Five New Songs We Love: November 18, 2009
You like music. We like music. And there is a lot of it out there. Periodically, we intend to fill you in some of the music we like. No, not just like ... LOVE.
1. "Heaven Can Wait," Charlotte Gainsbourg
France's Charlotte Gainsbourg—daughter of Serge—has teamed up with California's Beck for IRM, an album of songs that, on the basis of "Heaven Can Wait," sounds like, well, what Beck might have sounded like if he grew up in some Parisian arrondissement, though with a crate full of Bacharach records under his bed. The album, IRM, is due out January 26. (via Stereogum)
2. "Death To Everyone," Bonnie Billy and the Picket Line
Will Oldham has had a lot of names over the years (Bonnie Prince Billy, Palace Songs, Palace Music, Palace Brothers), but his music has always had an uncompromising, otherworldly rustic appeal. That aesthetic may have shone most strongly on his 1999 album I See A Darkness. That album gave us "Death To Everyone," which is available as a 'pre-release track' ahead of Oldham's upcoming live album Funtown Comedown, which he is releasing under the Bonnie Billy and the Picket Line moniker. The track will not appear on the album, which regardless looks like a winner. Pre-order here.
3. "Must Be Santa," Bob Dylan
The semi-controversial Bob Dylan Christmas album, Christmas In The Heart, seemed like an odd idea at first, but after a listen to a song or two, the conceit seemed to fit right in with Dylan's never-ending exploration of American popular song. We now have a video for the song "Must Be Santa," which, well, must be seen to be believed. Depicted is your average holiday party, if your average holiday party features Bob Dylan in a wig, bouncing. As the lyrics ask, Who laughs this way: Ho Ho Ho? Must be Santa. Buy the album—proceeds go to the World Food Programme.
4. "Beachcomber," Real Estate
New Jersey's Real Estate apply woozy vocals and dreamy guitar lines to a beautifully subtle melody on "Beachcomber," taken from Real Estate's debut self-titled full-length. Out now via Woodsist.
5."How Does It Feel," Zeus
Toronto rockers Zeus keep it simple on this track from their forthcoming debut full-length: slightly fuzzed out guitar solos, wonderfully simple supporting piano chords, and strong, simple, (never overly-) emotive lead vocals. "How Does It Feel" was first released on the Sounds Like Zeus EP and will be the lead track on Say Us, the band's debut set for a February release via Arts & Crafts. Fellow Arts & Crafts performer (and Broken Social Scene member) Jason Collett, for whom Zeus served as a studio and live backing band, must be so proud. Pre-order here.
