The 80s were a big time for saxophones, it seems. Between this and songs like Baker Street (which was ’78, but CLOSE ENOUGH GEEZE), the saxophone was given duties as a lead instrument, along side the more usual choice of guitar or keyboard. What a time it must’ve been for saxophonists everywhere! Alas, those days may have passed, but we still have their rather iconic output to enjoy today (that doesn’t mean you, Kenny G!).
Evidently, it seems like I am in a funk…y mood. But hey, you don’t go looking for the funk: the funk finds you. And this is some prime funk! If I didn’t have to use words to write these posts, this one would just be full of clicking thumbs and head bopping, with the occasional “ooo yeah” and “kick it” thrown in. Alas, I have to use actual words so… ah, sod it. Just listen to it and bathe in its funktacular chill.
It’s time to class this joint up a bit with some of ol’ blue eyes’ dulcet tones. It’s Frank Sinatra: how could you possibly go wrong? You can’t, so next time you’re in a big city, walk down those glittering streets with this in your ear, a skip in your step, and a wink and a smile for all the lovely people in it. Unless they’re jerks and the city is a dump, to which I suggest you just get the hell out of it.
It’s time for some sad indie rock. Why? Because I said so! Though perhaps I should not be so cavalier with my writing, as this really is quite a lovely, haunting tune. Jimmy Tait are a Melbourne-based group doing a damn fine job reminding me that a tonne of great music comes out of this little country of mine. They have the same bittersweet bite that Neko Case does in some of her songs, which is all you’re going to get in terms of a comparison. Just listen and love!
When I first heard this song, I could’ve sworn that I’d heard it before. Turns out, I sort of had: it’s pretty danged similar to Primal Scream’s Movin’ on Up, which features on the same album that this song is on. But you can’t have too much of a good thing, right??? It smacks of that fun period of 90s music, the one that wasn’t entirely filled with complete rubbish. Very pleasing, funky, feel good music. A tad repetitive, yes, but chuck it on in the background and groove away, my friend!
Who likes electronic funk? That’s right, everyone! Allow me to introduce David Holmes, an Irish musician and composer, who is probably most famous for the work he did on the Ocean’s trilogy. Now, if you liked the music in those films (very slick, very funky, and very damn cool), then you’ll most assuredly like this song as it pretty much sounds like a missing composition from the soundtrack. It’s time to strut, people!
Boy howdy, I haven’t written about Neko Case in ages. Well, to be fair, I haven’t written anything about anyone in ages. I beg for clemency, oh humble reader! Seeing as it is most definitely a tragedy to not fill pages with prose about how gosh-danged brilliant Ms. Case is, I shall attempt to avert such a disaster.
City Swans heralds from her most recent album, The Worse Things Get, The Harder I Fight, The Harder I Fight, The More I Love You (isn’t that just the most bittersweet album title ever?), and is completely drenched in her effortlessly lovely country stylings. If you’ve liked ol’ Neko’s sound in the past, then you’re bound to like this. And if you haven’t heard any of her output before? Shame on you.
Yes, I watched Her, like the hipster that I am. It really is quite the lovely film though! It has a quiet, contemplative air about it, which is occasionally graced with moments of passion. Much like this song, which featured in its soundtrack. Interestingly enough, it’s a song that sounds just as delightful in reverse as it does being played in the usual manner: chilled, thoughtful and rather pretty.
Hey, remember those times where I would post daily? Those were the days! Yes, I am a monumental idiot, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to write 2 barely coherent sentences about a single song every day? It’s just ridiculous! It’s literally up there with the difficulty I have in tying my own shoe laces and ensuring I walk out of the house with pants on.
But enough of that. Onto the music, and cor, this is some rippin’ alternative country! It is, perhaps, a little more skewed toward pure country than what I usually tolerate, but there’s something beautifully alluring about it. It’s simple and dreamy, and it’ll send you right over to that mystical desert at night that I am quite fond of.
