Song #67: Jonsi "Go Do"

So, Jonsi from Sigur Ros is working on a solo album. Entitled Go, it should be ready in about April. He's an amazing singer and a very wonderful musician, so naturally I'm excited about it. What's gotten me even more excited, however, is the sneak-peak track that Parlophone have just uploaded onto their YouTube channel.

Never one to shy away from the grandiose, Go Do is sweeping in its big, multi-faceted sound that's complete with thunderous drumming, heavens-high harmonies and atmospheric, ambient keyboards that assist the song in sounding so fucking glorious. Is it any surprise that this work is from the mind that gave us Hoppipolla and Vid Spilum Endalaust?

Apparently, he's singing in English. Even still, you can't understand a single word that he's saying. But hey, that's how it's been for years with Sigur Ros, why let that end now? Go Do is wonderful, and if all goes according to plan, Go will be as well.

FINAL RATING (/10): 8.5

Jonsi's currently touring the US, and I really hope he makes it to Australia before the end of the year!

Have a listen to the song here, on YouTube.

x
David

Song #42: Social Studies - "Weathered White"

 
Right now, we're getting back into the very essence of why I started this project - this is Spinner's free MP3 of the day. I have no idea who this band is. And I find that really exciting - the prospect of experiencing something I've previously never done is something I'm not taking for granted, especially in light of this blog.

But onto the song itself. Two words: How lovely! I've latched myself onto an irrepressibly cute little band, with a very sweet lead vocalist and some very charming keys. Coming across as a Stateside take on what Camera Obscura do (with hints of Regina Spektor and Mates of State), it's the kind of song that you gradually get to know and appreciate over several in-depth listens. I like the drums in the verses, especially how they sound - the snare sound is quick and tiny, the floor tom sounding cavernous. Maybe it's just because I'm a drummer myself that I pick these kind of things up, but what would I know?

The point is this: Weathered White is a gem. I'm so glad I tripped upon it.

FINAL RATING (/10): 8.5

Like what I've described? Get it now, why doncha.

xoxoxoxo
David

Song #35: Nick Jonas and the Administration - "Who I Am"

My girlfriend and I have a war going on. It's fairly friendly, though. We both pick a movie that we think the other is going to hate and we're going to enjoy. The last time around, she threw Step Up 2: The Streets into the ring. I, conversely, hit right back with The Jonas Brothers Concert Experience. Naturally, I won.

It's now time for my secret-favourite Jonas brother (no longer a secret, but you get it) to release his new solo shit. Yep, it's Nick. He's cute! And he's easily the most talented out of the three - whether that means as much as it should is debatable, but you get it. Anyways, the song is a lot more pop-rock than his JoBros stuff, but still has enough going for it to make the tween bitches swoon. It's got a catchy chorus and more structure, but it still definitely sounds like he's searching for a sound rather than trying to define it. For now, who Nick Jonas is = up in the air.

FINAL RATING (/10): 6

As usual, my girlfriend tried to bring poor little Nick down. It's like stepping on a puppy! Look at him!

I digress. Album's out this month, I think. Will get. Judge me.

x
David Jonas2

Song #34: Asobi Seksu - "In the Sky"

Before we begin, some self-indulgent, name-dropping wankery: What a weekend!!!! Back from Slopfrenzy, which turned out to be deadset insane - I spent most of today sightseeing in Sydney with fucking Micachu and the Shapes. I can't even begin to describe how weird that shit was, man. But it was so great! I also met the wonderful humans from Ponytail, as well as JD Samson from Le Tigre and her girlfriend...who happens to be Sia friggin Furler. What a weekend.

No rest for the wicked, let's get on with the goddamn listening. Today, we've got a band from the states called Asobi Seksu. I believe their name is something really naughty in Japanese, but I can't remember. It doesn't matter. They made an album a few years' back called Citrus. It had two amazing songs in particular - New Years and Thursday. Haven't heard much from them since, so it's good to know they're still kicking around - they released an album in 2009 entitled Hush, and I'm finally getting around to taking a listen to some of the tracks.

Yuki Chikudate still unquestionably has a wonderful set of pipes about her. The notes she can soar to are done flawlessly and really engage you as a listener - if you're to take anything away from this song, chances are this will be it. The song itself, in comparison, takes a little longer to find its wings. It's a shift into dream-pop territory, with direction towards the capital city made exceptionally clear. Lovely, yes. Interesting? Not nearly as much as previously. Even still, there's a few wonderful sounding parts (particular the synth outro that will trip your speakers out something chronic), and if you were a fan of the band previously then you're almost certain to develop enjoyment of this over time.

FINAL RATING (/10): 6.5

It's no New Years, that's for sure. Try that song for those of you uninitiated with the band. Regardless, we've got a pretty nice little track on our hands here. Big ups this time go to Stereo Jealousy.

x
David