Song #76: Angels and Airwaves - "The Flight of Apollo"

 

Tom Delonge's post-blink love of Angels & Airwaves have finally returned. Thank fuck, says I. Anything to get me away from bloody blink-182's reunion footage: they sound like trash and it's pretty obvious it's all about the money here. I know there's a lot of AVA hates out there, but whatever. I think enough time has passed for the blink obsessives to shut up and appreciate AVA's work as a separate entity - and a superior one at that.

The Flight of Apollo is the second track on LOVE, the band's third album which has just been released for free online, via Delonge's site Modlife. If you were a fan previously, you'll know the drill - it's atmospheric, with layered keyboards and big guitar with fuck-tonnes of reverb. There's even a bit of a synth-string section going on here in the background, which I thought was a pretty nice touch. It all comes together with a sense of familiarity, but fans won't have any major issues with this - the band sound great here and it's easily one of the catchiest things these guys have ever done.

FINAL RATING (/10): 8

Here's the link to download LOVE. Sure hope y'like it and all.

x

David

Song #18: Mayer Hawthorne - "Just Ain't Gonna Work Out"

So I'm on the street team for the Days Like This! festival, which is a festival happening in Sydney in early January. There's a really awesome line-up including The Cat Empire, Roots Manuva, Method Man & Red Man, The Black Seeds, Cat Power, Micachu, Cassette Kids...and this guy, Mayer Hawthorne. Buy your tickets right now from here, and visit the website!

Now, onto the matter of this young man.

Firstly, let's get this out of the way. Hawthorne has to have one of the most deceptive voices going around. The way his stylish croon oozes slick harmony and effortless falsetto woudl give you the idea of an original Motown king, as opposed to a bespectacled white 21st century boy. Still, let's move away from imagery for just a second - this is fucking beautiful.

The harmonies sooth over the lightly-toned electric guitar and the crackling drum loop, creating a tune that's punchy, soulful and the kind of pop masterwork that is critically overlooked these days.  The fact that this song could have been a hit in the sixties and seventies as well as one now shows transcendence as opposed to deriving - it's an undying, evergreen sound. This kind of music only comes around once in a blue moon, so this tiny pop gem needs to be cherished.

FINAL RATING (/10): 9.5

Mayer tours Australia next month, and his record A Strange Arrangement is out now. Also, check out the fucking seven inch you can get of this track:

God bless America.

xxxxxxx
David