Song of the Day #9

“Close your eyes baby close your eyes
sunshine just this one last sunrise and im home”

                   These homebound lyrics appear in Aqualung’s 2008 release Words and Music. Aqualung is the taken name of English singer/songwriter Matthew Hales known for his “Strange and Beautiful” which has appeared in a Volkswagen commerical and countless television shows. Okay I know what you are all thinking. Can he pull it off? Is one of his songs in Scrubs? Yes, of course, every band must be christened by the Scrubs producers. “Easier To Lie” was featured in an episode.

            Yet, while Matt Hales has enjoyed popularity based off of his older releases, it is this recent release, Arrivals, on the album Words and Music that I believe displays his true talent and potential. The song is a masterpiece that is connected with his pleasent whine that explores head falsetto’s and chest low’s. Yet, what really puts this song in the category of strange and beautiful is the beginning. The beginning that introduces morning strings which almost feel like they are introducing you to a new day. Strings that play the hook that follows the song through both strings and piano. Notes that resound beautifully and carry the melody. Notes that carry you home.

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loqseAaW-Zs&feature=related   (Not the greatest video and no opening strings, but check it out and possibly buy it if you want to hear the full version)