Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Lullaby's Song Scrobble


Song Selection #2

Once again, Mr. Beardmore has come up large in the stakes of being innovative. To be honest, I'm more about the “album” or “record” as such, but here's some tracks that taken my fancy of the records I've been addicted to recently:

Guided By Voices – Tractor Rape Chain [Bee Thousand; Scat, 1994]

I've always preferred Guided By Voices in their slightly longer form (maybe that's missing their point?), but I've become more accustom to their lo-fi shorter vein of tunes and Bee Thousand leads from the front. There's so many great tracks off this album but the above stands out at this point of time. Frontman, Robert Pollard, at his lyrical best singing “parallel lines on a slow decline - tractor rape chain.”

My Morning Jacket – Gideon [Z; ATO, 2005]

Definitely my favourite MMJ song along with being the focal point in the shift of the band's musical direction with Z. Seeing the band live a couple of weeks ago, not to mention the blistering rendition of this song, really hit home in the realisation that not only is it an amazing song within the band's catalogue, but for me it's definitely one of the finest songs penned in this era. The riffola is a perfect example of action speaking louder than words!

The National – Abel [Alligator; Beggars Banquet 2005]

Simple but effective. 'Abel' is at the height of what The National really are all about. A love song in some form, but it's abrasive delivery and simple guitar lines give it an easiness to engage with. Frontman, Matt Berninger oozes with a simplistic touch, delivering word after word with such finesse.

The Stooges – Your Pretty Face Is Going to Hell [Raw Power; Columbia, 1973]

Listening to this song almost blows a gaping hold through your ear drums. The production of this track alone is so different to any of the other off Raw Power. Literally, an ear-splitting five minute jaunt of James Williamson's guitar binge and Iggy's venomous vocal. They say punk rock started in England? Yeah, right...



My Bloody Valentine – To Here Knows When [Loveless; Creation 1991]

This has always been at the top of my favourites list from one of my favourite all time bands. Seeing this particular song performed live literally made me a bit dewy eyed. The soundscapes glide with elegance, while Bilinda Butcher's vocal harmonies stew deep in the mix but still hold that evocative aura. Everything about the song defines beauty.

Constantines – Soon Enough [Tournament of Hearts; Sub Pop, 2005]

Probably the band's most out-on-a-limb track. In a nutshell, it probably doesn't define what the Constantines are about, however its alt-country tinge is rendered brilliantly and definitely acts as another string to the band's bow. It's a simple song, based around the pure honest lyrical topic from frontman, Bryan Webb, which presents a transcending effect.

Seefeel – Plainsong [Quieque; Too Pure/Astral Works, 1993]

The ambient loops of luscious sound; the haunting drums; the alluring melody. There's not much you can't like with this song. Seefeel's landmark album fails to have any downsides to it, but at the moment, this is the track that stands out. It's guaranteed that things will change next week.

By Simon K

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