thudding drum, with the title instrument only appearing when mentioned. But after a few listens I was hooked. There is just something about it, almost tribal. The highlight for me is the last quarter of the song, when every sound roars through the speakers with a vengeance. Finally, there is full instrumentation, and the heavy bass sends the message that Sleigh Bells is NOT to be messed with.

“10 A.M. Automatic” – The Black Keys, Rubber Factory
“What about the night makes you change?” In a very typical Black Keys style, this song combines a catchy guitar hook, a solid foundation, and of course Auerbach’s bluesy voice. This is a little lighter and catchier than some of their material. This is track two of the album, following the skulky “When the Lights Go Out,” and really opening up the album. Despite its important role on Rubber Factory it’s strong enough to stand all on it’s own.

“Taken for a Fool” – The Strokes, Angles
Overall, Angles a bit of a return to their roots. The chorus of “Taken for a Fool” certainly could have been found on Is This It. But the verse and even the bridge are a little darker. The lyrics (the ones that are decipherable, anyway) seem to reflect the new, more jaded attitude of the Strokes, with lines like “We’re so lucky cause we never grew up” and “I know everyone goes any damn place they like; Hope this goes over well on the toxic radio.” I think I can safely say this is my favorite song on the album, and it is certainly one of the stand-out tracks. Oh, and Julian, if you’re reading, the lyrical missteps on Letterman were not at all noticeable.

“Our Hearts are Wrong” – Jessica Lea Mayfield, Tell Me
I rarely care for a female vocal, but I guess when Dan Auerbach is involved (he is the producer), I am all in. Mayfield’s has a delightful twang, and she bends notes all over the place. Her voice ranges from light, verging on frail (“The only time I miss you is every single day”) to full and bold with a possible sneer (“I know how you work; I am just like you”) all while the guitar, drum and bass flow forward, providing an excellent foundation. I could listen to this song on repeat all day long.

“For the Summer” – Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs, God Willin’ and the Creek Don’t Rise
While I’ve enjoyed Ray LaMontagne in the past, this is the first song that truly spoke to me when I heard it. I think it has more drive and direction that some of his other material, and he seems to be more in control of his signature rasp. It has a very classic, mature feel to it. In fact, I almost feel like Neil Young is behind it. Something about it just hits the spot and soothes the soul. But then, maybe I’m just allowing myself to be too caught up in the sentiment:
“I’m tired. I am tired…
Can I come home for the summer?
I could slow down for a little while;
Get back to love and each other;
Leave all those long and lonesome miles behind.”