Song of the Day - Breaking My Own Rules

Today's song of the day comes from a little known Sheffield band called Arctic Monkeys.

Yes, I realise that they are mainstream music. And yes, I realise this goes against my 'rules' and my tagline. But it's my blog, so shut up.

I don't need to tell you about Arctic Monkeys, I'm sure, but I'll tell you that I'd always liked them but never loved them. I have always thought they were a little overhyped, and to some extent I still do.

But, since I heard their newest album, I've been hooked.

Do you wanna know what the song of the day is?

So What's So Good?

Arctic Monkeys are quite a divisive band. I know plenty of people who love them, and some who hate them. I've always been fairly in the middle, but this song has had me hooked. Quite why I'm not 100% sure, but I'll try and have a guess.

That drumbeat opening followed by the distinctive guitar sound is so recognisable and instantly catchy. Love it or hate it, you know that that is Arctic Monkeys.

The thing which really makes it stand out and not make it just mellow rock is the way in which it's written. The lyrics flow perfectly together, intertwining and creating rhyming patterns that just shouldn't work but they do. 

They're relateable too. Anyone who has ever had a crush on someone, but not known if they should go for it, will know exactly what Alex Turner is talking about, and that's practically everyone who knows me, let's be honest here. But seriously, they're clever, flow perfectly with the tune of the song and anybody can relate to them.

Do I Wanna Know? is a song which some will hate, many will feel indifferent about but some of you will love it. Maybe you'll be as addicted as I am. 

Song of the Day - We Built this Blog on Rock and Roll

Today's song of the day comes from English rock band The Subways. The Subways have been around for around 9 years and have released three albums. Today's song, Rock 'n' Roll Queen, has been their most successful, peaking 22 in the UK charts. It was also on the popular Fifa Street 2  game.

This is Rock 'n' Roll Queen:

 

So What's So Good?

 

 

That bass riff is infectious from the off, driving the song along. The guitar kicks in as the song begins to pick up and the drums crash in with the chorus. It's well presented and well made, albeit simple.

 

It's simple lyrically but clear and it's certainly catchy and memorable. The vocals of Billy Lunn are very good as well, with strong rock influences but there's still an indie influence on the band.

 

Rock 'n' Roll Queen is a simple, albeit catchy indie anthem. It's probably not going to revolutionise your music taste, but it's a decent song to listen to and enjoy. 



Song of the Day - Back to Obstacle One

Today's song of the day comes from American post-punk-rock band Interpol. Whilst more well known than many of the bands I review on here, I still enjoy their music and feel that showing people or reminding people of this tune is still worthy. Their albums have charted, and done quite well in the US, making them instantly more famous than a lot of music on here!

This is Obstacle 1, which many people may know from the Guitar Hero series of video games:

So What's So Good?

If you can listen to that guitar work and not be hooked, then you don't like alt-rock. Slick bass lines and that catchy rhythm that sits on top, giving the song a slightly unnerving and fragmented feel that sits well with the dark themes of the song.

Paul Banks' vocals are deep and dark, which makes the song really haunting and eerie. It's lyrically a little creepy and dark too - I'm not entirely convinced on the meaning of the song, but there are some lines which sound a little chilling.

Obstacle 1 is a dark and haunting trip accompanied by some refined guitar work and Banks' unnerving vocals. If you're a fan of bands like Editors then I think you'll love Interpol. Only one way to find out though.

Editors

Song of the Day - Two Tribes Go To War

Today's song of the day comes from a band who I was sad to see split up late last year: Tribes. They were a London-based indie rock band fronted by Johnny Lloyd, ex-frontman of Operahouse. Despite only being together for three years, they released 2 albums and were nominated for Best New Band in the NME awards. They struggled to fill their potential however, with their debut album Baby peaking at #20 in the UK charts. They made some decent indie music however, with probably the best being We Were Children:

So What's So Good?

Having been an Operahouse fan, I was glad to see that many of the band had decided to make music again under the name of Tribes. I was also already hooked on Lloyd's vocals, which instantly out the song as Brit-Rock. He sings with a slight accent; it's clear that his roots lie here in the UK.

They also have the typical British indie guitar sound - clean and refined. It's crisp and instantly familiar to anyone who is a fan of indie-rock. It's a very polished indie tune with a couple of clever hooks and Lloyd's distinctive voice. It might not blow your mind but it's very enjoyable and listenable.

Tribes were a band with a lot of potential who never quite fulfilled it, but We Were Children is a sign of the talent they had and what they could've produced. Unfortunately, we may never see it, so enjoy this song instead.

Song of the Day - Shin Up

Today's song of the day comes from American indie band The Shins. They are a five piece band fronted by James Mercer, who also fronts Broken Bells, who I have featured before. Despite being in existence for 18 years, The Shins have struggled to make their mark on the charts. Their most popular song, Phantom Limb, reached 42 in the UK charts but that's been about it.

This is Australia:

So What's So Good?

Australia is another infectiously joyful song. It doesn't matter how sad you feel, one listen to this song will help. Which is ironic, because the song is meant to be the complete opposite. It's lyrically quite a soul crushing song about the depressing nature of working a day job every night. It's deceptively hopeless, betraying the ears with impossibly happy melodies and vocals.

I'm a big fan of Mercer's vocals and this song is no different - there's something special in the way he pronounces certain words (dancefloor in particular) in the song. It's fairly simple and upbeat musically with a few clever hooks, but Mercer is the real stand out.

The Shins are the sort of band who are inoffensive. You're unlikely to dislike them, but it's quite easy to fall in love with them. Give them a listen and see if you've found your new favourite band.

Song of the Day - New Kids on the Block

Today's song of the day comes from French indie-rock band Kids of Maths. Despite the mundane sounding name, Kids of Maths play some extremely interesting music. They are a very hidden band - their most popular song reaching the giddy heights of 7000 plays, though much of their music has far less than that. Despite reigning from Rennes, lead singer Kaman sings in English, but with a slight French twang.

This is the bizarrely titled Fisherman:

So What's So Good?

Despite classing themselves as 'post-punk married with cold wave', Kids of Maths sound like an upbeat indie pop band with this instantly familiar tune. With an opening akin to a Foals or Bloc Party song combined with radiant synths, Fisherman is a summer hit.

Kaman's unusual energetic vocals fit perfectly with the refreshing backing track to create a unique sound. His voice as I mentioned has a slight french twang and I think that's what makes it so different and endearing. 

Fisherman is an insanely catchy and fun track with some unforgettable hooks. If you like indie-pop, especially bands like Foals, then you should check out Kids of Maths - I'm sure you'll love them.

Song of the Day - Lovat or Hate It

Today's song of the day comes from Birmingham based five-piece Lovats. I've had the pleasure of seeing these guys live three times now, most recently last night. They are an exceptional live band as well as being a very good recording artist. Their music is not massively popular, but their most popular song, White Fire, has reached over 6500 plays on Soundcloud - not bad for a group of guys who are still teenagers.

Lovats haven't been signed yet but it's only a matter of time. I'm sure once you listen to today's song Over you'll agree:

So What's So Good?

First things first, in case you didn't figure it out, the song is about the end of a relationship. What makes the song so intelligent is that it musically represents a relationship and a breakup - it starts with that crazy cool guitar riff, which is where everything feels great. It's a happy, typical indie-pop song until the pre-chorus.

That's when it starts to get a bit rocky, just before the inevitable crash of the chorus. The word 'Over' in the chorus is met with heavy drums and deep guitars. It's a very clever structure, lulling you into a false sense of joy before hitting you with that crash.

The song itself is very well made, with a driving drumbeat and infectious guitar riffs. Lead singer Ciaran Scanlon's deep and intense vocals tessellate perfectly with the theme of the song, whilst his keyboard playing melds with the rest of the band.

Over is a terrific indie-pop track with some really unique hooks. Take the opportunity to see Lovats live on the 15th April, as they are a fantastic live band and give their stuff a listen.