Songs You May Have Missed #679

26 Feb 2021 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Republic Tigers: “Latter Daisy” (2020)

“What’s especially fascinating about listening to the Republic Tigers’ Mind Over Matter with the knowledge of the last seven or eight years of musical history is the fact that, had it been released when originally intended, it would’ve been way ahead of the curve.”- The Pitch.

Yes, back when this blog first spotlighted Republic Tigers with 2008’s sweeping “Buildings & Mountains”, we mentioned that their second full-length release was expected in 2012.

Well, that second LP has been completed since 2012 but…stuff happens. Legal complications caused the band to shelve the record until 2020, and the amazing thing is how fresh and modern this time capsule of an album sounds despite a lack of remixing, remastering or tinkering of any kind.

And it’s not just in the sparkling arrangements or production. Lyrics such as  “It’s time we build a wall / that keeps us thinking small” from the lead track and single “Falco Peregrinus” seem prescient, as if written in the year of their ultimate release.

But to this listener’s ear, it’s “Latter Daisy” that’s the most infectious earworm on the album. Like the two previous Tigers songs this blog has featured, give this one a few listens and you’ll find it burrowing into your brain in the sweetest way.

See also: Songs You May Have Missed #82 | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)

See also: Songs You May Have Missed #389 | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)

Songs You May Have Missed #678

26 Feb 2021 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Gene Simmons: “See You Tonite” (1978)

Gene Simmons rocks. Uh, most of the time. Certainly that’s how he made his bones with his full time band.

But this Beatlesque nugget, like much of his 1978 eponomous solo album, must have taken fans a bit by surprise. “See You Tonite” brings to mind early Badfinger, or the Raspberries in one of their quieter moments. Strings and sweet harmonies from Dr. Love? Who’da thought?

Check out an unplugged Kiss performance of the song below:

Songs You May Have Missed #677

24 Feb 2021 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Arlo Parks: “Too Good” (2021)

Anaïs Oluwatoyin Estelle Marinho–known professionally as Arlo Parks–is a London-based musician and poet whose European tour in the early part of 2020 was inturrupted–like so many things–by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Too Good” is a smoothly soothing, sophisticated standout track from her 2021 debut Collapsed in Sunbeams.

Songs You May Have Missed #676

27 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: , ,

Ramsey Lewis and Earth, Wind & Fire: “Sun Goddess” (1975)

From R&B/jazz pianist Ramsey Lewis’ gold-selling album of the same name, this 1975 single features members of Earth, Wind & Fire and was co-written by Maurice White.

Although this 45 edit of “Sun Goddess” rose to #44 in the Billboard Hot 100 (and #20 in the soul singles charts) it is a bit of a rare commodity, having never appeared on any American-release EWF album or compilation.

Songs You May Have Missed #675

22 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Graffiti6: “Under the Mask” (2014)

You’d swear this prescient pop tune was released in April of 2020 and not April of 2014:

I see your light
I see your light
No matter where you turn
Or where you hide
I see it all
Shining so bright
You say that you’re not sure
And there’s no cure
But there’s a way
To fly away

There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore
Under the mask

There is a space
There is a space
Somewhere that you belong
It keeps you strong
It’s in my arms
‘Cause it is your space
No matter where we turn
Or where we hide
We’ll fly away
So fly away

There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore

Don’t turn away
Don’t hide away darling
Don’t turn away
Don’t hide away
I see you under the mask
Under the mask

There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore
Under the mask

There is a light, there is a light in your heart
There is a light burning a fire in the dark
Under the mask, under the mask we’re beautiful
So let out the light, no need to hide anymore

See also: Songs You May Have Missed #194 | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)

Songs You May Have Missed #674

17 Jan 2021 Leave a comment

by Ed Cyphers in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: ,

Venice: “The Family Tree” (1999)

Venice are the Eagles you’ve never heard of.

Comprised of two brothers and their two cousins (also brothers) from–where else–Venice California, the band have been dubbed by David Crosby “the best vocal group in America”.

The list of superstars with whom they’ve performed or recorded is considerable (deep breath): Elton John, Don Henley, Bruce Springsteen, Warren Zevon, Sting, Heart, Phil Collins, Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Cher, Styx, Brian Wilson, The Beach Boys, Melissa Etheridge, The Doobie Brothers, Kenny Loggins, Dave Mason, Michael McDonald, Bon Jovi, Chris Isaac, Jackson Browne, Stevie Nicks, Ozzy Osbourne, David Crosby, and Billy Idol among others.

For all that, the Californis band’s biggest success has been in the Netherlands, where in 2003 they won that country’s Grammy-equivalent Edison Award for Best International Artist, besting such heavyweights as Coldplay and U2, and where they enjoy consistent radio play and sold-out tours.

Band members also contributed backing vocals on Roger Waters “The Wall Live Tour” from 2010-13.

The poignant “The Family Tree” shows off the meshing of the familial harmonies as the lyrics touch on the topic of the family surviving down the years, something this family band is certainly testament to.

See also: Video of the Week: Skunk Baxter Covers ‘Rikki Don’t Lose That Number’ | Every Moment Has A Song (edcyphers.com)

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