Tag: Song of the Day

“Told myself that you were right for me/ But felt so lonely in your company/But that was love and it’s an ache I still remember”

Pronounced gore-ti-yeah, Gotye is the stage name of Belgian-Austrian Wouter “Wally” De Backer.  Strange as the name may seem, his music manages to be endearing with eclectic influences throughout, from sampling a Luiz Bonfa track “Seville” to a xylophone melody that sticks in your head. As the track progresses it becomes clear that “Somebody That I Used To Know” is a track that the Broken Bells would have loved to call their own, and the revelation later in the track of a counterpoint is a great addition.  Check out the free download below

Somebody That I Used To Know- Gotye 

“I Got a Lust For Life and a Dangerous Mind”

This rollicking opener off of Deer Tick’s newly released Divine Providence is what rock should be; no holds barred with energy pouring out of the record.  With a riff out of “Instant Karma” John McCauley scratchy vocals end up sounding like what we could imagine John Lennon would at an older age.  It’s really a fantastic song off a fantastic record.  Check out the free download below

The Bump- Deer Tick


Continuing the day’s rather retro theme is this three piece The Bandana Splits, who harken back to the good old Motown girl groups.  The resulting single “Sometimes” is as cute and charming as it is catchy with some great harmonies and reverbed vocals.  Check out the old school video below and the downloadable link as well. Thanks to the always fantastic Matt Carr from Everybody Taste for turning me on to this gem.

 

The Bandana Splits – “Sometimes” from stereogum on Vimeo.

Sometimes- The Bandana Splits

I had first stumbled upon Sonny and the Sunsets when I heard “Too Young To Burn” off of their stunning debut Tomorrow Is Alright, which is showcased rather beautifully here

Sonny & The Sunsets – Too Young To Burn(Unofficial) from Francis Kmiecik on Vimeo.

But Sonny Smith is a man who is not content to rest on his laurels.  In a move that would make even James Franco jealous, Sonny went on to create an 100 Records art exhibition where he proceeded to record only 200 songs for 100 fictional bands, and then made it even more meta by releasing an EP by one of them (Earth Girl Helen Brown) before finally coming around to his real band’s second LP Hit After Hit.  Despite what seems like an absurd amount of production, Smith’s quality has stayed level.  His knack for low-key and laid back songwriting none the worse for wear. On “She Plays YoYo With Mind” enjoy the retro guitar melody and Sonny’s trademark self-effacing smooth vocals.  Enjoy the free download below, along with the song that got me started into this great San Francisco band.

She Plays YoYo With My Mind- Sonny and the Sunsets

Too Young To Burn- Sonny and the Sunsets