Listening Assignments 12.17.07

1. Liam Finn - Wide Awake on the Voyage Home - There will be a day where talking about Liam Finn will not require the identification of his famous father Neil (Crowded House, Split Enz). Judging by his incredible debut album, that day is just around the bend. This track smolders with hypnotizing sadness, a beautiful melody in 3/4 time. "Tell me love isn't true. Is this just a trick to procreate?" [from I'll Be Lightning (out 1.22.08)|buy]

2. Broadcast 2000 - Get Up and Go - I'm a sucker for glockenspiel, which this song and its outro contains in spades. It's a fantastic arrangement of sounds, strings, and things. It actually reminds me of some of Neil Finn's solo work, oddly enough. Overtly pleasant. Would you believe this "band" is barely a month old? [from Building Blocks EP|info]

3. Brooke Waggoner - Hush If You Must - Brooke has some of the creative moxy that Regina Spektor weilds with authority, but a more delicate approach. Softer edges, almost velvet, but her pattern is far from standard. It's a patchwork of pinstripes and solid brushed cotton, with a few extra pockets sewn on for effect. It just might surprise you. Thanks Alex! [from Fresh Pair of Eyes EP|buy direct or from iTunes]

4. The Weakerthans - Left and Leaving - Mr. Samson, you are a master of chilling melodies, of spitting icy ironies through my speakers, but putting in so much of your heart that it succeeds in melting that new frost and turning it into an optimistic morning dew. "I'm back with scars to show. Back with the streets I know will never take me anywhere but here."
[from Left and Leaving|buy]