Public Service Broadcasting - everest, 2012

"The band mostly plays instrumental music; Willgoose has said that "singing is never going to work. I'm not going to be happy with it, I'm not going to be comfortable playing it to other people." Despite Willgoose's prior reservations about singing, he did later contribute vocals to the duet piece "You + Me" from Every Valley, because the intended vocalist was not available. They take samples from old public information films, archive footage and propaganda material. While writing The War Room the band formed a close relationship with the British Film Institute, using their films in live performances. The BFI find the band helpful in bringing a greater audience to their archives."

Grizzly Bear - half gate, 2012

“Half Gate,” one of several songs to feature lead vocals from both Droste and Rossen, begins on an elegant orchestral note and proceeds to swallow up the band with pounding tumult."

Belle And Sebastian - i don't know what you see in me, 2023

"With a strong electronic pop and “90s power ballad” influence, the song breaks new ground for the band. “[Ferguson] is so much younger than me, so there’s a whole swathe of music that’s passed me by, things I would never think of, which is what you want from a collaborator”

The Style Council - life at a top peoples health farm extended remix um and argh mix, 1988

"Although these features are now things that modern hard-disk recording includes as standard, being able to do these things for the first time in history was a thrilling experience. For example, in the song 'Confessions 1,2 & 3' there's a horn solo that originally just felt late rather than just lazy. Using digital editing techniques I was able to time-slide individual notes around until I got just the feel I was after. I was able to go through all of the tracks on all of the songs and erase small annoyances that previously I didn't have the precision to do - such as electrical pops in the middle of notes, or the squeaking of the piano stool. I rarely erase gasps of breath during vocals though - as I prefer just to automate a brief, minor volume reduction for a more natural result."

David Crosby - hero, 1993

"Hero" is a single performed by American singer-songwriter David Crosby from his third studio album, Thousand Roads (1993). The recording, released in April 1993 by Atlantic, features English drummer Phil Collins, who co-wrote the song with Crosby, produced it, sang backing vocals, and played drums, keyboards, and drum machine. Collins released a demo version, featuring his vocals only, as a B-side to the "We Wait and We Wonder" single release."

Mists - lost and found radio dept mont ventoux remix cover, 2009

Mists · Lost And Found (Mont Ventoux Remix)

 

 

United States

Damien Jurado - what happened to the class of sixty-five, 2022

"he’s brilliant at encapsulating the cautious hope that comes with missing someone"

Lifelong Corporation - i ran a flock of seagulls runner mix cover, 2022

"Lifelong Corporation is a retro sound band from Valencia, Spain."

Warahenege - blue atoms, 2023

"Taking our cue from the song’s title, the connection between music and science is a fairly simple one to make, after all when you break music down to its composite parts, it’s just as much a formula as it is an art. Perhaps the same can be said of love, with its emotion-inducing cocktail of chemicals that takes over our brain, changing our perspective on the world. The reason we’re making these links between music, science and love is that the musician’s wistful new track ‘Blue Atoms’ was inspired by a seemingly magical transition from solitude to a deep bond, one that helps to overcome feelings of melancholia."

In Tall Buildings - bawl cry wail, 2015

"In stark contrast to the dense polyrhythms echoed by NOMO's albums, Driver uses a relatively simple palette to create spacious pop songs, leaving plenty of room for Hall's often Peter Gabriel-esque vocals to shine. The music, though culled from every guitar, keyboard, and drum he managed to fit into his home studio, is powerful in it's restrained simplicity, and it's a compelling foil to the haunting gravity of his vocal performance. Never rushed, his melodies deliver elliptical lyrics that manage to feel intimate, while retaining a sense of mystery. Ultimately, the album's melancholic vibe is relatable, rather than moping or histrionic, and in the end these songs are incredibly comforting and inviting."

Veronicavon - good girl, 2023

"One of the highlights of veronicavon’s dreamy, casually devastating Next Life EP — released last November — is the opener “Good Girl,” a heartbreak number that oozes nostalgia."

David Crosby - music is love, 1971

"In 1971, Crosby released his first solo album, If I Could Only Remember My Name, rubbished at the time by many critics but subsequently reappraised – it was gnomically named in 2010 by the Vatican City State newspaper, L’Osservatore Romano, as the second best album ever (after the Beatles’ Revolver)."

The Style Council - the paris match early version, 1983

"Introducing The Style Council is a mini-LP by English band the Style Council, released in 1983. It was released only in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States, Japan, and the Netherlands. Though not officially released in the United Kingdom, the Dutch release was heavily imported. Introducing The Style Council includes tracks from the band's first three UK single releases, as well as the club mix version of "Long Hot Summer". The band's official, full-length studio album, Café Bleu, was released the following year."

Public Image Ltd - hawaii, 2023

“Hawaii” is an ode to Lydon’s wife of 43 years, Nora Forster, and her battle with Alzheimer’s. The song references one of the couple’s favorite places to visit and has been described as “as close as John will ever come to bearing his soul." Lydon’s decision to participate in 67th annual Eurovision surprised many who know the former Sex Pistols frontman as a punk provocateur. “I have a reputation as a musician and insane punk, I’m gonna have to blend those two things around a love song,” Lydon said in a preview reel ahead of the band’s televised performance."

The Stranglers - walk on by cover, 1978

"Walk On By" is a song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David for singer Dionne Warwick in 1963. Warwick's recording of the song peaked at number 6 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 1 on the Cash Box Rhythm and Blues Chart In June 1964 and was nominated for a 1965 Grammy Award for the Best Rhythm and Blues Recording."

God Help The Girl - i just want your jeans, 2009

"It is the influence of 60s girl groups and orchestration that is most pervasive throughout this record. Think of the heavily orchestrated tracks from Dear Catastrophe Waitress (for instance, the flourishes of the title track) to get an idea. This is most apparent on tracks like “Musician, Please Take Heed”, “I’ll Have To Dance With Cassie”, and “I Just Want Your Jeans”. Then there are the vocal performances from Stuart’s so-called “girl group”, in several places an homage to the great girl groups of the 60s such as on the title track. (Also of note is the contrast of the 60s style female vocals against the 80s new wave style of Neil Hannon on “Perfection as a Hipster”, which somehow works.)"

The Strokes - razorblade, 2005

"The song’s this somewhat upbeat sounding song about emotional manipulation. I say upbeat because I hear that opening guitar riff by Nick Valensi in the left channel, those fiddly guitar lines he does during the verses, or Albert Hammond Jr’s solid rhythm guitar work all throughout, and I can’t help but think there’s something summery about the sound of it all. Like all this relationship turbulence is happening at the beach. Julian Casablancas is not singing about an actual razorblade here. The razorblade is a metaphor for love, as he states in the first line of the track, and he places this razorblade as the central component within this relationship of a couple who sound like they can’t stand each other, but, deep down, care for each deeply. Casablanca’s melody choices and delivery, that chorus reminds me of one of those old schoolchildren taunts from back in the day, make it sound like the whole affair’s pretty trivial and a bit silly. But love can be that way, I guess."

Madrugada - the kids are on high street, 2005

"The Deep End is majestic beast of a record, even by Madrugada's not-too-humble standards. This album, their fourth since their 1999 debut, managed to establish them as an award-winning, platinum-selling thinking man's arena rock band in their native Norway. Think a rockier, darker version of R.E.M. circa 1992. The first track is the instant classic "The Kids Are on High Street," a slow but grand epic where Sivert Høyem sings in a slightly higher pitch than his usually bassy croon, giving the vocals newfound intensity and urgency. Its huge guitar leads are of the epic Western movie variety, producing an almost cinematic feel. There are also several great soulful ballads here, using Høyem's compelling voice to great effect. The el-piano and slide guitar-driven "Sail Away" is a good example of this; even better is the aptly titled "The Lost Gospel," a slow-burner whose sound is dominated by a beautifully played Hammond organ and tremolo guitar, making it possibly one of Madrugada's finest recorded moments to date."

Harpers Bizarre - the drifter, 1968

"Harpers Bizarre's third album continued their mildly eccentric soft rock direction, remaining as mildly eccentric ever, but growing ever softer. In truth, this skirts adult contemporary Muzak almost as it does anything that could be considered rock music, and is rather a dark day in the annals of sunshine pop."

Ian Van Dahl - castles in the sky, 2000

"Castles in the Sky" is a song by Belgian music project Ian Van Dahl from their debut album, Ace (2002). The vocalist is Belgian singer Marsha, who also co-wrote the song. The single was released in Europe in 2000 and the United Kingdom in 2001. The song was a modest success in mainland Europe and was a hit in the United Kingdom, peaking at number three on the UK Singles Chart and number one on the Scottish Singles Chart for two weeks."

The KLF - no more tears, 1991

"of course comes the first proper commercial album from KLF, The White Room. A combination of hearty dance hits like 'Last Train To Transcentral', '3 AM' and 'What Time Is Love' with more ethereal material like 'No More Tears', an Ambient reggae House cut, balancing the mix. By throwing in bits of the Big Country theme and space invaders sounds, and with the gorgeous voice of Maxine Harvey topping the mix, KLF have finally come out of their corner fighting, with a commercial album whose production values are up there with those of Prince and Madonna."

Thom Yorke - suspirium, 2018

"There's a way of repeating in music that can hypnotise. I kept thinking to myself that it's a form of making spells. So when I was working in my studio I was making spells. I know it sounds really stupid, but that's how I was thinking about it."

Devine And Statton - don't it make my brown eyes blue cover, 1989

"In 2024, Rolling Stone ranked the song at #109 on its 200 Greatest Country Songs of All Time ranking."

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - heart in your heartbreak, 2011

"The music consists of a fuzzy blur with the consistency and effect of caffeine coated adderal, but somehow it transmits itself into becoming much more than that. It almost seems to be conflicted with an awful case of 59 sound-it-is, because no matter how many hooks they try, no hook falls flat, no matter how many cliché’s they pump into their music, it all sounds fresh, and goddamn it, by the end of the month, this entire album is just going to sound anthemic."

Phil Collins - it's in your eyes, 1996

"It's in Your Eyes" is a single performed by Phil Collins and released in 1996 as the second single from his album Dance into the Light. A Beatles-esque melody, both melodically and lyrically - closing mirroring the Beatles song, "Any Time at All", the song only reached #30 UK Singles Chart and fared worse on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, reaching #77. However, the song did reach the top 10 on the Billboard Hot Adult Contemporary Tracks chart."

The Style Council - have you ever had it blue extended version, 1986

"I got back to my record player, took the disk out of its sleeve, put the record on the turntable and prepared to be rocked with Mod power! After the song was over, I sat there bewildered. Something wasn't right. I re-played 'Have You Ever Had It Blue?' just to make sure. Yup, either my record needle was busted or the LP sleeve was mislabeled because this didn't sound like anything Paul Weller would have been involved with."

The Legends - there and back again, 2023

“There and Back Again” is the type of break-up song that will have you dancing with a smile on your face. The Legends have become the masters of low-fi garage/twee. Hand claps and a persistent string of tambourines are thrown in amidst distorted vocals and guitars. Each song is crafted so that with each listen a new aspect is brought forth–be it the barely audible backup vocals on the chorus or the punchy organ during the verses. The distortion in the earlier Legends work of frontman Johan Angergård (Club 8, Poprace, Acid House Kings) brings out the lo-fi and the garage sounds and takes a little getting-used-to, but after a few listens the underlying strength behind each song will become vividly apparent."

Damon Albarn - polaris, 2021

“I took some of these realtime, extreme elemental experiences and then tried to develop more formal pop songs with that as my source. I wanted to see where that would take me. Sometimes it took me down to Uruguay and Montevideo. Other times I went to Iran, Iceland or Devon. With travel being curtailed, it was kind of nice to be able to make a record that put me strangely in those places for a moment or two.”

Fleur Electra - your darling, 2023

"With layered and atmospheric synths topped with shimmering vocals and punchy alt-pop soundscapes, Fleur Electra is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter, producer, and performer. Evoking dreamy emotions in her music, Fleur Electra crafts an introspective and imaginative experience for listeners, gently reshaping the sonic experience within her own sound."

The Beatles - i need you, 1965

"The song has characteristics typical of Harrison's writing style in its syncopated melody line and melodic idiosyncrasy. According to author Ian Inglis, "its rhythmic and tonal structures clearly identify this as a Harrison song, but it is also, indisputably, a Beatles song."

The Mary Onettes - easy hands, 2023

“After quite a long time being artistically a bit unsatisfied ‘Easy Hands’ came to life when I realized that making art is really who I am. I can’t escape from it. But In order to keep making art I need to be nice to myself. That’s the core of the lyrics behind ‘Easy Hands'”

The Housemartins - caravan of love cover, 1986

"British indie band the Housemartins released "Caravan of Love" in November 1986. The a cappella song was a success, reaching number one on the UK Singles Chart on 16 December 1986 (only the second a cappella recording to do so, after "Only You" by the Flying Pickets in 1983), before being denied the Christmas number one single by a posthumous re-release of Jackie Wilson's "Reet Petite". The song was an international hit reaching the top 3 in several countries, including no.1 in Ireland and Sweden. It is included on the Housemartins' greatest hits compilation Now That's What I Call Quite Good."

The Style Council - down in the seine, 1985

"One reason Paul Weller's rock and roll never convinced non-Brits was his reedy voice, which he has no trouble bending to the needs of the fussy phonographic cabaret he undertook so quixotically and affectedly after retiring the Jam. I'm sure the move has cost him audience, but the new format suits the specifics of his socialism."

The Radio Dept - sloboda narodu live, 2017

"Sloboda Narodu, a sunrise meditation track, starts out the album heralding in bongos and warm guitars. We hear front-man Johan Duncanson’s nasally voice for the first time, layered over crashing acoustic guitar patterns. There’s a wonderful repetition of guitar bursts, and some interesting keyboard work that make this opener particularly memorable."

The Beatles - i saw her standing there, 1963

"McCartney first worked out the chords and arrangement on an acoustic guitar at the family home of his Liverpool friend and fellow musician Rory Storm on the evening of 22 October 1962. Two days later, McCartney was writing lines for the song during a visit to London with his then-girlfriend Celia Mortimer, who was seventeen at the time herself. The song was completed about a month later at McCartney's Forthlin Road home in collaboration with Lennon and performed as part of their set in December 1962 in the Star-Club in Hamburg. It is also possible John Lennon had more to contribute than has been reported since there is more than one photo of both John & Paul working on the song with guitars in hand taken by Michael McCartney. John very likely contributed some chord ideas as well since he was already actively writing songs on his own by late 1962."

My Morning Jacket - rocket man cover, 2004

"Editor’s comment: The original Rocket Man, written and performed by Elton John, does not appeal to me nearly as much as this softer, more melodic version. Favorite lyric: “Rocket Man is burning up his fuse up hear alone.”

Renaissance - kalynda a magical isle, 1979

"Just as the narrator finds solace in Kalynda, I discovered my own magical haven where the outside world faded away, leaving only the pure essence of my existence. It was a place where I could be authentically and unapologetically myself. As I grew older, life carried me away from those shores, but the memories of that sanctuary remained etched in my heart. They became a guiding light, reminding me of the importance of seeking out my own personal Kalynda amidst the chaos of life. It’s a constant reminder to find that place where I can be still, look beyond what is transient, and reconnect with my most authentic self. Through “Kalynda (A Magical Isle),” Renaissance takes us on a metaphorical journey of self-discovery, urging us to find solace in the uncertain. Life’s incessant changes and unexpected twists can leave us feeling unmoored and adrift. Yet, within the depths of our souls, lies the power to create our own islands of refuge – our very own Kalynda."

Afraid Of Stairs - they aimed bad, 2006

"Swedish indie band that's sporadically been making music since 2002."

Au Revoir Simone - all or nothing, 2009

"Still Night, Still Light chronicles lost loves, dark secrets and being trapped in suburbia, along with the associated loss of a sense of self, a longing for escape and disappointment at letting life slip by. The calm vocals, verging on the brink between singing and speaking, are well executed throughout the album, purposefully evoking the sense of disembodiment the lyrics express. They are at their most mesmerising when each band member contributes, particularly in the overlapping harmonies of ‘Knight of Wands’ and ‘All or Nothing’."

Asobi Seksu - perfectly crystal, 2011

"when they begin to marry the sweet melodies and swooning guitars, like on ‘Perfectly Crystal,’ or ‘Counterglow,’ no one can touch them"

The Radio Dept - slottet two, 2003

"the whole point of that thread was to discuss bands that had been (undeservedly?) missed by el radar. I'm just wondering out loud why that happened to this particular band. I guess it has to do with distribution, PR, and the whole promotions apparatus."

Bee Gees - i've gotta get a message to you, 1968

"This is about a prisoner on Death Row who only has a few hours to live. He wants the prison chaplain to pass on a final message to his wife. There's a certain urgency about it. Myself and Barry wrote it. It's a bit like writing a script. Sometimes you can sit there for three hours with your guitar and nothing will happen. Then in the last ten minutes something will spark."

The Moody Blues - tuesday afternoon compilation edit two, 1967

"a youthful contemplative sort coming to a philosophical realization that helps him get that much closer to the meaning of life"

The Lightning Seeds - losing you, 2022

"The album starts off perfectly with Losing You, a song about falling in and out of love and trying to be as positive as possible – say yes rather than no. It was recorded in an afternoon with foot tapping and lap slapping for percussion in a similar vein to Buddy Holly or Paul McCartney. I love the vocals and the harmonies are fabulous and in a shade over 2 and a half minutes it’s done, but it builds up to track two beautifully."

Au Revoir Simone - knight of wands, 2009

"If anything, their philosophy is based more around the simple thesis that "primitive = good" and with an unparalleled love of analogue synthesisers, vintage drum machines and succinctly tailored harmonies, the three-piece have become something of a cult phenomenon on both sides of the Atlantic, pertinently illustrated by the fanfare of cheers that greeted the announcement they were to co-headline this year's Indietracks, Europe's biggest celebration of all things minimal, lo-fi and incessantly twee."

The Radio Dept - could you be the one, 2020

"The band have decided that, instead of writing and producing a new full-length record, they will be scattering a range of sporadically released singles throughout the course of the year, with the intention to compile the singles onto an album-length compilation later in the year. If you’ve only jumped into the blog today, The Radio Dept. are the Swedish duo of Johan Duncanson and Martin Larrson (along with touring member Daniel Tjader), who got the name from a local gas-station-turned-radio-station-turned-repair-shop called “Radioavdelningen”, which translates to “The Radio Department”. The Dept. have never been a fixture in mainstream culture, but 2006’s “Pet Grief” and 2010’s “Clinging To A Scheme” were relative cult classics within the internet music community. I have a joke with my friend Harrison, where we call them “Lund’s Finest”.

Paul Simon - i am a rock, 1965

"I Am a Rock" is a song written by Paul Simon. It was first performed by Simon as the opening track on his album The Paul Simon Songbook which he originally recorded and released in August 1965, only in the United Kingdom. Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, as the American folk rock duo Simon & Garfunkel, re-recorded it on December 14, 1965, and included as the final track on their album Sounds of Silence, which they released on January 17, 1966."

Real Estate - wonder years, 2011

"I had a job for a while working at a greeting card company, selling greeting cards on the phone. The lyrics to “Fake Blues” are about that. It took us a while to take off but as soon as we started we were playing a lot—sometimes two shows a week—that was the main thing that kept us motivated."

The Mary Onettes - henry live, 2009

"The Mary Onettes took to the Hus 7 stage just after 9pm – with a gentle ‘hello’ from lead-singer Philip – to the drum pattern for ‘Puzzles’, the opening track from their 2009 LP ‘Islands’. It was a blistering start and it felt like a dream coming true. I sensed the goosebumps emerging and a lump in my dry throat… emotions were taking over. If you know their music at all, then I’m sure you can relate to this… they can cut you to the bone."

The Beatles - let it be, 1970

"McCartney said he had the idea of "Let It Be" after he had a dream about his mother during the tense period surrounding the sessions for The Beatles ("the White Album") in 1968. Mary Patricia McCartney died of cancer in 1956, when he was fourteen. In rehearsing the song with the Beatles in January 1969, in place of the "Mother Mary" lyric, McCartney occasionally sang "Brother Malcolm", a reference to the Beatles' assistant Mal Evans. McCartney later said: "It was great to visit with her again. I felt very blessed to have that dream. So that got me writing 'Let It Be'." In a later interview he said about the dream that his mother had told him, "It will be all right, just let it be." When asked if the phrase "Mother Mary" in the song referred to the Virgin Mary, McCartney has typically replied that listeners can interpret the song however they like."

Fazerdaze - lucky girl live, 2023

"Indie music has become a part of my daily dose of music. I have been into Indie since I was..I don’t remember the exact time but yea in High School for sure. There’s not much people that like this kind of music, so it’s arguably ‘anti-mainstream’. But for those indie fans I would recommend you guys to listen to this kind-of-new indie darling, Fazerdaze!. The genre of this band is indietronica (indie with a touch of electro). The synth is the perfect blend and creating the ambient-dreamy-like indietronica music, and so that’s why I love this band so much."

Barclay James Harvest - titles, 1975

"For review purposes the history of the band is quite a complex one with a number of different re-incarnations. The original line-up featured John Lees on lead guitar, Les Holroyd on bass guitar, Stuart "Woolly" Wolstenholme on keyboards and Mel Pritchard on drums. Wolstenholme dipped in and out of the band at various times and after the River of Dreams album of 1997 the band officially split, going in two different directions. At that point two separate bands emerged - Barclay James Harvest through the Eyes of John Lees (which featured John Lees and Woolly Wolstenholme at various times) and eventually was re-named John Lees' Barclay James Harvest and Barclay James Harvest featuring Les Holroyd which featured Les Holroyd and Mel Pritchard until his death. Both these new bands are still in existence and touring. Meanwhile Wolstenholme also had his own band Maestoso which was in existence until his death in 2010."

Midi Memory - a stitch in time, 2024

"Everything we need is here See through a new angle"

God Help The Girl - come monday night live, 2009

"In 2009, Stuart Murdoch of the Scottish indie rock band Belle & Sebastian produced a stand alone album titled God Help the Girl. This was sort of a B&S concept album, as the songs were written by Murdoch and the instrumentation was done by the band, but he found several female singers to voice the women in the songs. The album’s songs have loose connections – not enough so that, if there is a narrative, you can’t quite tell what it is, but enough so that you could string them together to make your own story. After releasing the album Murdoch started imagining his own narrative for the story as well, hoping to turn the songs into a movie."

The Lightning Seeds - god help them, 1990

"It kind of was Lightning Seeds by numbers. A radio-friendly pop song which had a touch of the indie about it, but very much had an appeal to a wider audience. The fact that Ian Broudie was an old punk at heart could be seen from the fact that he chose to record cover versions on the 2xCDs which made up the release of Ready or Not. I’m sure he would never claim that he had bettered the originals, but at least he was bringing them to the attention of a wider audience, as well as delivering some royalties to the songwriters. mp3 : Lightning Seeds – Another Girl, Another Planet (The Only Ones) mp3 : Lightning Seeds – Whole Wide World (Wreckless Eric) mp3 : Lightning Seeds – Outdoor Miner (Wire)"

Sun Haze - vhs memories, 2024

"Music to stare at the blue sky"

Au Revoir Simone - only you can make you happy deradoorian remix, 2010

"Brooklyn-based three piece electronic group Au Revoir Simone released their third album – ‘Still Night, Still Light’ – in 2009 to strong reviews. Before getting started on their next studio release, they’ve worked on a remix album of long player three, commissioning several important names in the alternative community to rework the original tracks from the album and put their own individual stamp on them."

Summer Moon - star child, 2023

"So, gear up, plug in, and immerse yourself in the sonic journey of “Casino Days” by Summer Moon. It’s a musical escapade that’ll get your heart pounding and your senses tingling."

The Beatles - all you need is love, 1967

"The song was Britain's contribution to Our World, the first live global television link, for which the band were filmed performing it at EMI Studios in London on 25 June. The programme was broadcast via satellite and seen by an audience of over 400 million in 25 countries. Lennon's lyrics were deliberately simplistic, to allow for the show's international audience, and captured the utopian ideals associated with the Summer of Love. The single topped sales charts in Britain, the United States and many other countries, and became an anthem for the counterculture's embrace of flower power philosophy. Our World coincided with the height of the Beatles' popularity and influence, following the release of their album Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. Rather than perform the song entirely live, the group played to a pre-recorded backing track. With an orchestral arrangement by George Martin, the song begins with a portion of the French national anthem and ends with musical quotations from works such as Glenn Miller's "In the Mood", "Greensleeves", Bach's Invention No. 8 in F major, and the Beatles' 1963 hit "She Loves You".

Vitesse X - fortress cover, 2024

“In 2023, I found myself gravitating more to guitar-based indie music again. I think I might have been craving a sense of solace from the heaviness of current events and maximalist nature of modern production. Tapping back into my sonic roots felt like an escape to a simpler, calmer moment in time. I was listening to Fortress by Pinback on my walk to work one day, and thought it would be fun to try out a cover for the first time. I was having a hard time getting into a creative flow, so I treated it as an exercise to not overthink and just enjoy the process, and this is what came out.”

Sufjan Stevens - jupiter, 2017

"About four-and-a-half minutes into “Jupiter,” for example, a cinematic interlude of piano, strings, and trombone fades, and Stevens’ voice interjects, processed such that it feels very intentionally like a radio communiqué from a vintage spacecraft: “Father of light, father of death/Give us your wisdom, give us your breath/Summoner says that Jupiter is the loneliest planet.” Stevens is no stranger to this practice of gravely summoning opaque imagery, but the outer-space literalism of his delivery makes this evocation of the isolation inherent in mortality feel light years more distant than usual, which, as far as I can tell, was not the desired effect."

The Radio Dept - nineteen ninety-five, 2003

"I belatedly discovered their music in 2019, by which time all of their physical singles and albums were readily available to seek out wherever I could, and so that was what I did as much as possible. I glutted on everything they brought out, belatedly picking up all their albums on CD, given that I had already fallen hopelessly in love with their music."

Fazerdaze - take it slow, 2017

"there's nothing quite like the interplay of a minimal bass line and a reverb-heavy guitar over some wistful vocals to get you in the mood for summer"

The Beatles - revolution one, 1968

"Revolution" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership. Three versions of the song were recorded and released in 1968, all during sessions for the Beatles' self-titled double album, also known as the "White Album": a slow, bluesy arrangement ("Revolution 1") included on the album; an abstract sound collage (titled "Revolution 9") that originated as the latter part of "Revolution 1" and appears on the same album; and the faster, hard rock version similar to "Revolution 1", released as the B-side of "Hey Jude". Although the single version was issued first, it was recorded several weeks after "Revolution 1", intended for release as a single. A music video for the song was shot using the backing track from the single version, their appearances reflecting the song's atmosphere, along with live-sung lyrics that more closely resemble the album version."

The Radio Dept - you're lookin' at my guy cover, 2020

"Swedish dream-pop band the Radio Dept. haven’t released a full-length album since 2016’s Running Out Of Love, but they’ve been sharing some new singles lately. In February, they gave us the melancholic “The Absence Of Birds,” and in March, we got the shimmering “You Fear The Wrong Thing.” And they’re still going. The idea, it seems, is to keep releasing singles throughout the year and then eventually collect them on a full-length record. And today, the Radio Dept. have shared two more songs on a new 7″. The A-side is a sighing jangle-pop cover of the Tri-Lites’ 1964 single “You’re Lookin’ At My Guy,” while the B-side is a quieter, twinkly original with some very pretty horns."

Damien Jurado - i was a line, 2023

"Whenever I try to describe Sometimes You Hurt the Ones You Hate or give it a label, one word prevails in my mind: sentimental. Indie veteran Damien Jurado has conjured up a lovely collection of wistful folk rock pieces, filled with tender acoustic passages and nostalgic lo-fi orchestrations. And honestly, given how long Jurado’s been in the business, he’s certainly earned the right to get a little sentimental; the dude’s been grinding for almost 30 years now, with every record approaching his signature brand of indie rock from a slightly different angle than the last. But, no matter what themes or emotions Jurado tackles with each effort, there’s one persistent truism regarding his work: that he’s one hell of a storyteller, and knows how to wring every drop of emotion out of the stories he tells."

Au Revoir Simone - the way to there, 2007

"Our band came together because we wanted to hang out together. The origins of our band is liking keyboards and liking each other."

Fukushima Dolphin - twenty twenty, 2024

"Fukushima Dolphin are an unusual band. To watch them perform you’d think they were a veteran musical outfit, but their current line-up have only been playing together for a few weeks. Comprised of Alex on drums and Josh Butler on guitar and lead vocals, the duo make heavy use of delay and loop pedals to fill in the spaces in their sound, a hybrid of 80s psych-rock and 90s dance grooves."

Peter Bjorn And John - one for the team live, 2018

“It’s a pep-talk sort of song. A positive call to arms really. It’s been a ‘bumpy ride’ as the song says. But the good thing you’ve found together is really worth fighting for, especially after all this time. We really ARE stronger together. We all GAIN from helping each other out. We CAN’T make it ourselves. At least not as good or as vigorous. All very corny but also all very true, most of the time. And the title is kind of corny too but I love calling a song ‘One For The Team.’”

Neil Young - like a hurricane, 1977

"the melodies are carried by Young's voice and guitar, all brought into focus against a distant landscape of multi-layered string effects."

Guillemots - walk the river, 2011

"Walk the River is the third full-length album from the British indie rock band Guillemots. It was released on 18 April 2011 in the United Kingdom and reached number 26 on the UK Albums Chart."

The Innocence Mission - bright as yellow, 1995

"Glow is the third album by the American folk rock band the Innocence Mission, released in 1995 on A&M Records. Musically, it marked a radical departure for the group, as the Sundays/10,000 Maniacs-inspired dream pop aesthetic found on their first two albums was replaced by a more straightforward, cleaner rock sound."

Villagers - that golden time, 2024

"Getting a sense of the real Conor O’Brien can seem a bit like trying to shove a bolt of lightning into a bottle – an impossible task. A gifted and articulate lyricist he may be, but most of the time O’Brien’s confessionals appear at a remove, as if he doesn’t want to give away too much detail that could be directed back towards him at a later date. Such theories tend to lose their grip when confronted with gorgeous songs such as those on That Golden Time."

Rod Stewart - maggie may, 1971

"At first, I didn't think much of "Maggie May." I guess that's because the record company didn't believe in the song. I didn't have much confidence then. I figured it was best to listen to the guys who knew better. What I learned is sometimes they do and sometimes they don't."

Archive - again short version, 2020

"In 2020 Archive released the remix album Versions, a collection of 10 previously released songs that were remixed or re-recorded to generate mostly more quiet and atmospheric versions."

Fools Garden - lemon tree, 1995

"Lemon Tree" is a song by German band Fool's Garden from their third album, Dish of the Day (1995). The band's lead vocalist, Peter Freudenthaler, said that he wrote the song on a Sunday afternoon when he was waiting for his girlfriend who did not come."

The Beatles - any time at all, 1964

"Any Time at All" may be little more than a driving, vibrant rock number to flesh out the album, yet the song's irresistible catchiness is evidence that the Beatles' album filler was generally superior to most of what came out of the British Invasion. And, as fans of the Beatles would soon learn, all was not as simple as it first seemed. The instrumental bridge, for instance, goes off in a new direction: a doubled piano/guitar part ascending in a sweeping tide of expectant melodic triplets that peak in harmonic resolution, bringing you back to the gutsy refrain (always kicked off by Ringo's snare attack)."

William Fitzsimmons - your song cover, 2023

"As much as my own catalog is filled with heartbreak and sadness, I’ve always been a sucker for a good love song. Just unabashedly declaring your devotion and feeling for another. I recorded this song as a private gift for my then girlfriend who was living far away as a Valentine’s Day gift. A couple years later she walked down the aisle to Elton’s “Your Song” on the day she became my wife. With her blessing I chose to make this gift the first song I recorded for my covers album. It became a special moment in our relationship and it is my hope that others might have that same experience too."

The Band Of Holy Joy - unlikely girl, 1990

"Formed from the ashes of an unrecorded '77 punk band, Speed, Band Of Holy Joy's initial musical forays were largely in the domain of industrial bricolage and occasional bursts of madness. By the time they began releasing records under their own name in the 1980s, the band's humanist tendencies came to the fore, with astounding portraits of people on the periphery, resulting in such classics as Rosemary Smith, Mad Dot and Don't Stick Knives In Babbies Heads. The sharp sensibilities of founder and leader Johny Brown eventually led to a star-making deal with Rough Trade, a few near hits and career momentum shattered when the label collapsed mere days after what might have been the band's breakthrough album."

The Vaccines - discount de kooning last one standing, 2024

"all 10 tracks could be singles. “Sunkissed” is sheer perfection. Young channels a Brian Wilson in a way that would make The Beach Boys’ crooner proud. “The Dreamer’ and “Discount De Kooning (Last One Standing)” are two more shining moments."

Steve Hackett - wherever you are, 2024

Coincidências inverosímeis. Steve Hackett e as Berlengas. Quase cinquenta anos depois. Ao longe vêem-se as Berlengas, os Farilhões e as Estelas e ao perto a Nau dos Corvos (0:31). Can a song travel to the ends of the Earth Mirror of a moment, ghost of a universe. At 0:31 is Berlengas, Islands of Portugal seen from Peniche. 46 years ago I was there listening Steve Hackett in a cassette walkman. Strange coincidences!

Gruff Rhys - bad friend, 2024

"I have often found myself struggling to balance the demands of life and the expectations of being a reliable friend. There have been times when I have felt guilty for not being there for my friends in their moments of need. However, this song reminds me that being a good friend doesn’t mean being perfect. It’s about having good intentions, being there when it matters, and acknowledging our own limitations."

Lee Scratch Perry - give thanks and praise alternative dub, 2021

"He acted like a madman but nobody really crazy could have made so many classic records in such a short space of time."

The Coral - miss fortune, 2016

‘Miss Fortune’, the album’s joyous highlight. With its Krautrock-tinged rhythm, backwards guitar and soaring chorus, it suggests that this rested and revitalised incarnation of The Coral still has plenty to offer. Having grown tired, their enthusiasm is audibly restored”

Paradise Blossom - forever with you, 2023

“We worked on this song for about 8 months. Originally, we wanted to finish it back in 2022, but we never figured out what was missing from the song. It was supposed to sound like something new, but we had the feeling that it wasn’t the right direction, so instead we took influence from our older songs that we made years ago and slowly this song came together, as said before it’s a love letter to our past selves. We wouldn’t be where we are without them. Forever wouldn’t be the same without them.”

Ride - pulsar, 2017

"the song keeps in line with the band’s classic sound, featuring swirling, distorted guitars and Andy Bell’s vocals blended low in the mix."

Simon And Garfunkel - i am a rock, 1966

"Billboard described the song as a "beautiful lyric ballad." Cash Box described the song as a "hard-driving, pulsating ode about rather isolated young man." Record World said that the duo "sing about loneliness in usual poetic terms."

The Band Of Holy Joy - here it comes, 1990

"Band of Holy Joy were formed by Newcastle émigré Johny Brown in 1984 in New Cross, South London while he was sharing a squat with Test Department, in what was then a thriving post-punk scene. Early experiments revolved around cheap junk shop instrumentation and rudimentary electronics before Johny and collaborators hit on their defining and defiant punk-folk-cabaret overload."

Bear's Den - the star of bethnal green live, 2019

"Lovely acoustic close harmonies live from BBC in Glasgow."

Fukushima Dolphin - fish song, 2023

"I don’t really listen to much music or go to many gigs, I can’t really say that anything much inspires me except those people who are all either dead or dying now!"

Neil Young And Crazy Horse - like a hurricane live way down in the rust bucket, 1990

"Driven by Young's trademark fierce guitars, the song became a landmark of the 'electric side' of his concerts and one of the most famous of Young's songs. The song has been played on nearly every tour Young has done since its release. It has also appeared on the compilations Decade and Greatest Hits and on the live albums Live Rust, Weld, Unplugged (this rendition is played almost entirely on a pump organ) and Way Down in the Rust Bucket."

Peter Bjorn And John - nostalgic intellect, 2016

"Swedish trio Peter Björn and John have created a musical universe that is constantly evolving. However, they’ve managed to retain their unique charm that made them press darlings a decade ago with “Young Folks”. What many didn’t realize is that that hit’s parent album, Writer’s Block, was the trio’s third in a career that has seen them stretch the boundaries of Pop music. While Top 40 radio’s Pop guidelines are pretty rigid, Peter Morén, Björn Yttling and John Eriksson treat them like elastic rubber bands, bending and twisting those guidelines into new and exciting aural avenues. They’ve even managed to carve out musical careers outside of PB&J while never lowering the quality control level on the albums they record together."

Wim Mertens - nota notae, 2023

“Note Notae” is a sentimental vocal New Age song with impressive clarinet and strings accompaniments."

Slowdive - shanty, 2023

"Songs such as “Alife,” “Kisses,” and “The Slab” permeate the body with a propulsion several gears beyond the group’s 1993 shoegaze Mount Rushmore album Souvlaki, as Halstead and Goswell’s intertwined vocals float above, between, and beyond cascades of effects-drenched guitars, throbbing bass, and washes of synths. Elsewhere, “Skin in the Game” conjures a woozy, Strokes/Cocteau Twins fever dream that’s disorienting in a way with little precedent in the Slowdive catalog. while “Shanty” is content to build the tension of its dark, arpeggio-driven groove for several minutes without words."

Au Revoir Simone - dark halls, 2007

"Au Revoir Simone is an electro-pop band that’s making its mark around the country. Sunday, the New York group will show off its tunes at the Fox Theatre. The keyboard-based outfit has become a favorite of filmmaker David Lynch, played Denver’s Monolith Festival and performed at European fashion shows. The band’s now touring behind its latest CD, Still Night, Still Light. Erika Forster is one of Au Revoir Simone’s three keyboardists, and she has very strong ties to Colorado. That’s because the performer’s dad is “etown” host and Hot Rize member Nick Forster. “I grew up in Boulder and went to Boulder High,” Forster said. “My dad’s a musician and my mom dabbled in music. I took piano lessons when I was growing up, so that’s the instrument I stuck with. “I grew up in a musical environment and that helped me trust my own musical instincts.” Forster moved from Colorado to the East Coast, where she pursued her musical dreams with Au Revoir Simone. The three-piece band wanted to create a signature sound, so the girls set out to create their own brand of ethereal pop music. Au Revoir Simone creates its unique pop sounds by using vintage synthesizers and drum machines. “We really try to create our own sounds,” Forster said. “We try to create layers of waveforms and fuse them with these beautiful melodies. Au Revoir Simone creates these soft, dreamy songs that are based in pop and rock.”

The Style Council - the lodgers, 1985

"The Lodgers" also known by the full title "The Lodgers (Or She Was Only a Shopkeeper's Daughter)" is a song by the English band the Style Council, which was their eleventh single to be released. It was composed by lead vocalist Paul Weller and keyboardist Mick Talbot, and was released in 1985. It is the third single from the band's second studio album, Our Favourite Shop (1985). Our Favourite Shop was renamed Internationalists in the United States."

Sufjan Stevens - futile devices, 2010

"Although Sufjan has significantly changed his sound on new album, The Age Of Adz, my favorite song on the album is arguably the beautiful “Futile Devices”. It’s the first song on the album and it just hooked me right away. It still hasn’t let go. My minds been at a weird place this year, and this song has really had it’s way with me. I can honestly call it one of my favorite songs right now."

Don McLean - american pie, 1971

"The theme of the song goes beyond mourning McLean's childhood music heroes, reflecting the deep cultural changes and profound disillusion and loss of innocence of his generation – the early rock and roll generation – that took place between the 1959 plane crash and either late 1969 or late 1970. The meaning of the other lyrics, which cryptically allude to many of the jarring events and social changes experienced during that period, has been debated for decades. McLean repeatedly declined to explain the symbolism behind the many characters and events mentioned"

San Gabriel - over my shoulder, 2024

“Austin bedroom-pop musician San Gabriel is a crafter of dreamy, nostalgic pop songs, written and recorded in an East Austin liquor store. Named after the river where he spent countless summer nights learning guitar and jamming with childhood bands, San Gabriel features 3-time Austin Music Award recipient James Bookert (Whiskey Shivers, Wild Child) splitting duties as writer, singer and multi-instrumentalist. Bookert began writing and recording under the name San Gabriel behind the counter at the liquor store as a way to entertain himself during his night shifts. Fusing 80’s style synth hooks with modern reverb-drenched guitars and synthesizers, San Gabriel creates a kaleidoscopic, nostalgic dream-pop sound.”

Vacations - no place like home, 2024

"Lead songwriter and vocalist of Vacations, Campbell Burns, said he had suffered with writer's block for two to three years preceding the album's release. He said this experience was linked to his journey receiving therapy and being diagnosed with obsessive–compulsive disorder. Songs on No Place Like Home were composed as Burns listened back to voice recordings from his phone that he recorded while traveling through the United States. The album was recorded in Los Angeles."

Ride - peace sign, 2024

“‘Peace Sign’ started life as a jam recorded at Marks’ OX4 studio, in early 2021. We called it ‘Berlin’ and initially it featured Loz on drums, Steve on bass and myself on a prophet 5 synth. About six months later I got hold of the recording and wrestled it into song form. Lyrically I was inspired by a film called ‘The Alpinist’ about the visionary free climber Marc-André Leclerc. Soon after I’d finished working on the song I remember I was raving to my bandmates about Leclerc at OX4, and a good memory of that time was us all watching that film at Mark’s studio.”

Saint Etienne - wouldn't it be nice cover, 2012

"He'd stop in the middle of writing a song or a conversation or whatever and start going on about Diane, about how innocent, sweet, and beautiful she was. I'd be thinking, 'Huh! Your wife's in the next room, and you're talking about her sister!'"

Fukushima Dolphin - kids cover live, 2023

"running a battered old acoustic through a plethora of guitar pedals to create a psychedelic lead tone that really cuts through"

The Waterboys - three day man live, 1984

"The Waterboys are an amazing band, with a sound that has changed quite a lot over the years. This pulls together their various sessions for the BBC, all in fantastic sound quality. The set mixes some of their well known hits, with lesser known tracks, some well chosen covers. For hardcore fans it's interesting to hear early versions of some tracks that went on to have quite different lyrics (check out This is the Sea). More casual fans should listen to some of their 'Big Music' - Don't Bang the Drum, Medicine Bow, Be My Enemy and This is the Sea."

The Zombies - the way i feel inside, 1965

"A charming, almost a cappella song, "The Way I Feel Inside" provided the Zombies a hit in - of all places - the Philippines. Written by Rod Argent during a tour with the Isley Brothers, the song has a wonderful vulnerability to it."

Au Revoir Simone - organised scenery bass clef remix, 2010

"We have a record that’s been reworked beyond all comprehension, barely displaying any similarities to its sister album, which is always a good sign that remixing has worked."

The Republic Of Wolves - a long december cover, 2023

"looking back on your life and seeing changes happening" while simultaneously looking forward to positive change in the future"

New Order - who's joe, 2005

"But, for sure, everybody now knows who Joe is. So what if the lyrics, clearly a companion song to Hey, Joe, don't fit the circumstances, never let that get in the way of a great song saluting a greater moment. And, if we disregard the main thrust of the words, and cherry pick the odd phrase, and disregard the new order New Order allegedly might have been celebrating with their name, yeah, it's an OK comment. Who listens to words anyway? And I can't really buy into conspiracy theories about Manchester pop groups."

The Radio Dept - you and me then, 2002

"You know those artist you listen to, and you only hear one song, then one year later you hear another and then decide to just listen to all they're songs, to only find out that all the other songs are just as good as the last two, next thing you know your waiting for they're next album and their isn't a doubt in your mind that what ever comes next will be greater than the last. There is no stopping these guys ... they just keep getting better."

The Beatles - long long long, 1968

"Long, Long, Long" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles from their 1968 album The Beatles (also known as "the White Album"). It was written by George Harrison, the group's lead guitarist, while he and his bandmates were attending Maharishi Mahesh Yogi's Transcendental Meditation course in Rishikesh, India, in early 1968. Although Harrison later stated that he was addressing God in the lyrics, it is the first of his compositions that invites interpretation as both a standard love song and a paean to his deity.!

Sufjan Stevens - carrie and lowell, 2015

"Sufjan somehow takes in such a horrific aspect of his life, and delicately lays out it’s most beautiful aspects and then appreciates them. Having terrible parents is perhaps one of the most stress-inducing and heartbreaking situations someone can be placed into. It can sometimes feel as though loving them is a choice and hating them isn’t, but the opposite is true. For such a situation, Stevens goes on throughout this album searching for the remedy. His answer is to forgive and love them, regardless."

The Doors - touch me, 1969

"In the book A to X of Alternative Music, "Touch Me" was described as a "solid gold soul classic". Writing for AllMusic, critic Jason Elias wrote that the song has "the style of pop and pure lounge." Some critics suggested the track blends pop with psychedelic rock; a combination which was unique at the time. It has also been characterized, along with other album tracks, as an early attempt at progressive rock."

Lichen Slow - hobbies, 2023

"Many of us like a bit of grump now and then. With this in mind, Lichen Slow is a new project featuring Malcolm Middleton of Arab Strap collaborating with musician Joel Harries. It opens with the downbeat Hobbies, a bit like a poppier Arab Strap, featuring Middleton on lead with Harries on backing vocals."

Au Revoir Simone - another likely story aeroplane remix, 2009

"Some light research shows the original version of this Au Revoir Simone song appeared on Grey's Anatomy. The Aeroplane version might fit better on GREY'S ANATOMY PARTY HOUSE 3011 WHERE EVERYONE GETS FUNKY THE SEQUEL. YEAH DOG this is a freakum jam if your name is McDreamy. Imagine some lady running her animatronic hands (Beyonce, holler at ABC) through his thick grey hair. He's a surgeon, you know. Aeroplane, our Belgian friends whose October mix we gushed over last week, have a habit of taking pretty-voiced women and icy-hotting their keys into igloo barnstormers."

The Band Of Holy Joy - because it was never resolved, 1990

"In the dark times Will there also be singing? Yes, there will also be singing. About the dark times.”

Steve Hackett - every day, 1979

"The album starts with "Every Day" which is an anti-drug song about Steve's own experiences of the drug culture when his first girlfriend fell victim to "Cleopatra's Needle", and it would become his signature song from his solo career with a guitar solo at the track's coda."

Jamie xx - it's so good, 2024

"Jamie xx, the maestro of musical innovation, takes us on a thrilling ride with his latest track, “It’s So Good.” As a seasoned musician, DJ, and producer, Jamie xx effortlessly blends indie electronic elements into a captivating sound. It keeps us on the edge of our seats."

MGMT - nothing to declare, 2024

"Having grown up with no arms, I have been watched my whole life. In some respects, the Venus de Milo has always felt analogous to my life"

Coldplay - feelslikeimfallinginlove, 2024

"Coldplay generally doing what they do best: love songs with moody verses and blood-rush choruses that you can remember after a single listen."

The Beatles - nowhere man, 1965

"I'd spent five hours that morning trying to write a song that was meaningful and good, and I finally gave up and lay down. Then 'Nowhere Man' came, words and music, the whole damn thing as I lay down."

The Radio Dept - where damage isn't already done, 2002

"The Radio Dept. has mastered the art of creating waves of sound that evoke the everyday without sounding mundane – a captivating paradox that challenges our perceptions of normality and beauty."

Seapony - i never would, 2011

"The song's dreamy and melancholic melody complements the introspective lyrics, creating a poignant reflection on the intricacies of love and connection."

Swallow - peekaboo, 1992

"When Swallow split up, I didn't feel I could write songs without Mike's input, I think I believed I was only able to convey ideas through him as I didn't play any instruments. I just got on with other things, I studied Art History and got interested in creativity and why people have the desire to make things. I realised that what I loved about song writing was the whole process of creating sounds with melodies. During a painful relationship breakdown, I started writing songs as a way to get through it. Initially it was pure escapism, however it was when I got an electric guitar that the ideas really came out and it was immensely satisfying to thrash out emotions on it!"

REM - half a world away, 1991

"R.E.M. founding members Bill Berry, Peter Buck, Mike Mills, and Michael Stipe played their first show on April 5, 1980, at a friend’s birthday party in an abandoned church in Athens, Georgia. From that point forward until 2011 when they decided to call it a day, the band released fifteen albums, toured the world, won multiple Grammys, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and have left a lasting legacy of great songs that defined an era."

The Radio Dept - ewan, 2003

"A huge, rumbling rhythm section ripped from the corpse of New Order ploughs through the speakers. A melody so huge and yet so ethereal it’s impossible to decribe as anything other than ‘glacial’ sears through the middle of it like an ice pick to the cerebral cortex."

Sparklehorse - it will never stop, 2022

"When the family of Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous discovered his uncompleted fifth album in the archive of recordings he left behind after his death in 2010, they had a difficult decision to make: Should they leave it as-is, or finish and release it? They chose the latter, drafting producer Alan Weatherhead, mixer Joel Hamilton, and engineer Greg Calbi to tie up the musical loose ends and bringing on Grandaddy's Jason Lytle and Linkous' nephew Spencer to provide additional vocals. It was a wise choice. Not only is Bird Machine a chance for Linkous' family to celebrate his beautiful, empathetic music by sharing it with his fans, it's also one of Sparklehorse's finest albums."

The Housemartins - me and the farmer, 1987

"Me and the Farmer" is a single by British Indie rock band The Housemartins from the album The People Who Grinned Themselves to Death. It reached #15 in the UK singles chart the week of 12 September 1987. The song had been written some 18 months earlier, on 22 January 1986 (the same day as Happy Hour). The track "Step Outside", which appeared on the B-side of the 12" release was also included on the 1988 compilation Now That's What I Call Quite Good. The song is about how gentleman farmers treat their workers badly."

Bee Gees - someone belonging to someone, 1983

"In the liner notes to the 1990 box set, Tales from the Brothers Gibb, the Bee Gees describe the song as a "fair ballad from a silly film".

John Lennon - happy xmas war is over, 1971

"He conceived "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)" as a means of elaborating upon the themes of social unity and peaceful change enacted through personal accountability and empowerment that served as the basis of the earlier billboard campaign, trying to convey optimism while avoiding the sentimentality that he felt often characterised Christmas songs."

Pink Floyd - comfortably numb, 1979

"The music was composed by the guitarist, David Gilmour, while the lyrics were written by the bassist, Roger Waters, who based them on his experience of being injected with tranquilisers before a performance in 1977. Waters and Gilmour argued during the recording, with Waters preferring an orchestral arrangement and Gilmour preferring a more stripped-down arrangement. They compromised by combining both versions. Gilmour said the song was the last time he and Waters were able to work together constructively."

The Smile - friend of a friend, 2023

"Friend of a Friend" has Yorke singing over a "meandering" bassline, before he is joined by Jonny Greenwood on piano and Tom Skinner on drums. The song also features saxophone by the American jazz composer Robert Stillman and strings performed by the London Contemporary Orchestra. The lyrics were inspired by footage of Italians singing on their balconies during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and criticise cronyism in the British Conservative Party."

Au Revoir Simone - only you can make you happy, 2009

"In 2009, they released their third studio album, Still Night, Still Light, and although it lacked the cohesiveness the first two albums had, "Only You Can Make You Happy" definitely stood out as one of the best tracks. For a very mellow band who has personified "ethereal" to another level, the intro was what impressed me. The beats dug a little deeper and the keyboard riffs tremendously sparkled - even for them."

Damien Jurado - south live, 2019

"For more than two decades, Damien Jurado has sung folk songs brimming with prophetic imagination. Whether singing ballads about killers, wounded lovers, UFO cults, or the phantoms of departed friends, he’s populated his work with eerie foretelling, the sense that he’s divining something just on the verge of happening."

The Jesus And Mary Chain - head on live, 1989

"The Jesus and Mary Chain (henceforth “JAMC”) was the musical project of Jim and William Reid, who were (a) Scottish, (b) brothers, and (c) the foremost technological and scientific innovators of the modern rock era. Before they came along, many people still assumed that in order to make aggressive, energetic noises, the members of rock bands had to actually move around, do guitar windmills, and look engaged. The JAMC did not like this situation, because those poses tended to be either uncool or boring, and often made one look like a complete twat."

Billy Bragg And Wilco - california stars, 1998

"Mermaid Avenue is a 1998 album of previously unheard lyrics written by American folk singer Woody Guthrie, put to music written and performed by British singer Billy Bragg and the American band Wilco."

Liam Gallagher And John Squire - just another rainbow, 2024

"Liam Gallagher John Squire (also referred to as Liam Gallagher & John Squire[a]) is a collaborative studio album by English singer-songwriter Liam Gallagher and guitarist John Squire, released on 1 March 2024 through Warner Music UK. The album was preceded by the singles "Just Another Rainbow" and "Mars to Liverpool". It marks Squire's first album of material under his own name in twenty years since Marshall's House (2004)."

The New Pornographers - firework in the falling snow live, 2023

"I've listened to this album multiple times now and I am not hesitant to say that it might be one of their best. It's a bit of a grower but once you've grown into it, there is just so much there to be rediscovered."

Cameron Sonnier - anytime, 2024

"Houston-based artist Cameron Sonnier reveals the debut single from his upcoming sophomore album, Synchronicity. “Anytime” shows a gorgeous, contemplative folk sound with twangy guitars and warming underlying acoustics, complementing a warming vocal presence ruminating on “friends we used to know,” and other retrospective musings. Co-produced with Jordan Lawlor (formerly of M83), Sonnier describes the single as “about the fleeting nature of life, how we overcome hard times with a smile and move on, but are haunted by memories, places we’ve been and people we used to know, while creating more memories until we die.”

Jan Garbarek - molde canticle, 1991

"I Took Up the Runes is an album by Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek recorded August 1990 and released on ECM later that year. The quintet features pianist Rainer Brüninghaus, bassist Eberhard Weber, percussionist Nana Vasconcelos and drummer Manu Katché, with keyboardist Bugge Wesseltoft and singer Ingor Ánte Áilo Gaup."

Bee Gees - juliet live, 1989

"The Bee Gee with the highest profile in Europe, Robin enjoyed solo success with "Saved By The Bell" in 1969, the electropop of "Juliet" (1983), co-written and co-produced by Maurice, and "Please" in 2002."

Suzanne Vega - in liverpool, 1992

"Liverpool, of course, is now best known as the home of The Beatles. However, it is also a city where other things happen, and I don't see another reference to them in the song. The other reference that is in the song is to a "hunchback," since the best-known church-bell ringer is Quasimodo, the fictioanl Hunchback of Notre Dame (and if someone can explain to me why a college with the French name of "Notre Dame" ["Our Lady," i.e. the Virgin Mary] is home to the Fightin' Irish and not the Fightin' French, I'd be much obliged, as I've always wondered.) Not that it is relevant to the song... in which a church-bell ringer appears prominently. The song, because of that bell-ringer, is one of Vega's most enigmatic. So we will leave the bell-ringer aside for a moment"

The Radio Dept - why won't you talk about it, 2002

"It would be difficult for me to imagine liking this record any more than I actually do right at this very moment. Call me a sentimental old Susan, but whenever I hear a guitar getting overloaded and strangled to the point where it begins screaming in tortured agony, all I hear is the most sublime, beautiful noise. As it was with The Jesus And Mary Chain and, more pertinently, the deeply wonderful Flying Saucer Attack, so it is with The Radio Dept. As for the song, it sounds to me like someone’s had a barney with their squeeze and has retreated to a nearby barn to make a noise like a backfiring combine harvester while griping away about how she doesn’t understand him. This is, in all honesty, heroic behaviour and actually the only real reason there is to listen to pop music in the first place. If it weren’t for infuriating partners we’d all have to pack up and go home as there’d be nothing left to say. Luckily, the world is full of them, so there’s no danger on that score. Anyhow, imagine ‘Why Won’t You Talk About It?’ as a sturdy tin bucket and picture the squalling feedback and dreamily melodic – although barely there – vocals slopping about inside. Watch it, some’s going over the edge! Now imagine tipping the whole lot over your own head and feeling the contents cover you completely. Feels good, yes? What do you mean, no? Are you some sort of pervert? The Radio Dept, from Malmo if you’re interested, are the sort of band who you wish you were in as soon as you hear them, which is a good start. That the other four tracks on this single are as good as the first makes me want to expire with joy."

Johnny Tillotson - poetry in motion, 1960

"The song was written by Paul Kaufman (1930–1999) and Mike Anthony (born 1930), who said that the inspiration for it came from looking up from their work and seeing a procession of young ladies from a nearby school pass by on the sidewalk outside each afternoon."

Elton John - sacrifice, 1989

"It's a simple lyric, but it's an intelligent adult lyric. It's basically about the rigors of adult love, and it's a million miles away from 'Your Song.' Elton came up with a brilliant melody, and his performance on it gives it a lot of integrity and meaning. It's not a surface song, and I think you'll probably see that one in the coming months becoming a big, big hit."

Warpaint - melting, 2022

“I was saying the other day that we should’ve called this album “Exquisite Corpse”, but it was already taken”

Counting Crows - round here live, 2013

"Round Here is everything I love about the band right there in the opening number. It’s probably everything the bands many detractors hate about them too. It’s overly earnest, it’s a slow build of poetic metaphors and atmospheric guitars. It’s heart on sleeve emotional and it has big ideas about the minutia of feelings."

The Moody Blues - the afternoon, 1967

"This album was constructed like a lot of albums back then to take you on a trip. A lot of people never hear it that way now. The world is just a pile of singles shoveled out in random order."

Real Estate - haunted world, 2024

"a picture of a person navigating through a world that was once welcoming but has now been transformed into something unsettling. Throughout the song, there is a recurring theme of feeling trapped and isolated in this haunted world."

The Band Of Holy Joy - a revivalist impulse, 2017

"For three decades now, Johny Brown has managed to find beauty and poetry in the most unlikely places, beautifully articulating careworn lives in a manner that has few peers."

Black Pumas - hello, 2024

"On “Hello,” Black Pumas creates an otherworldly sound, casting a powerful spell with the track’s sublime synth tones and celestial harmonies"

Dexys Midnight Runners - come on eileen, 1982

"Come On Eileen" is a song by the English group Dexys Midnight Runners (credited to Dexys Midnight Runners and the Emerald Express), released in the United Kingdom in June 1982 as a single from their second studio album Too-Rye-Ay. It reached number one in the United States and was their second number one hit in the UK, following 1980's "Geno". The song was produced by Clive Langer and Alan Winstanley and was initially claimed to be written by Kevin Rowland, Jim Paterson and Billy Adams, although Rowland later stated that the essence of the tune should be attributed to Kevin Archer."

Neil Young - amber jean live, 1984

"Amber Jean Young is an American artist and also the daughter of Neil Young. Amber Jean Young’s father is a Canadian-American singer and songwriter. His guitar work, deeply personal lyrics, and signature high-tenor singing voice define his long career. The singer’s distorted electric guitar playing, especially with Crazy Horse, earned him the nickname “Godfather of Grunge”