Sometimes songs will cross my path that completely changes my listening habits. This time it was my friend Layne and “Indigo Chateau” was that song. He bought tickets to go see this group Autoheart. Now I had never heard of them, but I had heard a song that Layne kept playing. So I decided that before we go see them I should listen to more of their music. And I fell in love. It’s a been awhile since a music crush has happened to me. I missed it. Now if you haven’t heard of them, I highly recommend you check them out. I think they could go the distance. Their musicality is undeniable. Its evident in the time signature changes and the harmony. In fact it wouldn’t surprise me if one or more of the members were music students in school.
The opening band was a group called Wild Party. We only caught the last couple of songs of their set. (The venue was standing only and both Layne and I are in our 50s; back pain is real.) They didn’t seem that good. It was loud, feed-backy, and the lead singers voice seemed off. I bought a band shirt anyway. I think it’s important to support artists of all stripes. However, when I listened to their music on YouTube it was great, I especially liked the song “OutRight“. I will be keeping an eye on them. Or an ear.
These two bands in turn led me to Sea Wolf’s “Dear Fellow Traveller” which is amazing. I love the rocking back and forth of the baseline. It has the pace of riding a horse or rocking on a boat which the album cover seems to evoke. Again the change ups are excellent; the music changes but the vocals stay consistent. It allows the music to do the work, and boy does it work! The guitar and castanets are also enticing.
“Harmony Hall” by Vampire Weekend showed up next on the play list. Vampire Weekend isn’t as indie or underground as the other ones, but this song is new to me. “I don’t want to live like this, but I don’t want to die.” pretty much sums up modern life to me.
“Hello my old Heart” by the Oh Hellos. I can’t quite place this one. The opening feels a bit like a Bon Hiver song. The song is about heartbreak, longing and protecting your heart. I think it’s probably my favorite on this list.
Sometimes a song has been out for years, but it is new to you. Bless the Telephone by Labi Siffre is that song for me. It is a short sweet song. It has a quiet joy about it. I hope you will give it a listen