It’s that time again, and I’ve got you five new songs for this Friday. Today’s selection is a little all over the place (some of it is a little out there, I’m warning you!), but each song deserves some love, as I have been digging each of these tracks lately. Let’s get started, shall we?
Keane (feat. K’naan) – Stop For A Minute
I have this strange relationship with Keane; most of their stuff falls under my radar, but every once and while, they release a MAJOR single that completely captures my attention. Last time that happened was when they released the massive Spiralling, and I literally couldn’t get enough of that song. Now, they have done it again with this insanely catchy track, which has one of the best choruses of any song on the radio right now. While I’m not super hype on the rap portion of the song, the massive chorus won me over instantly, and has me playing this song on major repeat right now. This is definitely one to roll the windows down and blast as you ride around enjoying the beautiful spring weather we are having right now.
Kelis – Acapella
While I will openly admit that this one took a while to grow on me, it has managed to take me completely by storm over the past couple of weeks. The more I hear this song, the more I love it. The beat begs to be danced to, and I like how fresh and different it is from most of the other stuff circling the airwaves out there right now. While Bossy will probably (see definitely) always be my favorite of Kelis’ songs, this one certainly highlights the fact that Kelis is not a shot in the pan; she has changed her style and done something brilliant in every endeavor she has taken musically. I can’t wait to see what her upcoming release, Flesh Tone (out July 6) has in store for us.
Jónsi – Go Do
Remember earlier when I said that there was some stuff that would be a little “out there” this week? Well, here it is. This ethereal track is from the recently released solo album, Go, from the lead singer of the Icelandic rock band, Sigur Rós. While I really can’t understand most of what he is singing in this song, I absolutely love the beautiful vocals and the accompanying airy and fanciful music. The first time I heard this, I had a bit of a WTF moment, but I will admit that I was instantly turned around, and was kicking myself for my doubt by the end of the song; this song is awesome. There’s definitely some strange stuff going on in Iceland, as evidenced by this, and the type of music fellow Icelander Björk makes. However, after hearing this, I honestly think that the Icelandic strange is the kind of strange that I am pretty sure that I love; after all, I love a lot of Björk’s music, and I find myself really loving this as well. Side note: apparently, he’s openly gay, so that’s a bonus to be featuring an out artist today!
Sia – Clap Your Hands
Sia managed to fly under my radar for almost a year, only to take me by storm with her previous release, Some People Have Real Problems. As such, I was pretty excited to see that her next release, We Are Born will be released very soon (June 7th to be exact). Subsequently, when I heard this song, which is the lead single from the upcoming album, I was a bit on the fence; I didn’t love it instantly. However, Sia has proven to be a grower for me, and that is exactly what happened with this one; it has really grown on me, and I am loving it more with each listen. This one is definitely more upbeat for her, but it works, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of the new album has in store.
Laura Marling – Rambling Man
I have fellow music blogger xolondon to thank for turning me onto this amazing song. He posted the video for this song (which is filled to the brim with a shirtless, burly man; that certainly got my attention!), and rightly pegged this as Laura so amazingly channeling Joni Mitchell, for which I have nothing but praise and admiration. This song is a triumph, and I think that Joni would be proud that Laura is making music like this today. This song is well written, and beautiful, and I am truly delighted to have been turned on to it. Thanks xolondon for schooling me on the delicate beauty of Laura Marling! (note: I posted a Laura Marling song in the past, but her new stuff had completely flown outside of my radar; until now.)
Well, there you have it; another five song Friday in the bag. What did you think? As always, let me know what you thought, and why not throw in a few suggestions of your own while you are at it? I hope you enjoyed these songs as much as enjoyed bringing them to you… until next time!
I’ll be honest, I almost didn’t like this song originally on principle; I have this strange aversion to those winy emo bands. They all sound alike for the most part, so every time AAR would come on the radio, I wrote them off as just another one; that is, until I saw the video for this catchy little song. I loved the video, and found myself tapping my toe and really enjoying the song. Over the past month, I have played it more and more, and thought it would be perfect for this week’s 5SF. I guess it goes to show that you should really give everything a chance, because you might just find something you really like in an unexpected place.
By all accounts, I should hate this song. It is almost Jack Johnson-ish in its hippie-love strummy guitar nature, but something about is infinitely more sweet, touching, and saccharine sweet. I have liked Jason Mraz since his debut, but I didn’t really get into his most recent release, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things. However, this song is a complete ear worm, and every time it played on XM, I found myself singing a long, and eventually I downloaded it. Since then, I realize how much I love this song, and typical to my personal experience with Jason, this song gets all the love, and I seem to lose interest for the rest of the album. Perhaps I will change my mind at some point, but in the meantime, I have definitely been enjoying this very sweet song. I think a big reason that I haven’t gotten further on the record is because of his duet with Colbie Calliat, who, for whatever reason, I cannot stand. Oh well.
I almost can’t believe that this song is showing up on a 5SF, because I thought I was done pimping Jesse back when I talked about the amazing song Leavin’ earlier last year. Well, low and behold, the boy made a pretty interesting video for this song, which just happens to be one of the best on his album, and I have been inexplicably hooked again. I know that the lyrics may be as trite as can be (when you call I’m pressing 7/don’t want to hear your messages messages), but dammit, the hook is solid, and this is a well produced pop song. I love backing music of the track too, very haunting and beautiful at the same time. For some dumb reason, I don’t want to like this kid as much as I do; maybe I should just give in already and just enjoy the ride!
Last weekend, we were out at the bar, and the VJ was spinning some great songs, and he played a Kelis track that led me to want to hear more from her. I picked this song for this week’s 5SF, because in my opinion, it’s one of her best, and I just love how much anger and “kiss off”-ery is portrayed in the lyrics and the excellently shouted hook “I hate you so much right now!”. This song just rules on so many levels that it is a “classic” song that I am glad to have rediscovered. How Kelis isn’t bigger than she is (especially with massive songs like Milkshake in her arsenal) is beyond me. Also, I feel compelled to note how incredibly beautiful Kelis is… damn, she is smoking hot!
While this song was another “old” favorite of mine that the VJ played last weekend at the bar, it was hearing it on BBC Radio 1 randomly this week that made me finally go and download this dance floor filler. I love the beats and the synth how it builds, and then breaks it down; so much fun for my ears. I also suggest that you check out the video, because it is such a great time; ladies in afros dancing about and playing instruments. What’s not to love!?! I am just glad that I finally got this one on my ipod; I’ve been meaning to download it for ages, and kept forgetting. Well, if that is the case for you as well, then hopefully this reminder about this great track will encourage you secure it for yourself as well!