Whistling Thursday

When I started this series our friend Ernie told me that Roger Whittaker was a favorite of his father. My dad also liked him and in the 70's he appeared in many TV shows in Germany. So it is only right that he should have his place here in honor of our fathers.

 The Lovin' Spoonful were an American band from the 60's and got great success with their country influenced pop songs. I'm not a big fan of their music but it is always nice to listen to them from time to time because I grew up with their sound.

The next song is by Sananda Maitreya. The name is new to you? I think you will know him as Terrence Trent D'Arby, an American singer. He was very popular with his debut, a reinterpretation of soul music. His star rose as quickly as it fell, possibly due to his overconfidence in placing his records above those of The Beatles. 

That's How It Sounded In The Beginning

 

In the late 80's singer/songwriter David Freel met drummer Sean Kirkpatrick in San Francisco and formed Swell, a band that was sadly overlooked. Their debut has nothing to do with the sunny sound of the Bay area because it is darker than many other bands in this decade. The sound is raw and has a bit of lo-fi sound. A drum that sounds like it comes from another room and a guitar many of the grunge bands would die for.

Neither her debut album nor the one that followed were commercially successful. Then Rick Rubin noticed Swell and signed her. Although 41 was technically and in term of sound better than its predecessors, it was still too dark for the masses. It is impressive in its simplicity and the songwriting is excellent. When I listen to this music, I imagine a man entering the room, picking up an electric guitar, and playing endless chords. But it is neither noise nor grunge, but another masterpiece in dark indie sound, and if they were English, they would certainly have attracted more attention.

Swell - Forget About Jesus

Swell - Is That Important

Swell - Here It Is

Tears Are

 

Manchester's The Orielles announced the release of their fourth album Only You Left in mid March via Heavenly Recordings. Since the release of their debut in 2018 I enjoyed their music where post-punk guitars met catchy / dreamy harmonies came together. And they continue with the same ingredients. 

Monday's Long Song

 

Khurangbin is a Texas based three piece band who became known to a wider audience with their album last year. It is less well known that this band has been making phenomenal music for quite some time. In 2021, they released their third album, Mordechai, on which they showcase everything that makes them special to me. Psychedelic-tinged funk with wonderful bass lines and a Balearic guitar. One year later they released a remix album of Mordechai on which they have often sent a very relaxed Balearic sound out into the world.

Khurngbin - Shida (Bella Suite Remix)

New Song On Sunday

 

Metric, a Canadian band, formed more than 20 years ago in Toronto, are back with a new single from their upcoming new album. To be honest I only know a few songs from their early albums when they played a kind of post new wave with rattling drums, sharp guitars and Emily Haines great voice. Now they return a bit softer with sweet old school indie guitars. Not that this is something to complain about, but in terms of potential, they can do better than just making a catchy indie pop song.

Move On Up

 

Yesterday, I received the news that the apartment I have been living in for 13 years has been sold. My landlord informed me 16 months ago that it was going to be sold. Since then, I have been hoping that an investor would be found who would allow me to continue living here as a tenant. However, this is no longer possible, and I will have to find new accommodation in the course of this year. 

I'm far from complaining about this, but over the next few months I'll be looking around the competitive housing market and hoping to find an affordable apartment. I remain optimistic that I'll succeed. Until then, here are a few songs with moving or relocating in the title.

Whistling Thursday

 

The first song of this weeks edition is a cover version of a song by John Lennon. I thought about presenting the original but for me the best version is by RoxyMusic. Recorded during their Avalon tour in 1982 in Glasgow it shows how good they were at these days. It was shown also when they covered Neil Young's Like A Hurricane.

This song was very high in the charts back in 2006. It's from Peter, Björn and John an indie-pop band from Stockholm, Sweden. A classic trio with a short-term talent to deliver concise hooks.

At last a classic from The Clash's London Calling album, where you have to listen carefully at the end of the song to hear the whistling.