Month: September 2010

Janelle Monae – Tightrope (Feat. Big Boi)

Janelle Monáe – “Tightrope” It’s nearly impossible to place Janelle Monáe’s musical styling’s into a single category. On the Atlanta singer, songwriter and performer’s latest album, The ArchAndroid, Monáe culls from a wealth of influences, including jazz, hip hop, glam rock and folk – all with a touch of the space age. With her exaggerated… Read more »

tumblr_l8uj3y5N6f1qb97ja The The – “Love Is Stronger Than Death” From Dusk, one of the most critically-lauded albums of 1993, comes this masterpiece of introspective pop from Matt Johnson, who has collaborated with others under the The The moniker since 1979.  Johnson wrote this song as a form of therapy following the death of his brother,… Read more »

On her sophomore release, Actor, Annie Clark ( a.k.a. St. Vincent) continues to woo listeners with her rich voice and lush orchestration. But don’t let the ethereal facade fool you. Clark’s lyrics reveal stories of dishonesty, anxiety, hurt and paranoia so beautifully, you may not immediately sense the dark undercurrents of her words. On “Actor… Read more »

Deer Tick – 20 Miles

Deer Tick – 20 Miles Deer Tick – “20 Miles” Vocalist John McCauley may only be in his mid-20s, but his weathered voice and world-weary lyrics belie his age, and give Deer Tick’s music a gravitas often found in more veteran groups.  Their third and latest full-length release, The Black Dirt Sessions, features delicate arrangements… Read more »

The Lightning Seeds – “Pure” English group The Lightning Seeds experienced their first taste of success in the UK and U.S. with their synth-pop hit “Pure” during the early ’90s. They managed to escape the one-hit wonder status other bands or artists experienced during this time, going on to release several hits, including “The Life… Read more »

Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues

Justin Townes Earle – Harlem River Blues Justin Townes Earle – “Harlem River Blues” The first track off of his upcoming third release Harlem River Blues, this song finds Justin Townes Earle investigating the sound of the deep South, complete with a full-on gospel choir. Though the rest of the record covers more country and… Read more »

Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill

Peter Gabriel – “Solsbury Hill” This song, from Peter Gabriel’s first solo record, was one of his first solo hits after leaving Genesis. Renowned for its odd time signature and the feeling of anticipation it generates, it set Gabriel’s career in motion and has since found its way into hundreds of television shows, movie soundtracks,… Read more »

Lissie – In Sleep (Live)

Lissie – “In Sleep” This rocking live version of the track from her new record Catching a Tiger takes its cues straight from Hendrix’s version of “All Along the Watchtower”, complete with shredding solo at the end. Lissie, a 28-year-old singer and songwriter from Rock Island, Illinois, first struck fame with her song “Little Lovin”,… Read more »