REVISITED: Damien Rice -- "Cannonball"

I tend to not really dig overly "sentimental" music, but I must say Damien Rice's O has always been a personal favorite of mine. There is something about many of the songs on the album that just make you breakdown. Since being released in 2002, there are still very few records that hit me harder than O. While I admit that some songs are really over the top, such as the end of "Eskimo," other songs, such as "Cannonball," are just so breathtaking gorgeous that you can't just say that Rice's music is over the top. "Cannonball" has just such a genuine and passionate quality to it. You don't just hear this song, you feel this song.

-- Greg

15 Cannonball by denube

Song of MY Day: Conspiracy of Owls--"The New Me"

This very well may be the most repeated song I've listened for the last two weeks. I'm not kidding; it's just getting worse and worse. I get up in the morning and what do I have playing while I'm putting on a brisk, new pair of Champion briefs? Conspiracy of Owls. Who do I play while I have two hours of Latin homework that holds no hope for me in the future unless I want to shave my head and become a friar? Conspiracy of Owls. What do I play from my dorm room at full blast while I'm taking a number 2 in the bathroom across the hall? Conspiracy of Owls (the guys know what I'm talking about).

Detroit, Michigan's Conspiracy of Owls is one of the most nostalgic, but fresh bands I've heard in awhile (ironic, I know). As I've said before, the ability to write consistent, catchy pop songs is not an easy talent to possess, but these guys blow it out of the water. They have everything: Beach Boy harmonies, danelectro guitars (shout out to buddy and bandmate James Maniscalco), and awesome song titles (Ancient Robots, Tower of Diamonds).

Their song, "The New Me," has been that song on repeat almost everyday. Vocalist and guitarist John Krautner sounds like, and I'm not overstating this by no means, if Brian Wilson was 24 years old again and played beach bingo parties until the sun came up. The reverb on the guitars is delightful, the harmonies sweet and succulent, and the lyrics wishful and at ease. The part that gets me every time is the small trill in Krautner's voice when he harmonizes in the chorus.

Big shout out to friend of mine and great music taster Frank Campbell for introducing these guys to me.

Conspiracy of Owls :: The New Me by Beachtapes
--Mike

Papercuts -- "Do What You Will"

Papercuts is a San Fransisco based project with one sole principal songwriter, Jason Quever. Quever's forthcoming album, Fading Parade, which will be released on the first of March, is something I very much so look forward to. Papercuts often get thrown into the genre of freak folk and dream pop, which are some of my favorites and not just because of the ridiculous names... well at least for freak folk that applies, but mainy because of artists like Devendra Banhart and Beach House, who I adore greatly. However, I think it's a lot easier to just say Papercuts' sound is "indie pop," as vague as that is. The first song I heard from the album, "Do What You Will," has been stuck in my head for days now and I must share it with you. It's just beautifully understated and subtle. It's a song that brings a certain tranquility to my often hectic days here at school. Hope you enjoy!

-- Greg

 Papercuts - Do What You Will by subpop

Radiohead -- "Codex"

By this point I just assume that everybody has heard The King Of Limbs. I would write a review of the whole album, but I think it is more fascinating to discuss how the indie community reacted to the record as a whole. When speaking of the media and the release of 2007's In Rainbows, Colin Greenwood discussed the idea of sharing in the online community. In Rainbows allowed for a shared and very unique moment in music's history. The case with The King Of Limbs is no different, if anything, it amplified the notion Greenwood discussed in regards to In Rainbows. Radiohead's music, more so than any other band in the blog/indie world, brings a certain joy to our somewhat little bubble; a special moment where we all silence our opinions and instead just listen to the music. The release of The King Of Limbs was not a moment of innate critique, but rather it warranted a celebration of the music of these five brilliant men.

Most of what I have read from bloggers and major music publications makes it seem like most people found this album to be a grower and I would agree. It took me about four full listens before I finally got to the point where I said "wow, this is truly something special." In particular, "Codex," which originally was the one of tracks that I thought was overly wearisome, is now one of my favorite cuts on the album. When I listened to this album in complete isolation for the first time "Codex" gave me the chills, which is pretty rare for me. If you might have just skipped over this song or not loved it as much as the others or perhaps haven't heard this song at all, please get out some quality headphones and go to a quiet place... you will not be disappointed.

-- Greg

Nobody Does It Better... Than Radiohead

Hello world! Today is a good day. Why? I am sure most of you have read already this, but Radiohead will be releasing their new album, The King of Limbs, at midnight! Radiohead is easily, without a doubt, my favorite band still playing today so I am ecstatic to say the least. I have been preparing myself the last few days by relistening (yeah, that's not a real word, but whatever) to all of their great albums, singles, etc. While doing this, I stumbled upon a song that truly sums up their career: a cover of "Nobody Does It Better," which Yorke once described live as, "the sexiest song ever written." Here's to praying our internet doesn't break tonight. LONG LIVE RADIOHEAD!

-- Greg

Radiohead -- "Nobody Does It Better" (Carly Simon Cover)