Tuesday 31 January 2012

The National - Fake Empire

The lyrics at the start of this song jerk you awake and drag you in whether you like it or not. They are a remarkable group that continue to create an endless array of stunning songs.
I was blessed to see them last year at the Southbound Festival and without a doubt it was one of my favourite acts of the year if not the decade.
Matt Beringer's voice is truly unique and although he is not the sole reason why The National are so successful, I can't imagine it hurts to have a hot, charismatic skilled front man like Berringer.

Monday 30 January 2012

Bruce Springsteen - Youngstown

A song that resonates right here right now.
Similar to the comeback in airplay of Christy Moore and Bob Dylan tunes, the lyrics in this song touch at the blight of the working class as the business owners and share holders look for cheap labour, profitable production methods and low corporate tax.
The fact that the lament is almost complete with the lyrics alone means it is enhanced dramatically by the lingering voice of The Boss. He captures the poignancy of the whole sector. This poignancy transcends the past and is just as relevant now as it was when it was written.
If you don't know this song, sit down and listen.

Sunday 29 January 2012

Gotye - Somebody that I used to know

Choosing this song was pretty easy for a number of reasons.

1) It is everywhere. You can't drive to work without it coming on a least once and the fact that it still doesn't feel overplayed is a big credit to the song.
2) It was this years Triple J's Hottest 100 number 1 against very stiff competition.

A relatively new name to the scene, Gotye is bound to be one of the greats selling out big stadiums and drawing an eclectic crowd.
Nice one.

Wednesday 25 January 2012

Bon Iver Hollocene

The sultry mesmerising voice of Bon Iver is quite addictive. This song in particular has an air of transcendence into greatness, greatness as a musician and greatness in musical achievement.
His voice will inevitably stop you in your tracks. It won't prepare you for a night out on the tiles or an early morning sprint but your speedy set off down the track in a hectic world will slow down to a pause. It has earned him the enviable accolade of song of the year and the album of the same title also awarded with album of the year.
It is the quintessential headphone song. Slip on a set of noise cancelling headphones and hear every lyric, musical phrase and the grain of Bon Iver's voice himself.
'At once I knew I was not magnificent'.

Tuesday 24 January 2012

Pearl Jam - Just Breathe


A song title that holds purposeful associations with the struggles of life in a world overcrowded with news reports and sensationalist articles about economic struggles and fear.
The music of Pearl Jam as an autonomous collection plays as an eclectic mix of acoustic folk and electric rock. This song in particular is not the most melodic of the lot but it's addictive repetition absorbs your sense and your mood until all that you are doing at that minute of the day is listening..
A song today that inspired me to sit and have a cup of coffee. Not the most inspired action for most but on a day when you are borderline overwhelmed a cup of coffee can have a massive impact.
Thanks for this one Pearl Jam.


Sunday 22 January 2012

My Song of The Day

I sat down in front of my laptop yesterday evening with a definite sense of reluctance. Reluctance not only to write but reluctance to be creative. Faced with this crippling need for artistic redemption I pondered hard about what to do.
I have recently sold my lyrical soul to the gods of salaries and bonuses. Most of the writing that I have been undertaking of recent as a result is that of a commercial nature; reviewing businesses, writing to predetermined titles and fulfilling the requirements of specific magazines.
Don't get me wrong, such developments in a step to a writing career are not only welcomed but enjoyed most of the time. There comes a time though when such strict subject and style becomes more of an endurance than a blessing. Hence, my return to the world of blogging, the freedom to write as I wish and stress my own personal opinions that I myself have constructed.
Unlike anything I have penned before, this blog will (aim to) be a daily glimpse into the musical stylings of anything that takes my fancy. My Song of The Day will share with you a song from anyone and anything that might enlighten my day, arouse a lament or simply allow me to listen and think 'now thats a good song'.
I welcome criticism about the song. Comments about an odd choice or an inspired discovery (remarks about inspiration are most definitely welcome) are encouraged and should you feel the need to share with me any similar findings well then go ahead.
All I have to do is play my part in choosing and sharing these songs and 'legally' promoting their musical genius.