Arcade Fire – Half Light II (No Celebration)
This song is both a highlight of and a perfect introduction to The Suburbs. Disguised by the musically epic sounds (it is Arcade Fire, after all) are lyrics that tell of wasted time and societal destruction. Win Butler sings in despair, “Oh, this city’s changed so much/ Since I was a little child/ Pray to God I won’t live to see/ The death of everything that’s wild.”
***
Best Coast – I Want To
Everyone around here seems to be buzzing about Best Coast, and I am no exception. The beachy-rock sounds of Bethany Cosentino are addictive to say the least. In “I Want To,” Cosentino is lonely and longing, but never naive, despite simplistic lyrics like “I want to/ Go Back to/ The first time/ The first place” repeated over and over. Her earnest yearnings are charming and refreshing against the summery-Californian musical backdrop.
***
The Morning Benders – Excuses
This song goes back to Spring, but I couldn’t help include it this week upon recent discovery. Chris Chu leads The Morning Benders in this exquisite rendering of a love song that combines 60s era pop, hints at doo-wop, and a full-on string section. The result is a dreamy, magical pop tune with refreshingly honest lyrics and an irresistible melody. Who could ask for more?
Check out this extra-cool live version, too!
***
The Black Keys – I’m Not The One
These two white-boy rockers have a surplus of soul and boy, do they know how to use it. In classic moody rock/soul fashion, The Black Keys sing about getting arrested, being tired, jealous women, and being alone. This song combines the heart of blues greats with the grit and grind of classic rock ‘n’ roll, with a finishing touch of Black Keys swagger, of course.
