Art is the music we make from the bewildered cry of being alive. ~Maria Popova
14 Aug 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: modern skirts, radio breaks
Modern Skirts “Radio Breaks” (2008)
The seemingly random key modulations here might be initially off-putting, but they’re just another hook after a listen or two. Certainly makes you wonder what was inside the mind of the writer at the time, though…
A great band, and too short-lived.
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/01/02/songs-you-may-have-missed-272/
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/07/08/recommended-albums-51/
14 Aug 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: drink me, i got you (i feel good)
Drink Me “I Got You (I Feel Good)” (1995)
And for the whitest version ever of a James Brown song–or any other song–the award goes to…
1990’s Brooklyn duo Drink Me created some of the most endearingly quirky and humorous folk music I’ve ever had the pleasure to come across. But a look beneath the layer of quirk always revealed a genius for a remarkably economical brand of song craftsmanship not seen perhaps since Roger Miller.
They covered other artists rarely, but in this case they picked the perfect song to demonstrate how strikingly un-mainstream an act they were. In a great way.
If Roger Daltrey’s hair-raising scream in “Won’t Get Fooled Again” is one of rock’s great moments, the pitiful yelp that falls at the end of this song is its perfect antithesis–an equally definitive moment. Of some sort.
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/02/11/songs-you-may-have-missed-328/
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/02/27/drink-me-the-quietest-rock-n-roll-ever-made/
11 Aug 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: erlend oye, la prima estate
Erlend Øye: “La Prima Estate” (2013)
Erlend Øye is one half of Norwegian duo Kings of Convenience who also records under the moniker of The Whitest Boy Alive. Who knew he knew Italian?
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2013/11/12/recommended-albums-57/
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2014/09/19/songs-you-may-have-missed-514/
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2022/06/12/songs-you-may-have-missed-731/
11 Aug 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: fairfield parlour, i will always feel the same
Fairfield Parlour: “I Will Always Feel the Same” (1970)
A modest second helping from the Parlour, a band that released only a single LP, From Home to Home–a richly rewarding listen for fans of pastoral British folk rock, otherwise known as Acid Folk.
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/05/29/songs-you-may-have-missed-113/
11 Aug 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: david, nellie mckay
Nellie McKay: “David” (2004)
Nellie McKay’s debut was a genre-skipping jubilee bursting with fresh sounds and attitude. For a minute there, I thought this young lady might just take over the world.
It hasn’t happened, of course. But McKay’s inventive, stylistically diverse and lyrically frank art pop makes for a more interesting listen than most million-selling girl singers.
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2012/12/19/songs-you-may-have-missed-262/
See also: https://edcyphers.com/2024/08/31/songs-you-may-have-missed-753/
09 Aug 2013 Leave a comment
in Songs You May Have Missed Tags: reach out i'll be there, run c&w
Run C&W: “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” (1994)
Crashen Burns, Wash Burns, Side Burns, and Rug Burns (ex-Eagle Bernie Leadon on banjo, ex-Amazing Rhythm Ace Russell Smith on lead vocals, and Nashville songwriters Vince Melamed and Jim Photoglo) created more than parody on their two 1990’s releases Into the Twangy-First Century and Row vs Wade. These are brilliant and witty bluegrass takes on classic 60’s soul.
The band had a strong, uh…visual element as well:
Every Moment Has A Song 