“Haunts Me Now” by Radiator King - A Song Feature

     “Haunts Me Now” invites dissection. Certainly, the single from Radiator King separates itself from the pack because of the candidness carried in the intelligently written lyrics, as well as the vocal commitment to the sentiment of those lyrics. Still, only by examining some of the individual elements of “Haunts Me Now” can the song be fully appreciated. It isn’t a true dissection, because it is an examination of individual “limbs” and how they cooperate with the rest of the body.

      The first example is the 12-second intro and its gentle attractiveness. The guitar tugs at the listener’s attention and sets expectations for the body of “Haunts Me Now.” Then, the vocals enter, and the expectations require a reboot. The voice is not melodically smooth in a manner consistent with the intro. Instead, memories are presented by a gruff voice. The reminiscing explains that while he once was “left black and blue for days,” he can now take on any man here. But for the most part, a memory of the past still “haunts me now.”

     Another element that deserves attention occurs at 1:10. The statement is “Someday you’ll see my face on the television screen.” The next few notes are descending, sending the message that the television appearance will not be a positive one. The chorus follows, with the lead voice being joined by a more melodically pleasing (female?) voice. Brilliantly, the chorus leads to a short Spaghetti Western segment – perhaps “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly,” where “good” is an appropriate description only in comparison to the others.

     Radiator King is the brainchild of New York-via-Boston troubadour Adam Silvestri. He identifies Brooklyn as his base. "Haunts Me Now" features drummer Brian Viglione (Dresden Dolls, Violent Femmes), guitarist Derek Cruz (Jesse Malin), and bassist Ed Goldson (Ghostface Killah, Passion Pit). It was produced by Don DiLego (Jesse Malin). The song is on Radiator King’s third LP, “Unborn Ghosts.”

     Press materials helpfully explain that “Unborn Ghosts” grapples with the idea that you can’t run from the past, that you must confront your demons. And that if you do, waiting for you on the other side is a future in which you can tap back into the spirit of youth, with all its curiosity, wonder and blank-slate possibility. “The album title is a bit of a double entendre,” Silvestri says. “On one hand it represents youth, innocence and the magic of what is yet to be, and on the other, these ghosts from your past that continue to haunt you. And I think to be able to fully access that magic, that part of us that can be lost or hidden but that never really dies, you have to free yourself from the ghosts.”

     “Haunts Me Now” by Radiator King

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/radiatorkingmusic

Website: http://radiatorkingmusic.com/

Bandcamp: https://radiatorking.bandcamp.com/

“Preppin' Defeat” by Davy Holden – A Song Feature

     It’s one of the more entertaining performance videos we can recall. The video for “Preppin' Defeat” is a 3D animation of a live performance at a small venue. Impressively, there are times when the animated movements of the guitarist, bassist and drummer are synchronized with the real-life playing of their instruments. The making of the video required skill, time and effort.

     Away from the stage, there is a storyline that fits the lyrics. Two men are ready to engage in a confrontation after one unsuccessfully attempts to avoid the other and then tries to “just laugh and smile” his way through the start of the conversation. Eventually, the two lock angry eyes and appear ready to fight. But the start of the guitar-driven bridge of “Preppin' Defeat” distracts the men and they hurry to positions to enjoy the remainder of the song. Although the two go to separate positions, there are connections to Pat Benatar’s dance “fight” in “Love Is a Battlefield” and Michael Jackson’s "knife fight” in the “Beat It” video.

     Davy Holden is based in Kilkenny, Ireland. The song credits state that he provides the vocals, guitars and bass, while James Kelly (Big Generator) is the drummer. The video production is by Raghnalltuathai. The press materials for “Preppin' Defeat” explain: 

  The origins of the track came from a night Holden spent playing music in his local bar. “It’s about meeting someone in a bar that seems to be better than everyone else in their own head and how ridiculous it is,” Holden admits of the tracks roots, “I've been lucky enough to meet some of the greatest guitarists around the world and they have been humble and down to earth. But I've also been in local bars where it's a big competition. I hate competition. That's not what music is about.”

                                                                                                             

     “Preppin' Defeat” by Davy Holden

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/davy.holden.7

Lyrics of “Preppin' Defeat” by Davy Holden

He approaches you to talk

And you can read his train of thought

We can chat all night about it

Bits & bobs and how you're the sh#t.

You can walk with me if you need it

And I like the way you're talking but

You're Preppin' Defeat when I ask you one thing

And you say another.

He seems completely fine

Just laugh and smile

We’re gonna be here a while

Someone get me outta here!

You can walk with me if you need it

And I like the way you're talking but

You're Preppin' Defeat when I ask you one thing

And you say another.

[Repeat]

Creepin' slowly away from the bar

And trust me I know where you are

We lock eyes, I turn and look away

But then decide to turn and say

You can walk with me if you need it

And I like the way you're talking but

You're Preppin' Defeat when I ask you one thing

And you say another.

[Repeat]

[Instrumental Bridge]

You can walk with me if you need it

And I like the way you're talking but

You're Preppin' Defeat when I ask you one thing

And you say another.

[Repeat]

“3 AM” by Clifford - A Song Feature

     The bass line in “3AM” is powerful and continuously pleasing, despite not being particularly complicated. In a small venue, the low frequency riff is probably (hopefully) chest-vibrating. Still, the vocals drive the song from Clifford. The vocals include a percussion-timed unintelligible syllable, a chorus with a steady emotion, verses that are more melodic and impassioned, and occasional high frequency backing serenity (for example, at 0:48).

      Clifford is based in Maryland, but explains that his music often incorporates nuances that reflect his background as a US/UK citizen who speaks English, French and Arabic and who has lived/studied the cultures. While talking about “3AM,” he said:

 “This song is about how love puts you in a dream state even when you're awake and gives you that feeling of invincibility.”

     In addition to the bass and the vocals, the guitar in “3AM” is praiseworthy. The guitar textures well against the deep resonance in the melody from the bass.

     “3 AM” by Clifford

Bandcamp: https://cliffordmusic.bandcamp.com/releases

Twitter: https://twitter.com/clifford_music

Lyrics of “3 AM” by Clifford

Tonight Imma stay up 'til three in the morning thinkin' 'bout you

And even when I awaken, my dreams of you will never conclude

Tonight Imma stay up 'til three in the morning thinkin' 'bout you

And even when I awaken, my dreams of you will never conclude

No, no, no, no

Dreams show us our true desires

They turn the spark into a fire

But it's when we're awake that our dreams come true

My dreams come to life when I'm talkin' to you yeah

Tonight Imma stay up 'til three in the morning thinkin' 'bout you

And even when I awaken, my dreams of you will never conclude

No, no, no, no

When we're together

It's like an aura around us that can't be severed

It's cliche but whatever

Passion dedication through every endeavor

It's like doing everything for the first time

I've been waiting for this for my whole life

The world's never seen us before

Even my dreams can't imagine what we have in store

Tonight Imma stay up 'til three in the morning thinkin' 'bout you

And even when I awaken, my dreams of you will never conclude

No, no, no, no

Tonight Imma stay up 'til three in the morning thinkin' 'bout you

And even when I awaken my dreams of you will never conclude

No, no, no, no

“Forever” by Sea Girls – A Song Feature

     The performance video by Sea Girls attests to the strength of “Forever” as a gig-goer darling. Following an ambient start of 17 seconds, a guitar riff that will soon be immediately recognized by fans of Sea Girls interrupts the near silence. The guitar contrasts with a deep bass line that joins, providing an appealing texture to the start. The vocals follow and the listener becomes fully engaged.

     There is much to praise. The lighting in the video achieves less contrast than that provided by the different instrumental contributions to “Forever'” but there is a beauty to the recording. The percussion is consistently skillful, and powerful at times. The guitar is sometimes Angels and Airwaves “artistic.” And the vocals move along the spectrum between U2 and The Killers. While talking about “Forever,” lead singer Henry Camamile beamed:

  “Playing ‘Forever feels incredible. It kinda carries you and feels super important and I love singing that last line – ‘I'm never gonna live forever and I don't want to!'. He continues; “One of the first times we played it was in Manchester, and I remember singing the chorus standing on a speaker stack just thinking in that moment: we’re in the best band in the world. It’s pretty cool when a song makes you feel like that.”

     Sea Girls are Henry Camamile (vocals, guitar), Rory Young (guitar), Andrew Dawson (bass), and Oli Khan (drums). The roles have changed since Sea Girls began in 2015 and, according to Henry, their sound has shifted and developed with the role changes. The band is based in London, but their Facebook page identifies their hometown as Lincolnshire // Rutland // Leicestershire // Kent.

    “Forever” is a single from the band's debut album “Open Up Your Head,” which was released via Polydor worlwide and Island Records USA.

      As well as their sold out November 2020 UK headline tour that includes a date at London’s O2 Academy Brixton, making them one of only a few bands to sell it out before the release of a debut record in recent times, Sea Girls will give fans a chance to see their energetic live show in an intimate setting on a run of UK album launch shows. This includes a date at Manchester Gorilla - a venue recently saved from closure. For ticket info CLICK HERE

“Forever” by Sea Girls

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonicseagirls/

Website: https://www.seagirls.net/

Lyrics of “Forever” by Sea Girls

I'm never gonna live forever

Why would I even try?

So maybe we should stay together

'Til the day we die

I feel the rush between the flame

In this direction, a perfect reflection

You are the other and I’m the same

We'll get together in the garden again

Pain is all we have now

So, let's just forget

We drown if we don't

It's strange

The picture in my mind

A portrait of you

With kindness around

If we're gonna be together

Not just for tonight

Then maybe we should think it over

Are we worth the fight?

Pain is all we have now

So let's just forget

We drown if we don't

It's strange

The picture in my mind

A portrait of you

With kindness around

I'm never gonna live forever

I’m never gonna

I'm never gonna live forever

And I don’t wanna

Nation of Language - Free Saturday (“FL&R”)

      Finding songs that can be legally downloaded is easy. The difficult task is to find legally downloadable music that we recommend. Our plan is to post at least one Free, Legal and Recommended (FL&R) song each Saturday.

      Seattle’s music-knowledgeable, on-line radio station KEXP is hosting an opportunity offered by Nation of Language. The song “Rush & Fever” was released by Nation of Language a few months ago, but it is now a “FL&R” download on KEPX (CLICK HERE for the download site).

     Nation of Language is a Brooklyn-based band.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationoflanguage/

Website: https://www.nationoflanguage.com/

Lyrics of “Rush & Fever” by Nation of Language

We’ll never find ourselves so in love

Crush my love

Leave it there

Curse the heart

Causing it

I could always find you sitting there

With you second-hand malaise

I looked at you with a rush and fever

That melts my teeth away

Save us, save us saints from above

Why would I say what I would want

Save us, save us saints from above

Why would I say what I would want

We’ll never find ourselves so in love

They say “how can people find what I can never find?”

“How can people find what I can never find””

We were supposed to feel young in the heart

But I could always find you sitting there

With you second-hand malaise

I looked at you with a rush and fever

That melts my teeth away

Save us, save us saints from above

Why would I say what I would want

Save us, save us saints from above

Why would I say what I would want

‘Cause I remember when you couldn’t find the time

And I remember when you couldn’t find the time

Save me, save me, save my soul

I couldn’t find you there

and what are these tasteless moments but

Wandering in wasted air

Save me, save my soul

I couldn’t find you there

‘Cause I remember when you couldn’t find the time

I remember when you couldn’t find the time

Save me, save me, save my soul

I couldn’t find you there

“Set Aside Some Time” by Constant Follower - A Song Feature

     The fingerpicking of the acoustic guitar at the start of “Set Aside Some Time” lowers the drawbridge to the feelings of warmth and safety carried within the song. Once inside, the honesty and the wisdom of the lyrics are introduced.

     Constant Follower are a Glasgow-based band that describes their genre as Experimental Folk. “Set Aside Some Time” supports that description. Stephen McAll is the lead vocalist. He is joined by Andrew Pankhurst (guitar), Amy Campbell (backing vocals/synth), and Kathleen Stosch (backing vocals, synth and bass). “Set Aside Some Time” includes an instrument that delivers the emotion typically characteristic of a cello (0:40). But looking at the band’s makeup leads to the conclusion that Constant Follower is far more than its enchanting vocals. They are musicians and lyricists. The advice of the song is to recognize the importance of the present, since our time has a limit:

So save yourself some heart

Till you need it, you’ll need it

And set aside some time

Till you need it, you’ll need it, you’ll need it

     “Set Aside Some Time" is the first single from Constant Follower’s forthcoming album “Neither Is, Nor Ever Was.” 

     “Set Aside Some Time” by Constant Follower

Facebook; https://www.facebook.com/theconstantfollower

Website: https://www.constantfollower.com/

Bandcamp: https://constantfollower.bandcamp.com/track/set-aside-some-time

Lyrics of “Set Aside Some Time” by Constant Follower

It seems as though you fell again

Your mixed up [or The mindless] plans laid bare and cold

Rowan red blood runs from your nose

Everything we do grows old

So save yourself some heart

Till you need it, you’ll need it

And set aside some time

Till you need it, you’ll need it, you’ll need it

They scraped you from the street again

A night alone with no way home

A need so strong you know can’t be controlled

Everything we love grows old

So save yourself some heart

Till you need it, you’ll need it

And set aside some time

Till you need it, you’ll need it, you’ll need it

“Tell Me” by Chasing Happiness - A Song Feature

     “Tell Me” is thoughtfully constructed. No contribution is particularly complex. But the contributions are individually appealing and collectively powerful. It came as no surprise that Chasing Happiness identifies himself as a producer and engineer.

     At the start of “Tell Me” the guitar riff attracts attention. It stays throughout the song, but when the song reaches the chorus, the attention-baton is adeptly passed to the vocals. Soon afterward, the synth runs a leg. The percussion also plays a significant role, but without demanding the spotlight.

     Chasing Happiness is based in Santa, Fe, New Mexico. His “About” statement is “Music to help you chase your happiness; Make the best with what you got.” In explaining “Tell Me,” he noted: “This song is about people who think they have no one out there who care about them and showing them that there is always someone who's there to talk to about their problems.”

     “Tell Me” by Chasing Happiness

  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chasinghappinessmusic

“The Dark” by SYML - A Song Feature

     The artistry within the intro of “The Dark” signals the upcoming beauty. Still, the instrumental diversity is a continuous revelation. For example, the intro does not telegraph the later arrival of a trumpet and a flugelhorn.  While it is SYML’s voice that invites the listener into the waters of emotion that characterize the song, it’s the combination of the vocals with the care and attention paid to each element of “The Dark” that immerses the listener in that emotion.

     SYML (pronounced “simmel”) is Brian Fennell, who is based in Issaquah, Washington (near Seattle). “The Dark” showcases his vocal range and his “emotional investment” in his music. He effortlessly enters and exits the falsetto register. The song also evidences his attentiveness to instrumentation. After the intro, the piano and electric guitar accompany the passion in the vocals. The horns first enter at 2:34. “The Dark” also includes the vibraphone, synths, and simple finger snaps. The credits and the lyrics are included in this post.

     While explaining “The Dark,” SYML said:

  “The song came out of that isolation and distance we've all been experiencing lately. I don’t believe we are meant to be alone, but that doesn’t change the fact that we often are. If ‘The Dark’ found you alone, I hope it walks with you and the postcard you share goes along for that journey."

  “I’m sharing this earlier than I was planning... I’m not even sure if this will be the final version of it, but I think it’s special and applies to what we are all experiencing as humans. My darkness looks different than yours, but we feel it in similar ways. Thankfully, I am loved by a wife and kids whose love shines bright.”

     “The Dark” by SYML

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYMLMUSIC/

Website: https://www.symlmusic.com/

“The Dark” Credits:

Brian Fennell - vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, synths, vibraphone, additional percussion

Brian Eichelberger - organ

Kyle Ryan - electric guitar

James Mcalister - percussion

Kyle Resnick - trumpet and flugelhorn

Mixed by Joe Visciano

Mastered by Levi Seitz

Lyrics of “The Dark” by SYML

My fire is starved of oxygen

A flicker in the howling wind

Beware the night is closing in

And if I fall asleep, the shadows win

Well the darkness came to take my faith

It tried to steal my words to pray

My love came down like holy rain

And She became my god that day

And She became my god that day

She taught me how to think out loud

To listen when there ain't no sound

To love myself through all the doubt

To sing and make my mother proud

To sing and make my mother proud

To sing and make my mother proud

In the dark I learned to love again

A sacred place it's always been

Where souls depart and life begins

The dark led me to light again

Yeah, the dark led me to light again

Yeah, the dark led me to light again

Yeah, the dark led me to light again