It’s not just any band that is asked to play their debut song at The British Museum as part of its opening of a new exhibition. But then not just any band writes songs about the effect that the volcano Mount Vesuvius’ eruption had on the island of Pompeii. Just failing to top the UK charts, its Gregorian style background chanting and lead singer Dan Smith’s poetic voice continues to charm me every time I hear it.
With a video featuring three fawning scantily-clad ladies (and naked in the other version) and non-feminist lyrics causing a backlash, it is still an incredibly catchy song. A glorious bassline and a beat you just can’t stay sat down to, it became a worldwide smash and the year’s biggest selling single.
Daft Punk’s repertoire is filled with fantastic riffs so its no surprise that linking up with funky musician and Chic band member Nile Rodgers, and musician/producer extraordinaire Pharrell Williams has yielded such a great song.
Lately I been, I been losing sleep / Dreaming about the things that we could be. The opening lines of this One Republic gem could be a daydreamer’s mantra, and wonderfully sets the scene for a guy determined to more with his life. It also merges with the hypnotic melody that plays at different speeds to an amazing effect.
I can’t claim to be a big fan of the film, but I really do like this song. It’s haunting vocals, it’s melancholy, sombre tone and reflective lyrics that wonder what will be left when the glamour and beauty has faded away, are a wondrous joy.
For the New Zealand singer-songwriter fascinated with the aristocracy, the song and topic were a natural fit. Lorde’s lyrical admiration, envy and interpretation of what it must be like to be part of royalty helps make this one of the best songs I’ve heard all year. A huge future beckons.
They really are one of the best bands around, and have been one of my favorites since their debut release Funeral nearly a decade ago. No surprise then, that their debut song from their fourth album should be so mesmeric. The shortened single release is good, but the extended 7 minute 34 second edit really shows off the song in its glory.
The back end of 2012 showed how talented this new musical trio are, with the releases of ‘Forever’ and ‘Don’t Save Me’. Haim’s third single is an echoic delight of hypnotic musical sound, and seems to transport you into the California hills where the video was set.
Alex Raphael 