Ladies y gents, TGIF. Am I right? After the previous two weeks of presenting songs from my past that I will continue to listen, I will now present two weeks of new songs that I think I will listen to in the future. I have found it quite difficult to narrow the next two playlists down from the masses that I have recently discovered. After all, limited by an obtuse time limit for “my past” music library, it’s harder when you have so many that are “new.” I tried to keep the previous songs from 2006 or before, but now I have music that I acquired after 2006 that was released well before that time. It’s been a struggle but I hope it’s rewarding to your ear-holes.
We begin this week with a track the title track off The Walkmen’s album that just dropped a month ago. This song shows the maturity the band has grown into over the last few albums of theirs. It’s really a love song to the singers “best friend” as they fight for their shared life and dreams their children will always hear about. This message of monogamy is one I can get behind, especially juxtaposed with the songs defining my own values.
Next, we have a song that became an instant classic to me as I have come closer to getting a “home” of my own. It’s catchy and it’s very retro-feel gets me every time. I would like to put a new song from the Magnetic Zeros’ new album but I have not been so immediately enraptured by any one of their songs to demand an “add” to a playlist of mine. Plus I don’t own it, and I don’t do the illegal thing. But on to the next track, “San Bernadino,” from The Mountain Goats. The vocals can be a bit divisive for some, but I actually like John Darnielle’s voice even though I can’t get over the voice of The Decemberists (I haven’t really tried, though, and it’s not at the top of my to-do list). The hook for me, initially was that I grew up close to San Bernadino and then I got pulled-in by the lyrics. It didn’t hurt to have those strings in there, either. Lastly, we have a track that’s on the forth-coming solo debut of the lead singer of The Frames, Glen Hansard. He’s a talented fellow and dating his biggest fan means it’s inescapable. But if it means listening to the new album, titled Rhythm and Repose, over three times in one day, going to see Mr. Hansard at Amoeba Records this coming Monday and going to see him in concert this Wednesday, then it’s an inescapable with which I can easily deal. I actually really like the album and “Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting” is currently my favorite track amongst a set of eleven wonderful songs. Enjoy the tunes. Cheers.
Track list:
- Heaven – The Walkmen
- Home – Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
- San Bernadino – The Mountain Goats
- Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting – Glen Hansard
On This, Art, and the Other 