Thursday 28 July 2011

Arctic Monkeys - 505

http://m.youtube.com/index?desktop_uri=%2F&gl=GB#/watch?v=AQBe_pibFCo

I'm on holiday the next few days, so posts will resume normally Wednesday, but while I can here's today's. From second album Favourite Worst Nightmare, the Arctic Monkeys showed that they were just as capable of wit and charm in a slow almost lament as in a fast, charming indie thrill. This is a song that manages to pack in a million different moods and emotions, yet from the guitar line to the lyrics is unmistakably an Arctic Monkeys' song. Sometimes slow and mournful, while at others punchy and full of protestations, a real surprise is that the vocals never fail to complement the song perfectly. Lyrically the song is very interesting, with the classic gems the band are so known for. The perfect compliment to my train journey, and a much needed addition to any playlist - so what are you waiting for?

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 27 July 2011

The Killers - Read My Mind


If there's one thing I really believe, it's that music is the cure to many of life's ills. Today was no exception, and Read My Mind was the song that provided the basis for the come back of the year. In fact, just for today I'm asking you to do the work - just listen and let a little bit of your soul simply smile.

-frw

Tuesday 26 July 2011

Vampire Weekend - A-Punk


Today's song is one with arguably the most famous guitar riff of recent times. Fans of Guitar Hero, late night clubbing, or anyone who hasn't been living under a rock for the last few years will recognise the song from the very beginning. With its addictive melody and punchy shouts, this is a song that just screams 'summer' at you from start to end. Characterised by the upbeat, fast paced melody and beat that will have you up on the dance floor faster than you'd ever have imagined, A-Punk is simply a delight from beginning to end. So if it's as sunny where you are as it is here, turn up the stereo and dance like a 90s kid to the wonder that is Vampire Weekend.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 25 July 2011

Patrick Stump - As Long As I Know I'm Getting Paid


To celebrate the frankly fabulous news that his debut album Soul Punk is due out on October 18th, today's song is what will keep me going until that date. As Long As I Know I'm Getting Paid is a rockin' little piece of music that will have you dancing through the summer - be it the acoustic version (above) or the synth-y glory of the EP version. The melody isn't especially complicated most of the way through, but the intricate guitar work just before the bridge is all the more impressive by comparison. However, the lyrics are perhaps the most intriguing part of the song, outwardly deceptive but with absolute gems hidden in the midst (In this life that matters that matters more than death/I follow to my dying breath). A fantastic, surreal experience that leaves you desperate for more - bring on October.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 22 July 2011

Wonderland - Not A Love Song


So it's finally almost the weekend, and time for one last song before the week is through. While it might not be the coolest thing in the world to admit, I am actually a little obsessed with this song. There's just something about a flawlessly constructed, unashamed pop song that's just irresistible, and Not A Love Song is no exception. A sweet melody is accompanied by great vocals and even better harmonies, creating a contrast between the tune and the lyrics. Speaking of the lyrics, they are a nice surprise in a world full of songs about love so cliched they'd make a teenage girl blush - Wonderland take a slightly more contemporary view (If you're looking for a girlfriend/You can start your search when you're watching me walk away.) If you're looking for a nice piece of pop to guide you into the weekend, look no further.

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 21 July 2011

The Cab - Bad


There seem to be so many good albums in the pipelines just now, and the Cab's second album is among that number. The first song released from it, Bad, is slightly more pop than the music on 'Whisper War,' but isn't any the worse for it. In fact, it might even be better. The piano intro segues seamlessly in to a laid back verse, with the tempo jacked up after the chorus - this is a song that seems to constantly be changing. The melody and vocals work brilliantly together, balanced so that neither overpowers the other as it could so easily. An ode to the girls who won't sit down and play perfect, Bad is a slice of up front (I want something physical/Not something invisible) pop punk that will have you wanting to be with or just be the girl they're talking about.

-faithfulradiowhore


Wednesday 20 July 2011

South Jordan - Fatal Flaw (acoustic)


It's grey and cold outside, so I'm warming myself by a heater with the beautiful Fatal Flaw - what a day. The acoustic version is beautifully simple, the piano providing the ideal backdrop to the soulful vocals, and it's this simplicity that allows the song to truly resonate. The rise and fall of the melody is done flawlessly, and the barely restrained power of the vocals add to the emotive nature of the song. Lyrically there is the universal story of love and loss, readily identifiable, but the opening lines have a particularly poignant feel (They told me be careful/They said weary of you/They warned persistence is the fatal flaw.) The remedy for a troubled soul or a rainy day.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 18 July 2011

The Wombats - Our Perfect Disease


After a week's absence due to a horrendous laptop issue, I'm back and (arguably) better than ever. Starting off the week is The Wombats with Our Perfect Disease. Taking things in a slightly more futuristic direction, the synth and guitars weave to create something like Muse on drugs, alternately hugging everyone in the room and hiding in a corner muttering. The whole thing has taken on an adult feel, a song to dance to yes, but there's something else there that's easy enough to see. The vocals suit this song perfectly, not too heavy but more than establishing their presence, and the lyrics have moments of absolute brilliance (We didnt say it but we never saw eye to eye/Now life is carefree and equally as boring) and a chorus that gets better every time it comes around. Like Jekyll and Hyde (referenced in the song coincidentally), this song has two sides - get familiar with them both.

-faithfulradiowhore

Friday 8 July 2011

Black Cards - Dr Jekyll And Mr Fame


It's finally Friday, and what better way to celebrate than with the Black Cards? (If you said Rebecca Black, then you should leave this blog right now - consider yourself warned.) Dirty glamour at its finest, with a strong beat and impossibly clever lyrics hidden behind a synth driven melody. I could say more, but Friday night is fast approaching and this song would make anyone want to dance. Obey the music...

-faithfulradiowhore

Thursday 7 July 2011

The Karma Heart - Another Religion


Another day, another song, and it's a beauty. The latest single from The Karma Heart embraces the rock vibe and cuts through the relentless pounding of the Top 40 - thankfully! The melody is hard hitting and addictive, with riffs running deep through the heart of the song - but perhaps the best thing about it is that the vocals are powerful enough to stand out from the melody where anything less might have got lost in the sheer volume of the song. Whether you're about to kick off a weekend at T In The Park or are wanting your own private festival on your stereo, this is the song to mark today with.

-faithfulradiowhore

Wednesday 6 July 2011

Katy McAllister - Here's To The Heartbreakers


Today's song is a gem of a find on Myspace, proving once and for all that the site isn't quite dead. Katy McAllister's Here's To The Heartbreakers is a beautiful tune, with incredibly talented vocals and a melody that just begs to be sung along with. Reminiscent of Taylor Swift for those of us who'll never see our teens again, the song is a typical adolescent love song with a more adult feel to it, appealing to everybody. The vocals are superb, drawing attention away from what is a fantastic little tune, but somehow this only enhances the song. Lyrically, there are some interesting moments (I turn your flaws into beauty/And you're seeing this as a bad thing/Are you kidding me?) but the main strength comes from the whole idea of the song. A great tune from an artist who is capable of great things - so raise a glass to the faithless.

-faithfulradiowhore

Monday 4 July 2011

The Valentines - Call The Police


Welcome back on this warm and sunny Monday where I am - and with a hell of a song to kick off the week. Call The Police is the kind of song you'd expect to hear behind some incredible surfing tricks in a classic American film, with fast paced riffs and its 'bop bop doo-wah's.' The melody is rife with moments that will get stuck in your head, and the lyrics are simple enough that you can (and should) be singing along in no time. The vocals work perfectly with the melody, giving a more modern, rocky edge to the lighter upbeat music - just what the song needs. By rights The Valentines should be absolutely everywhere this summer - do your bit to make it happen!

-faithfulradiowhore