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Top 10 of 2011 – #10: “Summer Song” by Matt Duncan

20 Dec
 
And it begins! The top 10 of 2011 begins with, well, number 10. The owner of this home is Matt Duncan and his infectious throwback “Summer Song.” Matt Duncan is a “sporadically ambitious nobody, reluctant bandleader, and eremitic songwriter/producer. From Lexington, Kentucky.”
 
Hey, don’t look at me, you see the quotes. This is the description that Duncan gives on his website. He has been in bunch of bands in Lexington over the years.  Duncan released an album/EP entitled Beacon in 2010 on the Lexington label Hip Hop. It can be purchased here for $4. He, in August of 2011, released single entitled “Summer Song.” It is free…for now. It can be listened to below and purchased, or rather, acquired here. It is catchy as hell so be warned.
 
 
Matt Duncan, while currently an enigmatic figure to me, will soon be well known. I obviously have no control over this but I do have this handy blog format to describe to you why “Summer Song” is an exceptional song that most definitely deserves to be in our top 10 countdown and on most people’s iPods or whatever music listening device. By now I will presume you have listened to the hit. Let’s talk about it, shall we.
 
 
With the rising popularity of bands like Fitz and the Tantrums, indie/soul is on the up. I personally love the Motown/soul sound and these retro performers and songs evoke doo-wop, coordinated dance moves, and names like the Four Tops and the Temptations. Music that can/will make you smile. Music that will also latch on and never let go. Seriously, you can mention “My Girl” or “I Can’t Help Myself” and the songs will get stuck in my head. Damn! “Summer Song” evokes a similar feeling. It is a fun-loving, uplifting song equipped with deep harmonies, moving horns, and even an end-of-song funk breakdown.
 
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the band behind Duncan on this song.
 
Ryan Moore- Euphonium, Trombone, Evan Belt- Trumpet, Andrew English- Lead Guitar, Larry DeVivo- Mastering
 
I love when the impact of all can be clearly deciphered in a song. The arrangement of this song is masterful. The song begins with rhythmic snapping and some talented baritones providing this insanely catchy bass-like riff similar to the “My Girl” opening bass line. This neatly glides into the first part of the vocal. Matt Duncan’s smooth, Paul Simon-like vocal is balanced out initially by some doo-wop like back-up singers, and then by lively horns. Let me say that the bass in this song is wonderfully done. In a lively song with soul elements, an excellent bass is essential. And that bass was provided by Duncan – so were the rhythm guitar, piano, saxophone, backing vocals, and drums.
 
I absolutely love the beginning, and the verses, in my opinion, are stronger than the chorus. The verses transport me back to an ideal soulful late 60s scene. The chorus is well done, but the verse progression is magical. The second verse premieres what sounds like a muffled euphonium, but, it can also be the trombone. This washes over Duncan’s vocal like a warm wave or a cool beach breeze.
 
After the second chorus, the baritone brigade is welcomed back to the recording and it introduces my favorite part of the song. A melodious vocal harmony replaces the baritones- a cappella – jam-packed with snapping, humming and a bit of delayed overlay. Then the drums come back in and Duncan jumps into a falsetto that he holds over a funky, Jackson 5-like guitar riff that remains in the background of a horn version of the chorus and a neat guitar solo. The song ends on a perfect little twist on the lyric “Summer Song” and, just like that, summer ends.
 
In a way this song is a microcosm of a summer day at the beach. You ride in on the low groan of a car’s engine, are welcomed by the bright sun and sea breeze, play in the steamy orange sand and salty seawater, and then, just like that, it’s gone. But boy, it was one hell of a day – and song.
 
By the way, Duncan hopes to tour once he finishes his full-length so keep an eye out.
 
There you have it. “Summer Song” is #10. Tune in tomorrow for #9 as the countdown continues!

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The Top 10 Songs of the 2011 – The Countdown Begins Tomorrow!

19 Dec

As the title of this post suggests, the top 10 songs of 2011 countdown begins tomorrow. I am pumped. Last year was the first time I counted down the top 10 songs of the year (the previous year I did a decade in rock round-up poll – “Smooth” took the crown of best rock song of the 2000-2009 decade, but I chose “Devils and Dust” by Bruce Springsteen and I defended that choice here).

I had an excellent time compiling the top 10 songs of the year and profiling each of them in a daily (except Sunday) format. Every post category takes a back seat to this countdown. Interestingly, but not surprisingly (I guess then it really isn’t that interesting), it was quite tough to put together this list. Before I did my research, I had a preconception that this year in music was weaker than 2010. While 2010 saw such releases as “Home” and “King of Spain,” 2011 has songs like – NOPE! You are going to have to wait for the top 10. Patience is a virtue.

Inevitably, though, some songs missed the top 10 list by a smidgen. Last year I did a top 11, but, come on, that’s just an excuse for not being able to choose. This year I got the list down to 10 excellent songs ranging from electro-psychedelic to jazzy throwback (only clue I am giving out). But like I said some songs missed the cut. I am going to post these songs with a brief statement in this semi-preview post. And, as you will see, these are strong songs and, given some more time to think about the list, one or two of them may have been on it.

Remember, this list of 10 is completely based on my personal discretion. Yes, I admit, I am not a fan of most rap. I tend to favor Indie/Rock. These genre preferences do impact my decision making. If you think that Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” is the song of the year, you will most likely dislike this list. I am not discounting the song. It is #1 on many end-of-the-year lists and an enjoyable song for individuals with different musical inclinations. I do, however, urge you to follow this list. There are some gems that are universally enjoyable – in my opinion of course. If you want a little basis on how this is done please take a look at last year’s Rundown where I outlined the entire 2010 countdown.

Now, on to the songs that missed the cut.

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“Shell Games” by Bright Eyes

“Shell Games” by Bright Eyes is track two on The People’s Key, which was released in February of 2011. Bright Eyes, of course, is the brainchild of singer/songwriter extraordinaire Conor Oberst. The album, Bright Eyes’ eighth, was the definition of a solid release. The best song on it is “Shell Games,” a fast-paced lyrical tour-de-force (with even a mention to Sisyphus!).

“At the architect who imagined this
For the everyman, blessed Sisyphus
Slipping steadily into madness
Now that’s the only place to be free”

The song features a Bell X1-like 80’s style chorus, staccato piano chords, and Oberst’s passionate voice. Well done.

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“Shake it Out” by Florence and the Machine

“Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” by Coldplay

I’m grouping these two songs together because I share similar feelings for both. Supposing I had a little more time with these songs and their respective new albums, they both may have found a way onto the list. These singles are classic releases for both of the bands and both songs are good. I enjoy them both. They are just not top 10 worthy, in my opinion. If I was doing top 10 albums of the year, though, both of these new releases would have found there way onto that list.

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“Black” by Rome

And leading the best album of the year list would be Rome. This superior collection of songs from odd supergroup Danger Mouse, Daniele Luppi, Norah Jones, and Jack White is a mix between modern production, spaghetti western, and pure, unadulterated awesomeness. “Black” is one of the better songs off of the album. The album as a whole is wonderful. It is a true listening experience. Taken independently, though, the songs are either instrumental wonders or cool singles. Cool but not top 10 worthy

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The Three We Expected – The X Factor – NOW Who Will Win

16 Dec

The sun has set on Marcus Canty and the X Factor top three have been revealed. Competing for the $5 million prize is the smooth Chris Rene, the powerful Melanie Amaro, and the granular Josh Krajcik. The question now, obviously, is who is going to win? We have been asking this question at the Music Court since L.A. Reid clearly corrupted short-lived crooner Phillip Lomax’s chances of making it out of the top 16 by making him sing a mawkish, corny version of “I’m a Believer” while surrounded by the superfluous X Factor dance crew. I mean, come on, even the other judges called Reid out on this clear attempt at making his job of eliminating one of his team members easier.

Anyway, so, yes we have been watching this over-the-top spectacle for weeks now and we are down to the top three. I like how this show has eliminated contestants. Some of the judges may be mugwumps (looking at you Paula and Nicole), but the eliminations have followed mostly followed script and we are down to the top three that, based on all of the performances, should be the top three. And while there have been some surprises along the way, I am not surprised by the contestants in the finale. Marcus looked fully content when he was told he would be going home last night by way of an awkward, tall hug from the Welsh “host with the height” Steve Jones.

In what will most likely be an epic finale of the X Factor, three judges will have a chance at crowning their contestants with the final prize. But who will it be? We have explored the possibilities endlessly on this blog (it’s good television, what can I say!) – Check out some of the posts here, here, and here (which features a post from October where I say the best in their respective categories are Chris Rene, Drew, Josh Krajcik, and the Stereo Hogzz). Well, I was right on two of them. I do have Chris Rene winning in that post and I have him winning still. But, like I have said numerous times, I also can see Josh or Melanie winning the competition.

I will not tire you with more analysis – click on the here hyperlinks for more of that – but I do want to pose the question of who will win again. So keep voting (DO NOT VOTE FOR EMPTY SPOT – had to put that in because we can’t have less than four choices) in the poll below and let’s see who you all think. To help you vote I am going to post my favorite performance from each of the three contestants still in the show.

Chris Rene:

Melanie Amaro

Josh Krajcik

ULTIMATE PREDICTION

1.) Chris Rene

2.) Josh Krajcik

3.) Melanie Amaro

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The Anachronism That Was The Music Machine.

13 Dec

Bizarro Beatles or 60's Screamo (just kidding)

 
The grainy photo above depicts a never-before seen example of the gothic response to American Bandstand. Just kidding! The picture is of the Music Machine and I think it is time that we explore this band’s story in today’s version of Obscure Classic Rock.
 
The Music Machine story begins with a high-school age Sean Bonniwell, who, after hearing the song “Only You” by the Platters, decided that he wanted to form a clean-cut vocal band. The result of this aspiration was the pop/folk quartet the Wayfarers who released three albums under the RCA label. It is important to understand that despite never reaching tremendous success, Bonniwell was a very talented musician who released several albums.
 
The folk scene eventually started dying down after the British invasion and the introduction of harder, bluesier rock, with electrical instruments, organs and keyboards; an overall heavier sound. Bonniwell decided that he wanted to take advantage of this scene in 1965. He formed the Ragamuffins and the band immediately fit neatly into the edgy, fuzzy garage rock sound that was spreading throughout the nation. The Ragamuffins, who would become the Music Machine in 1966, was based in Los Angeles.
 
Perhaps the most distinctive part of the group was their look. We will get to their sound in a second. As you can see from the picture above, each member wore all-black clothing, dyed black moptops, and (not visible) a single black glove (Michael Jackson’s staple – pre-Michael Jackson). Their anachronistic look reminds me of the all-black gothic scene that was a fad (is it still?) when I was in High School (like 5 years ago). It can also be viewed as punk. Hmm. Punk. Lucky that their music cooperates with the punk sentiment.
 
 
“Talk Talk” was the Music Machine’s most succesful song. The band, which featured singer/songwriter Sean Bonniwell, Doug Rhodes (organ), Keith Olson (bass), Mark Landon (guitar), and Ron Edgar (drums), released their first album (Turn On) The Music Machine, which premiered “Talk Talk,” in 1966 on the Original Sound label. Besides this top-20 hit, the album didn’t meet with much success and, after the corresponding promotional tour, the entire band, except for Bonniwell, left because of internal issues. Bonniwell kept the band together, even signing on to Warner Bros. in 1967 as The Bonniwell Music Machine, but the self-titled LP met with no success. It all kind of ended there but the Bonniwell Music Machine is still around (http://www.bonniwellmusicmachine.com/) revitalized by Bonniwell’s autobiography “Beyond the Garage.”
 
Let’s talk about the song “Talk Talk.” It is an awesome piece. Here is why the less than 2-minute song is worth listening to over and over and over. The riff is classic garage rock – fuzzy guitar layered over an organ. Bonniwell’s deep voice suits the song perfectly. I absolutely love the Hendrix-like grunts (pre-Hendrix) and, what I can only describe as the Talk Talk repetitive beat (because of how the song ends). I am keen on saying a lot of garage rock released during this time period exemplifies pre-punk (or protopunk). I throw around this term a little too much, but, with “Talk Talk” I do believe that there is clear inspiration evident. The short, fast, heavy beat, repeating guitar riff, bare instrumentation. It all fits. And I love it.
 

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Who Do You Think Will Win The X Factor – Poll Results – The Crow Elimination

12 Dec

So where are we now...

 

Here are the results in no particular order (X Factor joke – funny, ha?). Around a week ago I put up a poll on the blog asking the question: Who Will Ultimately Win the X Factor? You can vote in the continuing poll here. We have the results. And they are telling.

UPDATE (12/15) – We are back to a tie. Josh Krajcik and Chris Rene have five votes. Melanie is in third with three votes. Both Marcus Canty and Rachel Crow (ELIMINATED) received zero votes. Look for a post tomorrow on the top three. The voting is tight and I believe this is telling of the entire competition. It also demonstrates why last week’s over-the-top emotional roller coaster is/was unnecessary.

Last week, as you should know by now if you follow the show with any diligence, Rachel Crow, the vibrant and jocular teenager with the spirit of an actress and a mature voice, was ousted from the show. She was up against Marcus Canty, the blissful – almost intoxicated – faithful R&B singer with solid chops. It is safe to say that most thought Canty was on his way out. He had been in the bottom two of vote getters (which comes down to a sing-off and a final judges vote) for straight weeks. This was Rachel Crow’s first appearance in the bottom two. It came down to the maudlin and (I’m going Yiddush) schmaltzy hip/hop artist/judge Nicole Scherzinger, who, while being unequivocally hot, is starting to really get on my nerves. She sent it into deadlock. It would come down to America’s votes. The lowest vote getter was Crow and in response she collapsed on the stage crying. Nicole was actually booed on stage when host Steve Jones asked for her opinion. She too looked sickly.

The whole ordeal seemed fake to me. It smelt like a soap opera. Crow, a budding actress, played the part of the grief-stricken contestant exceptionally well. But perhaps this is just the cynic in me. She was eliminated though and Marcus remains for another week. The question really is, does this matter at all. The simple answer is no.

Yes, it made good television and ratings are essential, but, this following week will almost inevitably see the end of Canty’s run and, like the Music Court voting suggests, the remaining three will be Rene, Amaro, and Krajcik. Who will win? I stand by my prediction from the beginning. It will be Chris Rene. Can I see Amaro or Krajcik taking home the $5 million prize, though? The answer to that is a strong yes. Anyway you look at it, the X Factor has some tricks up its sleeves, so continue watching this gaudy singing competition, because, even if you are not a fan of the singers, the drama is titillating/

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