Spring Songs
Death Cab For Cutie — Transatlanticism Demos
This album, which I stumbled upon by accident earlier this week, is full of alternate “demo” versions of the songs from Death Cab For Cutie’s album Transatlanticism, and even though they consist of the takes that did not make it to the final album, some of them are still worth listening to.
“The Sound of Settling (Demo)” is a slow, acoustic ballad, which provides an interesting backstory for the quicker, more energetic and electric song that made it to the album. “A Lack of Color (Demo)” is fairly similar to the album version, but pitch-shifted and stripped down to only the essential elements of the song.
Probably the highlight of Transatlanticism Demos is “Tiny Vessels (Demo),” a version of an already dark song that manages to be even bleaker and more depressing, yet at the same time more beautiful. Transatlanticism Demos is essential for any fan of Death Cab For Cutie and Transatlanticism, and even if you’re not, many of the songs on here are still worth a listen.
Alabama Shakes — “Sound and Color”
In late April, Alabama Shakes released their second studio album, which opens with the soulful electric piano chords of its title track “Sound and Color.” After a minute of hypnotic chords that draw you irresistibly into the track, it suddenly transitions into the main portion of the song, where the full band comes in with drums and harmonized vocals. With its captivating vocal melodies and rich instrumentation, “Sound and Color,” while vastly different from the band’s more popular song “Don’t Wanna Fight,” is just as good and just as unique.
Pentatonix — “Run to You”
Anyone who made it to the a capella assembly a couple weeks ago will probably remember (as it was rather memorable) PEADs’ stunning performance of this song. Pentatonix is a five-person a capella group who normally does covers, so an original song is a rarity; “Run to You” is one of very few of its kind, and it’s a fantastic song and arrangement. I’d recommend it to anyone, whether or not you were in attendance at that assembly.
Kings of Convenience — “Homesick”
Although Norwegian duo Kings of Convenience has not really been active since 2009, “Homesick,” from its 2004 album Riot on an Empty Street, is timeless. Its melodic guitar and crisp harmonies remind the listener of Simon and Garfunkel in the best way, and its poetic lyrics do just as much for that similarity.
Mumford and Sons — “Timshel”
Although Mumford and Sons just released its album on Monday, I haven’t had time to listen to it, as I only recently discovered the gem that is their debut album Sigh No More, and I haven’t stopped listening to it. Along with the well-known songs off of the album like “The Cave” and “Little Lion Man,” “Timshel” is probably the highlight of the album for me. The perfectly curated three-part harmonies add to the impeccable atmosphere of the song, making it a worthwhile listen for anyone, especially those who write off Mumford and Sons as only capable of doing one style—this song will show you otherwise.