Song of the Day - Tommy Used to Work on the Docks

Today's song of the day comes from alternative Canadian band Delhi 2 Dublin. Delhi 2 Dublin are a master at music fusions, which on paper shouldn't work, but they usually do. Their name refers to the fact that their music is primarily a blend of Bhangra music and Celtic music, which sounds ridiculous, but once you listen you'll kinda see what they're trying to do.

This is Tommy:

So What's So Good?

Tommy is a 4 minute tour of the music world. It's more of a blend of hip-hop and Bhangra with few Celtic influences in this particular song, but it's surprisingly enjoyable. It's something that you've never heard before and even though it doesn't sound completely different, there's something unusual about it.

Delhi 2 Dublin use a wide array of instruments not really known for their use in pop music - can you name any popular songs with a fiddle in it? - including some Indian instruments used to add the Bhangra influences. Sanjay Seran's vocals aren't anything special to be perfectly honest, but they're not the star here. The smoothness and ingenuity of the music fusions are. 

I can't say "If you like x band, you'll love them!" or anything similar to that, but Delhi 2 Dublin are worth just one listen. They're something completely different to anything else you might have heard.

Song of the Day - UK's Next Top Model

Today's song of the day comes from Dundee-based band Model Aeroplanes. Model Aeroplanes are another young band who are known for their energy and ability to write catchy pop hooks. They are undiscovered as of yet but don't be surprised to see them burst onto a radio near you in the future. They haven't released a lot of music but what they have released has been exciting.

This is Crazy:

So What's So Good?

 

Crazy is 2 and a half minutes of high intensity pop music with some catchy hooks and tropical guitar riffs. Despite their age, Model Aeroplanes have effortlessly concocted a catchy blend of tropical pop and indie rock.

 

Their music is extremely polished for a debut single, with some very melodious vocal harmonies. Lead singer Rory Fleming-Stewart adds to the feel of the song with some very enjoyable and soft vocals, akin to bands like Bombay Bicycle Club.

 

Model Aeroplanes are a band with a big future ahead of them if they can keep up the energy and dynamism that exudes from their music. They could easily follow in the footsteps of some of the more successful indie bands if they keep making great music.

Song of the Day - Nobody Knows About Juliette

Today's song of the day comes from American rock band Juliette and the Licks, who split up in 2009. They are led by actress Juliette Lewis, who is of course the 'Juliette' of the band. They released three studio albums in their lifespan and four singles, which did fairly well commercially without ever quite 'making it'.

This is 20 Year Old Lover:

So What's So Good?

 

20 Year Old Lover opens on a heavy rock riff, with crashing drums which drive the song along. It's filled with energy and it's a lot heavier than a lot of music that I review, but it's still enjoyable. It's not quite so much 'indie' as traditional rock, but I still enjoy it.

 

Lewis' vocals are surprisingly refined and powerful, considering she wasn't originally a singer. Her piercing voice fits the heavy music perfectly, with power and precision. It's surprisingly enjoyable.

 

Lyrically the song is quite simple and I think the title gives it away, so there isn't a lot to say there. 20 Year Old Lover is a powerful rock tune with some great hooks. Give them a listen. 

Song of the Day - Top Cat

Today's song of the day comes from Scottish indie folk band Kassidy. Kassidy have released two albums; though neither of them have done well commercially, they have a dedicated following and some good reviews for their music. A band of bearded Scottish men may not be everyone's cup of tea, but their's a musical subtlety to them that belies their image.

This is Stray Cat: 

So What's So Good?

Stray Cat is a bouncy, fun song that absolutely flies by. Kassidy are an acoustic band but don't mistake that to mean their songs lack depth - layered singing adds depth to the frisky melody, with every singer each having a slightly different but beautiful voice that tessellate perfectly. 

The vocals are absolutely superb - lead singer Hamish Fingland has an absolutely fantastic, deep voice. What is surprisingly enjoyable is his singing of the higher notes, which are just as pleasing to the ears. There's a lovely homeliness to his voice, which fits perfectly with folk music.

Even if you don't usually like folk music, you should give Kassidy a chance. I'm not a huge fan of folk as a genre but this song will worm it's way into indie rock lovers hearts as well/

Song of the Day - Shadows of the Damned

Today's song of the day comes from Finnish rock band The Rasmus. The Rasmus have been around for 20 years and have made 8 full albums - no mean feat. However, a lot of their music is - for me - not great and a little bizarre. They are a lot bigger than I originally thought, probably due to their presence within their native land.

However, all that average music is forgotten when you make one masterpiece; this is In The Shadows:

So What's So Good?

The opening of this song is so distinctive and different, with that high pitched guitar and the wailing vocals. That's not a bad thing - those vocals are what set the song apart and something that is catchy. It's different and it sounds really unusual and slightly haunting. The video helps with the haunting theme, but the song is eerie even without the visuals.

Musically, the song is a strong rock song. It's not something particularly 'out there' but it's a slightly atypical dark rock song, due to the slightly 'pop-py' feel to the song. It's unsurprising that it's a little unorthodox, as The Rasmus' music is generally slightly happier, both lyrically and musically. 

I personally feel that people make the best music when they sing about something negative (yes, that sounds a little creepy and emo, but roll with it). Look at bands like Nirvana, who were consistently unhappy. There's an entire genre dedicated to Blues, which of course is about being unhappy (generally). In The Shadows is no different - it's one of Rasmus' few downbeat songs. The singer, Lauri Yloenen, said that he was depressed when he wrote it, whereas most of the stuff he had a bit more of a positive outlook on life.

If you've never heard this song, then you should listen immediately. If you have, here's a reminder that it exists and it's awesome. 

Song of the Day - Kings and Queens

Today's song of the day comes from '90's indie rock band Kingmaker, who are a little older than a lot of the bands I review, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. In five years, Kingmaker released 4 albums, though the critical reception and sales were not as good as they or their record label may have hoped. However, today's song made it all the way to #15 in the UK charts, so though it was their most commercial, it's my favourite Kingmaker song.

This is Ten Years Asleep: 

So What's So Good?

Ten Years Asleep opens on a catchy fun riff which sounds like '90's pop, surprisingly enough. However, there are definitely some indie influences. The riff is really awesome though and it's memorable. It's a fairly simple track but it's well made and refined, as well as being really catchy.

Lead Singer Loz Hardy's vocals really set it apart from normal pop. He sounds more like a modern indie singer than a pop singer. He wouldn't sound out of place in a band like Foals or Fun. for example. His vocals are crisp and something a little different. It's not the most distinctive voice you'll ever hear but it's enough to set the song apart.

Kingmaker were a very decent band who made some good music, but never quite made it for a myriad of reasons. This song was released before I was born, so if it weren't for my Dad, I wouldn't have found them! I hope I can introduce them to somebody else.

Song of the Day - All Killer No Filler

Today's song of the day comes from Mutineers, who are the first band to have the honour of having a second song reviewed on my blog. They released a new single on Monday so I felt obliged to tell you about it, because I love their music. I'm buzzing to see them live next month as well and hope I can introduce some more people to their music.

This is their new single, Love, it's a Killer: 

Not yet on Youtube! Click here to listen.

So What's So Good?

Anyone who has listened to Mutineers before (and if you haven't, you should have been) will recognise the distinctive tones of Nicholas Mallins' voice. If you haven't heard them before, you're about to hear one of the most distinctive and 'marmite' voices you will hear for a while.

Love, it's a Killer is an upbeat indie-rock song with a funky riff and crashing drums which make the song a joy to listen to. Mallins' vocals for me are the icing on the cake; they're not unlike Morrissey's, which for me is a positive though I know his voice is not to everyone's taste.

Lyrically, the song has a simple theme and runs with it. It's a jaunty take on a subject which may not always be so upbeat. However, Mallins' songwriting skills do show through with some clever lyrics here and there.

Love, it's a Killer is another superb song from a very talented indie band. Mutineers are currently embarking on a UK tour and will hopefully be well worth seeing. Check them out.