Song Of The Week Archive

Dec 27, 2013 — Let My Love Open The Door by Pete Townshend

I'd nearly forgotten about this conundrum when it came up today in a best-of-classic-rock radio countdown. It's twee, cheesy, bizarrely conceited and yet... a well-chiseled tune. From 1980's "Empty Glass." Happy holidays, all.

"You're so lucky I'm around."

Dec 10, 2013 — Can't Let Go by Lucinda Williams

Bluesy with the freight train guitar. From 1998's "Car Wheels On A Gravel Road."

"I'm like a fish out of water, a cat in a tree

You don't even want to talk to me"

Nov 28, 2013 — Empire City by Bishop Allen

One of the best bands no one's heard of. Approachable, infectious indie debut album "Charm School" was my soundtrack to 2004 and one of my all-time favorites. Happy thanksgiving.

"Somewhere in the wings there's a sensible whisper:

When you wield the knife, learn to carry the blame"

Nov 20, 2013 — M.A.S.K. Theme by Shuki Levy

You remember how cartoons in the 80s had really great theme songs? Did you also know that one guy basically composed all of them? Shuki Levy has since gone on to do production and other stuff, but shall be forever heroic as the creator of themes for Inspector Gadget, He-Man, and Heathcliff, among zillions of others. Of all cartoon themes, though, this one for M.A.S.K. was always my favorite when I was a kid, and as far as I can tell, it's as goddamn catchy now as it was then.

Levy's website has a page of his work that collects tracks (like this one) that are hard to find anywhere else in complete form.

"Working all the time,

Fighting crime!"

Oct 31, 2013 — Need Your Loving Tonight by Queen

Not just a novelty/glam outfit, Queen could straight-ahead rock when they wanted to. This track from 1980's "The Game" may be overshadowed in the popular consciousness by its album-mate "Another Ones Bites The Dust", but is no less worthy. Fun Queen fact: Freddie Mercury's real name was Farrokh Bulsara; he grew up in India.

"I read your letter so many times

I got your meaning between the lines"

Oct 24, 2013 — It's The Same Old Song by The Four Tops

And oldie and a goodie-- maybe second to their towering "Sugar Pie Honey Bunch"; the meta-joke is that it was written and recorded (in 24 hours) using those same chord changes but in reverse.

"But the melody

Keeps haunting me"

Oct 7, 2013 — Jesus Christ You're Tall by Harry Nilsson

Harry Nilsson was a prolific songwriter, had an angelic voice, and attained almost no meaningful commercial success. The Beatles apparently loved the guy, though, so that's worth something. This is a rocking (though rough and incomplete) track with a winning title, from 1975's Duit On Mon Dei.

"Well we could dribble our way down a courtship"

Oct 2, 2013 — Don't Save Me by Haim

OK, I know that SOTW is turning into a Haim (or Mike Doughty) pandora station, but bear with me on this one. Haim's finally put out a full album, this week, and it's just as damn good as all their singles have been. Pitchfork's review is pretty insightful, but you just need to listen. This track pushes all the right buttons with the little ascending three-note vocalization just after the title lyric in the chorus. From "Days Are Gone."

"Take me back, take-take-take me back to the song, how'd it used to go? Oh?"

Sep 24, 2013 — Diamonds and Guns by Transplants

If you recognize the riff from a bunch of shampoo ads last decade, the rest of the track will surprise you-- it's dark and compelling. The jaunty piano and Stonesy "whoo whoo" elevates above rap-rock mediocrity. Transplants is an occasionally-active supergroup composed of members from, basically, Blink-182 and Rancid (!), and this is off their 2002 self-titled.

"In the dice game of life, who gets the last roll?"

Sep 18, 2013 — Mr. Bitterness by Mike Doughty

I know we had a Mike Doughty just recently, but this is great: He just put out an album of self-covers, all of them old Soul Coughing tracks reinterpreted by just him. I expected kind-of-lame "acoustic" versions, but it's not like that. The dark, out-there lyrics are clearer, and the sonic edge has only morphed-- the backing goes all the way to sampled/experimental stuff. In some cases he pulls melody from what was self-indulgent beat poetry. Anyways, I dig the mood on this track, and the story in its opening lines.

"Desire is a grassfire drinking gasoline."

Sep 6, 2013 — Never Say Trevor Again by Et Tu Brucé

Great throwback tune, too fun to take seriously its jealousy/schadenfreude storyline. Listen for the "Runaround Sue"-inspired intro and the cute lyrical switcheroo after the break. Hard not to smile, or at least smirk. From this year's "Suburban Sunshine".

"Listen girl and you'll agree

There's guys you just can't see

Especially instead of me"

Aug 13, 2013 — Dead In Your Head by Bleached

The title sounds like garage rock and eventually so does the music, until you realize it's more tuneful than you expected. Bleached is two sisters from LA (Haim gone underground punk?). From this year's "Ride Your Heart". Thanks to Aaron for the recommendation.

"Time to think about what you want

Cause you know maybe it's our timing that was off."

Aug 9, 2013 — I Hear The Bells by Mike Doughty

A few moments of expansive connectedness with the world. Everything really is awesome. From 2005's "Haughty Melodic".

"I'm seeking girls in sales and marketing

Let's go make out up in the balcony."

Aug 2, 2013 — I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man by Prince

This is my favorite Prince song, and I will tell you why:

1. The engaging story, told economically and vividly across only two quick verses and choruses. (Check it out!)

2. The catchiest prechorus in all pop music. (A railroading, double-time-like vocal rhythm in contrast to the verse and chorus around it).

3. The lovely turn of phrase "he was gone to stay" and the awesomely unnecessary time detail of "10:35" (on that lonely Friday night).

4. Prince the narrator casts himself as a player with a heart of chivalrous gold.

5. Prince the guitarist totally shreds despite not really being widely-appreciated for that skill.

It's not all paisley and roses: the descending (guitar? synth?) riff in the intro/choruses feels overbearingly cheesy and dated, but if you can get past that, the rest is brilliant. From 1987's masterpiece "Sign O' The Times".

"She asked me if we could be friends

And I said, Oh, Honey, Baby, that's a dead end."

Jul 25, 2013 — I Told Her On Alderaan by Neon Neon

The best Cars song that the Cars never wrote? Neon Neon's 2008 album "Stainless Style" is a whole concept album loosely based on the crazy life of John Z. DeLorean (of the car fame), which is by turns hilarious and awesome. It also has great cover art. Most of the album is 80s throwback pop, and this is the most gratifying track-- I have no idea what it has to do with DeLorean, but whatever. Thanks to Brendan for the album recommendation.

"And all the patients, they started to mock her

For ever thinking that someone would leave her"

Jul 19, 2013 — Song For Zula by Phosphorescent

This is the 200th (!) edition of Song of the Week. Launched with a Beach Boys tune in November of 2008, we've come a long way. Thanks for listening, suggesting, and responding. I have been hoping to put the archives online (it's a pretty solid playlist at this point) but haven't got to it yet...

Phosphorescent is mainly just one guy putting out earnest folk rock. This track starts with a lifted Johnny Cash lyric and otherwise sounds like Dylan singing atop an 80s U2 groove. (The bassline is cribbed from "With Or Without You".) So it sounds sort of polished and instantly familiar the first time you hear it, and it's very likable anyway. I do wish it built to some sort of arena chorus, but you can't ransack your influences entirely. Off of "Muchacho", out a few months ago. Thanks to Aaron for the recommendation.

"Now my heart is gold, my feet are right

And I'm racing out on the desert plains all night"

Jul 12, 2013 — Falling by Haim

Another adventure with the three Haim sisters. (We had their first single "Forever" a while back.) They haven't put out a full album yet, just a dribble of excellent, high-gloss singles-- an eventual collection would be world-slaying. Somehow they've nailed Michael Jackson meets Fleetwood Mac meets... something else more contemporary. Even when they're not making as much sense ("Forever" is a stronger song), it's hard not to be totally transported by the sound.

"Feeling desire, feeling tired, hungry too"

Jul 1, 2013 — Love Lies Bleeding by Elton John

I used to listen to this tape on the bus to high school, with those Walkman headphones that had the the metal band going over your head and the foam earpieces that leaked sound to everyone around you. One morning a younger kid on the bus asked me what I was listening to, and couldn't believe that the screaming guitar came from an Elton John song.

Mr. John was at that time well into his lame 90s lite FM revival, but this track, from 1973's epic-in-all-senses "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" album, rocks hard. It was a favorite of mine then, and still is, long since graduating to earbuds and MP3s.

Definitely check out the awesome fluttering sound of the A.R.P. analog synthesizer at about the three-minute mark, and tell me it doesn't sound just like the old Reading Rainbow theme song.

"Sorry honey, if I don't change the pace, I can't face another day."

Jun 5, 2013 — Born Without A Heart by Sean Nelson

My most-anticipated album of the last 5+ years is out this week: Sean Nelson's solo debut "Make Good Choices". He was the frontman of my much-beloved-but-now-defunct Harvey Danger. The new album collects his work outside/after Harvey Danger. An early download of the excellent title track was a Song of the Week last year.

"Born Without A Heart" is a Chris Walla (Death Cab) collaboration, and you can hear it in the catchy, jangly guitar. But the wordy, sad-sack lyrics and the whoo-whoo vocal arrangement are all Nelson. Stream the whole album from NPR here if you like what you hear-- it's all tuneful, and tramps through genres from indie rock to chamber-pop to near-showtune.

"We fell together, and then we fell apart."

May 24, 2013 — Brandy by Looking Glass

A tuneful tale of sailors, barmaids and longing, told in three minutes. From 1972's self-titled "Looking Glass".

"Brandy, you're a fine girl,

What a good wife you would be.

But my life, my love, my lady

Is the sea."

May 15, 2013 — Tre Parole by Valeria Rossi

Irresistible Italo-pop of dubious lyrical sense. From 2001's "Ricordatevi Dei Fiori".

"Arrabbia gatto che

Gioca con la buccia

E gira in tondo"

Apr 18, 2013 — Hollywood Forever Cemetery Sings by Father John Misty

Title sounds like a jumble of words until you find out it's a place where the (dark) narrative is set. Song sounds, says Pat, like "ELO's 'Don't Bring Me Down' on ludes". Exactly (and thanks for the recommendation). From 2012's "Fear Fun". (Fans of Parks & Rec's Aubrey Plaza may enjoy the video.)

"Retracing the expanse of your American back"

Apr 11, 2013 — The Break Up Song by Greg Kihn Band

They just don't write 'em like that anymore. From 1981's "Rockihnroll".

"Unh unh unh unh unh unh unh oh"

Apr 5, 2013 — The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys by Traffic

There's a tight four minute song here, deconstructed across a groovy 12-minute expedition. Steve Winwood-- well known from a dubious poppy 80s solo career-- is here a keyboard god with an unassailable tenor. Put it on and give it some time to warm up. From the 1971 album of the same name.

"Don't worry too much, it'll happen to you."

Mar 30, 2013 — Cissy Strut by The Meters

Instrumental funk classic, the lead track from their first album. (1969, self-titled). Happy Saturday night.

Mar 24, 2013 — Harvest Moon by Poolside

As a beautiful weekend slips into evening, it feels like the vibe on this ambient/electronica interpretation of Neil Young's (!) "Harvest Moon". From Poolside's 2012 debut, "Pacific Standard Time"; a nicely meandering record in languorous mode. (Hat tip to Marina for the recommendation.)

"There's a full moon risin', let's go dancin' in the light"

Mar 13, 2013 — Paris (Ooh La La) by Grace Potter & The Nocturnals

Pop but it rocks, and what a voice. From 2010's self-titled.

"If I was a blade I'd shave you smooth."

Mar 6, 2013 — Running Wild by Odds Of Survival

I'm not sure if they coined the brilliant "doomgrass" for this sound, but take a listen and it'll quickly make sense. Demands either your undivided attention or the space to let it wash over you from the background. From Odds Of Survival's expansive and beautiful debut album "You Will Be Rescued". Bonus: the bassist is one of you (hi Altay). Run-don't-mope over to the band's page for the rest of the album if you like what you hear.

"This is the only life that I have lived

And I try to forget what I can't forgive."

Feb 25, 2013 — A Tattered Line of String by The Postal Service

And lo, ten years later, there's a new song from the indie darlings! Blending moody indie pop with glitchy electronica must have seemed novel in 2003 when "Give Up" was released as a one-time actual-USPS-based collaboration between Death Cab's frontman Ben Gibbard and LA glitch guy Jimmy Tamborello. This track is released in advance of a "decade" celebration for Give Up that will feature nice reissues but more to the point, the first live shows since they closed out 2004's Sasquatch festival. I was *at* that final show, and fell in love with the entire set as the sun set behind the stage over the Columbia River Gorge (thanks again Vlada for making us stick around). Favorite live show, and easily top-5-desert-island album. I'm cautiously optimistic that they're back, even in limited form.

So what of this new stuff? Well, you know, it sounds like the Postal Service you know-- all the pieces are there, but it doesn't hold up after more than a couple listens. Its beat is constant, its form is verse-chorus-verse, and the swirling moody schizoid space that all of Give Up blissfully inhabited is gone in favor of simple message/easy metaphor. It's catchy; you'll like it. But maybe it's harder to phone it in when you're really mailing it in.

"When we woke, we agreed

That we would not ever speak

Of this night to anyone that we both knew."

Feb 8, 2013 — Good Girls Go To Heaven (Bad Girls Go Everywhere) by Meat Loaf

OK, so, yes, Meat Loaf. He is laughable and easily dismissed, and you have my permission to insta-delete. But I recently spent a whole week listening to nothing but 1993's "Bat Out Of Hell II: Back Into Hell" album on repeat and I am like-crack addicted to Jim Steinman's huge, huge, bombastic, over-the-top opera-rock songs. At just shy of seven minutes, this is one of the shorter tracks on the album, by comparison a tightly built pop machine. It's not even especially iconic. But it exalts in its own ridiculousness and if the buildup and the hook don't snare you, nothing will. Short on time? ffwd to 1m in.

"All the seconds go on forever, but the thirds and fourth ones are even better."

Jan 11, 2013 — I'm Not Talking by A.C. Newman

First 30 seconds are tentative, swirling; the bewitching motif that follows demands your earnest attention. Rest of the song good too. Lovely solo work by the prime mover behind the New Pornographers, from 2012's "Shut Down The Streets".

"No, I've never been close, I've never been close.

But I've never been far away."

Jan 4, 2013 — Out On The Town by Fun

One phrase from this track has been running around my head all week, so song of the week it shall be. Fun is more than meets the eye-- frontman Nate Ruess has been honing his theatrical compositions since acclaimed indie outfit The Format, and he's got one of the notable voices in contemporary pop. A wise collaboration with a hip-hop producer resulted in the grammy-nominated "Some Nights", a glossy assemblage of tunes & beats & soaring arrangements. You know it from at least a couple overexposed singles, but check out this slam-dunk album closer.

"Your name comes up a lot when I talk to my mom

Oh, I think she can tell."

Song Of The Week Archive

2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008