So I know I’m a little late on sharing this song with you, but I thought today, Music Video Monday, would be a good day, since they just released a video for it over the weekend that you can watch right here. While the Kevin Willis directed video is interesting and a bit creepy, the song itself is sort of blah. It’s not horrible and has some amusing lyrics, but it’s uncharacteristically bland for a Modest Mouse song. It is void of energy, as you can see from there performance on Letterman several weeks ago. I feel like you can skip around to any point during the song and it will sound exactly the same. It starts off fine, but then it goes nowhere. There is no crescendo, no building on itself, just blah. Hopefully the rest of the forthcoming EP will have a little more passion and zeal.
When in search of a musical artist that is head and shoulders above all other counterparts, Ray LaMontagne does not disappoint. Armed with a guitar, beard, and a truck load of God given talent Ray has been on the gold paved road in a sea of solo artists whielding a wide array of styled love songs. His smooth, raspy voice accompanied by melodious guitar offers up a perfect combination, sure to spread love and happiness wherever played. Add the horn sounds of big band and you have, “You Are the Best Thing,” off of LaMontagne’s newest album “Gospel in the Grain.” This performance on The Late Show with David Letterman, illuminates all of the talent Ray LaMontagne has been blessed with. Be sure to enjoy and share this with those you love.
Hailing from Long Beach, CA, utilizing the sounds of british bands, and add a heavy dose of Freddie Mercury (Queen) inspired singing styles and you have the Cold War Kids. Performing “Relief,” off of their second and newest album, Loyalty to Loyalty, this grungy, dark song truly illustrates what separates them from all of the pop music being produced today. With heavy use of keyboard, drums and no guitar, it provides a great foundational beat, partnered with the very different vocal styles of lead singer Nathan Willett; you have their performance that showcases who the Cold War Kids are on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. I have personally been impressed with all of the work the Cold War Kids have created, enjoy this great performance! I hope it causes more interest in listening to the great music the Cold War Kids have become known for.
Here are this week’s performances of the week to either: set your DVRs to record, make sure to be near a television, or catch on online.
Wednesday 4.1.2009: Ray LaMontagne on The Late Show with David Letterman.
Friday 4.3.2009: Cold War Kids on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.
I greatly anticipate these performances this week, I hope they do not disappoint and we will make sure to post links and share our thoughts after each performance.
