I’ll be honest, I didn’t post the 5SF last week because I was wrapped up in the Eagle raid. That being said, I am still in awe that it happened, and as more information comes out about it, I am more and more surprised at how it looks to be blatant homophobia. It’s extremely disappointing all around.
I am not skipping this week, though. This week’s picks are all strong, and most of them are major finds. I hope that you enjoy them, and I hope it gives you at least a few minutes to take your mind off of the whole debacle mentioned above. Let’s get started!
Priscilla Renea – Dollhouse
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_priscillarenea-dollhouse.mp3]
I discovered this song when I stumbled on the cutesy video on youtube one day last week. I instantly loved the production and arrangement of the song, and I was sure that it was another gem from production genius Max Martin. Interestingly enough, it isn’t him, but Benny Blanco, who’s worked with a lot of the same artists (which is probably why it sounded like similar production to me). I love the energy of the song (which has a lot of the spunk that major hits like My Life Would Suck Without You carry), and I especially like Priscilla’s voice; which sounds like it has some major power underneath it. This is such a cute little song, and one that I would expect to hear on the radio 1000 times.
A Fine Frenzy – Bird of the Summer
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_afinefrenzy-birdofthesummer.mp3]
A Fine Frenzy’s new album, Bomb in a Birdcage came out last week, and I have found myself falling deeper and deeper in love with it with each listen. There are some incredibly beautiful tracks on it (this one being one of the best), and while many people fell for A Fine Frenzy with her debut, for whatever reason, I wasn’t pulled in. However, that is no longer the case, A Fine Frenzy has delivered one of the best albums of 2009 with Bomb In a Birdcage, and this song is one of my favorites from the album. It is light, airy, and beautiful all over. I am glad that she snagged my attention this (the second) time around.
Noah and the Whale – Blue Skies
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_noahandthewhale-blueskies.mp3]
I posted about Noah and the Whale last year around this time, when I fell for their song, 5 Years Time; after it was featured in a Saturn commercial. Unfortunately, I didn’t fall any further for Noah and the Whale, and my interest never materialized past that one song. However, they recently released a new album, and I figured I would at least give it a listen to see if there were more gems like 5 Years Time on it, and what I found was surprising, and wonderful. This song stood out to me, because I absolutely love the arrangement. The vocals remind me of Peter Bjorn and John, and the music is something that should be played at a pivotal scene in a beautiful movie. After hearing snippets of this album, I am back on board with Noah and the Whale. It’s just like A Fine Frenzy, sometimes, it takes time… or another album.
Weezer – (If You’re Wondering If I Want You To) I Want You To
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_weezer-iwantyouto.mp3]
I will start by saying that I consider myself to be a fairly die-hard fan of Weezer. The Blue Album was one of my first CDs that I remember buying, and loving each song on it. Additionally, it is an album that really shaped the beginnings of my love for music. Each subsequent album showed that Weezer is a pop-rock band that is of a consistently high quality, and I have been a fan ever since. Amidst rumors of a break up after Make Believe (one of their best albums to date), Weezer quelled the fears of fans that didn’t want a break up to happen by releasing the Red Album, which unfortunately, I never really got into. There were some great songs on it, and it was definitely a good Weezer record, but for me, it was somewhat of a letdown. Well, a couple of weeks ago, a friend of mine on twitter said Weezer had a new fantastic song out, and after listening for like 5 seconds, I was in love with it. This song has all of the energy and cheesy sweet lyrics of the Weezer that I love. Rivers Cuomo is back in FULL FORCE, and this song should be a massive hit. I am hoping that their next album thrills me as much as this song does.
White Lies – Death
[audio:http://www.duanemoody.com/audio/fsf_918_whitelies-death.mp3]
Sometimes hearing a song in context makes you realize how amazing it is; and that is exactly what happened to me with this song. I first heard this song back in March, when I posted about White Lies’ amazing track, Farewell to the Fairground. I really liked the song then, and really enjoyed much of their album, To Lose My Life. However, it wasn’t until I heard the song played in the background on The Vampire Diaries, that I realized just how incredible it was. It wasn’t even an important scene, but the way that it complimented the show, it really helped me to fully enjoy the song, and see intricacies and nuances I hadn’t heard in it before. I love when shows pay extra attention to the music that they play, because it is really appreciated by viewers like me; sometimes, that attention to detail will keep me coming back to the show time and time again. In this case, the show may be a bit hokey (think Dawson’s Creek… with vampires), but the writing is actually pretty good, and the music so far has been fantastic. It really sets the mood, and has done wonders for the show in my eyes. I can’t wait to see what gems they have for me peppered throughout each episode to come.
Well, there’s your Friday five. What do you think of this week’s selection? Please let me know!! Also, let me know what you are listening to, because I really, really want to know. Seriously, I love suggestions from people, and I always at least give them a go, so be sure to share them with me; you never know, I might feature one of your selections in the future.