Hot August Nights: Top 5 Songs for 2010
Summer is winding down. Kids are starting to go back to school. But be not depressed, my friends! There’s still more sunlight, blazing heat, and some kick-ass songs to help get you through. These songs were so good they picked themselves! You’re going to love it! As always, there’s a continuous music player below and please VOTE for your favorite of the Top 5 (bottom of this post)!
1. “HEART TO TELL” – THE LOVE LANGUAGE What a great song! 1960′s influenced song with impossibly catchy hooks, hand-claps, bells, light organ, harmonies, and a 5-piece band out of Raleigh, NC playing their hearts out. Describing themselves as “like etta james kicking heroin,” this song reminds me of one of my faves, The Monkees but modern. “Some fools rush in, some fools just wait | I never had the heart to tell her | So I had the heart to break” Signed to Merge Records, The Love Language only released their debut album in 2009 and I have a feeling they’re going to grow quick. Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | Download
2. “YOU WILL LEAVE A MARK – A SILENT FILM – I’m going out on a limb and saying that the lead singer’s soaring baritone vocals remind me A LOT of the legendary Peter Murphy, circa Love Hysteria. This piano-driven rock band out of Oxford, Britain has been gaining popularity when ”You Will Leave a Mark” was featured as an iTunes Discovery Download in June 2010. The piano has an urgency similar to The Fray, Keane, and Coldplay with the anthemic voice of lead singer and a crashing finish that gets the blood boiling. Facebook | MySpace | Twitter | Download
3. “WHEN WE SWAM” – THAO + THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN – Bjork, is that you? Refreshingly new indie-folk sound with a hip-swinging style. Choppy vocal inflections from San Francisco-based Thao Nguyen peppers an undeniably bouncy tune. It makes you want to put on your ostrich dress and dance around (happens allll the time). Quirky Thao has collaborated with other rising stars like Andrew Bird, The Thermals, and has performed as part of countless bands and has toured solo. Thao’s unique buzz has caught on to NPR Music and according to the Washington Post, has reached critical acclaim thanks to a high ranking on Pitchfork Media. Good thing she ditched her 9-to-5 and dual college degrees to play music instead. Whoa. Official Website | Twitter | Facebook | MySpace | Download
4. “IF I HAD MY WAY” – ROBERT RANDOLPH AND THE FAMILY BAND If it isn’t obvious by now, I’m quite partial to bluesy and gospel music. This gem is no exception. Robert Randolph is known to play an astonishing steel guitar and re-defining music by obliterating boundaries separated by any specific genre. Going from playing in an inner city church in New Jersey to headlining festivals, he’s even done guest appearances with Ozzy Osbourne (what???!?!!!???) and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Soulful and infectious with multi-genre influences, you’re gonna raise your hands UP and sing to the heavens. This man’s got some serious talent. Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | Download
5. “THE BUILDER” – PRAIRIE DANCE CLUB This song is the most personal to me thanks to my recent decision to move in with my boyfriend. This song really hit home (all puns intended) and gave a soundtrack to taking a big step together. It’s so well orchestrated and so pleasing to the ear, that it’s slap-yo-momma good. Rich tones, layered harmonies, and almost a dreamy soundscape make it contemplative and beautifully arranged. This Canadian band is just emerging now and I’m so glad to bring it straight to you before you hear it anywhere else. Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | MySpace | Download
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Mmmmm…not so sure about this list.
This song has a much more hip, summer chorus.
WELLL….. WHAT ARE YOU THOUGHTS ON THE LANKIE , PRETTY BAD BOY LOOKING AND SOUNDING NIC COWAN ???
I JUST LOVE HIM ……….
Been listening to Robert Randolph since he was an opening act at dives in Tribeca and the Lower East Side. He’s become a true master. The album will get Grammy nods – and so it should.
This was tough one.. But here we go..
“HEART TO TELL” had this Beatles.. Monkey’s thing going on that LOVED!! Super retro and cool sounding!
I liked what A Silent Film was doing too. Really solid sounding group!
“WHEN WE SWAM” could be, SHOULD be the music bed for the next iPod commercial. That or a commercial for one of those tiny cars that look like a sugar cube! It just fits. It’s cute, corky and makes you smile.
But for my “money” “THE BUILDER” really struck a cord with me. The combination of the acoustic guitar, that great melodic bass line and the beautiful, ethereal Les Paul was the hands down winner. Add his voice, the harmonies and the well written lyric, you’ve got a great thing going on. I hope my songs turn out this good!!
You’ve done it again. Blown my mind with music. Of course I just love Robert Randolph & the Family Band (I really love their live shows)!
I must say I’m floored with the Prairie Dance Club and they shall be on the iPod by weekend’s end.
You keep me from only staying in my jam band comfort zone and I thank you for that!