Weekly Lowdown of Trending Tunes
Paul Simon - “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes”
One of the hits from Paul Simon’s seminal album Graceland, “Diamonds On The Soles Of Her Shoes” opens with an incredibly catchy and infectious intro, featuring Simon’s vocals on top of a lively backdrop by the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Choir from South Africa. The intro then fades out, giving way to an upbeat guitar track, percussion ensemble and jumping, funky bassline. It is overall a great feel good track, and one that will be stuck in your head for a while, so I recommend it heavily if you haven’t already heard it.
Kanye West - “Say You Will” remix featuring Caroline Shaw
The original version of “Say You Will” deserved its spot as the opening track of West’s 2008 album 808s and Heartbreak. It is a dark, gripping song with an atmospheric and empty instrumental, inspired percussion that packs a punch, and emotive singing on West’s part. Some have criticized his non-subtle use of autotune on this album as a whole, but at least on this song, I believe that he used it tastefully, in a way that adds to the song rather than detracting from it.
While the original song was undoubtedly great, earlier this month, West uploaded to his Soundcloud a remix of the song featuring vocals from Caroline Shaw, a Pulitzer Prize winning composer and an alto singer for experimental choral ensemble Roomful Of Teeth (a group that performed at a PEA assembly two years ago), which, in my opinion, blows the original out of the water. It is an absolutely moving performance, compelling and commanding. I haven’t heard a song in quite a while that has moved me as much as this one has, and I would suggest that anyone give theirself the opportunity to have the same experience and give the song a listen.
Billy Joel - “Vienna”
Billy Joel has cited Vienna as one of his favorite songs that he has written and the most underrated, and it’s not hard to see why he feels this way. While it may not be as famous as songs like “Piano Man” or “The Entertainer,” it definitely holds up to those songs, musically and lyrically. The instrumental is perfectly composed and arranged, with all of its small details and idiosyncracies contributing to the overall effect of the song, and Joel’s lyrics, poetic as always, complete the package. Additionally, while his lyrics are often fairly impersonal, Joel cites this song as one of the most personal and emotional cuts from his discography, which is an interesting change for anyone who only knows him for his hits.
Ratatat - “Drift”
Sometimes, and especially at Exeter, you might find yourself needing a song that you can just relax to. I can’t think of many better songs for this purpose than “Drift.” It’s just a chill, relaxing instrumental full of good vibes all around. I have found it a more than welcome addition to my playlist, and I think many Exonians would feel the same way.