Song #53: The Retreat - "The Weather (Cloudin' Over)"

Okay, got a lot of ground to cover over the past six days, so here we go:

I went and saw Dan Mangan for the third and final time on Friday. He's the one I blogged about back at Song #37. This was his last show in the country before flying back to Canada (ehh), and it was such a thrill to see him off. Of note, however, were his support act - The Retreat.

This Sydney band play a low-key, charming style of countrified pop-rock that recalled acts like Bob Evans, Bright Eyes and even a young Ryan Adams. This song in particular was a charmer. Its major chord progressions and sugar-sweet harmonies were simple but incredibly pleasant. It will also make you want to give lead singer Ross a big hug - and the dude works at JB HiFi in Pitt Street, so there's easily a chance to do so. You have been warned.

FINAL RATING (/10): 7

Follow the doodz on Twitter and the Spaz, etc.

x

David

Song #37: Dan Mangan - "Robots"

Ever been to Tomerong? Didn't think so. Neither had this guy before Wednesday. His name is Dan Mangan and he's a singer-songwriter from Canada. People thankfully don't think he's slow, ehh. Rather, everyone at the tiny community hall watching this charming twentysomething performing with his fellow-countryman bassist and two of the guys from Australia's own Dead Letter Chorus, thought he was a dead-set charmer. 

 

Mangan is in the country to promote his new record, entitled Nice, Nice, Very Nice, whilst opening for the wonderful Charlie Parr. This track in particular stood out, as it was the last track he performed and he took crowd participation to the mostly-elderly crowd and unexpectedly delivered. The simple lyrics and melody of "Robots need love too/They want to be loved by you" are charming in an anti-folk kind of way, but when put in with a small crowd singing it in perfect harmony, with just the right acoustics, it becomes pretty special for some strange reason.

FINAL RATING (/10): 8.5

Catch Dan and Charlie tonight in Sydney, tomorrow in Katoomba and Cronulla on Tuesday. You won't regret it.

xoxo

David