Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - flame of hope, 1986

"One of my all-time favorite sounds. “Flame Of Hope” was a brief but compelling song with some of the best McCluskey vocal leads on the whole album. His work there was right “in the zone” so the sometimes strident tone he’d adopt was unheard this time."

The Beatles - revolution, 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 - this past week, 2005

"What I learned in this listening experiment surprised me. All the elements I thought the Radio Dept. grew into over time were more or less present from the start. Or, maybe more accurately, the band has only stretched by skips and steps, not leaps and bounds, over the years. Being one of my favorite bands, that's only a mild knock against them. Much like the Kings of Convenience, who also only manage to release a new full-length every three or four years, their output is so sporadic that by the time something new comes along I'm more than fine with it being a minor variation on whatever they've done before."

Such a great song!

The Beatles - the ballad of john and yoko, 1969

"The Ballad of John and Yoko" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles that was released as a non-album single in May 1969, with "Old Brown Shoe" as its B-side. It was written by John Lennon and credited to the Lennon–McCartney partnership, and chronicles the events surrounding the wedding of Lennon and Yoko Ono. The song was the Beatles' 17th UK number-one single and their last for 54 years until "Now and Then" in 2023. In the United States, it was banned by some radio stations due to the lyrics' reference to Christ and crucifixion. The single peaked at number 8 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song, along with its B-side, has subsequently appeared on compilation albums such as Hey Jude, 1967–1970, and Past Masters. It was also included on the compilation 1."

Pet Shop Boys - this must be the place i waited years to leave, 1990

"Johnny Marr, formerly of The Smiths plays guitar on this track. Russian samples abound on the track, including an excerpt from the 1936 Moscow trials, and Shostakovitch's second symphony."

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - we love you twelve version, 1988

"Timing is everything and, unfortunately, the release of this 45 was singularly mistimed. Its predecessor, the hit "(Forever) Live and Die," was just falling out of the U.K. chart when OMD sent "We Love You" spinning toward it in November 1986. Meanwhile, the band's The Pacific Age album, from which both singles were culled, was clambering into the Top 15. But even in the go-go '80s, pop fans had to occasionally count their pennies, and two singles and an album were just too much to splash out on in a matter of weeks. There was no other reason for "We Love You" not to hit big, for it had all the makings of a smash. Its complex dance-friendly rhythm was fired by live drums, percussion, and a pulsing bassline, while lashings of riffy guitar, swooping synths, and bubbly keyboards supported a splendidly anthemic chorus that cried out the band's affection for both their pop and club fans. Add barely veiled lyrics with anti-militaristic intent to impress the anoraks, and this single should have been among the band's biggest sellers. But timing is everything."

The Jesus And Mary Chain - everything's alright when you're down, 1987

"Reid is the lead singer and founding member of the alternative rock band The Jesus and Mary Chain. He formed the band with his brother William. They are recognized as key figures in the development of the shoegaze and noise pop subgenres. They released six studio albums before they split up in 1999. They reformed in March 2007 and are still active as of 2024, and Reid and his brother are the only constant members of the group."

Monstro Brilhante - serenidade, 2022

"O grupo, que nasceu da vontade de dois primos, Nuno Guimarães, a viver em Zurique, e Rui Guimarães, de Lisboa, acaba de lançar um álbum com 15 faixas de descoberta de "várias realidades, quer sonoras, quer no estado de espírito".

Club 8 - the girl with the northern soul collection, 2002

"a sense of post-punk style urgency in the melody and tempering Komstedt’s ethereal vocals with lyrics that move from domestic bliss to existential angst in a heartbeat"

The Moody Blues - eyes of a child edit version no intro this is the moody blues, 1974

"When you look at life through the eyes of a child there is a wonderment, isn't it? Children see the world differently. There are wonders every day: When you see a butterfly flying or when you see a bird flying or when you see anything, it's just a wonderful world for children to see. I thought, as we become older, we become prejudiced and if you can rid of whatever your prejudice is, you just see the world in naivety, without any restriction. It's wonderful for everyone to be able to see everything in life without any prejudice."

Marillion - that time of the night the short straw, 1987

"There's sort of a dual meaning I think; it also seems to allude to "drawing the short straw," which would indicate bad luck, losing, or being otherwise ill-fated. As in the practice of choosing straws among a group to determine who has to undertake an unpleasant, dangerous, or otherwise undesirable task. The person who draws the short straw generally loses."

The Radio Dept - never swallow fruit dub by pistol disco, 2010

"Capping off a fruitful year that included the release of their BNM'd third full-length, Clinging to a Scheme, Swedish indie pop stalwarts the Radio Dept. have a new EP, Never Follow Suit, out today via Labrador. The band's giving away the EP's first track, "The One", which you can grab below. In our news story today about the Radio Dept.'s forthcoming singles collection, Passive Aggressive: Singles 2002 - 2010, we also posted another track from that EP, a remix of its title track from Swedish production collective Pistol Disco. You can grab that rework, cleverly titled "Never Swallow Fruit", below as well."

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - a teenager in love, 2009

"What makes this band so difficult to shake from its influences? Well, its members don’t seem interested in being separated from them. Where most bands use their favorite sounds as a jumping-off point, the Pains of Being Pure at Heart live in the sounds they love. What makes them successful, in spite of this, is how they combine all these found sounds. The band marries well the harshness of a Superchunk or a My Bloody Valentine with the soft melodies of twee pop."

Simon And Garfunkel - keep the customer satisfied, 1970

"Keep the Customer Satisfied" is a song by American music duo Simon & Garfunkel from the group's fifth studio album, Bridge over Troubled Water (1970). It was included as the B side of their signature hit, "Bridge over Troubled Water". "Keep the Customer Satisfied" recounts the exhausting tours that Simon grew tired of, a similar theme to that of their earlier song, "Homeward Bound".

Bee Gees - in the morning reprise richard hewson orchestra, 1971

"Hewson began in the late 1960s as an arranger, and worked with musicians such as the Beatles ("I Me Mine" and "The Long and Winding Road"), the Bee Gees (Melody), James Taylor ("Carolina in My Mind"), Herbie Hancock, Clifford T. Ward, Supertramp, Pilot (Pilot), Diana Ross, Carly Simon, Art Garfunkel, Leo Sayer, Paul McCartney (Thrillington), Mary Hopkin ("Those Were The Days"), Al Stewart, Chris de Burgh, Fleetwood Mac and Chris Rea. He also arranged strings on several Cliff Richard albums, I'm Nearly Famous (1976), Every Face Tells a Story (1977) and Green Light (1978). Hewson also worked with the British band Jigsaw, including arrangements for their hit single, "Sky High"."

Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark - sunday morning cover, 1993

"'Sunday Morning' is a cover of the Velvet Underground song that first featured on their 1967 album The Velvet Underground & Nico."

The Beatles - sgt pepper's lonely hearts club band, 1967

"Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is a song by the English rock band the Beatles, written by Paul McCartney, credited to Lennon–McCartney, and released in 1967 on the album of the same name. The song appears twice on the album: as the opening track (segueing into "With a Little Help from My Friends"), and as "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)", the penultimate track (segueing into "A Day in the Life"). As the title song, the lyrics introduce the fictional band that performs on the album."

Belle And Sebastian - waiting for the moon to rise, 2000

"Waiting for the Moon to Rise" by Belle and Sebastian depicts a longing for something out of reach and the anticipation of a new beginning. The song opens with the narrator acknowledging the passing of time and the start of a new day, represented by the sun rising behind them. They find themselves on an unfamiliar path, symbolizing a new journey or experience."

The Moody Blues - ride my see-saw, 1968

"Ride My See-Saw" is a 1968 single by the English progressive rock band the Moody Blues. It was written by the band's bassist John Lodge, and was first released on the Moody Blues' 1968 album In Search of the Lost Chord. It was the second of two singles from that album, the other being "Voices in the Sky". On the album, the song is preceded by a spoken word introduction called "Departure" that was written by Graeme Edge. Billboard described the single as a "blockbuster rocker" that "comes on strong with all the ingredients to spiral [the Moody Blues] to the top in short order" and a "mover from start to finish." Cash Box called it a "dance track with powerful teen attraction" and "polished vocals."

The Beatles - we can work it out live, 1965

"The song is an example of Lennon-McCartney collaboration at a depth that happened only rarely after they wrote the hit singles of 1963. This song, "A Day in the Life", "Baby, You're a Rich Man" and "I've Got a Feeling", are among the notable exceptions."

David Bowie - velvet goldmine, 1975

"Musically, "Velvet Goldmine" is a glam rock number that contains a bouncy piano part and backing vocals similar to Hunky Dory (1971), while also anticipating the cabaret feel Bowie soon experimented with on Aladdin Sane. Author Peter Doggett described it as a combination of Gene Vincent's 1950s rock'n'roll and the "electric thrust" of Marc Bolan."

Pedro Abrunhosa - eu não sei quem te perdeu, 2002

"Portuguese singer, songwriter, musician and composer. Trained in jazz music, Abrunhosa started his career in the 1980s playing in jazz bands and teaching in music and art schools in Porto. He is a co-founder of the Jazz School of Porto."

The Legends - everything you say, 2003

"The group is the brainchild of Johan Angergård, Labrador Records founder and member of Swedish bands Club 8 and Acid House Kings."

Traveling Wilburys - runaway cover, 2007

"The supergroup Traveling Wilburys recorded a version of the song, with Jeff Lynne singing lead vocals; it was released on a 2007 CD reissue of Traveling Wilburys Vol. 3."

The Strokes - heart in a cage, 2006

"Heart in a Cage" is a song by American rock band the Strokes. Written by lead singer Julian Casablancas, the song was released as the second single from the band's third studio album, First Impressions of Earth (2006)."

Belle And Sebastian - take your carriage clock and shove it, 2005

"Isobel Campbell certainly seems to think that this song was written about her. Interesting that it is followed by 'I'm waking up to us' on the Barman compilation album, which is even harsher. Her 'Monologue for an old true love' on her solo record, Amorino, could be taken as a response."

The Radio Dept - the worst taste in music flow flux clan remix, 2006

"The title track may open with a computerised rattle, but that disappears in a gush of autumnal colour, muted enough to strip the lyrics of all bite. By the time you reach the helplessly gauche The Worst Taste in Music and the anaemic opening line of Tell ("Betrayal is always sad"), the desire to drench the Radio Dept in cold water becomes overwhelming. And yet, in the right mood, there is something shy and lovely about Pet Grief, ghosts of the C86 sound that make you want to grab a cardigan and sway."

The Beatles - help, 1965

"The whole Beatles thing was just beyond comprehension. I was subconsciously crying out for help".

Simon And Garfunkel - flowers never bend with the rainfall, 1966

"his mirror on the wall threw back an image dark and small, which to some degree depressed him."

Mark Knopfler - going home theme of the local hero, 1983

"Going Home: Theme of the Local Hero" is an instrumental rock track by Mark Knopfler, and the closing track from the 1983 film Local Hero soundtrack. It was the debut solo single by Knopfler, and charted at number 56 in the UK, at number 26 in the Netherlands and at number 18 in New Zealand. The soundtrack album also features a reprise called "Wild Theme", which consists of Knopfler's acoustic guitar interpretation of the song's melody."

Saturday Looks Good to Me - untitled all your summer songs, 2003

"Scuffed-up transistor radio with a blown speaker beaming time-travelled frequencies from 1957-1967. What The Beach Boys might have sounded like if they recorded in an underwater cove. A warped vinyl copy of your favorite pop record played on one of those tan Fisher Price record players we all owned as kids."

The Flaming Lips - yoshimi battles the pink robots part one, 2003

"The lyrics of Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots concern a diverse array of subject matter, mostly melancholy ponderings about love, mortality, artificial emotion, pacifism, and deception, while telling the story of Yoshimi's battle. The title character is inspired by Boredoms/OOIOO member Yoshimi P-We, following a comment in the Flaming Lips studio that her machine-sound abstract singing sounds like she is battling monsters—Coyne added 'pink'. P-We also performs on the album. Some listeners consider Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots to be a concept album; however, the story is debated, as it is only directly apparent in the first four tracks. Despite the story-type title and science fiction themes, Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne has made it clear that Yoshimi is not intended to be a concept album."

Saint Etienne - four thirty-five in the morning kid loco remix, 2009

"Sub Pop released Saint Etienne's 1998 album Good Humor in a limited version that included a bonus disc of extras. Entitled Fairfax High, the 40-minute disc of B-sides and assorted extras enabled the trio to ransack their sock drawer yet again. Most of these stray tracks come from the Sylvie and Bad Photographer singles. Like their other collections of studio fallout, this disc offers a few hidden gems and a clutch of decent-but-not-so-hot moments. Opening with the instrumental Mike Post homage, "Hill Street Connection" (originally named "Andrew McCarthy" after the Less Than Zero star) and ending with the easy listening instrumental "Cat Nap," it feels like more of a decent album than a hodgepodge, if slightly uneven."

Pet Shop Boys - absolutely fabulous rollo our tribe tongue-in-cheek mix disco two, 1994

"It is ostensibly a comedy record but few comedy records claim to possess as much dancefloor credibility as this one."

Belle And Sebastian - my wandering days are over, 1996

"Written after Murdoch met Isobel Campbell, the cello player who would complete the band’s lineup, “My Wandering Days” folds the B&S origin story into a larger narrative about a guy hanging up his dancing shoes and settling down. Whether he’s the melancholy “circus boy” who pops up later in the song is never really made clear. The ambiguity manifests itself gorgeously in the final minute, as trumpeter Mick Cooke cuts through the hazy fadeout with a sharp run of notes."

The Beatles - i feel fine live, 1965

"I Feel Fine" starts with a single, percussive feedback note produced by McCartney plucking the A string on his bass, and Lennon's guitar, which was leaning against McCartney's bass amp, picking up feedback. This was the first use of feedback on a rock record."

The Pipettes - judy, 2005

"Judy" is a limited edition 7" single by The Pipettes of which 1000 copies were pressed by Boston's Total Gaylord Records in August 2005. It was exclusively available via mailorder from the United States and featured a sleeve which folded out into a polka dot dress in homage to the singers' dress code. The B-side "KFC" features DJ Scotch Egg and members of The Go! Team. The first two tracks are the same recordings as the previous UK 7" releases. Rose sings the lead vocals on the song."

The Beautiful South - worthless lie, 1994

"The album's tracks reflect a depressing period in Heaton's life, and this continues with the follow-up album Blue is the Colour (1996). The songs also led the group's first female singer, Briana Corrigan, to leave the band; after Heaton sent her copies of the songs, including "Mini-correct" and "Worthless Lie", she swiftly made the decision to leave."

Traveling Wilburys - not alone any more, 1988

"Not Alone Any More" is a song by the British–American supergroup the Traveling Wilburys from their 1988 album Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1. It was sung by Roy Orbison and serves as his main contribution to the album. The song was written mainly by Jeff Lynne, although all five members of the Wilburys are credited as songwriters. A longtime admirer of Orbison, Lynne wrote "Not Alone Any More" as a vehicle for the singer's operatic vocal style. The song's lyrical theme of loneliness similarly recalls Orbison's dark ballads of the early 1960s. On release, the song was much admired by music critics. With the commercial success of the Wilburys, and the recognition afforded Orbison following his death in December 1988, it marked his full return from the career downturn he had experienced since the mid-1960s."

The Legends - the kids just wanna have fun, 2003

"The Legends are one of several indie pop projects masterminded by Swedish producer/musician Johan Angergård, whose other bands include the Acid House Kings, Eternal Death, Djustin and Club 8. Initially conceived as a fuzzy, gutsy indie pop act (something like a rougher, fierier version of the Acid House Kings), the group made its live debut in 2003 as an opening act for the Radio Dept."

Sétima Legião - por tua imensa saudade, 1989

"Morreu um salva-vidas com duas paixões"

Pet Shop Boys - postscript i believe in ecstasy, 1993

"This brief “hidden” song appears at the end of Very after more than a minute of silence following “Go West.” Nowhere is it mentioned in the original album notes, and even the name “Postscript” was conjectural until it was confirmed by the 2001 reissue. (The first words, “I Believe in Ecstasy,” had also been suggested by fans as a possible title.) It’s a highly atypical number in which a chorus of Chris Lowe’s heavily multi-tracked vocals sing about the conflicting senses of joy and sadness at remembering a close friend or lover who is now lost."

The Beatles - eight days a week, 1964

"I usually drove myself there, but the chauffeur drove me out that day and I said, 'How've you been?' – 'Oh working hard,' he said, 'working eight days a week.'" In a 2016 interview alongside Starr and Ron Howard, in preparation for the release of the documentary The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – The Touring Years, McCartney reiterated that he had heard it from a chauffeur who was driving him to Lennon's house while he was banned from driving."

The Chameleons - view from a hill, 1983

"Script remains a high-water mark of what can generally be called post-punk music; an hour's worth of one amazing song after another", calling it "practically a greatest-hits record on its own".

Belle And Sebastian - the stars of track and field, 1996

"If You're Feeling Sinister is the second album by the Scottish indie pop band Belle and Sebastian. It was released in 1996 on Jeepster Records in the United Kingdom and in 1997 by Matador Records in the United States. It is often ranked among the best albums of the 1990s, including being ranked #14 in Pitchfork's list of Top 100 Albums of the 1990s. Band leader Stuart Murdoch said If You're Feeling Sinister is probably his best collection of songs."

A Weather - spiders snakes, 2008

"While I am religiously neutral, I definitely get the impression that the underlying theme of the song is God. I think it tells the story of - or rather it is a dialogue between - a man and his friend. It seems the singer is watching his friend lose (or perhaps has already lost) his faith in God and he's hoping that he can help him find his way back."

The Style Council - the whole point of no return, 1984

"the most beautiful protest song ever: “The Whole Point of No Return”.

Still Corners - the trip, 2013

"Strange Pleasures is the second studio album by London-based dream pop band Still Corners. It was released 7 May 2013 by US label Sub Pop. The album reached a peak of No. 28 in the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart. It also hit No. 1 in the FMQB national radio charts."

The Pipettes - pull shapes, 2006

"Pull Shapes" is a single from The Pipettes and was released on 3 July 2006. It was available on CD, double 7" vinyl, and digital download from Memphis Industries. The expression "pull shapes" is a British English colloquialism that refers to the act of dancing."

Brendan Benson - ain't no good, 2022

"Musicians have no idea how to talk about their own stuff. It doesn’t sound like hip hop or barbershop. It sounds like Brendan Benson music. Which is great."

The Beatles - i want to hold your hand live, 1964

"With advance orders exceeding one million copies in the UK, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" would have gone straight to the top of the British record charts on its day of release had it not been blocked by the group's first million-seller "She Loves You", their previous UK single, which was having a resurgence of popularity following intense media coverage of the group. Taking two weeks to dislodge its predecessor, "I Want to Hold Your Hand" stayed at number one for five weeks and remained in the UK top 50 for 21 weeks in total."

The Style Council - my ever changing moods extended version, 1984

"The album version features vocals by Weller only accompanied by acoustic piano. This version is 3:37 long. There are two versions of the song with full band accompaniment. The 7" single version is 4:02 minutes long, while the 12" single version is 5:44 minutes long. Weller released a new version of "My Ever Changing Moods" on his album An Orchestrated Songbook in 2021."

Tobasco Boy - sunbleach, 2023

"This is such a good song! Love it and just love the sound!"

The Beatles - two of us, 1970

"The song was originally titled "On Our Way Home". Ian MacDonald suggested that the lyrics (e.g.: "you and I have memories/longer than the road that stretches out ahead" or "you and me chasing paper/getting nowhere") sounded like McCartney was probably addressing Lennon and contractual troubles."

Pink Floyd - another brick in the wall part three, 1979

"During "Part 1", the protagonist, Pink, begins building a metaphorical wall around himself following the death of his father. In "Part 2", traumas involving his overprotective mother and abusive schoolteachers become bricks in the wall. Following a violent breakdown in "Part 3", Pink dismisses everyone he knows as "just bricks in the wall."

Fleet Foxes - can i believe you live in church with the resistance revival chorus, 2020

"Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold brought the Shore song “Can I Believe You” to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert Thursday night (December 10). He was joined at the St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church in Brooklyn by the Resistance Revival Chorus. Check it out below. After releasing Crack-Up in 2017, Robin Pecknold returned with the fourth Fleet Foxes record Shore on September 22 — the autumnal equinox. The band has since shared videos for album tracks “Sunblind” and “Can I Believe You.” On December 21 (the winter solstice), Pecknold will perform a solo acoustic set from Brooklyn’s St. Ann & the Holy Trinity Church for A Very Lonely Solstice Livestream."

The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - anne with an e, 2011

"We came out with an EP in 2009 after the record and we also did a stand alone single last summer. I mean, there were times when we thought, ‘Oh, this is great’, and it wasn’t, but the basic songs that we really, really like ended up being on the record; like ‘Belong’ and ‘Strange’, ‘Even in Dreams’, ‘The Body’. But some stuff turned out better than we thought and other stuff wasn’t as good. Songs like ‘Anne with an E’ and ‘Girl with a Thousand Dreams’, I initially thought those weren’t right for the record, but then we recorded them and they just made sense with the other songs; offered a balance and dynamic."

Mike Oldfield - part four north star platinum finale, 1979

"North Star/Platinum Finale" includes an excerpt from the 1977 Philip Glass composition "North Star". The lead melody is not borrowed from Glass but the choir's part is. The constant bass drum beat and octave-jumping bass line start the section and guitar enters with the melody later. A funky guitar riff and chorus appear, and the lead guitar continues to play the melody over them. Engineer Kurt Munkacsi was a frequent collaborator with Glass."

The Style Council - long hot summer extended version, 1983

"Long Hot Summer" is a song by the English band The Style Council which was their third single to be released. It was composed by lead singer Paul Weller, recorded between 12 and 17 June 1983 in the Grande Armée Studios in Paris, and released on 8 August 1983. In the UK "Long Hot Summer" was the lead track of an EP titled À Paris, which also contained the song "The Paris Match" (a different version of which, featuring Tracey Thorn from Everything But The Girl on lead vocal, was included on the band's first album Café Bleu) plus two keyboard instrumentals, "Party Chambers" and "Le Depart". In other countries it was a conventional single with "Long Hot Summer" as the A-side. It was also included on the 1983 mini-album Introducing The Style Council. The promotional video for "Long Hot Summer" was filmed on the River Cam in Cambridge. The song reached the position of number three in the UK singles chart making it the Style Council's biggest hit, and it remains a staple of Paul Weller's live concerts. By coincidence the British summer heat wave of 1983, most notably July, turned out to be one of the hottest on record – something that would not have been known at the time the song was written and recorded."

Status Quo - living on an island, 1979

"Living on an Island" is a single released by the British rock band Status Quo in 1979. It was included on the album Whatever You Want and featured Rick Parfitt on lead vocals. Lyrically, the song is about band member Rick Parfitt having to take a "tax year" outside of the United Kingdom and the boredom and isolation he felt living on the Isle of Jersey; however he is also excited about a pending visit from a friend ("Cruxie") who is arriving shortly."

Still Corners - we killed the moonlight, 2013

"On “We Killed The Moonlight” Tessa Murray sums up the entire sentiment of the album- ‘city sleeps, we lie awake’."

Jenny Hval - accident, 2019

"Hval, a polymathic artist as curious about her surroundings as she is headstrong, has a way of breaking down basic interactions and feelings most of us deem habitual. “In some ways, I’m responding to my wish, my hopes and dreams of being able to release my work in a less constricting way”

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."

The Radio Dept - lost and found mont ventoux remix, 2009

· Lost And Found (Mont Ventoux Remix)

"I'm looking for this album"

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."