“I.O.I.O.”
by The Bee Gees
Yes, that says “The Bee Gees.” And yes, that song, with the bongo drums and without any sign of disco, is by the same band that made the Stayin' Alive soundtrack. And yes (why so many questions?), that song is very, very good. A long time ago, I read an interview with Noel Gallagher of Oasis where he named his top three bands of all time. I know the first was The Beatles, and I forget the third, but I'm certain that I was shocked when I read that The Bee Gees made the list. Imagine my surprise to learn that before disco, The Bee Gees were the equivalent of Australian Beatles, with complex music and even the occasional concept record. Most of the stuff from that era in the band's career is fantastic, and it stands as a testament to the fact that not all musical evolution is necessarily improvement. These guys were even better before the hair spray quaffs and the bell bottom jeans. “I.O.I.O” is from Cucumber Castle, a really good album but an oddity in their discography. At the time of the recording, the band was on the verge of a breakup, and as such, only two Gees are on the record.
“Slide Away” (Live)
by Noel Gallagher
And speaking of Oasis, I should admit that I still think they're the best band putting out music today. And it's not even close. After most people hear that, though, the first thing asked is almost always whether or not the band is still around. Yes, they are, and last year's Dig Out Your Soul is a great album. But after the many times I have had to frustratingly answer that same question, I realize now why it will always be asked. As good as their newer records are, nothing beats their first two. “Slide Away” might be the band's best song, a ballad from their debut Definitely Maybe, and this live version was recorded late last year (or early this year) by Noel Gallagher for a charity event. The addition of a full orchestra does change the song in a way, but it only serves to bolster the soaring beauty of the original. I have a solo acoustic version, too, that is just as great, and the fact that in so many different forms, the song still shines, only affirms its status as a classic.
“Lonesome Swan”
by Glasvegas
Everything about Glasvegas is over the top. The singer's accent is as thick as cold molasses, the music has more reverb than every Coldplay album put together, and the subject matter of the band's songs is all over the place. All these elements go together to create a product that has no right to be, well, happy -- especially with songs about mental instability, abusive fathers, school fights, and what it feels like to be stabbed. But the contrast between the lyrics and the music is of course intentional, and Glasvegas' self-titled debut is one of the most assured you're likely to hear of any band in the past five years. As a group, Glasvegas expects you to buy into their music, and if you can accept its theatricality, you will certainly enjoy what you hear.
“Down From Above”
by Vetiver
This is one of the most chilled-out songs you'll ever hear. The music fades in and seems to float on passing clouds, and before you realize it, it's all gone, fading out in the same direction it came. Vetiver is a folk band that unfortunately got their start playing with the awful Devendra Banhart, but thankfully, the band has distanced themselves with four records of melancholy guitar and rainy day atmosphere. “Down From Above” is from their latest, Tight Knit.
“When I Light Your Darkened Door” (Daytrotter session)
by J. Tillman
There might not be another male singer today with a voice as angelic as J. Tillman's. (I say male in particular only because there might not be anybody with a better voice than Zooey Deschanel. Just saying.) For the life of me, I still cannot get past the fact that this guy plays drums and sings backing vocals for his main gig in the band Fleet Foxes. He's got a better voice than the lead singer! This song, from his solo work, is a great example of the stark beauty invoked by his spare guitar playing and wonderfully unique voice. Damien Jurado has covered it well, but nothing can match Tillman's breathy vocals. “When I Light Your Darkened Door,” along with four other songs, is available for free as a Daytrotter session here. The somewhat boring, if not entrancing video below is for the song “First Born,” off Tillman's latest album, Vacilando Territory Blues.
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