Friday, August 31, 2018

“Haunting Me” by Vess – A Song Feature

     “Haunting Me” includes a succession of features, many of which leave the listener wishing for more. At least initially, the lead vocals understandably and rightfully grip the listener’s focus. It’s only after relaxing that focus that subtle features, which significantly contribute to the allure of the track, rise to the surface of attention.

     The lushness of the lead vocals of the Vess single is likely achieved by overdubbing his voice. The more subtle feature is the periodic injection of female backing vocals. It is most apparent at the 2:17 mark, because of a combination of the mixing and the percussion switch from drums to spaced hand claps. Instrumentally, we are particularly partial to the higher active mandolin (we believe) that begins at 0:35. “Haunting Me” is dynamic and other fans of the track will certainly find other features even more attractive.

     According to Vess:
  "'Haunting Me' carries with it an idea of a love that has been haunting me like a Spirit, studying me up close while I sleep, and interacting with me while I’m awake. It’s a love that adores me, yet stays elusive and coy all the while. This song started out as bits and pieces of an unfinished concept but really came together in the studio both musically and lyrically. Some of the lyrics were finished just prior to me going in to sing them. Some songs are just like that I suppose; they don’t take on a tangible existence until you’re forced to complete them.”

     Vess is Jeremy Michael Vess in North Caolina. His versatility helps explain the dynamic nature of “Haunting Me.” In addition to his vocal skills, Vess plays guitar, piano, keys, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, drums, percussion and bass. The song is the third release from the upcoming album “Shadows,” with Michael Finster (Flagship) as the producer. “Never Leave You Alone”, the first single from “Shadows,” is a haunting melody that leaves you both comforted by a promise that "love will never leave you…” and uneasy in our psyche as we wrestle with the concept of commitment from a love that will be constantly lurking, even if we run away. The second single is “Scaring The Dark.”

     “Haunting Me” by Vess


     Quoting interesting bio content:
  Songs of great sincerity and palpable emotional depth, anthems of revelrous celebration, ballads where darkness encounters the light, and psalms of earnest love; these are the kinds of musical expressions Vess has been writing his whole life and now, with the help of producer Michael Finster, this combination of lyrical strength intertwines with an orchestral-like vibrancy to deliver Vess’ new album ‘Shadows.’

  With ‘Shadows,’ Vess emerges from the dense fog of a fatally shallow pop culture to deliver a timely message: Love is real, it’s eternal and it’s worth fighting for. ‘Shadows’ is the culmination of one man’s journey with love, self-doubt, redemption and the divine.

  These are the themes that weigh heavy on the mind of a seasoned troubadour like Vess, a man who has spent his life honing his craft. Born and raised in North Carolina, he spent his formative years on the coast, calling Cape Hatteras home for many years. But his NC roots spread wide as much of his family are from the mountains, while he himself resides now in the central part of the state in Salisbury, NC with his wife and baby daughter.

Thursday, August 30, 2018

“Head Held High” by Kodaline – A Video Feature (with lyrics)

     “Head Held High” is the latest release from Kodaline. The song and its official video are individually and equally praiseworthy.

     The video’s pre-song content begins with touches upon Pink Floyd. First, the school bell is almost identical to the first bell heard at the beginning of Pink Floyd’s “Time.” More of a reach, an impertinent student sits with cafeteria food splattered on her clothing while the “dinner lady” is scolded with a voice having characteristics in common with the scolding voice at the end of “Another Brick In The Wall” (“If you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding! How can you have any pudding if you don't eat your meat?!”).

       The video centers on the dinner lady, who has a single source of joy – reliving her role in a musical performance of 35 years ago. To her surprise, the school that is now the source of her melancholy is casting for the same musical, “Dance for Sugar Honey.” After rehearsing, she gets as far as the door of the audition area, properly dressed for the lead role she covets. She reconsiders, goes to the restroom looking a little ill, and is confronted by “Ms. Impertinence.” The kid is barricaded in the restroom and our reinvigorated hero nails the audition. Ya gotta keep your head held high!

       The melody and vocals of “Head Held High” are brimming with a summer feel and inspiration to be positive. The intro includes a whimsical sound and an “Indie whistle.” Then, the contrast begins – the melody and vocals are bouncy, while the lyrics paint a bleak picture of attitude. The chorus increases the bounce, but turns the lyrics around with advise to wear your rose-colored glasses while viewing the picture.

     The members of Kodaline are Steve Garrigan (vocals), Mark Prendergast (guitar), Jason Boland (bass), and Vinny May (drums). “Head Held High” will be on the upcoming album "Politics of Living," which can be preordered at smarturl.it/KodalinePOL/itunes. The band is scheduled to tour in promotion of the album. Among the upcoming tour dates of Kodaline is an appearance in the San Francisco Bay Area. On November 16, 2018, Kodaline will visit The UC Theatre in Berkeley, California. For ticket information, CLICK HERE. 




Lyrics of “Head Held High” by Kodaline
Ever had a feeling that you can't go on
Trying to be strong, but getting weaker
Carrying the weight of every single day
Having lost your way, feeling defeated

Sat staring counting spiral patterns on the wall
You wonder if your luck is ever gonna turn around at all

You need a little light to guide the way
Waiting on the sun to shine again
You gotta keep your head held high
You gotta keep your head held high
You need a little hope to carry on
In the middle of the night when your alone
You gotta keep your head held high
You gotta keep your head held high

Your bedroom carpets stained with rosé wine
Empties left behind the morning after
The distant purr of cars on soaking roads
And the street echoes the noise of laughter

The bottom of a bottle
Finds you almost every night
You wonder if your life is ever gonna turn out right again

You need a little light to guide the way
Waiting on the sun to shine again
You gotta keep your head held high
You gotta keep your head held high
You need a little hope to carry on
In the middle of the night when your alone
You got to keep your head held high
You got to keep your head held high

Confused and battered by the motion of the changing tides
Your nearing empty and you've barely got the will to fight
You wonder if your gonna live or if you will survive at all

You need a little light to guide the way
Waiting on the sun to shine again
You gotta keep your head held high
You gotta keep your head held high
You need a little hope to carry on
In the middle of the night when your alone
You gotta keep your head held high
You gotta keep your head held high

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

"Coming Through" by Bilbao – A Song Feature

       The instruments at the start of “Coming Through” foster an image of a menacing drone hovering over powerfully and skillfully played tribal drums. In comparison, the center portion is primarily characterized by guitar, which is initially clear and bright, but later “shoegazed.” Arguably the best is saved for last, when at the 3:13 mark of “Coming Through,” the song takes on the levels of tension and force felt during Jeff Wayne’s 1978 musical interpretation of "War of the Worlds.” The dynamic track is held together by strong vocals and consistently creative synth.

     “Coming Through” is the title track on the debut album of Bilbao. The band is based in Stockholm, Sweden. They describe themselves as being more aligned with the twilight zone than the comfort zone.

      The background for the album:
  “’Coming Through’ is about letting go and stepping out into the deep unknown. It’s about taking 7 years to perfect the imperfect. Different people at different times, not always agreeing, but sharing feelings they have buried deep inside their hearts and souls. Sometimes it’s the sound of pitch black darkness, where there are sudden moments of brightness, breaking through, creating a distant feeling of hope.”

  “Ulf “Rockis” Ivarsson (ThÃ¥ström, Nicolai Dunger and more.) was engaged as a producer and put the music onto a darker and slower sonical path. The result was a more torn sound, featuring sizzling analog synths and experimental guitar parts, also sounding like synths. These sonic landscapes were refined further when the band started to collaborate with Daniel Rejmer (Ben Frost, Tim Hecker, Foals) who added another level of ragged ambience. Markus Mustonen (Kent – Sweden’s most popular band ever?) added drum parts to a number of the new songs.”

     "Coming Through" by Bilbao
Bandcamp: https://bilbao.bandcamp.com/

Lyrics of "Coming Through" by Bilbao (includes some weak guesses)
We don’t give a shit who you are
We follow a twinkle star
We have seen line crumble and maul
We have seen people tumble and fall

As long as you believe in me
I believe in you
As long as you believe in me

There’s a place where no one goes
There is a part of you no one knows
As answers to my point of view
Thinking of me, don’t you

As long as you believe in me
I believe in you
As long as you believe in me

It’s like coming through [sung 3x]

So when you think of home
Forget where you came from
You can’t remember anything at all
Just to try and ??? fall

As long as you believe in me
I believe in you
As long as you believe in me

It’s like coming through [sung 4x]

Hold on to what you believe in
So that the light can guide you through
Hold on to what you believe in
That’s how they never get to you
  

Tuesday, August 28, 2018

“Cupboards Painted Red” by Puppet Rebellion – A Song Feature

      Puppet Rebellion re-released their single “Cupboards Painted Red.” It isn’t mere marketing-speak to describe the song as “new and improved.” The guitar is striking, which is sometimes descriptive in terms of the playing technique and always accurate in terms of impact on the listener. The drums are played with exuberance, a fact that is fully exposed by the song’s mastering. And “Cupboards Painted Red” includes separated hints of horns and strings.

     Puppet Rebellion is a quintet in Manchester, UK. The members are Oliver Davies (vocals), Paul Trochowski (guitar),Craig Gibson (guitar), James Halliwell (bass), and Henry Rogers (drums). Quoting a portion of the band’s bio:
  “There are many artists out there vying for your time, but a quick glance at Puppet Rebellion's already impressive list of achievements shows that this fiercely independent band is the real deal. Having formed in January 2013, the band has already amassed a huge following on social media, helped in no small part by their close ties with both Manchester football clubs, having been selected by Manchester City FC for their 'Goal of the Month' feature and being played during half-time at Old Trafford during a Manchester United Champions League game.
  The band have so far released two critically acclaimed EPs, ('Chemical Friends' and 'No Means Yes'), tracks of which can be heard when they play their status affirming and sold-out energetic shows around the nation's Northern capital (including main support slots with 'Catfish & The Bottlemen' & 'Reverend and the Makers') and other venues across the UK.”

      “Cupboards Painted Red” by Puppet Rebellion


Monday, August 27, 2018

“Mercy” by Bootleg Rascal – A Song Feature

     “Mercy” borrows from multiple musical sensibilities, with the meld being seamless and melodically pleasing, as if the different styles were compatible by original design. The Caribbean influence is readily apparent. The choir has gospel qualities, but is more rhythmic than melodic. The lead vocals carry the hip-hop characteristics that mark the group (Bootleg Rascal), while retaining the Caribbean feel created by the percussion.

     Bootleg Rascal is based in Australia. The members include Carlos Lara (vocals), Jimmy Young (guitar), and Jack Gray (drums). Their second album is scheduled for release on October 5, 2018, via Sureshaker Music. The “Anònimo” album tour includes the seven dates shown at the bottom of this post.  

     “Mercy” by Bootleg Rascal


THE ANÃ’NIMO ALBUM TOUR DATES:
FRIDAY 19 OCT | LANSDOWNE HOTEL, SYDNEY NSW
THURSDAY 25 OCT | SOL BAR, SUNSHINE COAST QLD
SATURDAY 27 OCT | THE NORTHERN, BYRON BAY NSW
FRIDAY 2 NOV | UOW UNI BAR, WOLLONGONG NSW
SUNDAY 4 NOV | SOOKI LOUNGE, BELGRAVE VIC
MONDAY 5 NOV | HOWLER, MELBOURNE VIC
FRIDAY 9 NOV | WOOLY MAMMOTH, BRISBANE QLD

Sunday, August 26, 2018

“Better When We're Together” by Davey Russell – A Song Feature

     The song has a simplicity, but carries power. “Better When We're Together” rejoices in the recognition that there is strength in numbers, since life is noticeably better when it is the two of them building that life.

     Davey Russell is from Nashville.


“Coming Home” by Jarle Skavhellen – A Song Feature

     “Coming Home” is sung as if by a person on the death bed, but completely at peace with the reality that it is the last day of life. The listener is the doctor. There is a request for continued medication, a statement that someone special is waiting on the other side, and a poetic reference to the length of time together:
Young and free
We got married at 17
Long ago, back when the rainbows were black and white
Oh I was beautiful that night

     The song by Jarle Skavhellen does not cause sorrow. Instead, there is a reason to feel joy. The upbeat emotion is justified even before the uptempo shift that occurs almost halfway through “Coming Home.”

     Jarle Skavhellen is a Norwegian folk singer/songwriter. He released his debut album, “The Ghost In Your Smile,” this past May.

     “Coming Home” by Jarle Skavhellen 


Lyrics of “Coming Home” by Jarle Skavhellen
Talk to me
Tell me all the tools you need
To put me back together again
Oh I don't think you can

Sweet Morphine
Sweet relief caress me until they bury me
I don't mind it's time for me to leave
It's time that I let go

Mmmm, I'm coming home tonight
Mmmm, I'm coming home

Doctor please
I got someone waiting for me
Got someone special waiting for me on the other side
I'm the one who stayed behind

Young and free
We got married at 17
Long ago back when the rainbows were black and white
Oh I was beautiful that night

Mmmm, I'm coming home tonight
Mmmm, I'm coming home
Mmmm, I'm coming home tonight
Mmmm, I'm coming home

Talk to me
Tell me all the tools you need
To put me back together again
Oh I don't think you can

Sweet Morphine
Sweet relief caress me until they bury me
I don't mind it's time for me to leave
It's time that I let go

Mmmm, I'm coming home tonight
Mmmm, I'm coming home

Mmmm, I'm coming home tonight
Mmmm, I'm coming home
Mmmm, I'm coming home tonight
Mmmm, I'm coming home

Saturday, August 25, 2018

“Friends” in the Band Name

     In looking at our list of blogworthy songs, there were four bands that included the word “friends” in their band names. We bundled them into a single post.


     Family and Friends are from Athens, Georgia. The six members are Mike MacDonald (guitar, vocals), Casey Harper (vocals), David “Tuna” Fortuna (bass), Ryan Houchens (drums, vocals), Alejandro Rios (drums), and JP McKenzie (electric guitar). The band specializes in harmonies, creatively interesting percussion, and bright, clear guitar.

     “Winding Roads” by Family and Friends 

     “PRSM” by Family and Friends 


     Friends of Friends have a touch of The 1975, but with healthy doses of originality and individuality. They are Barnaby Baker, Thoms Bowie, and Barry Claude from Gold Coast, Australia.

      “Human” by Friends Of Friends 

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

Lyrics of “Human” by Friends Of Friends
I bit my cheek again
Where the hell are all my friends and you’re gone
The neons burning in
Broken bottles, cold motels in the dark
You’re making up again
Keep a blade hid in the back of your car
And there you stand with him
In such perfection such deception undone

The way you’re moving girl
I’m loosing breath and stuck on my knees
I know your heart is rough and broken too
What are you proving girl
by breaking hearts, I’m begging you please
Just tell me what it is I have to do

I’ll run away with you
We’ll take the backstreets cold and home till I’m lost
You got my words construed
Now we’re fighting over nothing, you’re gone
Don’t turn your face away
I’m still hurting, only human too
Forget this passion play
Only wanted to be human with you

The way you’re moving girl
I’m loosing breath and stuck on my knees
I know your heart is rough and broken too
What are you proving girl
by breaking hearts, I’m begging you please
Just tell me what it is I have to do

And if I ever stop breathing
At least I won’t fight with you
And if you ever stop believing
I’ll always be in love with you

And if I ever stop breathing
At least I won’t fight with you
And if you ever stop believing
I’ll always be in love with you

I’m only human too

     Three Close Friends are a Rock band from Thousand Oaks, California, currently based in Los Angeles. The group consists of Trevor Crown (guitar, vocals), Baxter Bailey (keyboards), and Arlan Cashier (drums).

     “Change My Mind” by Three Close Friends 


     Birthed in Mahopac, New York, Friends at the Falls is composed of Jake Stam on vocals and rhythm guitar, Matt Montgomery on drums, Don Senese on the keys, Dan Walsh on bass and Nick Gennusa on lead guitar.

     “Streetlight Kids” by Friends At The Falls (no Soundcloud stream)


Lyrics of “Streetlight Kids” by Friends At The Falls (some best guessing)
Stay loose from your restraints
And you've lost your bitter ways
You're on your own

And you're feeling you're estranged
With an unfamiliar face
You're on your own

All the lonely souls they hide
All the lonely souls they hide
They're vagabonds

All the lonely souls they hide
All the lonely souls they hide
They're vagabonds

Now your lonely days are over
All your lonely days are over
All those streetlight kids will show ya
All the streetlights super nova

You feel it, the sound
Silence over a heartbreak town
Although we never sleep

Cause in a way
This town
Is a wrecking ball not for breaking ground
So go
Roll your windows down

All the lonely souls they hide
All the lonely souls they hide
They're vagabonds

And you just say the words
You and I against the world
And we're on our own
But you're not alone, no

Now your lonely days are over
All your lonely days are over
All those streetlight kids will show ya
All the streetlights super nova

Now your lonely days are over
All your lonely days are over
You're on your own

And all those streetlight kids will show ya
All the streetlights super nova