I’ll be honest, I didn’t post the 5SF last week because I was wrapped up in the Eagle raid. That being said, I am still in awe that it happened, and as more information comes out about it, I am more and more surprised at how it looks to be blatant homophobia. It’s extremely disappointing all around.
I am not skipping this week, though. This week’s picks are all strong, and most of them are major finds. I hope that you enjoy them, and I hope it gives you at least a few minutes to take your mind off of the whole debacle mentioned above. Let’s get started!
Priscilla Renea – Dollhouse
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_priscillarenea-dollhouse.mp3]
I discovered this song when I stumbled on the cutesy video on youtube one day last week. I instantly loved the production and arrangement of the song, and I was sure that it was another gem from production genius Max Martin. Interestingly enough, it isn’t him, but Benny Blanco, who’s worked with a lot of the same artists (which is probably why it sounded like similar production to me). I love the energy of the song (which has a lot of the spunk that major hits like My Life Would Suck Without You carry), and I especially like Priscilla’s voice; which sounds like it has some major power underneath it. This is such a cute little song, and one that I would expect to hear on the radio 1000 times.
A Fine Frenzy – Bird of the Summer
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_afinefrenzy-birdofthesummer.mp3]
A Fine Frenzy’s new album, Bomb in a Birdcage came out last week, and I have found myself falling deeper and deeper in love with it with each listen. There are some incredibly beautiful tracks on it (this one being one of the best), and while many people fell for A Fine Frenzy with her debut, for whatever reason, I wasn’t pulled in. However, that is no longer the case, A Fine Frenzy has delivered one of the best albums of 2009 with Bomb In a Birdcage, and this song is one of my favorites from the album. It is light, airy, and beautiful all over. I am glad that she snagged my attention this (the second) time around.
Noah and the Whale – Blue Skies
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_noahandthewhale-blueskies.mp3]
I posted about Noah and the Whale last year around this time, when I fell for their song, 5 Years Time; after it was featured in a Saturn commercial. Unfortunately, I didn’t fall any further for Noah and the Whale, and my interest never materialized past that one song. However, they recently released a new album, and I figured I would at least give it a listen to see if there were more gems like 5 Years Time on it, and what I found was surprising, and wonderful. This song stood out to me, because I absolutely love the arrangement. The vocals remind me of Peter Bjorn and John, and the music is something that should be played at a pivotal scene in a beautiful movie. After hearing snippets of this album, I am back on board with Noah and the Whale. It’s just like A Fine Frenzy, sometimes, it takes time… or another album.
Weezer – (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_weezer-iwantyouto.mp3]
I will start by saying that I consider myself to be a fairly die-hard fan of Weezer. The Blue Album was one of my first CDs that I remember buying, and loving each song on it. Additionally, it is an album that really shaped the beginnings of my love for music. Each subsequent album showed that Weezer is a pop-rock band that is of a consistently high quality, and I have been a fan ever since. Amidst rumors of a break up after Make Believe (one of their best albums to date), Weezer quelled the fears of fans that didn’t want a break up to happen by releasing the Red Album, which unfortunately, I never really got into. There were some great songs on it, and it was definitely a good Weezer record, but for me, it was somewhat of a letdown. Well, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine on twitter said Weezer had a new fantastic song out, and after listening for like 5 seconds, I was in love with it. This song has all of the energy and cheesy sweet lyrics of the Weezer that I love. Rivers Cuomo is back in FULL FORCE, and this song should be a massive hit. I am hoping that their next album thrills me as much as this song does.
White Lies – Death
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_whitelies-death.mp3]
Sometimes hearing a song in context makes you realize how amazing it is; and that is exactly what happened to me with this song. I first heard this song back in March, when I posted about White Lies’ amazing track, Farewell to the Fairground. I really liked the song then, and really enjoyed much of their album, To Lose My Life. However, it wasn’t until I heard the song played in the background on The Vampire Diaries, that I realized just how incredible it was. It wasn’t even an important scene, but the way that it complimented the show, it really helped me to fully enjoy the song, and see intricacies and nuances I hadn’t heard in it before. I love when shows pay extra attention to the music that they play, because it is really appreciated by viewers like me; sometimes, that attention to detail will keep me coming back to the show time and time again. In this case, the show may be a bit hokey (think Dawson’s Creek… with vampires), but the writing is actually pretty good, and the music so far has been fantastic. It really sets the mood, and has done wonders for the show in my eyes. I can’t wait to see what gems they have for me peppered throughout each episode to come.
Well, there’s your Friday five. What do you think of this week’s selection? Please let me know!! Also, let me know what you are listening to, because I really, really want to know. Seriously, I love suggestions from people, and I always at least give them a go, so be sure to share them with me; you never know, I might feature one of your selections in the future.
Here’s the song I mentioned above, that comes from the group I couldn’t stand before today… before seeing those damn itunes commercials featuring Viva La Vida, I literally HATED Coldplay. Seriously. What is it about them that I hate? Perhaps the smugness of Chris Martin, and how it totally comes through in each of the songs that have FLOODED the airwaves for the past several years? (yeah, that’s it!) However, there is no denying that this song is pure genius. I will gladly consider myself a Coldplay fan for this song; it is catchy, brilliant, and begs to be played on repeat. Also, not really related to the song, but a note about one member of the band: Will Champion, the drummer, is smoking HOT. Seriously, I want to have lots of babies with him. Alright, I will stop drooling over Will, and drool over this song, because it too, is hot.
I don’t really like putting two songs by the same artist two weeks in a row (I like to keep things fresh, and mix things up a bit), but there are times when there are two really stand out tracks that just capture my attention, and beg to be shared. This is one of those times. I featured Cyndi’s club banger Into the Nightlife last week, but after giving the whole (pretty decent) record a listen, I stumbled on this fragile ballad near the end of the CD. I must say, that instantly, I got chills. This song is beautiful, gentle, and totally reminds me of some of her amazingly moving hits like True Colors. This song is quintessential Cyndi for me, and it is an amazing track that begs for much deserved attention. Cyndi, you clearly still have it honey, and I couldn’t be more proud of you.
Missy Higgins is one of those artists that most of you may not know about, but you really should. She is big in Australia where she is from, and has recently had a hit with Where I Stood (an emotionally driven amazing ballad that I featured a long time ago back when 5SF was just getting started). Since I got my ears pierced, I have been listening to radio on my computer a bit at work (when my ears hurt too much to continue using the torture devices also known as ear phones), and one site that I have been listening to is Pandora. The basic premise, is you enter an artist you love, and they play stuff that is similar. Well, this was one of the songs that they suggested to me, and it reminded me that I needed to get Missy’s first CD, because of how much I LOVE her most recent release, On a Clear Night. Well, after snagging her first album (that contains this track), I have realized how much I really do love this artist, and I just wanted to get some more out there about her. I am definitely impressed with both of her albums, and consider myself lucky to have found such an amazing artist for my music collection. This is a beautiful song, and is definitely indicative of what you can expect from the amazing Missy Higgins. Also, not to gush too much, but that violin riff is simply amazing. 
It is with sheer excitement that I type these next words: Weezer’s new self titled album, or as it will affectionately be referred to because of previous self titled albums, the Red Album, hits stores on Tuesday. I was lucky enough to get an advanced copy, and this song is one of those songs that makes me wonder why so many “fans” gave up on Weezer after Pinkerton. If you aren’t familiar with Weezer’s history, Pinkerton was an amazingly candid and totally honest look into Rivers Coumo’s heart, and as such, it is one of the most beloved records by Weezer’s fans. However, maybe he felt that he said too much, and as such, has not shared as much depth, at that level, since (at least, many would agree that he hasn’t). Well, this song proves to me that Rivers is still the emotive boy that needs love and feels that love enough to put it into song; and proves that those “fans” shouldn’t have given up on this amazing band. I love Weezer, always have, and I am truly excited about the new album; and with tracks like this and the catchy as hell Pork and Beans, why not, right? Weezer is back for all those that thought they left, but those like me know that they never really went anywhere; they were just keeping the emotion in check. 
I want to start by making a grand, but wholly true statement about this song; it is one of the most amazing, and beautiful songs I have ever heard. I had never heard of David Ford before I heard he was opening for Sara Bareilles, so I really didn’t know what to expect. What I found out quickly into his set, is the amazing power in his performance, as well as the tender beauty that he weaves into his songs; both lyrically and melodically. This song literally gives me chills all over my body. I snatched his CD at the show, met him, and even took a picture with him; and all I can think of, is how glad I am to have been exposed to another amazing artist. This is one of those songs that will really, really stay with you; and one that I am definitely listening to on repeat.
When I first saw that Gavin Rossdale, former singer of the alternative powerhouse band Bush was releasing a solo album, curiosity got the best of me immediately, and I had to check out his first single. What I got, was a surprisingly tender ballad that I have totally fallen for. Not only have I always loved his voice, but I think that it totally suits this more sensitive acoustic rock, and I am definitely looking forward to hearing what else he has up his sleeve. It’s great to see him back on the music scene; especially when he is making great songs like this one.
Holy shit… new Weezer?!?! YES MA’AM! That is exactly what went through my head the other night when I saw that Weezer had a new single, Pork and Beans, up on iTunes, along with the pre-order for their new CD, the Red Album. As a LONG TIME fan of Weezer, I am delighted that they are bringing us another album, especially after rumors that they had called it quits after the last fantastic album, Make Believe. After listening to this track, I am reminded why I love Weezer so much; the quirky pop, and the buzzing guitars get me every time. After a few listens of this song, I can definitely tell you that I am now sitting on the edge of my seat, greatly anticipating the release of the Red Album.
Okay, as I spoke of earlier this week, I was really looking forward to Robyn’s self titled CD finally coming out in America. However, what I wasn’t expecting, was the inclusion of a couple of new tracks; most notably Dream On. Wow. This song totally brings a freshness to the record, and gives long time fans something more to clamor over, and yet another reason to run out and buy this fantastic album. Robyn is a pop goddess, and tracks like this give me the impression that she has a lot more up her sleeve for the future. I know that I am definitely looking forward to whatever Robyn has in store for us next. (FYI, after 3:12, when the track goes silent, there is nothing else on there, just a good 1:32 seconds of silence… no idea why).
Now that the record is finally out, I can finally get around to saying something about it. I downloaded it over a month ago when it leaked (I couldn’t resist), and first listens led me to make harsh, pre-judgment, where I declared that I was disappointed with the album. However, I refused to give up on one of the most innovative and brilliant bands that I have ever encountered, so I listened a few more times. With each listen, I got something new, and I realized that what they were trying to do with this album was just as they had done in the past; transcend. I think that they succeeded. It must be daunting to release an album after a decade’s hiatus, but Portishead have done so, and made it look effortless. The record is sure to continue to grow on me, and tracks like this one make me extremely glad that Portishead are in fact, back.