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noahkankanala-blog · 8 years ago

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Tracks of the Week

Today marks my first official post! I want to kick things off by throwing out some song recommendations, giving you an insight into the type of music I enjoy and have been listening to. As an aspiring indie rock artist, I mostly listen to indie and alternative rock, but I love all types of music and take influence from a wide range of sounds.

For my recommended tracks of the week, I will select 5 songs from what I have been listening to and limit the list to one song per artist. Find the list below:

- All the Wine by The National

The National is one of those bands that consistently puts out quality work. Their intimate, mature, post-punk sound is characterized by technical percussion, intertwining guitar melodies, pounding but chilling bass lines, and soothing yet eerie vocals and lyrics. From the band’s first EP entitled Cherry Tree, “All the Wine” tells the story of a drunk narcissist who battles with addiction. The dark lyrics perfectly juxtapose with the almost cheerful, sing-along melody. The guitar work on this track is beautiful and really drives the song. The bass line is crisp and the drums are punchy. As in most of The National songs, Matt Berninger’s vocals are full of passion and emotion. If you are looking for a good indie, post-punk tune, definitely give “All the Wine” a listen.

- The Bakery by Arctic Monkeys

These Sheffield natives very rarely release sub-par material. In fact, they have so many good songs, that many tracks don’t make it onto the records. Released on the Fluorescent Adolescent single, which was from the Favourite Worse Nightmare LP, “The Bakery” is a standout track from Arctic Monkeys. The song is about someone who isn’t over their ex, and still has feelings for them. It’s a sad song in all honesty, and the lyrics really shine in the line: “Love, we’re in stalemate.” The narrator still has hopes of rekindling their love and this stands out as an optimistic line in a rather heartbreaking song. The guitar tones on this song are fantastic, and super melancholic, adding to the whole dreary atmosphere. Additionally, the vocals from Alex Turner are very believable. You can really feel his sorrow and longing for the past. Next time you are in a melancholic mood and looking for some relatability, check out “The Bakery.”

- Fade into You by Mazzy Star

One of the more formative and influential dream pop songs of the 90s, “Fade into You” is as much a mysterious whisper as it is an alluring and romantic anthem. The reverb on this song makes it feels so open; as each note is gently floating through the air. The slide guitar licks along with the ryhtm section create a reminiscent mood that causes one to think about long summer nights with their lover. Hope Sandoval’s vocals sound like a breathe of confessed love but at the same time, sound despaired. The chorus best exemplifies this feeling of ambivalence. However, as the song fades out, there is a sense that everything will be alright. I think that the overall theme that underlies “Fade into You,” is the complexity and power of love. Whatever mood you may be in, this song is an epitome of the 90s scene of adolescence and love, and I definitely recommend it.

- Redbone by Childish Gambino

From his accomplishments in acting, writing (a graduate of NYU’s acclaimed Tisch School of the Arts), to making music, Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino, is one talented dude. His latest LP, “Awaken, My Love!” is a great effort that combines funk, soul, psychedelic rock, and R&B music. I remember listening to “Redbone” for the first time, and loved everything about it, from the opening synth and bell line, to the tasty and soulful falsettos. This is one of those songs that makes me want to dance under a neon disco ball with my girl, into the night. It has a huge throwback feel to it and there is a big 80s new wave influence, particularly in the synthesizer solo. If you are looking for a fresh, retro song with a bit of soul and feel, you need to check out “Redbone.”

Oh yeah. Also, If you haven’t heard Gambino’s new album, then I would HIGHLY recommend listening to that too.

- Highway Patrolman by Bruce Springsteen

One of the great poets of illustrating the working class struggle along with artists such as Bob Dylan, Bob Seger, and Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen is simply the boss. His ability to create landscapes that speak of hardship, struggle, overcoming adversity, and mending and sewing relationships, while creating vivid and rugged characters, is a gift. “Highway Patrolman” is from Springsteen’s stripped down, yet glowing with ambition and honesty, 1982 folk record entitled Nebraska. Like the rest of the songs on the record- which are all absolutely fantastic and I highly suggest listening to them- “Highway Patrolman” tells a heartfelt story. It depicts the relationship between a highway patrolman, hence the title, and his brother who is always running into trouble. Themes such as the importance of family, rationalization, and honesty are portrayed in this sad yet beautiful song. It’s songs like “Highway Patrolman” that seal Springsteen’s legacy as one of the greatest songwriters of all time. If you are a fan of lively storytelling, this is a song for you. In fact, this song is so well written, that Sean Penn wrote a film based off of it.

This wraps up this week’s recommended tracks. Questions? Comments? Suggestions? Feel free to message me and I will happily respond.

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